Judging the Peace

Mexican raiders swam across the Rio Grande, showing off their freshly-stolen beeves, taunting Capt. Leander McNelly and his Special Force of Texas Rangers to cross the river and invade Mexico. The rustlers knew the Neutrality Act of 1818 forbade American military expeditions into countries at peace with the United States. And in 1875, the U.S. and Mexico were at peace. In fairness, the Mexicans did not recognize the border. Texans regularly raided into Mexico, stealing cattle, and the outlaw