New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-06-18
Lieutenant Cushing's Last Fight.

From the Tucson Citizen, of the twentieth
ultiWo, we take the following particulars
relative to the death of the gallant Lieuten-
ant Gushing:
April 90 Lieutenant H. B. Cushing was
ordered to move with small detachment
of + troop along the southern border of
Arizona, between the Soncita and San
Pedro valleys, and ascertain the general
direction of the trails made by any large
parties of Indians. After marching some
days without noteworthy occurrence, he
moved, MAY 5, to the site Of old Fort Wal
len, but was unable to 60 into camp be-
cause the Indians fired all the country in
that vicinity. Therefore he determined to
move on to Bear Spring, in MILESTONE
mountains north of the post When few
miles on the way squaw's track was OBJ
served passing across the trail Sergeant
Mott, with three men, was ordered to fol-
low the track, and soon found that it led
into deep arroyo, apparently intended to
mislead the pursuers from the main body.
Ascending a small hill, he at once dis
covered large body of Apaehes moving
down upon him. One man was sent to ad-
wise the lieutenant and the others defended
the position with great gallantry until the
rest of the command arrived. A desperate
fight, almost hand to hand then occurred,
in which the Indians were badly whipped
and retreated, leaving thirteen dead on the
battle ground. Our losses were the wound
ing of. Mr.. Simpson, privates Green and
Pierce, and some animals killed and
wounded. The lieutenant then ordered a
forward movement after the Indians. who
being by this time largely reinforced, re-
turned and renewed the firiSg from all
sides, killing Lieutenant Cushing, Mr.. Simp-
son and private Green. A slow retreat was
fhar do mt of tla 70 io;r
ground, where the enemy was awaited, but
he made no demonstration. The great SUI
periority of numbers and secure position of
the Indians were sound reasons why the
command should retire to some post, and
Crittenden was reached at midnight of
May 5. .I..t--. - .. a1.-.s#.
Sergeant Motifs conduct is spoken of in
the highest terms by the men. The parties
under Captains Moore and Stanwood which
visited the scene of conflict a few days
thereafter, found the position of the In
dams admirably adapted for defense, and
by few resolute men could have been held
against vastly superior force. Cachees
had retired toward the Puerta de las Mulas,
on the east side OF San Pedro, everywhere
burning the country to hide his trail.
Private Martin Green, the soldier killed,
was a native of Germany, had served a
long time in F troop, third cavalry, and
was noted among his comrades for his
steady habits and quiet manner. He had
but three more months to serve, and was
preparing to visit bis relatives. At the time
of his death over 500 were found on his
person.
W. II. Simpson was first shot through the
mouth and back of the neck, and while
stubbornly fighting was again shot in the
body and also in the hand. Private Green
was first shot in the leg and afterward
through the head.
Lieutenant Cushings wound was through
the lungs, the bullet passing from breast to
back. AS he was being carried off between
the sergeant and private second bullet
pierced his brain, passing from the back of
his neck through and knocking out his
right eye.
The bodies were buried where they fell.
Lieutenant Gushing in the middle, Mr..
Simpson on the right, and Private Green
on the left. ...
AS soon as possible, they will be taken
up, brought to Tucson and buried with
military honors.