The Tombstone epitaph., 1882-05-20
FROM OUR SONORA CORREsPON.
 DENT.
A Thrilling Account cf the Fight at the Canada de los EIises-BrIyery Of the Mexican Troops.
CUMpAs, Sonora, May 3, IS


 CUMpAs, Sonora, May 3, 1882.
 EDITOR EpITArH: As I predicted in my last, forwarded you by Cutters party few days ago, that a battle would soon take place between the Mexican troops and the Indians, has been verified. On the 30th of April a detachment of troops consisting of fifty regulars and fifty nacunals, who left Bavispe two days before to reiu- force the Chihuahua troops, was at- tackled by about 250 Indians at point called the Canada de los Elises, and a terrible battle ensued, com mencing at sunrise and lasting until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, resulting in a complete and glorious victory for the gallant little band of Mexican troops. The Apaches lost terribly 15 lay dead on the field of battle and many were packed away during the action, wounded, besides 20 squaws and some children taken prisoners by the Mexicans. The loss to the troops was also very great, twenty being killed and many wounded; {; among the dead are three officers, and one of them, the commander of the detachment, whose name was unable to learn, of high rank in the regular Mexican army. The Apaches fought stubbornly, as they had the advantage in the commencement of the attack by numbers and position, but the troops gallantly held their ground, and by almost unequalled courage and hard fighting, with ter. rible loss, completely routed the ln- dians, who finally, what was left of them, broke for the mountains, leav- ing thelr squaws and children pris- oners in the hands of the victorious troops. The officers in command of the detachment died gIoriously at the head of their command-fearfully outnumbered as they were by the h. dians, but nevertheless gallantly per forming their duty; no finching, no retreating, no cowardice; but calmy looking death in the face and thus stimulating their soldiers on to victory, so dearly and nobly purchased. Is not this brave action worthy of emulation by your own American officers and soldiers let it set them an example how to die if needs be hereafter, in fighting the Apache, and thus ridding our fail land of his deadly presence.
 This band of Indians are supposed by the Mexican authorities to bs those who recently broke away from San Carlos, and on their way to joir the Indian Juh at Guaynopa. Theil trall comes from the north, and they were carrying their families witt them. This fight was entirely unex pected at this point, as the Mexican officers believed all the Indians were at Guaynops with Juh. In few days more l expect to send you tho news of great battle, and perhaps the capture of Juh and his entire band of Apache cut-throats, if they will make a stand in their mountain strongholds. If they do, have nc fears of the result.
 The Canada do los Elises is Situat' ed mid-distance between Ojetos ant Janos, on the public road leading from Bavishe to the latter place.
 General Reyes has established hi. headquarters at Bavispe as the mos central point to direct operations o the various columns of his army now pursuing the Indians. He is display ing great energy and activity in the campaign and will render a good ac count of himself after its end. Ir haste, yours, r.