The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-09
THE KILLING OF CRAWFORD.
Statements Made in the Official Report
Presented by Lieutenant Maus.
He Thinks the MexicanS Knew They Were Fir
ing on American Troops, and that Their
Object Was to Secure Plumber.

New YORK, Feb. 8-The official report of
Lieutenant Maus In regard to the killing of Cap
tain Crawford by Mexican soldiers is published
here to day. The first part of the report is de-
voted to an account Of the chase of the Indians,
which does not differ from the stories already
published. The report then continues:
'On Sunday night, Jan. 9, we went into camp
about 100 yards above the Indian camp, in the
same line of rocks. At daylight the next morn
ing the camp was alarmed by loud cries of some
of the scouts, followed quickly by a shower Of
outlets into our camp. /, with Lieutenant Ship
and Mr.. Horn, ran forward to stop it, as it was
supposed to be an attack by Captain Dayis's
scouts through mistake. 1t was soon discov-
cred, however, that the attacking party was a
large force of Mexican soldiers from Chihuahua.
numbering, as | afterward ascertained from
them, 154. There were none uniformed.
We supposed they were national
troops. Although we forthwith began
waving handkerchiefs aud calling out
In Spanish who we were, they continued a sharp
fire for about fifteen minutes. It then seemed
that we had made them understand that we
were American soldiers and friends. A party of
them approached. and Captain Crawford and |
went out about fifty yards from our position in
the open and talked with them. They did not
stop moving, l told them in Spanish that we
were American soldiers, called attention to our
dress, and said we would not fire. They
answered they would not fire, but all the time
moved toward a hin a short distance away, a
little higher than our position, with some scat
tering oak wood. Captain Crawford then or
dered me to go back to insure no more
firing. l started back, when a volley was fired.
OF course, we all sought shelter. / am sure
they knew who we were perfectly we'll at this
time. Lieutenant Shipp and Mr.. Horn were also
shouting at another point. telling who we were,
and that all was right. Mr.. Horn speaks Span
ish very we'll. When I turned again l saw the
Captain lying on the rocks, with a wound in his
head, and some Of his brains were upon the
rocks. This had all occurred in two minutes.
He was seen to be waving his handkerchief when
shot. Mr.. Horn was also wounded at the same
time in the left arm slightly. 1t is re-
markable no others were shot. There can
be no mistake; these men knew they were firing
at American soldiers. At this time / took COM
mand. and endeavored, by all means. to prevent
more firing. I do not believe the scouts fired
more than was necessary to keep the Mexicans
away. After an hour longer firing ceased, and,
in answer to cries which came from the Next
cans, / sent Mr. Horn to go out and talk with
one of them who advanced. and soon soon fol-
lowed him to a point some 300 yards away. l
had a talk with the man in their cap
tain having been killed. ] was told by many
they were sure we were hostiles: that they took
our trail for a hostile trail, and. it being dark,
they could not tell. They seemed very sincere
in their regrets. and signed a paper stating it
was q mistake, etc. They asked me for horses
to take their wounded away, and wanted ~rations.
l promised to do what l could, and also prom
ised. as they requested. to send the doctor to
dress their wounds. 1t seems hardly possible
that these men should continue this attack when
they knew who we Were, but | now believe they
expected to drive US off with an overwhelming
force, and secure our camp and effects. do not
now believe they had any idea we were so strong
OF had a strong position, for which we
were indebted to the hostiles.. Fear
ing a fresh conflict on the following
morning. the 18th inst, l sent six of
the captured ponies to the Mexicans, with a re-
quest that they return receipt. | busted myself
fixing for the march and getting filters ready for
the wounded men, when | heard the interpreter,
Conception, crying out to me-. L had sent him
with the horses for the Mexican wounded, and
to drive back some of the herd taken from the
hostileS that had strayed into the Mexican m
There was no one who could speak Spanish but
myself, Mr.. Horn being wounded and suffering.
So, to expedite matters, I left and went ont a
short distance to see what was the matter. They
said to come; they wanted to fix about the horses
and receipt. Conception was detained by them.
] was assured that all was right, and finally went
over a small hill a few yards further, when / was
surrounded by these men-a hard-lookipg crowd,
They were armed with forty-four-ca liber Rem
lngton rifles, carrying a cartridge much like our
brass cartridge. Their manner was threatening.
They made many demands; said / had no author
iy in Mexico, and asked me to produce my pa
pers. | cannot now explain all their questions.
l had no papers to show them. Captain Craw-
ford had left all behind with the train. They
asked me for six mules to take their wounded
l did not expect to get away, but told
them that, on my word of honor, / would send
them if they would let me go back. They
refused to take the ponies. as they said they
were worthless. The Indians were shouting and
stripping all the time for a fight 1 was permit.
ted to CO."