The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-18


 the federal and rebel fighting lines. Crockett did not know that the battle was in progress until he found himself in the federal ranks. The federals took his horse and saddle, turned him loose and he came forward to the rebel forces. The rebels hailed him and then passed him through their lines to the United States border.
 Battle Begins at 6.30 O'Clock
 The expected attack of the Mexican fed eral troops on Agua Prieta, opened in deadly earnest at $50 this morning The firing was fast and furious on both sides. The rattle of musketry was con tnuous The hail of bullets from the federal machine guns fell far across the American border to within the confines of the city of Douglas.
 The steel and leaden missiles plowed their way into the Douglas buildings fac ing along Second and Third streets and dug up the ground here and there over the whole southern end of the city.
 It was evident from the outset that the battle was to be decisive one. Both sides exhibited desperate courage, and the heavy fire indicates that the casualties will be extremely heavy.
 The federals began by massing them- selves to the southeast of the town. Then they moved slowly within rifle range of the rebel position.
 The insurrectos, facing In three direc- tons, lay low in the trenches or flat on the open ground.
 The federals' fire raked over them and into both Agua Prieta and Douglas.
 The federals In moving in had advanced from the camp which they established at Sulphur Springs, water hole five miles south of Agua Prieta, with the evident intention of gaining the 5order in order to attack the rebel position along the international line, hut before they were able to gain this coveted position they en- countered the rebel cavalry which had galloped out to intercept them.
 There was rattle from the repeating rifles as soon as the two forces came into firing range.
 The cavalry dropped back slowly and the federals next came within range of the deep entrenchments thrown up by the rebels during Sunday and last nigh. which were filled with insurrecto sharp shooters.
 Most of the residents of Douglas re- mained within doors or sought other places of safety. Some attempted to gain vantage points to view the field of battle. Notwithstanding the strict orders of the American troops many rushed to the international line in order to get sight of the fighting They were here exposed to imminent danger.
 With the firing of the first shot, Colonel Skunk ordered out all the American cavarly available in Douglas. They were rushed quickly to the bor- der and took up positions along the line. Many of these were exposed to the fire of the Mexican troops though there were no casualties among them during the early part of the battle.
 Company G of the Arizona National Guard also was ordered out and took position at the armory to await furth- CT orders. There were four troops of cavalry and one militia in Douglas. This was considered an ample force to protect the American line
 Federals Waver Under Fire
 With the first galling fire from the rebel entrenchment, the federals were seen to waver momentarily, but the movement was quickly checked.
 For fully 15 minutes the two armies held their respective positions, while the deadly fire continued. Thirty min utes after the battle opened, the rebels