The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-04-18
From A. p. Correspondent in Field.

FROM a. - correspondent tH FiSiS'
Aqua Prieta, Mex, via Douglas, ArtZ.,
ApriI 17.-The most important battle
of the Mexican revolution was fought
here today between 1900 federals and
1000 rebels, which resulted in the re-
pulse of the federals. The battle last
ed from $3.50 in the morning until sun
down. At nightfall two federal ma
chine guns were in possession OF the
rebels. The federal sustained a loss
of two hundred killed and wounded.
The rebels gave their loss at twenty.
From the beginning of the battle,
regardless of warnings to the leaders
of both sides by the United States,
rain of bullets poured into Douglas and
seven -combatants OF that city were
wounded. The day was one of terror
IN Douglas. This morning the federals
gave notice of their approach by
hail of bullets from their machine
guns and rifles, it evidently being their
intention to gain the international line
with adobe guard houses and from
there fire upon the rebels.
The rebels directed their fire at the
crews manning the machine guns and
many were picked off by sharpshooters.
The rebels took advantage of occa-
fought from behind them. Bullets
striking the dry earth made it look like
a dust storm. The federal found the
strength and determination of the
rebels too great and fell back in good
order. --' - e.. .
The wounded in Douglas are S. o.
K. Coll, Tombstone; Elpidoe Arce,
Douglas; Frank Williams, Douglas;
tara, Douglas, and Mrs. Larsen and
John Keith, Douglas. More than half
of Douglas was under fire. The Unit
ed States custom house was in direct
range of the attack and the United
shelter.
Indications point to a resumption of
hghting tomorrow and a movement is
on foot here to send a telegram TO
President Taft asking that he safe
guard them at any cost.
49, ATTACK BEGAN EARLY.
The expected attack of the federals
on Aqua Prieta opened in deadly
earnest at $50 this morning. The
firing was fast and furious on both
sides. The rattle of musketry was
continuous. 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 plowcd
their way into the Douglas buildings
facing along Second and Third streets
and dug up the grounds here and there
over the whole southern end of the
towr.
1t was evident from the outset that
4
Both sides exhibited desperate cour-
age, and the heavy fire indicates that
the casualties will be extremely heavy.
The federal 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 di-
rections lay low in the trenches or fiat
on the open ground.
The federais' fire raked over them
and into both Aqua Prieta and Doug
las.
The federal in moving in had ad-
vanced from the camp which they es-
tablished at Sulphur Springs, water
hole FIVE miles south of Aqua Prieta.
with the evident intention of gaining
the border in order to attack the rebel
position along the international line,
but before they were able to gain this
coveted position their encountered the
rebel cavalry which had galloped out
to intercept them. There was a rattle
from the repeating rifles as the two
forces came into firing range.
The cavalry dropped back slowly and
the federals next came within range OF
the deep entertainments thrown up by
the rebels during Sunday and last
night, which were filled with rebel
sharpshooters.
SOUGHT PLACES or SAFETY.
Most of the residents of Douglas re-
mained within doors or sought other
fcontinued on pare r-ro1 !