Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-04-18
(By Associated Press.)


DOUGLAS, Kriz-, April 1.-THE en-
tire rebel and federal forces were en-
gagged in a terrific battle at Aqua Prieta
at $50 this morning. The firing was
continued.
At $3.50 it was evident the rebels
had repulsed the federal attack.
The expected attack of the Mexican
federal troops 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 con-
tinuous
The hail Of bullets from the federal ma
chine guns fell far across the American
border to within the confines of the city
OF Douglas 49, ,.~
The steel and Ieaden missiles pIowed
their way into the Douglas buildings,
facing along Second and Third streets
and dug up the ground here and there
over the whole southern end of the city.
II was evident from the outset that
the battle was to be a decisive one.
Both sides exhibited desperate courage.
and the heavy IRE 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.
FIRE SWEEPS DOUGLAS.
The federals' fire raked over them and
into both Aqua Prieta and Douglas.
The federals had advanced from, the
camp which they established yesterday at
Sulphur Springs. a water hole five miles
- iafo xxyffh axrfHa ant
intention of gaining the border in order
to attack the rebel position along the
international line, but before they were
able 20 gain this coveted position, they
encountered the rebel cavalry which had
galloped out TO intercept them. There was
a rattle from the repeating rifles. as the
two advancing forces came into firing
range.
The cavalry dropped back slowly and
the federals next within range of the deep
entertainments thrown up by the rebels
during Sunday and last night which were
filled with insurrecto sharp shooters.
Most of the residents of Douglas re-
manned within doors or sought other
places of safety. Some attempted to gain
vantage points to view the field of battle.
the strict orders of the
American troops, many rushed to the in
ternal line in order to get sight of the
fighting. They were here exposed to inn
minent danger.
AMERICAN CAVALRY OUT.
With the firing of the first shot, Col.
Skunk ordered out all the American cav
airy available in Douglas. They were
rushed quickly to the border and took up
positions along the line. Many of these
men were exposed to the FIRE Of the Mex
lean troops though there were no casual
ties among them during the early part of
the battle.
Company G of the Arizona National
guard was also ordered out and took up
a position at the armory to await fur
Their orders There were four troops
Of cavalry and one of militia in Doug
las. This was considered an ample force
to protect the American line.
With the first CALLING fire from the reb-
el entertainments the federals were seen
TO waver momentarily.
For fully 10 minutes the two armies
held their respective positions, while the
deadly fire continued. Thirty minutes af-
ter the battle opened the rebels were
seen TO abandon their outlying positions
and fall back TO the breastworks nearer
Aqua Prieta The federal advance was
slow and in open order, with almost
continuous firing. The rebels with adj
mirable stubbornness contended every
inch or the way
FOUGHT IN OPEN.
While insurrecto rifiemen were falling
back to the second row of entertainments
they fought boldly in the open. They were
seen to stop and take deliberate aim at
the advancing national line and fire round
after round.
The backward movement of the rebels
toward Aqua Prieta, however, was
steady. Many had fallen on both sides.
At o'clock an automobile carrying
United States Marshal Overlook, Secret
Service Agent Thompson and the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent, passed
through the guard line on the American
side to the international line. The hail
of bullets drove the party to the shelter
OF the United States custom house, but
the building was in direct line with the
heavy firing from the southeast. A bullet
struck the automobile, others dug the
ground on all sides and there was a
continuous whizzIe of leaden missiles over
head. II was considered too danger
Gus post, and the observing party re-
tired across the line 10 Fourth street.
Suddenly the federal machine guns