Franklin's paper the statesman., 1912-10-05
The Ninth Calvary
UphoIds Its Honor

Sir:-Knowing that many readers
OF The Statesman who are relatives
and friends of members of the Ninth
Cavalry, have read much since our de-
parture from Cheyenne that tended
to lower ou; character as whole, as
well as cast slur upon the good
name of the regiment which has been
maintained for so long time. | am
glad to deny the many infamous state
ments as appeared in some OF the
leading papers of the country.
| do not claim that the personal
character OF every man OF the regi-
Inent is of good standing, nor above
repruach. but | do claim that the con-
duct OF the regiment as a whole has
been as good as might be expected OF
SO large number of men no matter
what their standing in life. A local
paper of Trinidad had an account OF
two saloons being routed and taken
charge of by the Ninth Cavalry, which
statement was false. The same paper
stated that upon checking up fifty OF
our number was absent, which was
also false. Many other like state
ments. untruthful and based without
foundation. appeared in some of the
leading papers of the country, to the
chagrin and disgust OF every self-re-
specting member of the regiment.
Troops Z. f. G. II. /. X and L are
in camp at Douglas. Arizona, about
700 yards from the border line. The
other five troops. A. b. c. ID. and NJ
are distributed along the Arizona bor-
der over a distance of so miles.
We have small groups OF men post
ed near the border line both east and
west of Douglas. covering distance
OF is miles. These men are on duty
both day and night, and are supposed
to prevent the smuggling OF arms ana
ammunition across the line from the
American side. and to return the fire
in case of bullets from the Mexican
side falling on American territory.
Aqua Prieta is just across the line
from Douglas and is not more than
one-half mile from our camp. This
town is at present occupied by fed
eral force. said to be 1900 strong. 1t
is supply town for the federals, and
for the Same purpose is much coveted
by the rebels.
Last Sunday morning our camp was
thrown into "A state of excitement by
the call TO arms" which was sound
ed because of a large force of rebels
marching on Aqua Prieta. A big bat
tie was expected between the two
Mexican forces, but as they have been
warned that any firing into American
territory will be returned by Ameri-
can soldiers, and that our regiment,
including the machine gun platoon
was prepared for action undoubtedly
ayerted clash between the two
forces, for after we had formed in
line near the border. heavily laden
with arms and ammunition, the rebel
commander withdrew from the imme-
date vicinity of Douglas and the bor-
der.
One thing that impressed me very
much was the great courage and BRAY
cry displayed by my comrades. While
we waited In position for the first shot
from the Mexican side to fall into the
U. S. to commence what would have
terminated in pitched battle between
the Ninth Cavalry and Mexican rebels
not man showed the least sign of
fear, but on the other hand presented
their usual happy go-lucky mood. thus
demonstrating that they know nothing
OF fear or cowardice and that they
Will acquit themselves with credit
and uphold the lighting qualities of
the Negro no matter what or who they
be called upon to face.
For Just that brief moment | felt
proud to be soldier, but as we can
be appreciated and respected only
when we are on the battle field l
sometimes regret that | ever donned
the uniform OF q soldier.
JOHN L. HURT,
Sergt. Troop ii, Ninth Cav.