Bisbee daily review., 1916-04-01
400 TROOPERS SPRING
 SURPRISE ON BANDITS
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 he was prepared to make stand was high when the news of Col. Dodd's attack was received. Details of the action were not sent by General Par shing but the fact that it was ccinued for five hours indicated a stiff resist ance. although a great part of that time was employed in the chase of the fleeing Mexicans into the hills.
 North and east of Guerrero there is a cluster of mountains that the Mexicans appear to have been trying to get into but their temporary safety there probably will be short now that their location is known.
 None. of the four Americans were seriously injured. No mention of wounded Mexicons was made in the brief official report. But it is believed that when 9 more detailed report ar rives it will show many wounded. The report added that a number Of horses, saddles and arms had been captured General Elisec Hernandez was reported killed.
 After the fight at Guerrero, and in it's environs, the Americans released several Mexicsns who said Villa had been holding them for execution.
 News of the punishment inflicted upon Villas men WAS received with manifestations of delight at General Funston's headquarters and it wa5 added to in the form of a message of congratulations to General Funston from Secretary Baker.
 Army men here were disposed to divide the credit for the action be- tween General Pershing and Colonel Dodd. General Pershilg is in charge of all operations and doubtless direct ed the movements that eliminated in the surprise attack, but Col Dodd and his cavalry aroused the admiration of officers at headquarters by their splendid riding. The ride that preced ed the attack was over trail 55 miles long and was made in T. hours. To this was added the five hours of fight ins and the ten mile chase Of the fleeing Mexicans into the hills north cast.
 The action was regarded as the end of the first big phase of the campaign or as the beginning Of the second. The first had for it's object the loca- tion of Villa. That was accomplished or practically so in locating so large force of his men.
 Just where Villa was during the fight no one here knows, but he was reliably reported to have been nearby and prevented from being in the en- gagement only by his injured hip and leg.
 Staff officers here believe there is no doubt that Col. Dodds army strengthened before now by men sent forward by General Pershing, has be- gun a driving hunt for the wounded bandit and for the scattered remnants of his band. It would not surprise General Funston and his staff to re- ceive a report at any time telling of Villas capture. News of another bat tie is not expected, however, the smart blow administered by Col. Dodd would serve to deter Villas men from a speedy recovery.
 The mar hunt has now narrowed down to the region to the region i'm mediately west Of Chihuahua alons the Northw estern railway in the regio natout the head waters of the Santa Maria river. in the opinion ol many army officers here who have been carefully observing the situation. Into that part of Mexico, 300 miles from the berder. General Pershins has sent various columns of his puni- tive force. lis use of the Ii0 miles Of the Northwestern railway south oi Casas Grandes has enabled him tO move forward men and supplies to point a snort distance north Of Guerre l TO from where fair trail extends to the south. Other troops that have been mo ing down the Santa Maria | Ealley are in position to reinforce Cor Dodd and all attachments could be brought together al any point in that ! district without serious impairment cr the lines of communication.
 Optimism displayed at Genera. !. Funston's headquarters was not ovei l confidence. It was realized that Villa 1 although wounded. remained to b, | captured, and that the loss of thiri! l men was not altogether a new cx 1; perience for him. The optimism wa based upon the belief tha; at last re 1 DOrts trooDs were in the same mart o.