New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-21
Thrilling Pursuit of Villa
Thwarted by Carranza Forces

Of Cusi. A, this time Villa was travel
ling with three covered wagons, accom-
panied by only forty men.
Ordered to Hang on the Trail.
A. this stage. General Pershlng gave
the order to hang on the trail, speed
horses and men at any cost. The mes
sage was delivered by parachute from
an aeroplane in place where no land,
ing could be made on April 8. Dodd
was At San Tomas, clearing the coun-
try of scattered Nillistas and following
6 clue which traced the bandit west
toward Ocsmpo IN the forest fastness
Of the Continental divide. Later. 20
support Howe, he was ordered south 20
Minaca.
II was here. at Mnaca. that the col.
fusion between the Carranzs forces ana
the bandits, suspicion Of which mad
long been growing, became evident'
General Luis Herrera, son OF the PAR
raj presiden.e and in command al
Minaca. warned Dodd that he must
move his troops no further south. lie
had. 70 give him full credit, been sus-
pected Of Nillista sympathies.
Dodd, not wishing to complicate mat
ters politically, communicated WIN
General Pershing, who sent Major Ryan
20 Dodd with orders 10 continue south
nevertheless. Ryan frankly explained
our strategy TO Herrera and apparently
removed all his objections. Herrera
seemed 10 indorse the movements, Dul
beside vague hint of sending troops
east and south by way OF Chihuahua
City, offered no suggestions and gave
no HELM 20 Dodd whatever. villa, he
said. was at Concho del Pillar. near San
BORA. with Tomphins still two days IN
his rear. D., "a
This was the situation OF April 10
Tompkins was supported on the eas'
by Brown. on the west by Howe, tow
ard whom Dodd was advancing south
west from Minaca. At this time was
marching with Colonel Allen ana
picked detachment OF the llth, support
ing the general movement from me
northeast and searching FOR Pablo
Lopez, who was in our vicinity near
Bustillos and Carretas. Inc lotmef'
with the villages of San Lucia and san
Juan, were searched
Invited to Enter Town.
on the above date, Tomphlns arrived
at Del Pillar. Villa had left there, after
a reported fight with LoZano's men
from Parral. Here one OF his captains
met Tompkins with the invitation 70
enter the town unescorted. The man
arrived in camp at IL in the evening
spending the night and breakfastine
with the column, assuring Iompslns
that he would receive friendly reeep-
ton in the town and that 1000 and
forage could be secured.
Tompkns reached Santa Cruz where
all our forces in the region now are
concentrated. eighteen miles from Par
raj, on the 18th. No one was there 70
meet him. so the nest day he entered
the town with his own escort. The iiSh'
with tho Carrsnzistas followed.
Howe joined Tompkins on the night
of the fight. and all other detachments
except those of Allen and Dodd, were
az Santa Cruz within twenty hours
Allen. whose command joined at Sar
Geronimo and left at Satevo. where
reioined General Pershing on the 18th
arrived a. Santa Cruz two nights later
after a forced march OF more thar
eighty miles in a day and half. Il
was this camp which we fortified. leay
ing II on tho 18th and travelling day
and night in one stretch by motor 49,
miles back 20 headquarters at Mani
qdipa.
And here we remain inert, waiting
20 learn. but in total ignorance OF the
MESSAGES that must be burning the
wires