Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-06-15
Outlaw Band Makes Night
Attack on U. S. Army
Post-Driven Off.
PURSUIT is STARTED
Two Troops of Cavalry in
Chase of Raiders-Six
of Them Killed.

Laredo, Tex, June IS
Two American soldiers have
been killed and FIVE wound
ed in a fight with Mexican
bandits 10 miles down the
river at San Ignacio, accord
ing to reports brought here
today.
The fight took place OFT
the American side, the Amer
leans engaged, according to
latest reports, being Troops |,
and M of the 18th cavalry.
under Major Gray, a total of
about $40 men. The ban
dts, numbering more than
one hundred, are said to have
lost six killed and several
wounded.
One hundred Mexican bandits.
crossing over the Rio Grande. 40
miles southeast OF here, early to.
day attacked the American border
patrol near San Ignacio, killing
two and wOunding five, according
to reports sent to Fort Mcintosh
here. over the field telephone.
The MeXicaDS expected to find
an insignificant detachment of
Americans. Instead they were met
by troops | and NJ of the Four.
teenth cavalry, 40 strong. under
Major Al0nzO Gray. They were
hurled back across the river, los
ing six dead and several wounded.
The bandits made their attack
on Troop NJ. Troop |, a short dis
tance up the river. heard the
shooting and hurried to the scene,
arriving in a few minutes. The
attackers soon lost heart They
retreated southwark along the
river, keeping on the American
side for some distance before
crossing back to Mexican soil.
The attack began at a. m.
The lighting lasted abOut 30 min
utes. A bright moon lighted the
scene.
San Antonio, Tex June 15-
Major Gray, with two troops of the
18th cavalry, began the pursuit
early this morning OF the band of
Mexicans that attacked the Ameri-
cans at St ignaci0, 40 miles south
east OF Laredo and it was assumed
at General FunstOn's headquarters
that he already had followed, or
would follow the bandits across the
river into Mexico.
Mexicans numbering about 100 at
tackled troops | and NJ at a. m. Their
sharp attack was met with spirited
defense and at the end of half an hour
the Mexicans were in retreat but not
until they had killed two American
troopers and wounded five. FROM
the brush in the country about the
camp there were recovered by them
the bodies of six Mexicans. Seven dead
horses also were found
The water soaked clothing of the
dead MeXicans was reported as indi-
eating that they had crossed the river
from Mexico. At the time the official
report was made by Major Gray he had
not asCertained the name of the Mexi-
cans leader, nor any information that
showed from where they came or to
just what organization they belonged.
Is Rough Country.
The section of the border country in
which the San Ignacio fight took place
is very similar TO the Big Bend country
where, six weeks ago, Mexican bandits
raided the settlements of Boquillas and
Glenn Springs. San Ignacio. about 40
miles southeast of Laredo, is a small
settlement about mile from the Rio
Grande. whose population is princi-
pally Mexican. A narrow road, used
principally by wagon trains travelling
along that section of the border where
no railroads have been built is the only
avenue OF communication.
Capture Bandit Chief.
Field headquarters, June IA, (via ra-
dio to Columbus, y. NJ, June 15l.-Col-
onel Pedro Lujan, one OF the most
prominent Villa chieftains remaining
alive, was captured yesterday by Cap
tain F. G. Turner, commanding troop
NJ, 18th cavalry, at Hacienda Tepe-
hakneS. Lujan was one of the leaders
in the raid on Columbus, \. NJ, March
10. His capture nearly completes the
determination Of the villa leaders in
/ the raid across the border.