The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-04-07
VILLA AND j. S.
FORCE IN BATTLE
VILLAS FORCE. ESTIMATED At
500. SEVERELY DEFEATED
At GUERRERO.
FIGHT ALONG MEXICAN R. R.
villa Men Reported To BE Assuming
the Offensive and the carranxa
Troops Prepared To Resist
Bandit Army.

estimated at 500, was severely defeat
cd at Guerrero on March 20 by Col.
Dodd. according to report from Gen.
Pershing to Gen. Funston, sent from
the San Geronimo ranch.
Actual fighting between Gen. Perish
ing's columns of American troops and
Francisco Villas bandit army was be-
lieved to be in progress along the
Mexican Northwestern railway, be-
tween Maedra and chihuahua. Infor-
nation, although styled unofficial.
reached Gen. Gunston here that con-
siderable force Of Villas men had con-
centrated In that region, and that
American cavalry was moving forward
In strength.
Thirty OF Villas soldiers killed. four
American soldiers wounded and more
than 450 Mexicans dispersed after a
running fight that extended over 10
miles, is the condensed summary OF
the story OF the first engagement be-
tween forces of the American punitive
expedition and Francisco Villa. Col.
George Dodd surprised 500 Of Villas
men at Guerrero March 20. His was
the smaller force. comprising detach-
ments Of the Seventh and Tenth cav
airy, but without waiting he began the
attack that finished five hours later.
when the Villa force had been chased
into the hills northeast Of Guerrero
and broken into small bands.
It was reported to army headQuar-
tiers here that Villa was wounded; that
one OF his legs was broken and one OF
his hips badly bruised. The character
of his reported injuries suggested that
perhaps he had been injured in falling
from his horse rather than by a gun
shot, as had been unofficially re-
ported.
Villas men we're reported to be as
Stunning the offensive and Carranzs
troops were said to be preparing to
resist the bandit army. The exact po-
sitions Of none Of the three forces was
given out, but Villas outpost, farthest
from the American lines, was reported
within so miles of chihuahua.
The Mexican consulate received
message from Consul Garcia, at q
Paso, saying that Gen. Gavira had re
ceived telegram from Queretarc
which said that Gen. Cavazos had en-
gagged in skirmish with villa forces
at Guerrero.
Villa has been concentrating ibis
forces in that par1 Of L>elhpah,H sfo'
| the past few days and the force nc
has gathered along the railway not far
from Minaca, where he was reported te
have visited his wrath on some Of the
residents, is believed to be greater
than any he ha commanded since he
began his fight.
Col. Dodd, with the Seventh and
Tenth cavalry, has been moving stead
fly south and west since the division Of
the American forces at Galeana and
unofficially It was learned that the
general movement Of the punitive force
has been toward the district where
army officers now are convinced Villa
is preparing to make a stand
Unless Francisco Villa is definitely
located within few days 1t is believed
here that Gen. Pershing will begin q
dogged search for him in the noun
tains west and south Of Guerrero. Since
the defeat OF Villas force, March 20
in and near Guerrero. he has had
lightly equipped mobile detachments o.
cavalry sweeping in whirlwind fashion
through the district about headYaters
Of the Santa Maria river In efforts t.
locate the elusive bandit, reported Il
have gone in that direction after be
ing desperately wounded. Gen. Perish
ing did not get report through tt
Gen. Funston, but his chief OF staff re
ported, indicating that the line Of com
munication was maintained and NJ
mention of news Of villa was made.