File No. 812.00/17377

Collector Cobb to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Following from Deputy Collector, Columbus, New Mexico:

Columbus attacked this morning, 4.30 o’clock. Citizens murdered. Repulsed about 6 o’clock. Town partly burned. They have retreated to west. Unable to say how many were killed.

Department of Justice informed that between 400 and 500 Villa troops attacked Columbus, New Mexico, about 4.30. Villa probably in charge. Three American soldiers killed and several injured; also killed four civilians and wounded four. Several of attacking party killed and wounded by our forces. Attacking party also burned depot and principal buildings in Columbus. United States soldiers now pursuing attacking parties across the line into Mexico. No prisoners reported taken alive.

Cobb