File No. 812.00/17886
[Untitled]
Following from Letcher, via Edwards:
I
Have just talked by phone with General Pershing, who now has received full report of attack upon his troops at Parral on 12th, which is substantially as follows:
On the 11th instant an officer from the garrison of Parral visited Major Tompkins, whose column was then ten miles distant from Parral, and invited him to enter city, which invitation was accepted on the 12th, when the column entered city and Major Tompkins was received by military commander and civil authorities. Later, column left city, Major Tompkins being accompanied by General Lozano; but upon reaching outskirts it was attacked by citizens and soldiers whom General Lozano vainly tried to disperse. The column continued to retreat under attack for fifteen miles, meanwhile two soldiers being killed, six wounded and one missing. As already reported, apparently trustworthy unofficial reports place Mexican dead at forty. Officers believe attack was preconcerted and that ambush was deliberately planned. General Pershing’s official report will follow.
Letcher
II
From Pershing:
“Palomas, April 15, 1916.
“Commanding General, Southern Department, Houston, Texas:—
“My telegrams of yesterday confirmed. Full report from Brown and Tompkins this morning. Tompkins column two troops, M and K, 13th Cavalry, entered Parral 11 a.m., 12th instant. Tompkins preceded, was cordially received by higher civil and military officials. Military commander, General Lozano, accompanied Major Tompkins on way to camp. At the outskirts of town groups of native troops and civilians following, jeered, threw stones and fired on column. Tompkins took defensive position north of railroad but was soon flanked by native troops and forced further retire. About 300 Carranza troops joined in pursuit and Tompkins continued to withdraw to avoid further complications until he reached Santa Cruz, eight miles from Parral. Fighting ceased at fifteen miles from town. Tompkins deserves great praise for his forbearance. General Lozano attempted to control his men when firing began but failed. Brown, with Young’s squadron 10th Cavalry, eight miles away when notified, and joined Tompkins 7 p.m. Camping place recommended near Parral was no doubt purposely selected to take advantage of Tompkins’ command. Officers believe whole affair planned beforehand but probably without knowledge commanding general. Reported privately 40 Mexicans killed, all soldiers including one major. One civilian wounded. Americans killed, two; wounded, six; missing, one. Major Tompkins slightly wounded in chest by spent bullet. Major Howze arrived Parral yesterday from San Borja and Balleza having had several skirmishes with Villistas. One man killed, two wounded.
Report Villa in mountains southwest San Borja. No food, no forage, officers’ description vicinity Santa Cruz, where troops now are. Shall withdraw them by easy marches in direction of Satevo. Can now [not?] supply them from San Antonio.
I am en route to Namiquipa.
“Pershing”
Letcher