File No. 812.00/18278
[Untitled]
1518. Following received from Pershing:
Two troops 7th Cavalry under Kendrick reconnoitering yesterday toward Guerrero camped at Frigole Canyon nine miles north. Civilian scouts sent into Guerrero report much excitement among Carranza troops. They met General Cavasos who used most abusive language towards them. Cavasos then ordered his men to fire on any American soldiers seen. Additional troops 7th Cavalry ordered support Kendrick and all directed to withdraw to Providencia. Carranza soldiers reported at San Diego del Monte about twenty miles southeast of Bachineva. Said to be moving to occupy Bachineva. No report of movement east except from press bulletins. Shall advise Carranza commander Bachineva that any further advance from Bachineva toward Namiquipa will be regarded as hostile and will be resisted. There [Page 566] is an evident movement to scare us back. Am rearranging troops along line to meet changing conditions.
Upon receipt of this following instructions were sent to General Pershing.
You are instructed to act conservatively. If a breach does occur the responsibility must be beyond question on the Carranza troops. Do not take too seriously the approach of small parties. A delay of three or four days will place us in better position at certain points along border.
This morning I advised him to withdraw his advance troops to the vicinity of El Valle.