File No. 812.00/18686
[Untitled]
1755. Following received from Pershing:
Receipt acknowledged of your 247 and 248. Seven men from Boyds command have reported so far. Two others left San Domingo ranch twelve miles west Carrizal for Galanea. One other reported returning to Ojo Federico. Through examination these men made, main facts agree. Conclusion seems fair that Boyd thought Mexicans were bluffing. One man reports that Captain Morey said to his troops that Captain Boyd thought Mexicans were bluffing and had decided to try it out. It appears that General Gomez came out three times confer with Captain Boyd, apparently endeavoring induce him not try proceed further. During conference Mexican moved troops, began movement toward American flanks. If observed by Boyd this should have indicated Mexican intentions. Notwithstanding this and still confronting Mexican lines Boyd dismounted to fight on foot and sent horses to rear. After final talk with” Gomez, Boyd moved forward in skirmish line whereupon Mexicans opened fire. Dismounting his troops in the face of mounted Mexican forces suggests that Boyd did not appreciate gravity of situation, perhaps after fight began, his horses were soon stampeded from tense firing from Mexican cavalry on his flanks and he was left afoot. The few horse soldiers who escaped mounted and fled. These men report several loose horses and mules at San Domingo ranch and that American there said he would gather them up. No doubt many will be found by our troops sent out for that purpose. If Mexican official report correct, about fifteen men remain unaccounted for. No names of killed known except as stated in press dispatches. It is assumed that a demand has been made for return of American prisoners. Will wire further facts as rapidly as ascertained. All troops between here and Cumbre have gone to Madera. Cavalry patrol returning from Ojatas sixty miles west reports no indication movement from Sonora.