File No. 837.00/1187
[Untitled]
Habana, March 8, 1917, 2 a.m.
General José Miguel Gómez, supported by Colonel Quinones, deserter from regular army, 400 deserting soldiers from the army and numerous other revolutionists, were disastrously defeated at Placetas, Santa Clara Province, noon today, by Government force of 2,000 infantry and cavalry under Colonels Collazo and Consuegra. Gómez, his entire staff, including his son and Colonel Quinones, with 200 others, made prisoners; 200 rebels killed. Government losses less than 20.
Several troops federal cavalry drawn from Pinar del Rio yesterday participated in battle after traveling 200 miles by rail.
Gómez forces were struck by simultaneous cavalry charges from the front and rear, machine guns effective; pursuit of the fragments being continued. Special train being organized midnight to bring more important prisoners to Havana. Gómez will be confined in special quarters state prison and will be under the disposition of civil authorities. Charges against him will include rebellion, destruction property and appropriation of Government funds.
Colonel Quinones and other deserting officers who are prisoners will be tried by military court. The military achievement by the federal troops which had been disposed and directed by telegraph and telephone by President Menocal for three weeks is striking but the fact that the chief conspirator was taken prisoner is testimonial to the humanity of the army and executive. With the chief instigator of destruction imprisoned and several thousand troops heretofore employed in hunting him released for other duty, security of property becomes much stronger. Except for activity of a revolutionary leader in New York, I see nothing to sustain even a destructive policy. Please furnish a copy of appropriate part of this despatch to the Chief of Staff of Army.