Today in History:

32 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 32(Official Records Volume 4)


OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP. XI.

the enemy pursuing them. In less than ten minutes my camp was surrounded by U. S. troops, numbering about 190. None of the ordinary ceremonies of attack were performed. There being no misunderstanding, we at once commenced business. The firing commenced at 7 o'clock and ended at 11 a. m. The enemy began to retreat before 11, and about that hour fled from the field. I lost 2 men killed, and had 2 severely wounded, each in the arm, besides 6 others slightly wounded, all of which will more fully appear from the list hereto annexed. The enemy removed their dead and wounded as they retreated, so as to evade a discovery of their losses; but, from the number of horses led away with bodies apparently lashed across them, there were 12 or 13 killed, but the number of their wounded could not be ascertained.

The principal portion of the battle was fought with the enemy's force formed in two lines, forming the angle of a square, and my forces formed the same way inside of theirs, my lines being much the shorter. One of my lines was composed of the detachment from Captain Pyron's company and a portion of the detachment from Captain Stafford's company, under the immediate command of Lieutenant Poore, Sergeant O'Grady, and Sergeant Browne. My left line was composed of the detachment from my company and a part of the detachment form Captain Stafford's company. This line was under the immediate command of Lieutenant Sutherland, being divided into two platoons, one led by Sergeant Coulter, and the other by Private Tevis, who was named for the special occasion.

I remained upon the field till 10 o'clock a. m. the next day, but was prepared to receive another attack should the enemy return re-enforced. In relation to the men and officers under me I would say to you, sir, that I have not witnessed such a display of manly courage and perfect order during my experience in wars. Each officer and man conducted himself as though he thought the destinies of himself and his country were depending upon his action on that occasion. The wounded would not even utter a cry, lest it would be injurious tot he cause. A remarkable instance of this was displayed in the case of Sergeant O'Grady. After being severely wounded, and after having fallen to the ground from loss of blood, he continued to cheer his men and encourage them to fight, telling them not to cheer his men and encourage them to fight, telling them not to cease firing until they had avenged his blood. This kind of courage was also displayed by others whose wounds were not so severe. Sergeant Quinn, Sergeant Robinson,a nd Antonio Lambert, after having each received a wound, continued to fight, if possible, with more courage and determination. The officers and men paid strict attention to every order, and acted more like veteran troops than volunteers. I cannot with words express the esteem I have for all who were with me. Nothing short of witnessing a similar occasion can impress you with an idea of the value of such troops and the credit due them for what they have already done. I herewith annex a list of the names of all who were with me, that you may know that number of men by name who will not flinch under the most trying circumstances.

Regretting much that some of my esteemed fellow soldiers have suffered the fate of war on this scout, I must respectfully submit to you this report of the same.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

BETHEL COOPWOOD, Captain, Commanding Scout.

Lieutenant Colonel JOHN. R. BAYLOR.