| |
28.05.16. Claude, patrol
report, corinto ranch—Tuma.
|
CORINTO RANCH, NICARAGUA.
16 May, 1928.
From:
2nd Lieut. D.K. Claude, U.S.M.C.
To :
District Commander, Matagalpa, Nic.
Via :
The Commanding Officer, 45th Company.
Subject:
Patrol Report, CORINTO - TUMA.
1.
A foot patrol consisting of 2nd Lieut. D.K. Claude,
fifteen enlisted marines and two pack animals cleared
CORINTO for TUMA 12 May, 1928, and returned CORINTO 14
May, 1928.
Map Used:
MATAGALPA-JINOTEGA District, Apr. 7, Quinn. (Note:
This map was found to be of no practical value on this
patrol, either for estimating distances or for locating
trails. Neither VOLCAN GRANDE nor CABRADON are
shown. The former is a ranch house belonging to
Nicholas Pineda [Nicolas Pineda, Nicolás Piñeda] about
two miles east of LA TRAMPA and the latter a settlement
of a few native shacks about three miles east of
CABRADON. Both are situated on the main trail
CORINTO-TUMA. COYOLAR is an area extending about
three miles along the trail east from CABRADON.
There are about twelve scattered shacks in this area.
The map "Area vicinity Marine Post TUMA" shows the trail
LA TRAMPA-TUMA in its proper proportion).
Weather: Clear.
Attitude of inhabitants: Friendly, busily
engaged in agricultural pursuits, tending cattle, and
burning out pastures.
Condition of trail: Dry, mountainous.
From its appearance this trail was used last rainy
season and will probably be passible the coming season,
however difficult.
Camp sites: LA TRAMPA about five and a
quarter miles from CORINTO- a two story ranch house
belonging to Serrappio Pallaccio [Serapio Palacios] of
JINOTEGA- will shelter about forty men. The house
itself is not easy to defend but there are advantageous
alternative positions in the near vicinity. The
hillsides offer an excellent temporary camp site for
about three hundred men. A large mountain stream
flowing through the position affords a good supply of
water. Pasturage for one hundred animals.
The ranch owner has left orders with the caretaker,
Manuel Lopez, to render every assistance to marine
patrols.
PAOULA ARAUS [Paula Arauz]: This is a
farmhouse situated on the end of a ridge about seven and
a half miles from TUMA and affords a view of the
surrounding country and trails. Water supply from
mountain stream at foot of the ridge about five hundred
yards from the house. House affords shelter for
about twenty men. Native food available in small
quantities. French bread for sale in quantities
sufficient for small patrols.
Bandits: No information pertaining to the
location or activities of bandits could be obtained.
/ s / D. K. Claude
NA127/43A/20
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|
Summary & Notes |
| |
•
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16
Marines, 2-day patrol from Corinto Finca to Tuma and
back. |
| |
•
|
"Quinn
Map" deemed useless; still figuring out the lay of the
land. |
| |
•
|
Nicolas
Pineda (Nicolás Piñeda), ranch owner at Volcan Grande, 2
miles east of La Trampa. |
| |
•
|
Campesinos busy burning pastures & fields for coming
spring rains. |
| |
•
|
La
Trampa, ranch owned by Jinotega resident Serapio
Palacios; good place to camp; room for 300 men, 100
animals; estate manager Manuel Lopez. |
| |
•
|
Paula
Arauz finca on ridge about 8 miles from Tuma. |
| |
•
|
No
information re EDSN, banditry. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.16. Cramer, report
of patrol, jinotega.
|
FORTYFIFTH COMPANY
JINOTEGA, NICARAGUA.
16 May, 1928
From: 2nd
Lt. M. A. Cramer, Jinotega, Nic.
To :
Commanding Officer 45th Company.
Subject: Report of patrol of
15 May, From Jinotega to Naranjo and
Jocomico and return.
1.
Left Jinotega 15 May 1200 with 1 officer and 10 enlisted
men mounted on mules, for the region Naranjo to
investigate bandit rumor. 1400 met Chief of Police
Nicholas Rizo [Nicolas Rizo] who had 38 cal. pistol
number 184853 with permit signed by Captain Mehlinger.
Proceeded to Naranjo via Jocomico. Inquired of
bandits along way, and at Jocomico was told by Chief of
Police at Jocomico that he knew nothing of bandits.
Proceeded to Naranjo and arrived at 1800. Inquired
for Ermie Castro [Hermanilgo Castro], who made original
report of bandits. Castro was not at home.
Chief of Police was not at home. Both had been
gone for two days. Information was gathered from
storekeeper named Louis Zelaya R. [Luis Zelaya R.] at
this town. All information regarding bandits was
heresay [hearsay]. Left Naranjo at 0635, 16 May,
1928, for Jinotega. En route, confiscated on
catache [cutacha], from Ignacio Henera [Ignacio
Herrera], a police, [sic] Arrived in
Jinotega 1040.
2.
Distance covered approximately 25 miles.
3.
Trails, dry, rough, and rocky.
4.
Weather, clear.
5.
Attitude of natives, insolent.
6.
Condition of mules, poor.
/ s / M. A. Cramer
Second Lieutenant, USMC,
Patrol Leader.
NA127/204/4
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|
Summary & Notes |
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•
|
11
Marines, mounted on mules, one-day patrol, questioning
all natives en route. |
| |
•
|
Nicolas
Rizo, Chief of Police; has .38 cal. pistol. |
| |
•
|
Hermanilgo (Ermie) Castro, Chief of Police of Naranjo;
made original report of bandits, prompting the patrol;
not at home; been gone for 2 days. |
| |
•
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Luis
Zelaya, store-keeper in Naranjo. |
| |
•
|
Ignacio
Herrera, police -- (something); cutacha confiscated from
him. |
| |
•
|
Natives
encountered deemed "insolent." |
| |
•
|
No
information re EDSN, banditry. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.17. Ridderhof,
patrol report, san albino.
|
FIRST BATTALION, ELEVENTH REGIMENT
SECOND BRIGADE, U.S.M.C.E.F.
SAN ALBINO, NICARAGUA.
17 May, 1928.
PATROL REPORT.
A patrol consisting of myself, Lt. McAllister, 14
enlisted Marines 1 enlisted Navy, Lt. Davis with 15
Guardia, and 11 pack animals with 10 days rations
cleared San Albino, 10 May, 1928, at 0915. We
arrived at Murra at 1430. An enlisted Marine had
developed such a fever that he was unable to travel
further so the next day, 1 May, he was sent back to San
Albino with a Marine patrol. A Guardia patrol was
sent out to make a reconnaissance of the country
northeast of Murra. They found no signs of bandits
but found large stored of corn. Marine patrol
returned from San Albino with replacement for sick man
sent in. Distance marched 12 miles.
12 May. We cleared Murra at 0730, following route
shown on sketch, first passing through Potreros de
Colindres (San Pedro) then crossing river at Mina
California. From there the trail entered dense
jungle country with no visibility on either side of the
trail nor up. Airplanes passed over us daily but
we could not see them nor they us. This trail
followed a ridge, and we traveled rapidly during the
daytime, but the distance which the guide said was 12 to
15 miles to our destination that night (Congohos) [Congoas]
turned out to be about 22 miles. The last 5 miles
were covered after dark on mountainous trail, and
traveling was necessarily slow, but as both men and
animals needed water badly we kept going until the
reached the Congohos River which we reached at 2250, and
made camp there for the remainder of the night.
Distance marched 22 miles.
13 May. We awoke in the morning to find ourselves
in a more dense jungle than we had previously passed
through. The mountains rose almost perpendicularly
from the river, having only room for a trail.
While breaking camp at 0700 the Guardia sentry at the
north end of the camp gave the alarm that he had seen a
bandit. As he told it, he first saw a large dog
approaching. While watching the dog and wondering
as to the reason for it, he looked up and saw a bandit
in khaki uniform, a good sombrero and a red sash across
his breast and over his shoulder. The Bandit had
seen the sentry in time to take cover. A pursuing
party started after the bandit and we had proceeded
about 300 yards when through an opening in the trees and
from the side of the mountain we were fired upon.
We saw 7 bandits all in uniform and with the red sash.
We immediately opened fire on them and then they
disappeared. Because of dense growth we were
forced to move slowly to their position and from there
we could find no trace of them.
The patrol proceeded down the Congohos Valley. At
1030 as we rounded a right angle turn in the trail we
were fired at from a house about 150 yards ahead.
The point deployed and returned the fire and as soon as
the main body was in position we rushed the house.
The bandits immediately ceased firing and fled.
During the short period of firing the two bandits, who
were evidently sentries, were both hit badly but being
only a few feet from the brush they crawled in there and
disappeared. The others had taken cover behind the
large number of animals tied up in front of the house.
Three horses and a mule were killed. The bandits
numbered about six, crawled in the brush under cover of
the dead animals when we rushed the house. Being
unable to find any trace of them in the brush, we
covered their line of retreat with grenades. As
far as could be done we searched the surrounding country
but found no on but did find a pool of blood where one
of the wounded had stopped for a moment. [ p. 2 ]
Returning to the house we caught up the rest of of the
bandit animals nearby. Three mules had the U.S.
brand on them two were in excellent condition, the other
had been badly used. The seven horses picked up
were not and never could be suitable for our use so they
were shot. Thirty head of cattle in the vicinity
were killed.
The guide informed us that this was the house of Sr.
Henrique which was our destination of yesterday.
We searched the house and found a large quantity of
dynamite bombs, dynamite sticks, black powder fuses, a
pistol, 6 bull bags of shelled corn, 2 sacks of beans, 4
sacks of coffee, several articles of Marine clothing and
equipment, several white straw hats with red band woven
in the straw, 6 aparahos, 4 native saddles and many
articles of bandit clothing. The house was fairly
large and contained sleeping accommodations for about 18
men.
In rear of the house was an incompleted bomb-proof
dugout; in front was an excavation for a look out.
The sentry who first fired on us was in this location.
All bandits here had the red hat band on their hat,
otherwise their clothing was not distinctive, and they
were all armed with rifles.
After completing our search we proceeded down the
valley. After about a half mile we came upon
another house which was deserted except for dogs but
which had sleeping accommodations for 6 men. Food
was prepared just previous to our arrival and the fires
were burning in the stove. This house contained
practically everything, found in the first house but in
smaller amounts. Also, there was a box which had
contained .38 cal. Smith & Wesson ammunition with a
Montreal, Canada, stamp on it.
After destroying everything here we proceeded on and a
half mile further on we came upon a large level place in
the valley which was partially cleared and which
contained four newly constructed houses of permanent
nature which could accommodate 40 men. Fires were
still burning in the stoves but the camp was deserted
except for dogs cattle and several horses. This
was evidently the main camp and was beautifully situated
for living comforts and for defense.
The trail up to this point was almost impassable for
animals and ahead it was worse so the cargo animals with
a guard were left there to make camp while the remainder
of the patrol proceeded down the valley. Two more
newly constructed camps each of which would accommodate
20 men, were found each about a half mile apart well
supplied with food, chickens and cattle. Small
quantities of dynamites and black powder were found.
From here the trail, which had been terrible, ended, so
we returned to camp. Distance marched 10 miles.
14 May. A patrol was sent out to try to find a
means of getting out of this valley. Every trail
was followed but they were all blind trails, ending
after a few hundred yards. Many of them were newly
cut by machetes and no signs of travel. Several
showed signs of very recent traveling but they also
ended abruptly in the jungle. Distance marched 10
miles.
15 May. Since we could go no further forward and
could not get out of the valley we cleared camp at 0800
for our return to San Albino. We made camp that
night at Mina California. The trail we covered
today had been traveled over by both men and animals
since our passage three days previously, traveling in
the direction we were nor [now] traveling, south.
Distance marched 18 miles.
16 May. Cleared California at 0800. Arrived
Murra 1020. Sent pack train with a patrol out
after corn of which enormous supplies were near at hand,
in order to take a supply in to San Albino.
Distance marched 6 miles.
17 May. Cleared Murra 0730. Arrived San
Albino 1100. [ p. 3 ]
During this patrol which covered a period of eight days
the conduct of the men is worthy of commendation.
The Marines and Guardia worked together in harmony;
sharing the work and the fighting. I was not so
surprised at the Marines excellent conduct as they have
a habit of rising to the occasion when called upon, but
the Guardia were an unknown quantity to me and I did not
know what to expect. From now on I shall expect
much, I have seen them in action, and I desire to thank
and commend Lieut. Davis and his Guardia for their
excellent work.
My own deduction from this patrol are as follows:
a band of approximately 100 bandits had taken up winter
quarters in the Congohoes Valley. It is certainly
inaccessible and at the end of a trail. Supplies
could be easily brought in from the country north and
east of Murra where there was plenty before we passed
through. Our arrival in the valley was a complete
surprise and we were not ambushed in force either
because our strength was overestimated, or their
strength was temporarily depleted or they were short of
ammunition.
Destroyed: Living quarters of 100 men a two months
food supply of corn, beans and coffee for that number,
75 head of cattle, saddle equipment (that we couldn't
use) for 10 animals; pack equipment (that we couldn't
use) for 10 animals.
Captured: three U.S. mules, 12 horses, two cargo
bulls which we used, aparejos complete for all our spare
animals.
Contacts: Two (In both cases we were fired
on first)
Marine casualties: None.
Bandit casualties: Two known wounded.
Distance covered: 100 miles.
/ s / S. E. Ridderhof
1st Lieut., U.S.M.C.
 |
Click on thumbnail for full image. |
NA127/204/3
|
|
Summary & Notes |
| |
•
|
Combined
33-strong Marine-Guardia patrol for 8 days in wilds east
of Murra (18 Marines & Navy, 15 enlisted Guardia, 1
native guide). |
| |
•
|
First
patrol in this area for 5 weeks (since the big combined
operation April 3-10, which was deemed a "great
success"; see
PC-Docs, p.
11). |
| |
•
|
EDSN
saturates the area, as all the houses, camps & livestock
show; patrol is barely catching glimpses of EDSN
organization & dominion of the area. |
| |
•
|
2
contacts on 13 May (one at 7 a.m., another at 10:30
a.m.); brief exchanges of gunfire, no Marine-GN
casualties, 2 known EDSN wounded. |
| |
•
|
EDSN
intelligence network working effectively; bands able to
abandon camps before patrol arrives; not a "complete
surprise" as portrayed; once patrol got close enough,
EDSN knew of their approach. |
| |
•
|
Patrol
slaughtered livestock (75 head of cattle, 7
horses) and seized whatever appeared useful (3
US-branded mules, 12 horses, 2 bulls, aparejos
[saddle equipment]). |
| |
•
|
Funny
description of how patrol couldn't find their way out of
the valley (a very secluded valley!). |
| |
•
|
Vivid
descriptions of trails, precipitous mountains, density
of jungle, ability of EDSN to elude pursuers, move
through forest without leaving tracks to follow. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.17. adams, attack on
outpost at posoltega, chinandega.
|
SUB-DIVISION OF CHICHIGALPA
DIVISION OF CHINANDEGA
GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA
Chichigalpa, Nic.-
17 May, 1928.
From:
Sub-Division Commander.
To:
The Chief of the Guardia Nacional.
Subject:
Attack on outpost at Posoltega.
1.
At 12:00 midnight 16-17 of May I received notice from
the local railway station agent that the Guardia in
Posoltega were being attacked by a group of bandits.
I immediately left with three men to reinforce the
outpost whose strength was only three men.
When about one mile from Posoltega, I heard three shots
from a rifle. I arrived with patrol and found
everything quiet. I received the report that about
fifteen bandits had tried to enter the town when they
were discovered by the Guardia attack on outpost at
Posoltega. (cont)
Approximately twenty shots were exchanged, and the
bandits retreated in the direction of San Juan and El
Bosque.
Raso
Zelaya in charge of outpost reported that the majority
of the bandits were dressed in khaki, and all were
mounted.
No
casualties were suffered by the Guardia. Raso
Zelaya reported having heard several outcries from the
enemy that indicated they had some wounded.
I made
short reconnoitering patrol in direction of El Bosque
but was unable to get any information as to the
whereabouts of enemy.
Two men
were left to reinforce outpost and Sgt. Gómez and I
returned to Chichigalpa 3:30 a.m. May 17, 1928.
/ s / George H. Adams
NA127/204/3
|
|
Summary & Notes |
| |
•
|
Brief
exchange of gunfire with "bandits" at small GN garrison
at Posoltega, in heavily populated zone of Pacific Coast
region, well outside zone of EDSN mobilization. |
| |
•
|
Unknown
whether these were EDSN; probably not; no report of
red-and-black; dressed in khaki, mounted; suggests a
Conservative gang. |
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•
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Goal of
the attack? Unknown. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.18. shiebler, patrol report yalÍ.
|
55th Company, 2nd Battalion, 11th
Regiment. Yali, Nicaragua.
18 May 1928.
From:
Second Lieutenant Prentice A. Shiebler, U.S.M.C.
To:
The Area Commander, Ocotal, Nicaragua.
Via:
The Commanding Officer.
Subject:
Patrol Report.
1.
A dismounted patrol from the 55th Co. 2nd Battl 11th Rgt.
consisting of 26 marines, 2nd Lieut. Prentice A.
Shiebler, commanding, and 2nd Lieut. Robert H. McDowell
second in command, left Yali at 0500 May 12th 1928, to
reconnoiter the La Rica-La Constancia area. Six
mules were taken to carry blanket rolls and rations.
FIRST DAY:- The
patrol covered the San Antonio, Las Vegas, La Rica area.
There were few people in La Rica but some information
was obtained that a bandit band had crossed north of
there toward the east. Patrol camped at 1800,
distance traveled that day 29 miles.
SECOND DAY:-
Patrol reconnoitered La Constancia-Juan Flores area,
patrolling to east and west on side trails, and visiting
native houses. Few houses in this area and less
people. Information obtained that bandit bands had
passed thru that area on May 10th and 11th and were
probably in the mountains to the Eastward. Total
distance covered that day 22 miles.
THIRD DAY:-
Patrol reconnoitered Cerro Partidas, Campania, Santa
Rita, Quilali area. Area appeared normal.
Information obtained at Santa Rita that bandit bands had
moved east along Coco River and were in Cuchellas [Cuchillas]
mountains. Due to shortage of rations the patrol
traveled to Quilali for rations. Distance traveled
third day 21 miles.
Fourth Day:-
Quilali was short of rations but was able to furnish us
with enough for three light meals. Patrol left
Quilali and reconnoitered Pamali-Santa Cruz area, making
several detours from main trail to the Coco, and
following small hidden trails. No natives
encountered, area entirely deserted. Arrived in
vicinity of Santa Cruz and pitched camp. Two
aeroplanes flew over and dropped a message from area
commander to Lieutenant Humphrey's patrol stating
Captain Hunter had signaled for reinforcements.
Another drop stating that message was not for me but for
Lieutenant Humphrey, but that he could not be found,
would I join Captain Hunter. Signaled answer
"Yes". After an hours rest, the patrol had already
done 22 miles that day, and were on foot, I started down
Coco toward Cua. I had no guide as I had not
expected to travel that far east. I know the
trails in the other area. The trail was lost after
we had traveled about five miles, and as there was no
suitable camping place I returned to camp and rested.
Distance traveled that day 32 miles. [ p. 2 ]
FIFTH DAY:- A
native boy about 14 years old with a native woman came
by our camp at night. He was questioned concerning
trails to Paso Real de Cua and Pena Blanca. He
stated that he know them as he had once worked at the
Hacienda at Santa Cruz so he was engaged as a guide.
Patrol cleared Santa Cruz area at 0400 for Paso Real de
Cua. The guide took us on an unfamiliar trail
which lead thru the mountains and then down towards the
Pantasma River. He stated that this was the
easiest and quickest route as it avoided many of the bad
parts of the mountain trail. After traveling for
six hours I was convinced that he had lead us on the
wrong trail, and that to go back to Santa Cruz would
cost us a days time. I believed that if I
continued on I could find a trail branching off to the
left over the Cuchillas Mountains. The patrol kept
on till 1800 when we were forced to stop at Tuma Yunca
[Tumayunca] as the men were exhausted and the mules in
worse condition. I intended to rest for a while
and clear in the night via the trail from Tuma Yunca
east to Paso Real de Cua. From the natives in that
area I found out that a Marine Patrol had come from
Jinotega and had passed by the trail to Pena Blanca the
evening before. That day we had hiked nearly
thirty one miles, making the total to date 135 miles,
three of our mules in such bad condition that they could
not carry a pack, and the others were in bad shape.
That night one of the men became very sick, three others
had feet that were in bad condition, and every one was
very tired. We had been eating only two scanty
meals a day and that night we used up the last of our
rations. I looked for a guide to take us toward
Pena Blanca but could only find one who seemed unwilling
to go but finally agreed to show us part of the way till
day light, after that I believe I could of
found the rest of the way.
SIXTH DAY:- The
patrol started for Pena Blanca area but I met more
natives who convinced me that a patrol had gone in that
direction from Jinotega, and I found tracks of hobnail
shoes on the trail so decided that it would be better to
return as natives told me it was over thirty miles from
there and I did not think my men could possibly make it
or if they did they would not be in any condition to be
of service when they arrived, also we had no more
rations, and by then I was sure a patrol was on its way
there a day ahead of us. The patrol then proceeded
to San Rafael as the men were exhausted and suffering
from hunger. Distance traveled that day 22 miles.
They had nothing to eat but one egg a piece in the
morning which I got from some natives. They were
fed well at San Rafael and had a good rest.
SEVENTH DAY:-
Proceeded from San Rafael to Yali, arriving at 12.50 May
18th 1928.
Weather during entire period was good. Trails dry
and good but hilly and rock in some places. There were
very few places which afforded feed for the mules and
for that reason they had little to eat and were in bad
shape on arrival in Yali. Very few natives or
native houses encountered so no native rations were able
to be procured for the patrol. Total distance
traveled 172 miles.
2.
On previous patrols I had been able to supplement my
rations with food purchased from natives but was unable
to do so in this area. Patrols operating in this
area should not rely on native means of subsistence as
there is very little if any.
/ s / P. A. Shiebler
NA127/204/3
|
|
Summary & Notes |
| |
•
|
28
Marines on 7-day patrol from Yali to Quilali area and
back again; est. 172 miles (avg. ~25 miles / day). |
| |
•
|
Palpable
sense of Marine suffering — long marches over rugged,
sparsely populated terrain; scant food, sore feet; one
Marine gets "very sick" after 31-mile march on day 5. |
| |
•
|
Airplanes working to coordinate ground patrols:
Lt. Shiebler, Lt. Humphrey, Capt. Hunter. |
| |
•
|
Difficulty of finding guides; vast wilderness with few
people, no fodder, little food. |
| |
•
|
Boy, 14,
used as guide; once worked at hacienda Santa Cruz (owned
by EDSN Col. Guadalupe Rivera, brother of EDSN [later-]
Gen. Abraham Rivera); takes patrol on the wrong trail
then disappears from narrative. |
| |
•
|
No sign
of EDSN, bandits. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.20. o'day, report of contact, darailÍ.
|
Detachment 57th Company.
Daraili, Nicaragua.
20 May 1928
From:
The Detachment Commander.
To :
The Commanding Officer, Second Battalion.
Via: (1) The Commanding Officer,
57th.Company.
Subject:
Report of Contact.
1.
On or about 5:15 p.m. 19 May 1928, I received the report
that bandits passed San Andres for Santa Rosa, and
having but three saddles, I had them saddled immediately
and started with mounted men for that area, borrowing a
mount from Sr. Moise Gonzales [Moises Gonzalez, Moisés
González].
2.
Moise Gonzales, informer and guide, agreed to accompany
us, free of cost, and as we entered Santa Rosa, he
picked up another mozo, who worked for him, as he told
us that the bandits were in two (2) houses to the North
of Santa Rosa. Hiring him, we proceeded towards
the houses. Having information that they were
drinking, we proceeded towards the houses cautiously.
3.
As we neared the houses, at or about 8:00 p.m., there
being two (2) of them, I ordered Moise to the right of
the house, and when we got close, men started running
from the second house, so I ran down there single handed
and saw five (5) men go over the fence. I dragged
my pistol for a full clip at them, and when I started to
load the second clip, I heard Moise calling to me.
4.
I returned and found that he was shot through the back,
so I immediately called for an assembly; we took Moise
Jr. to a shack about a mile away.
5.
I despatched the patrol to Daraili for medical
attention, I having given first aid as far as was
possible, and about 11:00 p.m. Senor Don Moise Gonzales,
who is a practicant, and another Marine patrol arrived,
and administered treatment.
6.
At that time, everything being quiet, I cleared the
vicinity with a patrol of ten (10) men, and searched the
area. Not finding any men with rifles, I cleared
the circle at 5:30 a.m., for Condega with one (1)
wounded friendly native.
7.
Moise Gonzales, Jr., is one of the bravest men that I
have ever encountered, always willing and trying, doing
his utmost, and is already to go.
8.
Marine casualties. None.
Friendly Native casualties. One (1) Moise
Gonzales, Jr.
9.
I recommend Moise Gonzales Jr., for a citation by the
Brigade Commander for his gallantry in action in the
face of an enemy of extreme daringness, fearless of self
safety, and away beyond any call of duty he ran to the
front in chase of SANDINO mule buyers, placing [
p. 2 ] himself in line of fire, not only from the
bandits, but the entire combatants, and without fear or
favor, he carried on his work as a "Good Man".
10.
Having searched the entire area, I had a messenger
despatched to C.O. 57th., Condega. Assembling the
patrol, I hired eight (8) natives to carry Moise
Gonzales, Jr., to Condega, where we arrived at 10:00
a.m., 20 May 1928.
1.
The following named men participated in the engagement:
Pvt. McMullan, Bethea.
Pvt. Early, Raymond J.
Pvt. Davis, Horace A.
/ s / Edward F. O'Day.
NA127/204/3
|
|
Summary & Notes |
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•
|
Four
mounted Marines, with Moises Gonzalez, hijo, as guide
(one other mozo of Gonzalez's picked up along the way)
from newly-established Darailí garrison, to two houses
just outside Santa Rosa, following report of "bandits"
in vicinity. |
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•
|
Firefight erupts as patrol approaches the two houses in
the dark (at 8 p.m.), with at least 5 men in one of the
two houses. |
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•
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Fight
stops as soon as Moises Gonzalez, hijo, is wounded. |
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•
|
Fascinating portrayal of Moises, hijo: shot in the
back in the fight, carried to Condega by 8 hired natives
(evidently pretty severe wound); praised by Lt. O'Day as
"one of the bravest men that I have ever encountered,"
recommended for citation. High respect shown to
Moises, hijo, tinged with paternalism (a "Good Man" in
quotes). |
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•
|
"Don"
Moises Gonzalez, Sr. sent for; arrives at 11 p.m. with
another Marine patrol: flattering portrayal by
O'Day; referred to with respect; a "practicante" (medic
/ doctor / healer, and probably herbalist). |
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•
|
Moises
Sr. doubtless heartsick that his son was wounded
cooperating with the Marines. |
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•
|
Same Lt.
O'Day of El Bramadero fame, 3 months earlier in same
locale (PC-DOCS,
p. 9);
Bramadero fight a turning point for Darailí Ranch; by
this time González family headed by Moisés (who as we
learn elsewhere is around 70 yrs. old at this time) has
allied with Marines & Guardia, permitting a garrison at
their ranch and, in this case, accompanying a small
mounted patrol as "informer and guide" (more accurately:
informant). |
| |
•
|
"enemy
of extreme daringness" - ? What did they do that
was so daring? Who led this group? Very
probably EDSN (by now this is EDSN country). |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.21. jenkins, report
of patrol, estelÍ.
|
SIXTEENTH COMPANY, FIFTH REGIMENT
SECOND BRIGADE, MARINE CORPS
ESTELI
NICARAGUA
21 MAY 1928
From:
Marine Gunner L. Jenkins, U.S.M.C.
To :
The Commanding Officer, Marine Detachment, Esteli,
Nicaragua.
Subject:
Report of Patrol.
1.
In compliance with your verbal orders, I cleared Esteli
at 1230 Saturday, 19 May, 1928 to investigate airplane
reports of presence of bandits near Trinidad.
2.
Leaving Esteli at 1230, 19 May, with fourteen enlisted
men, we proceeded to Trinidad, arriving there at 1800,
same date, found all quiet. There were quite a
number of men in Trinidad but no excitement. We
met one Senor Vicente Benavides, who was on his way to
Esteli to make a report of bandit activities around his
ranch. He returned to Trinidad with me and
furnished his nephew as a guide to lead us to the bandit
camp. From Trinidad we took the Jinotega road for
about fifteen miles and from information furnished by
natives, we must have been just about one day behind the
bandits. Upon arriving at the place where the
bandits were supposed to be we learned that a Marine
patrol had passed there the day before and the bandits
had fled. We later learned that it was Lieutenant
Kenyon's patrol that had encountered the bandits.
From information furnished by natives, which I believe
to be reliable, the bandits, after being hit by
Lieutenant Kenyon's patrol, disbanded, some going toward
Colon and others toward Trinidad. On our return
trip to Esteli, we apprehended one Bandilio Espinosa who
had in his possession one S&W pistol cal. 38 special.
Espinosa was turned over to the Civil Police of Esteli.
/ s / L. JENKINS
NA127/113C/33
|
|
Summary & Notes |
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•
|
15
Marines from Estelí to La Trinidad. |
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•
|
Vicente
Benavides, ranch owner, in La Trinidad, on his way to
Estelí to report "bandit activities." |
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•
|
Patrol
chases rumors of "bandits" (EDSN) southeast toward
Jinotega; from native info, figure they are about 1 day
behind them; native reports of Lt. Kenyon's passing
patrol evidently accurate (see next report). |
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•
|
EDSN
scatters after fight, some to Colón (Colón Valley, EDSN
hotbed), others to La Trinidad. |
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•
|
Bandilio
Espinoza (?) arrested with .38 S&W pistol, turned over
to Civil Police, Estelí; shows there's a functioning
local civil administration by this time. |
PC-docs Inventory in excel file •
pc-docs inventory on pc-docs home
28.05.21. kenyon, report of patrol, estelÍ.
|
SIXTEENTH COMPANY, FIFTH REGIMENT
SECOND BRIGADE, MARINE CORPS
ESTELI
NICARAGUA
21 MAY 1928
REPORT OF PATROL COMMANDED BY
FIRST LIEUTENANT HOWARD N. KENYON:
The patrol consisting of sixteen enlisted, one hospital
corpsman and two commissioned officers, left Esteli at
about 3:30 P.M., 16 May, 1928, for Colon. I
carried a list of the names of about twenty-two of the
bandit group of Santa Maria Sevilla, with additional
information relative to his stopping places and the
people who furnished provisions. I took as guides
the four sons of Pontencial Hernandez, who was killed in
his home by the bandits on or about 14 May, 1928, in
Colon. We arrived at the ranch of Alfonso Bilches
[Alfonso Vilchez] at about 10 P.M., where we ate and
where I left one squad and two provision mules while I
proceeded with all others to Coyol to catch Adolfo
Rodrigues [Aldolfo Rodriguez], butcher and food provider
for the bandits while stopping in Colon. We
arrived at about 6 A.M., and caught Adolfo, taking him
back to Colon. On the morning of 19 May, proceeded
with one squad to Zapote to seize some horses of Roto
Rodriguez who belonged to Santa Maria's band and carries
a Cold .45 automatic. Returned to Colon with one
mule, one horse, one burro and three saddles which were
taken to be held until the .45 is surrendered.
Left Colon with one squad at about 4:30 P.M., same date,
for San Lorenzo where Adolfo said group was likely to
be. Learned while en route in night that bandits
had been day before in house of one Tiladelfo Ruizo [Filadelfia
Ruiz?]. Continued to house of Ruizo where I found
a widower who said the group had left day before.
Stayed at Tiladelfo's house from P.M. to 5:30 A.M.
Proceeded toward Licoroy with Tiladelfo, who, upon being
confronted by a native whose daughter had been raped and
son beaten by bandits night before, admitted he knew
where they were supposed to be. We arrived at
Licoroy at about 9:45 A.M., and learned there that the
bandits should be in a ravine nearby. I divided
the patrol so that each part could take one side of the
narrow valley in the ravine and comb the shaded areas
for hiding bandits.
We had scarcely proceeded 200 yards before a lively
rifle fire broke out on my right. Three bandits
with rifles jumped from a cane patch and were shot at by
marines as they ran into the ravine and down the small
river bed below us. All dropped their hats and one
his machete but not their rifles while in sight.
One fell from a rifle shot but got up at once and kept
going. I joined the patrol at once and had
Lieutenant O'Neil take one part to comb the cane patch
where they were hiding while I took the other part to
pursue the group around the nearby house of Tomas
Miranda where the whole group had been having their
washing done and preparing to eat a cow tied nearby.
All ran in a panic, some on a parallel road to the one
we had come in on with three men on horses unable to
keep up to their comrades on foot. I pursued them
running with the men firing off-hand but the distance
was over 500 yards at this time [ p. 2 ] and
I believe none of them were injured by this firing.
The men on the horses left the road and quit their
horses in the brush as we gained on them. We
captured the animals, saddles, spurs, blankets and rolls
they dropped. One saddle captured was identified
by the natives as that of Santa Maria Sevilla. All
animals appeared to have been stolen, from native
information obtained. We hunted the immediate
vicinity diligently for more men and horses but learned
the other animals they were supposed to have had been
carefully hidden to feed at different ranches in the
close area. We found the bay horse of Anselmo
Rizo, second leader of the band, in the corral of Pedro
Vilches [Pedro Vilchez]. We ate at the house of
Innocente Reyes [Inocente Reyes] and proceeded from
there to Colon with all captured possessions. At
about 8:30 A.M., 20 May, we proceeded en route to Esteli
when we arrived at 3:30 P.M.
The performance of the men on this patrol was excellent.
The squad that participated in the contact with the
bandits had marched between 60 and 75 miles in the two
and a half days before overtaking the group and
displayed excellent morale in rushing into the spot
where they were and were known to be superior in numbers
by three to one to our forces. I wish to mention
in particular the able and commendable work of 2nd
Lieutenant O'Neil in leading a small group of four men
running through the cane field where the bandits were
being chased out; the able and efficient work of
Corporal Harry D. Hill throughout the patrol and in
opening fire on the bandits in the cane field at once so
that the entire group was taken by surprise and started
running in a panic; the excellent examples of Private
First Class John W. Winnicki and Private Willie D. Loyd
[Lloyd] in pursuing and firing into the groups that fled
from the house of Tomas Miranda until we overtook them
and got the animals.
On the way to Colon from Licoroy I met Adrian Vilches
[Adrian Vilchez], owner of a ranch near San Antonio, who
stated that less than three hours after the contact two
men running bare-headed passed in the road to Concordia.
One had a flesh wound in the back of his neck and was
partly out of his head from excitement or injury.
Both told the story of the contact and that they had
quit their rifles en route. The name of the
wounded man was Macario. They related that the
group numbered twenty-five men at the time they were hit
and that three men tried to escape on horses. The
people at the house where the bandits were, stated that
there were between twenty-five and thirty. The
total actually counted as seen by us in the open when
they ran was about fourteen. The others got away
in the brush unseen.
/ s / HOWARD N. KENYON
NA127/212/1
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|
Summary & Notes |
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•
|
19
Marines from Estelí to Colón, following up on reports of
"bandits." |
| |
•
|
Underlying dynamics: Liberal gang of 25-30 led by
Santa Maria Sevilla in zones east of Estelí & La
Trinidad, only nominally allied with EDSN. |
| |
•
|
4 sons
of Potencial Hernández serve as Marines' guides;
Potencial had been killed by "bandits" (presumably under
Sevilla) around 14 May. |
| |
•
|
Alfonso
Vilchez, ranch owner; Marines camp on his property. |
| |
•
|
Adolfo
Rodríguez, butcher and food forager for "bandits";
captured, detained, & sent to Colón. |
| |
•
|
Tiladelfo Rizo / Filadelfia Ruiz: landowner
associated with Sevilla gang. |
| |
•
|
Rape
report: clearly distinguishes the gang as either
Liberal or Conservative (probably Liberal); EDSN did not
rape. |
| |
•
|
Military
contact with Sevilla gang on 20 May, ca. 10 a.m. at
Licoroy; routed by Marines. |
| |
•
|
Man hit
with bullet, knocked down, got up & kept going:
extraordinary physical stamina. |
| |
| |
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