HEADQUARTERS GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA,

DISTRICT OF RIO GRANDE, EL GALLO, NICARAGUA,
25 JULY, 1932.

From:     The District Commander.
To:       The Area Commander, Guardia Nacional,

          Bluefields.

Subject:  Recent bandit activities and Guardia offensive

          operations; report of.

1. A group of bandits, now authentically known to number 77, under Pedro Irias and Chavarria, invaded this District from the South and came out on the Rio Grande about three miles below La Cruz on July 17th, at 5:30 AM. After sacking a camp at this point they moved East and looted the Commissariat of Santiago Schock at Morozan (see Marine Corps Map of Nicaragua) and still moving East they arrived at Matagalpa farm and then crossed to the north bank of the Rio Grande to Terciopela in a gasoline boat belonging to Epifanio Castro who lives there.

Information of their operations was received at this Headquarters at 10:45 AM. Cleared immediately with combat patrol of ten enlisted in Fruit Company tug boat and after questioning persons at Morozan arrived and disembarked at Terciopela (Castro’s camp) [p. 2] at 11:30 AM. Found nine sacks of loot under Castro’s house and learned that group had divided; one part going in direction of Edward Hislops commissariat directly North of Pan America but still on the river (see Marine Corps Map) and the main group going Northeast in direction of Adan Gomez farm which is located in a deserted lumber camp in the vicinity of the Headwaters of river Mahautak. Some time was lost at Teciopela attempting to gather in some men who had been set free there by the bandits when they couldn’t carry loot any more. These were hiding in the bananas when we arrived. It was urgent that some one be found who could give definite information as to bandit strength and armament as reports had their strength as high as 200 with seven machine guns. Two of the free porters were found and it was then learned that the bandit strength was much less than 200 with one Sub-machine gun. Patrol cleared in pursuit of group gone to Hislop’s commissariat. Upon failing to make contact and learning that group were on way to join main group, patrol returned to Terciopela and picking up trail of main group cleared Terciopela at 1:30 PM. Patrol fired on and killed one bandit straggler at 3:00 PM. It was later learned that he had been disarmed and left behind because he was incorrigible. Patrol arrived at Gomez farm at 6:30 PM, and finding it deserted and on account of darkness quietly made camp. About 10:00 PM, low voices were heard to our front and left but as the guide informed us there were other farms near by, we planned to advance at daybreak. At 11:00 PM, the sentries opened fire and they stated that two persons were seen approaching from the left. As the fire was not returned and as nothing could be found in the vicinity where they had been seen, it was believed that they were Gomez family returning or that it was possibly imagination on the part of the sentries, as the men had been considerable shaken that afternoon when two bodies without heads were passed on the trail.

Patrol cleared at 4:45 AM July 18th, and found deserted bandit camp 300 yds. to the left on a ridge. Two pack animals were left tied and about 10 sacks of loot. Time was not taken to set the animals loose and the loot was left where found. The animals came home or were brought home by Castro at Terciopela as they belonged to the Cukra Development Co. and were being used by him. No trace of the loot was found later, and it is believed that the neighbors got it, although nothing could be found in their houses.

It was learned later that bandits broke camp immediately upon hearing the sentries fire. Their trail was followed until 8:00 AM. With little hope in view of over-taking them, and as the guide and Guardias who knew the country informed me, the bandits were headed for a place called “Salta Verde” in the headwaters of the Macantaca creek, from where they could cross the savannah and so to the Prinzapolka river; the patrol cleared to La Cruz, arriving at 12:00 AM. Report could not be made to Bluefields as Mr. Fitzgerald had hone there when he could not make communication by radio. Patrol was shaken down and increased to 16 men and cleared El Gallo for the savannah and Prinzapolka river at [p. 3] 1:30 PM, July 18th. Arrived in vicinity of headwaters of Apaunta creek (see Marine Corps Map) at 7:00 PM and camped.

Cleared at 5:00 AM July 19th and arriving at the savannah at about 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM heard airplanes but did not see them, although panels were laid out. Arrived at Alimikangbang on the Prinzapolka river at 11:00 PM after going through several small bandit towns on the way. No information of bandits.

July 20th, riders sent to the savannah to inspect all trails. Patrol stayed in Alimikangbang. Riders returned with nothing to report and patrol cleared in Mr. Leeming’s fruit boat for Tungla at 5:30 PM, July 20th.

Arrived at Tungla July 21st at 10:30 AM and upon gaining no information there cleared for El Gallo at 11:00 AM and arrived about midway to El Gallo at 2:30 PM same day and camped. As patrol was well worn, one member being without shoes it was not thought advisable to try to make El Gallo that day.

Patrol cleared for El Gallo at 5:00 AM July 22nd, and arrived El Gallo at 2:30 PM. After leaving bandit trail Monday July 18th, nothing had been learned of bandits, and upon arriving El Gallo found the same case prevalent, however four men who had been pressed into service as porters reported to me at 4:30 PM same date, stating that the bandits had swung West after marching in direction of “Salta Verde” Monday July 18th, and that they the porters had been set free on Wednesday July 20th in the evening at Chavarrias farm which is located well up the Sixicuas creek. Patrol of 16 men was ordered to stand by and a boat was sent out from La Cruz (the Fruit Companies boats were all out picking up fruit). Finally secured gasoline boat at about 12:00 PM. Information had been received in the meantime that bandits had passed through Palpunta at 3:00 PM that day. Patrol of 18 men, Lieut Davis and self cleared for Palpunta at 2:00 AM July 23rd, but due to motor trouble did not arrived at Palpunta until about 11:30 AM. Learned that bandits had passed through there Thursday July 21st at 4:00 PM and not Friday as we had been informed. As bandits were now well on the way to San Pedro del Norte with very little chance of being overtaken, patrol returned to El Gallo arriving at 4:30 PM July 23rd.

Bandits were poorly armed; having one Sub-machine gun, rifles of different makes, shotguns (some muzzle leaders) and little ammunition. Some were armed only with machetes. They are believed to be part of Pedron’s group which is said to be somewhere north of the Tuma river. Believed that they crossed the Rio Grande well West of San Pedro del Norte in the vicinity of Palsagua (USMC Fifth Regiment Special Map) and making a large detour to the South, struck the trail coming from Chontales and came in by La Brena, south of La Cruz and El Gallo. It […] [p. 4] on the way out. They had no desire to meet even small Guardia force, but were very vicious with the unarmed, having killed seven known persons; two of which were Jueces de Mesta Suplentes. Two Commissariats were looted and many private homes. Merchandise valued at about $800.00 was taken or destroyed from Santiago Schook at Morozan of which $93.00 worth were recovered by the Guardia. $1,500.00 in merchandise was taken or destroyed from the Commissariat of Edward Hislop besides $400.00 in cash. Am unable to obtain an estimate of the value of articles taken from private homes. No live stock was taken expect that killed and eaten immediately. Their system of carrying cargo and loot was very efficient. Men when captured were given the choice of being killed or carrying cargo. When they were worn out, they were set free and fresh ones pressed into service. The following are the names of the persons killed:

Gregorio Abarca – at La Brena – Juez M. Sup. – Nic.
Juan Blandon – Castros Farm – Juez M. Sup. – Nic.
Juan Angula – Castros Farm – Mozo – Nic.
Teodoro Averruz – Sixcuas Creek – Farmer – Nic.
Clayton Hislop – Mandador CDCCo – Commissariat – Cayman’s (Bri Sub)
Albert Hislop – Contractor – Commissariat – Cayman’s (Bri Sub)
Willie Hislop – Youth – Commissariat – Cayman’s (Bri Sub)

Many natives were taken along as porters, but these will be later turned loose. District is again quiet, although people are leaving the river bag and baggage, in spite of our efforts to reassure them.

This invasion was a complete surprise as the individuals on the trail South of here had no opportunity to give us information; one being killed and the others captured.

It is expected that as they have once raided this District and got away free they will try again. As all commissariats are being drawn in to El Gallo, except a few commissariat boats, they will have to come to El Gallo or La Cruz if they wish to gain anything of value.

Civico organization at La Cruz has been reorganized and an organization of Civicos is being formed at El Gallo.

Have enclosed in mail sack Marine Corps Map of Nicaragua showing bandit route and places mentioned in this report.

W. J. STONE

M32.07.25