File No. 812.00/16214.
General Funston to the Secretary of War.
September 17, 1915.
Following is substance report just received Colonel Blocksom, Brownsville:
About 10 this morning sheriff Vann telephoned that employee of Gonzales Diego, Spaniard living between Brownsville pumping plant and city, had been fired on by Mexicans other side and one horse killed.
I sent Lieut. Glass with 20 men to investigate. Shot was fired just as he arrived. Glass left detachment under cover and appeared on bank alone with hat in hand. He saw a man in civilian clothes fishing on Mexican bank and called to him. Man in reply to Glass’ question said he had heard no firing. Man then went back to levee picked up rifle; four others appeared and all opened fire on Glass, no shots having yet been fired from our side. Glass got under cover and had men open fire. Mexicans reinforced by another squad. Consul Johnston at 12.15 informed me American soldiers were firing at Mexican soldiers but that Mexicans were not returning fire and asked me to stop it. I sent word to Glass withdraw but he had already done so and reached camp about one. Major Wolf 4th infantry was with detachment before firing occurred and saw fresh bullet holes in Diego’s house made at time horse was shot. Mexicans had one man wounded three horses shot; no casualties our side.
Following 8 p.m. from Major Anderson, Harlingen:
About 2 p.m. today outpost at Red House Ferry one mile east Donna pump fired upon from Mexican side returned by our outposts of 10 men. Estimated 50 men other side and about 100 shots fired by each side but no casualties our side. Mexicans withdrew and none now seen. 2 troops nearly able to handle situation.
It is evident that attack at Brownsville was made by Carranza soldiers and that commander endeavored to make it appear our soldiers fired first.