817.00/4659: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2 p.m.]
77. General Reyes, leader of the Conservative troops in and near Matagalpa, hurriedly visited Managua yesterday and reported to President Diaz that at daylight on March 14th the Liberal forces after a night march from Muy Muy attacked Reyes army at San Geronimo. The Liberal forces are said to have numbered 800 with 25 machine guns and otherwise well equipped under the combined leadership of Muller, a Latvian; Escamilla, a Mexican; Mena, son of the famous Nicaraguan General of that name. Reyes and Estrada combined troops numbered 700 with 20 machine guns. The fight was very bitter until noon when the Liberals withdrew. The Conservatives went over the battlefield and report having captured 2 machine guns, 80 rifles and 3,000 rounds of ammunition; also having found in one group seven dead Mexicans identified by tattoos, clothing, jewelry and their cheers for Calles during the battle; one tall blonde believed to be a German and three Costa Ricans. An hour later Liberals returned to attack viciously and at 3 p.m. both sides withdrew, the Conservatives claiming a victory but having exhausted their ammunition. They are now at San Ramon some 20 miles from the battlefield. The Liberals are supposed to have returned to their old stronghold Muy Muy, to await reinforcements. Conservatives report 27 dead and 38 badly wounded and claim their adversaries lost at least 100 men. On the 15th General Viquez attacked Sandoval at Tierra Azul, the latter having retired without much resistance, presumably with the idea of joining the other generals mentioned above, all probably to be joined later by Moncada and his men from Matiguas.
It is estimated that Conservatives number about 3,000 men, well armed but with poor morale, and the Liberals 1,500 to 2,000 at most, well armed and with high morale. It is common opinion that if the long-expected decisive battle does not take place within the next few days guerrilla warfare and anarchy will follow.