In this year leading up to Arizona's centennial, Feb. 14, 2012, we'll reprint a story or excerpts each day from the Arizona Daily Star or Tucson Citizen archives.
April 9, 1912
DOUGLAS - What is believed by the military authorities to have been smuggling of ammunition upon a large scale will probably be broken up by the stationing of a patrol of 11 troopers of the Fourth Cavalry at the San Bernardino ranch of John H. Slaughter, 16 miles east of Douglas. The detail was sent to the ranch, after investigation made by Captain Gordon H. Kimball, in command here, and following request of Mr. Slaughter.
The first intimation of ammunition smuggling was had several days ago when line fences were found to have been cut and the ranch entered from the Mexican side. Around the gap were ammunition boxes, completely emptied, which had evidently contained at least 2,000 rounds of shells.
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Captain Kimball, in speaking of the matter yesterday, stated that he had no doubt ammunition running had been done in the past. His theory was that the bandits who were in Canon Bonita several weeks ago had received a supply of cartridges by train. They were removed at the station and carried to the line. The bandits filled their belts there and abandoned the boxes. He feels certain that no recurrence of the exploit will be had while the patrol is stationed at the ranch.
- Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Daily Star
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