The last engagement between Union and Confederate forces in Arizona Territory, ending Confederate presence in the region during the Civil War.
Key Facts
- Date
- July 1, 1862
- Confederate deaths
- 7–12, including Capt. Cleaver
- Local civilian deaths
- Up to 40
- Confederate artillery captured
- 2 pieces
- Confederate force size at retreat
- 3700 soldiers
- Confederate losses on retreat to San Antonio
- ~1700 soldiers
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After defeats at the Battle of Albuquerque and Battle of Glorieta Pass, Confederate forces retreated through Arizona Territory in poor condition, short of supplies. In Mesilla, their capital in the territory, retreating troops seized cattle and crops from local New Mexican and Puebloan inhabitants, provoking armed resistance from the population.
On July 1, 1862, fighting erupted in Mesilla between retreating Confederate troops and local guerrillas, resulting in 20 civilian deaths in town. Skirmishes on the outskirts followed, during which New Mexican guerrillas captured two pieces of Confederate artillery and drove Confederate forces from the area, killing between seven and twelve rebels including their commander, Capt. Cleaver of the 7th Texas Infantry.
Confederate forces were expelled from Mesilla and Arizona Territory, pursued southward toward El Paso by New Mexican and Puebloan fighters. Union officers arriving in Mesilla were welcomed warmly. The remaining Confederate column continued its disorganized retreat to San Antonio, losing roughly 1,700 of 3,700 men during the march, covered by Herbert's Battalion of Arizona Cavalry as rearguard.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Capt. Cleaver (KIA).