Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon

Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon
Part of the Apache Wars, American Civil War
Date May 3, 1864 Location Doubtful Canyon, Peloncillo Mountains, Arizona Territory; now in Hidalgo County, New Mexico Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Apache
Commanders and leaders
Henry H. Stevens	unknown
Strength
54	~100
Casualties and losses
5 or 6 wounded, 1 missing	10 killed, 20 wounded

The Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon took place on May 3, 1864, between a company of infantry from the California Column and a band of about 100 Apaches. The fighting occurred near Steins Peak in Doubtful Canyon, Arizona Territory. Doubtful Canyon, along with Apache Pass and Cookes Canyon, was a favored location for an ambush by the Apache along the Butterfield Overland Mail route.

The Californians were on the march from Fort Cummings to Fort Bowie in the military District of Arizona, when they were attacked in the canyon. The band of Apaches were defeated by 54 men of Company I, 5th California Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant Henry H. Stevens. The skirmish lasted about an hour until the Apache fled. The Apache lost 10 killed and 20 wounded. The Californians lost 1 missing and 5 wounded according to official records. Michno claims the battle lasted almost two hours and that the Californians suffered 6 wounded (1 mortally), and 1 missing, presumed killed.

References

• Michno, F. Gregory (2009). Encyclopedia of Indian wars: Western battles and skirmishes 1850–1890. Missoula, Montana: Mountain Press Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-87842-468-9.