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The General and the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution and Revenge
On the cold, dark night of March 9, 1916, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa— el jaguar —and his band of marauders crossed the border and raided the tiny town of Columbus, New Mexico. It was a vicious surprise attack, ending with corpses piled in the streets and psychological wounds that would last a lifetime. Suspects were rounded up, trials were held, and a virulent backlash against persons of Mexican origin erupted. General John “Black Jack” Pershing was told to assemble a small army, head into Mexico, and get Villa, dead or alive. The last hurrah for the U.S. cavalry, the “Punitive Expedition” marked America’s first use of armored tanks, airplanes, and trucks against an enemy. One of the deputies Pershing would choose was a recent West Point graduate named George Patton.
The expedition brought the United States and Mexico to the brink of war, but it also restored greatness to both prey and predator. More than a classic account of the war for control of the West, The General and the Jaguar is a brilliant chronicle of obsession and revenge and a dual portrait of John Pershing and Pancho Villa, two of the greatest military minds of all time.
The expedition brought the United States and Mexico to the brink of war, but it also restored greatness to both prey and predator. More than a classic account of the war for control of the West, The General and the Jaguar is a brilliant chronicle of obsession and revenge and a dual portrait of John Pershing and Pancho Villa, two of the greatest military minds of all time.
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 25, 2021
In 1916, Pancho Villa and his troops (or bandidos, it was never clear what to call them) crossed the border and attacked the small town of Columbus, NM. Understandably, the US troops stationed in Columbus took a dim view of the incursion and a vigorous shootout ensued. Civilians were murdered, buildings were burned, crockery was broken. The surviving raiders retreated into Mexico to be followed up by US forces under the command of John (Black Jack) Pershing.
Pershing was a man to be reckoned with. He was the survivor of many scraps, an officer who led from the front and shared the hardships of the men under his command. His pursuit of Villa was a mix of new technology and old-fashioned blood and sweat; mounted cavalry supplied by trucks and supported by aircraft. This force of hard and determined troops drove deep into Mexico in pursuit of equally hard men who had the home field advantage. Interestingly, Pershing's Aide was a young George Patton, a man who needs no introduction.
Welsome has done an outstanding job in writing this. Her research goes beyond actual small unit warfare and gives the reader an understanding of the people and events involved in this border fray. The descriptions of the battles are thrilling and her accounts of the politics involved in the incident are no less interesting. There are plenty of glossy photos to put faces to the names, and sketches to show the progress and dispersal of troops for the different encounters. The book is as engrossing as any fiction. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in this period of Mexican-American relations.
Pershing was a man to be reckoned with. He was the survivor of many scraps, an officer who led from the front and shared the hardships of the men under his command. His pursuit of Villa was a mix of new technology and old-fashioned blood and sweat; mounted cavalry supplied by trucks and supported by aircraft. This force of hard and determined troops drove deep into Mexico in pursuit of equally hard men who had the home field advantage. Interestingly, Pershing's Aide was a young George Patton, a man who needs no introduction.
Welsome has done an outstanding job in writing this. Her research goes beyond actual small unit warfare and gives the reader an understanding of the people and events involved in this border fray. The descriptions of the battles are thrilling and her accounts of the politics involved in the incident are no less interesting. There are plenty of glossy photos to put faces to the names, and sketches to show the progress and dispersal of troops for the different encounters. The book is as engrossing as any fiction. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in this period of Mexican-American relations.
November 30, 2022
Interesting book about the Poncho Villa raid of Columbus, New Mexico in March 1916, and the subsequent ‘Punitive Expedition’ when President Woodrow Wilson sent 5,000 troops under General Pershing into Mexico to capture or kill Villa.
I’ve read a lot of books about the Mexican Revolution, and I’ve read John Eisenhower’s ‘Intervention!’ which covers the same events. While Eileen Welsome has a lot of material that I don’t recall was in Eisenhower’s book, I was a little put off with her writing style. Ms. Welsome has a lot of dialogue in quotes which caused some concern. How could she possible know word-for-word what some obscure people said 100 years ago.
In addition, the dialogue often includes passionate language like ‘fire in his eyes’. Are these comments appropriate for a scholarly history book?
Then too, there are no footnotes indicating where Ms. Welsome got these passionate dialogues. The book reads like a cheap tabloid magazine article.
I was about half way though the book when I discovered that there are supportive notes in the back of the book. Welsome has an odd way documenting her facts. Instead of numbered footnotes embedded in the text, Ms. Welsome notes are listed by page number in the back of the book. Note #1 concerns the support of things said on page 1. Note #2 concerns the support of the things said on page 2, and so on.
It is here that we learn that Welsome got her dialogue from court documents, government investigations, and recollections of family members.
So, all-in-all, I would say that I would recommend this book for students of the Mexican Revolution but warn that the writing style is more tabloid than scholarly.
I’ve read a lot of books about the Mexican Revolution, and I’ve read John Eisenhower’s ‘Intervention!’ which covers the same events. While Eileen Welsome has a lot of material that I don’t recall was in Eisenhower’s book, I was a little put off with her writing style. Ms. Welsome has a lot of dialogue in quotes which caused some concern. How could she possible know word-for-word what some obscure people said 100 years ago.
In addition, the dialogue often includes passionate language like ‘fire in his eyes’. Are these comments appropriate for a scholarly history book?
Then too, there are no footnotes indicating where Ms. Welsome got these passionate dialogues. The book reads like a cheap tabloid magazine article.
I was about half way though the book when I discovered that there are supportive notes in the back of the book. Welsome has an odd way documenting her facts. Instead of numbered footnotes embedded in the text, Ms. Welsome notes are listed by page number in the back of the book. Note #1 concerns the support of things said on page 1. Note #2 concerns the support of the things said on page 2, and so on.
It is here that we learn that Welsome got her dialogue from court documents, government investigations, and recollections of family members.
So, all-in-all, I would say that I would recommend this book for students of the Mexican Revolution but warn that the writing style is more tabloid than scholarly.
April 8, 2018
A very interesting topic about which I knew very little. Much like the Punitive Expedition this book chronicles, it starts well with lots of energy but ultimately sort of collapses under its own weight and limps to the finish line. The book is plagued by cringe worthy descriptions of people -- ie his "cruel eyes" and "feminine mouth" etc that seem to pop up from something in the 19th Century. The turmoil of the Mexican revolution - and the images painted of American investment and involvement as well as the Veracruz occupation were fascinating. And the book inspired me to learn more about the Mexican revolution. I was shocked that no mention was made of the infamous Zimmerman Telegram when the author briefly touches on German aspirations to instigate a war between the USA and Mexico. Ulitmately, it felt like a self-published work that didn't have the depth to address such broad issues of Revolution and Invasion. Further, I felt the author treated Villa's brutality with far too benign an attitude. He was a cruel, cruel SOB.
July 30, 2013
American foreign policy has not changed much since Pershing rode down into Mexico to hunt down Pancho Villa, he even brought George Patton with him... If you're interested in the Mexican Revolution and Pacho Villa this is a must read book. It's a wonderful story, well researched and full of foot notes and references. But it reads like a novel... I really enjoyed this one... there's plenty of hard riding, killing and History...
November 22, 2025
The General and the Jaguar takes the reader through the rise of Pancho Villa and his eventual downfall at the hands of the US Army led by General Pershing and George Patton. This book does a fabulous job of concisely explaining the Mexican Revolution and distilling down a complex topic. The various players are covered with enough detail to understand context and then pivot to focusing on Villa and how he interacted with the United States. The US interests and ultimate failure to capture Villa are well documented here. A nighttime raid by Villa’s forces into the United States compelled America to send an Army into Mexico and chase Villa across some of the most unforgiving terrain. This book tracks their movements and hardships the troops faced as well as how Villa eluded capture. Overall a great addition to the historiography on this topic.
December 27, 2020
Fascinating story of an episode of American history I knew nothing about. Welsome's narrative is well-paced, yet historically informed.
January 31, 2020
The General and the Jaguar is the story of Francisco "Pancho" Villa and General John J. "Blackjack" Pershing's expedition into Mexico to try to capture him and/or disperse his forces.
Mexico in the early 20th Century was racked by revolutions and counter-revolutions. The United States, especially under the Administration of Woodrow Wilson, had taken a largely neutral, watchful waiting stance during this turmoil. Pancho Villa, a blood-thirsty revolutionary leader, was only one of several revolutionary armies active in Mexico, but originally liked the United States and considered Americans as friends. Another such force was led by Venustiano Carranza. In 1914, these two previously allied forces started fighting each other and a bitter hatred developed between them. Carranza defeated most of his rivals and became Mexico's head of state in 1915 and was elected President in 1917.
In an attempt to try to stabilize the environment in Mexico, or so he thought, Woodrow Wilson then decided to extend formal diplomatic relations to the Carranza government. This shocked and angered Pancho Villa who viewed this as a personal betrayal by America and decided to take it out on America and Americans. This is what led up to his infamous attack on Columbus, New Mexico.
The author of the book, Eileen Welsome, is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and winner of PEN Awards for one of her books. Well written and researched, it gives the reader a strong sense of the anxiety of life along the border and a real insight into the mind of this cold-hearted popular hero of so many Mexican people, at least those not devastated by his ruthlessness.
The American expedition into Mexico very nearly brought our two countries into full scale war, with two armed engagements between our forces described. Militia united from dozens of states being called up. But events in Europe being what they were, cooler heads eventually prevailed and Pershing eventually was ordered to withdraw from Mexico.
Pancho Villa was never captured but was himself assassinated on July 20, 1923, exactly three years after laying down his arms.
Mexico in the early 20th Century was racked by revolutions and counter-revolutions. The United States, especially under the Administration of Woodrow Wilson, had taken a largely neutral, watchful waiting stance during this turmoil. Pancho Villa, a blood-thirsty revolutionary leader, was only one of several revolutionary armies active in Mexico, but originally liked the United States and considered Americans as friends. Another such force was led by Venustiano Carranza. In 1914, these two previously allied forces started fighting each other and a bitter hatred developed between them. Carranza defeated most of his rivals and became Mexico's head of state in 1915 and was elected President in 1917.
In an attempt to try to stabilize the environment in Mexico, or so he thought, Woodrow Wilson then decided to extend formal diplomatic relations to the Carranza government. This shocked and angered Pancho Villa who viewed this as a personal betrayal by America and decided to take it out on America and Americans. This is what led up to his infamous attack on Columbus, New Mexico.
The author of the book, Eileen Welsome, is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and winner of PEN Awards for one of her books. Well written and researched, it gives the reader a strong sense of the anxiety of life along the border and a real insight into the mind of this cold-hearted popular hero of so many Mexican people, at least those not devastated by his ruthlessness.
The American expedition into Mexico very nearly brought our two countries into full scale war, with two armed engagements between our forces described. Militia united from dozens of states being called up. But events in Europe being what they were, cooler heads eventually prevailed and Pershing eventually was ordered to withdraw from Mexico.
Pancho Villa was never captured but was himself assassinated on July 20, 1923, exactly three years after laying down his arms.
October 13, 2024
In my humble opinion, one of the characteristics of a strong historical account in written form is when the author manages to tell the story and make it sound more as an engaging, thrilling novel as opposed to a documentary loaded with obscure facts. Such is the case with this wonderful narrative. This is a fascinating story about the latter-day events of the infamous Mexican revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa. Do you know much about Pancho Villa? I would suspect not. It’s possible your grandparents did, but the events of Villa that captured most of the headlines occurred during the first World War, which has now been in excess of 100 years, and much of the escapades have faded from memory.
After reading this wonderful book by Eileen Welsome, you’ll learn an awful lot, and the story, while very harsh at times, does an incredible job keeping the reader interested and perhaps even leaving them with a desire to learn more about the events surrounding the history of the particular time. I know I certainly did.
Unlike its northern neighbor the United States, the country of Mexico has never had a stable government, and throughout its sordid history, we see how corruption and mismanagement can dismantle the best of intentions when trying to run a country. We start the story around the time of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz, but I guess we could even go back further if we wanted. Diaz, like most of his contemporaries South of the Border is crooked, and if we’re honest, it doesn’t help when wealthy U.S. businessmen and government officials exploit many of the endeavors of such governments. There are a few very very rich, but the majority of the citizens are dirt poor and relegated to a life of squalor and grime.
Pancho Villa is one that seeks change, but he’s one among many and truth be told, it seems as all of these revolutionaries are all about equally as corrupt as the leaders that they want to overthrow. Governments and leaders come and government leaders go, all in a somewhat brutal fashion. When the antagonistic Carranza regime takes over, there’s initially animosity from Woodrow Wilson and the rest of America, but it soon becomes apparent that even though the Carranza regime has less than honorable intentions towards its citizens, the business interests of the United States will still prosper, so somewhat of an alliance is formed. Pancho Villa is not happy.
Villa then seeks revenge on anything and everyone north of the Rio Grande. He and his bandits hijack a passenger train somewhere close to the border and all Americans are ruthlessly slaughtered. Villa continues his onslaught, and he decides his next target will be within the continental U.S., specifically the sleepy city of Columbus, New Mexico.
This book provides lot of detail that takes place around Villa’s sacking of the town. As I mentioned, this book almost reads like a novel, so the unfortunate scene in this city is set up with a lot of care and detail. We can almost hear the ominous clouds in the distance as the citizens in this town go about their everyday life. After the travesty occurs, the American public is understandably enraged, and President Wilson calls in General John “Black Jack” Pershing to hunt the rapacious bandito. Of course, Wilson and Pershing need to be careful. The U.S. can’t start a full-fledged war with Mexico, yet rather only capture the instigator of the Columbus raid. We must also remember that there is a great war already happening in Europe (these events take place in 1916) but the U.S. wasn’t really involved in the European conflict yet, so everything must be handled carefully with all of the geopolitical events going on.
As mentioned, author Eileen Welsome does a splendid job with telling us the stories of so many of the common people that are involved in this nightmare. We actually feel the harsh desert dust in our face as we encounter so many of the perfectly described locales. The rugged hills of Mexico produce such a climate to where the daytime is treacherously hot, yet the evenings are so bitterly cold that soldiers are faced with both sunburn and frostbite as they plow their way through the barren landscapes of northern Mexico.
Now, if you don’t know the story of Pancho Villa, I should point out that the “strength” I alluded to earlier that this thing reads as a novel also means that you’re a little bit likely to feel let down near the end of this account. Although we read about Villa on the run from Pershing and his men, the “exciting climax” never arrives. You can’t change history. Still, though, conclusions of all the major figures in this book are to be about as expected when you consider the atmosphere and circumstances of the time. I can still see a good movie being made about this, however, as long as a director has the same devotion to detail as the author.
This book was a “surprise” for me. I really had no interest in it other than I found it for $1 at a “used book” library sale. Sometimes the best rewards are the unexpected ones. History, although almost always tragic, can be fascinating at the same time. This book shows us just that.
After reading this wonderful book by Eileen Welsome, you’ll learn an awful lot, and the story, while very harsh at times, does an incredible job keeping the reader interested and perhaps even leaving them with a desire to learn more about the events surrounding the history of the particular time. I know I certainly did.
Unlike its northern neighbor the United States, the country of Mexico has never had a stable government, and throughout its sordid history, we see how corruption and mismanagement can dismantle the best of intentions when trying to run a country. We start the story around the time of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz, but I guess we could even go back further if we wanted. Diaz, like most of his contemporaries South of the Border is crooked, and if we’re honest, it doesn’t help when wealthy U.S. businessmen and government officials exploit many of the endeavors of such governments. There are a few very very rich, but the majority of the citizens are dirt poor and relegated to a life of squalor and grime.
Pancho Villa is one that seeks change, but he’s one among many and truth be told, it seems as all of these revolutionaries are all about equally as corrupt as the leaders that they want to overthrow. Governments and leaders come and government leaders go, all in a somewhat brutal fashion. When the antagonistic Carranza regime takes over, there’s initially animosity from Woodrow Wilson and the rest of America, but it soon becomes apparent that even though the Carranza regime has less than honorable intentions towards its citizens, the business interests of the United States will still prosper, so somewhat of an alliance is formed. Pancho Villa is not happy.
Villa then seeks revenge on anything and everyone north of the Rio Grande. He and his bandits hijack a passenger train somewhere close to the border and all Americans are ruthlessly slaughtered. Villa continues his onslaught, and he decides his next target will be within the continental U.S., specifically the sleepy city of Columbus, New Mexico.
This book provides lot of detail that takes place around Villa’s sacking of the town. As I mentioned, this book almost reads like a novel, so the unfortunate scene in this city is set up with a lot of care and detail. We can almost hear the ominous clouds in the distance as the citizens in this town go about their everyday life. After the travesty occurs, the American public is understandably enraged, and President Wilson calls in General John “Black Jack” Pershing to hunt the rapacious bandito. Of course, Wilson and Pershing need to be careful. The U.S. can’t start a full-fledged war with Mexico, yet rather only capture the instigator of the Columbus raid. We must also remember that there is a great war already happening in Europe (these events take place in 1916) but the U.S. wasn’t really involved in the European conflict yet, so everything must be handled carefully with all of the geopolitical events going on.
As mentioned, author Eileen Welsome does a splendid job with telling us the stories of so many of the common people that are involved in this nightmare. We actually feel the harsh desert dust in our face as we encounter so many of the perfectly described locales. The rugged hills of Mexico produce such a climate to where the daytime is treacherously hot, yet the evenings are so bitterly cold that soldiers are faced with both sunburn and frostbite as they plow their way through the barren landscapes of northern Mexico.
Now, if you don’t know the story of Pancho Villa, I should point out that the “strength” I alluded to earlier that this thing reads as a novel also means that you’re a little bit likely to feel let down near the end of this account. Although we read about Villa on the run from Pershing and his men, the “exciting climax” never arrives. You can’t change history. Still, though, conclusions of all the major figures in this book are to be about as expected when you consider the atmosphere and circumstances of the time. I can still see a good movie being made about this, however, as long as a director has the same devotion to detail as the author.
This book was a “surprise” for me. I really had no interest in it other than I found it for $1 at a “used book” library sale. Sometimes the best rewards are the unexpected ones. History, although almost always tragic, can be fascinating at the same time. This book shows us just that.
December 16, 2020
Excellent material on the two adversaries Pershing and Villa. As for Pershing and his expedition into Mexico I found military comparisons with Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott(in prior year's war with Mexico) not in Pershing's favor. The officers garrisoning Columbus also left much to be desired. Pershing goes on to Command the American Expeditionary Force in Europe. Returning he achieved the highest rank (General of The Armies) only George Washington was so honored. Military cameos were made by Douglas MacArthur (Veracruz), George Patton and George McClellan with Pershing.
Pancho Villa is covered warts and all; his victories, defeats and mercurial moods. I found his sending General of Artillery Felipe Angeles to Texas generous before his major defeat. Perhaps there was a shortage of shells and powder? Villa's dark side was reflected in Rudolfo Fiero , El Carnicero (the butcher) who was known to have killed hundreds of prisoners.
The hatred for los gringos was more than matched by that of Americans for the Mexicans. Both sides committed war crimes. Noteworthy was the women who reported their captors were gallant.
While the suffering of Americans is well covered it should be noted that Mexicans had endured conflict since 1910 and continued long after Pershing's withdrawal. Nearly 2,000,000 died, combatants and civilians (out of a 15 million population).
I had known previously that Villa was injured and treated by an indio but I did not know he was shot by one of his own troops. Nor did I know of his assassination long after hostilities ceased.
In 1995 my sister-in-law's mother (as a young girl then) was asked what they did when Villa's men came. She replied, "they hid in caves, the men dug spider holes and when the Villa's men rode in they arose and ambushed them!" Her older sister however rode with the Dorados (armed women soldiers).
Regarding the Zimmermann telegram, In my 2017 visit to Berlin, German historian Horst Gies ridiculed the idea that such a low-level official ever authored such a document.
Pancho Villa is covered warts and all; his victories, defeats and mercurial moods. I found his sending General of Artillery Felipe Angeles to Texas generous before his major defeat. Perhaps there was a shortage of shells and powder? Villa's dark side was reflected in Rudolfo Fiero , El Carnicero (the butcher) who was known to have killed hundreds of prisoners.
The hatred for los gringos was more than matched by that of Americans for the Mexicans. Both sides committed war crimes. Noteworthy was the women who reported their captors were gallant.
While the suffering of Americans is well covered it should be noted that Mexicans had endured conflict since 1910 and continued long after Pershing's withdrawal. Nearly 2,000,000 died, combatants and civilians (out of a 15 million population).
I had known previously that Villa was injured and treated by an indio but I did not know he was shot by one of his own troops. Nor did I know of his assassination long after hostilities ceased.
In 1995 my sister-in-law's mother (as a young girl then) was asked what they did when Villa's men came. She replied, "they hid in caves, the men dug spider holes and when the Villa's men rode in they arose and ambushed them!" Her older sister however rode with the Dorados (armed women soldiers).
Regarding the Zimmermann telegram, In my 2017 visit to Berlin, German historian Horst Gies ridiculed the idea that such a low-level official ever authored such a document.
July 19, 2018
A solid read about an interesting topic.
While I did know some details regarding Pancho Villa and the attack, this book definitely filled me in on a lot of the information I was missing.
I really enjoyed when the book would focus on the topic itself and describe locales and environments in vivid detail. Even the information regarding the Mexican Revolution was very interesting, I wish he would've gone into more detail on that, but obviously its not what the book is about.
The downside to the book is that it does tend to get bogged down in information and minutia that could have been skipped over. For example, there's a chapter devoted to many of the people in the town that was attacked, and what their history and standings were. While I appreciate and respect the detail, I cant help but wonder if we weren't missing on other more important information regarding Pancho Villa or Pershing's expedition.
A solid read if you are interested in the subject matter.
While I did know some details regarding Pancho Villa and the attack, this book definitely filled me in on a lot of the information I was missing.
I really enjoyed when the book would focus on the topic itself and describe locales and environments in vivid detail. Even the information regarding the Mexican Revolution was very interesting, I wish he would've gone into more detail on that, but obviously its not what the book is about.
The downside to the book is that it does tend to get bogged down in information and minutia that could have been skipped over. For example, there's a chapter devoted to many of the people in the town that was attacked, and what their history and standings were. While I appreciate and respect the detail, I cant help but wonder if we weren't missing on other more important information regarding Pancho Villa or Pershing's expedition.
A solid read if you are interested in the subject matter.
October 17, 2024
The General and The Jaguar by Eileen Welsome
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A story focused on a forgotten time in US history; the 1916 raid of Columbus, New Mexico by Mexican bandit Pancho Villa and his troops and the US Army punitive expedition to exact revenge on the bandits. The expedition would be led by General John J. Pershing who would go on to lead the US armed forces in World War 1, and would be joined by a young lieutenant named George Patton(later of WW2 fame). The chase would lead them through the deserts and mountains of Mexico on the hunt for the infamous revolutionary Pancho Villa. Also in this book the reader is given a detailed look at the rise of Pancho Villa and other major players during the Mexican revolution in the early 1900’s. Very interesting read!
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#bookstagram #book #history #usa #mexico #generalpershing #generalpatton #unitedstates #panchovilla #bandit #banditos #army #newmexico #border #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks
.
.
.
A story focused on a forgotten time in US history; the 1916 raid of Columbus, New Mexico by Mexican bandit Pancho Villa and his troops and the US Army punitive expedition to exact revenge on the bandits. The expedition would be led by General John J. Pershing who would go on to lead the US armed forces in World War 1, and would be joined by a young lieutenant named George Patton(later of WW2 fame). The chase would lead them through the deserts and mountains of Mexico on the hunt for the infamous revolutionary Pancho Villa. Also in this book the reader is given a detailed look at the rise of Pancho Villa and other major players during the Mexican revolution in the early 1900’s. Very interesting read!
.
.
.
#bookstagram #book #history #usa #mexico #generalpershing #generalpatton #unitedstates #panchovilla #bandit #banditos #army #newmexico #border #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks
June 6, 2019
Lyrical and Horrifying
A beautifully written narrative based on solid research. This book shows the depth of the historical divide between Mexico and the US, a long sad string of misunderstandings, betrayals, racism, and appalling violence. The tensions and issues have not gone away. This book should be required reading in Washington. There are no good guys in this story and that is the point.
A beautifully written narrative based on solid research. This book shows the depth of the historical divide between Mexico and the US, a long sad string of misunderstandings, betrayals, racism, and appalling violence. The tensions and issues have not gone away. This book should be required reading in Washington. There are no good guys in this story and that is the point.
September 4, 2020
History re-visited
An interesting account of the Columbus NM. Raid. The events leading to the raid were descriptive and held your attention. The many side stories of individuals who participated in the hunt for Villa were well told and seemed very objective. For those serious students of the Mexican Revolution, a MUST read to fill in the gaps of the historic events.
An interesting account of the Columbus NM. Raid. The events leading to the raid were descriptive and held your attention. The many side stories of individuals who participated in the hunt for Villa were well told and seemed very objective. For those serious students of the Mexican Revolution, a MUST read to fill in the gaps of the historic events.
May 11, 2021
Excellent concise tale/history about Pancho Villa's infamous raid on Colombus and the aftermath of Black Jack Pershing's pursuit into Chihuahua. List the events, names and histories of many of the principal characters.
July 8, 2021
As popularly written history goes, it is a good read. Plenty of colorful phrasing and descriptions to keep the reader engrossed. Not recommended for those researching the topic of the Pershing Expedition or Pancho Villa at the college level for graded activities.
September 26, 2017
brushes over pretty important items such as villa point blank shoots a woman and then orders the murder/excuction of 90 others.
June 17, 2019
Amazing the cost of war on men, horses and mules. My mother was living in Texas at this time but never mentioned it.
August 11, 2020
Excellent read
August 7, 2021
Loved it
Well written and brilliantly researched this book is a must read about this period in Mexican American history. Highly recommended
Well written and brilliantly researched this book is a must read about this period in Mexican American history. Highly recommended
February 14, 2025
Well researched, in depth documentation of the big picture of the Raid on Columbus. Compelling and well written.
January 15, 2017
Friction between the United States and Mexico is a long saga and The General and the Jaguar by Eileen Welsome chronicles a particular flashpoint in that relationship. The General is John J. Pershing, the Jaguar is Pancho Villa and the story is the 1916 American invasion of Mexico to capture Villa and to disperse his followers.
A fairly quiescent period in the relationship existed during the 35 years of relative stability under Mexican President Porfirio Díaz. That peace was shattered after disputed 1910 presidential election spawned a revolt that dispatched the Diaz’ regime. Governmental chaos during the subsequent three-way civil war was only partially relieved by the victory of Venustiano Carranza as his vanquished rivals, Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, resorted to guerrilla warfare. Whereas President Taft adopted a hands-off attitude, his successor was less restrained. Villa saw the Wilson Administration’s October 1915 recognition of the Carranza government as a betrayal and vented his wrath against the United States. During a raid on a train in Northern Mexico, Villa’s men removed 16 Americans from the train, lined them up and executed them. Tension were heightened when a riot in El Paso involving U. S. Army troops resulted in injuries to 25 Mexicans.
Seeking an accessible target for a retaliatory raid, Villa set his eyes on Columbus, New Mexico a border town housing four troops of U. S. Army soldiers (totaling about 240 men). During the trip north Villa killed William Nye Corbet and Ed Wright, two Americans with whom he had been friendly, and took Wright’s wife, Maud, hostage. The attack on the sleeping town began at 4 a.m. on March 9, 1916. Swarming into Columbus in four waves, Villa’s men held the initiative until being driven back by the counterattacking soldiers leaving 67 to 78 Mexicans, eight U. S. soldiers and ten civilians dead.
Although President Wilson was generally peace-loving, he was also a politician who would not risk appearing weak during an election year. Calls for revenge left him no choice but to authorize a punitive expedition. After weighing options up to and including an all-out invasion of Mexico (as his predecessor, James Polk, had done almost 70 years before), the Administration promised that “An adequate force will be sent at once in pursuit of Villa with the object of capturing him and putting a stop to his forays. This can and will be done in entirely friendly aid of the constituted authorities in Mexico and with scrupulous respect for the sovereignty of that Republic.” (p. 158)
Some officers of the Punitive Expedition had been seasoned in the Spanish American War and Philippine insurrection. Many, including its commander Black Jack Pershing and his aide George S. Patton, would go on to high command in the World Wars to follow.
The American force of infantry and cavalry, trucks and reconnaissance aircraft began their 500-mile journey in search of Villa and his band on March 15. As would happen to Twenty-first Century American warriors in Islamic lands Rough terrain, cold weather, and local resistance kept the Jaguar out of reach. Torn between a shared distaste for Villa and the need to defend Mexican honor, the Carranza government denied the American’s permission to use Mexican railways. Battles with Villistas at Parral on April 12 and Government forces at Carrizal on June 21 demonstrated the challenges of pursuit and the dangers of mission creep as the Expedition plunged deeper into Mexico. By February 5, 1917 the Americans returned to New Mexico with Villa weakened but not apprehended. Mexican resentment over the execution of seven captured Columbus raiders was doused by subsequent verdicts of not guilty and executive clemency.
The Mexican-American hostilities provided a pressure point that Germany attempted to exploit in order to keep the United States out of the Great War then raging in Europe. Against this background the otherwise seemingly ludicrous Zimmerman Telegram offering German assistance to Mexico to regain its lost territories in the American Southwest seems to be a much less Quixotic quest. The book itself is well written and holds the reader’s interest. Author Eileen Welsome draws on various sources, including the memories of hostage Maud Wright. Welsome displays a talent of keeping the characters straight, even for readers unfamiliar with Mexican history. The General and the Jaguar is a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the complexity of issues influencing America- Mexican relations and America’s entry into the World War I.
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February 5, 2021Remember when a band of Mexican soldiers crossed over the border and attacked an American town (Columbus, New Mexico), killing a bunch of people? No, neither did I. And I think I read more history than the average person. I was surprised that this event has pretty much fallen off the historical radar, considering the public outrage that other attacks on American soil have incited. Think Pearl Harbor.
I think that happened partly because the unpleasantness with Mexico was overshadowed by the events that quickly followed it: World War I. Also, it didn't lead to an all-out war because Pancho Villa, who led the attack, did not represent the government of Mexico. He was a leader of one faction among many in the complicated pattern of shifting alliances and grudges that was the Mexican Revolution, commanding his own army, and claiming to represent the poor people of Mexico, but without any official title or authority.
There was in fact American outrage at the time, and a demand for military action, but that military action was focused. General Pershing led a "Punitive Expedition" into Mexico with the goal of capturing or killing Pancho Villa. And that is the subject of this book.
"Punitive" was supposed to refer to punishing Pancho Villa, but could easily apply to the punishing conditions suffered by the American soldiers. They endured hunger, thirst, difficult terrain and extremes of weather. They faced initially a grudging acceptance by the Mexican people, but this turned into open hostility the longer they stayed, and the deeper they went into Mexico. Tensions were heightened on all sides, and the United States and Mexico almost did break out into a real war. Plans were made, and were just waiting for a little more provocation.
The expedition never found Pancho Villa, although they came maddeningly close, and they did kill some of his top supporters, and broke the power of his army. Maybe that is another reason this period of history is not well-remembered, because it can't be celebrated as a clear victory.
There was much to think about in reading this book. One can't help but think of the similarity to hunting Osama bin Laden in a hostile environment. It was also interesting to think about the long history of prejudices between Americans and Mexicans. Our current fence on the border, and demanding ethnic-looking types to present papers are part of a relationship whose difficulty goes back a long way.
Pancho Villa is also a very interesting personality. He is admired in Mexico as something of a folk hero for his desire to take from the rich and give to the poor, and could be kind to "his people," but his methods were cruel. Again and again we are told that he forced men to follow him by threatening to kill their families if they did not. He was capricious, ruthless, and if not a psychopath, then something close to it. I was glad to learn more about the history of Mexico than I had before.
I think that happened partly because the unpleasantness with Mexico was overshadowed by the events that quickly followed it: World War I. Also, it didn't lead to an all-out war because Pancho Villa, who led the attack, did not represent the government of Mexico. He was a leader of one faction among many in the complicated pattern of shifting alliances and grudges that was the Mexican Revolution, commanding his own army, and claiming to represent the poor people of Mexico, but without any official title or authority.
There was in fact American outrage at the time, and a demand for military action, but that military action was focused. General Pershing led a "Punitive Expedition" into Mexico with the goal of capturing or killing Pancho Villa. And that is the subject of this book.
"Punitive" was supposed to refer to punishing Pancho Villa, but could easily apply to the punishing conditions suffered by the American soldiers. They endured hunger, thirst, difficult terrain and extremes of weather. They faced initially a grudging acceptance by the Mexican people, but this turned into open hostility the longer they stayed, and the deeper they went into Mexico. Tensions were heightened on all sides, and the United States and Mexico almost did break out into a real war. Plans were made, and were just waiting for a little more provocation.
The expedition never found Pancho Villa, although they came maddeningly close, and they did kill some of his top supporters, and broke the power of his army. Maybe that is another reason this period of history is not well-remembered, because it can't be celebrated as a clear victory.
There was much to think about in reading this book. One can't help but think of the similarity to hunting Osama bin Laden in a hostile environment. It was also interesting to think about the long history of prejudices between Americans and Mexicans. Our current fence on the border, and demanding ethnic-looking types to present papers are part of a relationship whose difficulty goes back a long way.
Pancho Villa is also a very interesting personality. He is admired in Mexico as something of a folk hero for his desire to take from the rich and give to the poor, and could be kind to "his people," but his methods were cruel. Again and again we are told that he forced men to follow him by threatening to kill their families if they did not. He was capricious, ruthless, and if not a psychopath, then something close to it. I was glad to learn more about the history of Mexico than I had before.
February 22, 2017
The story of Poncho Villa and his ire at the US Government is interesting but as a historical page it's a bit thin. Pershing, a well-decorated soldier, was charged with bringing in Villa dead or alive after a nortorious train massacre where American businessmen were slaughtered. After reaching into Mexico's interior by 500 miles, Villa slipped by Pershing's men and Pershing was ordered back by Wilson's orders. Never captured, Villa died of old age years later.
August 3, 2015
Eileen Welsome's The General and the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa is an amazing story to say the least. Welsome is brings to light an often overlooked part of US and Mexican history in an interesting and gripping way. Welsome begins with the build up to the raid on Columbus, New Mexico and details the expedition to bring Villa and his army to justice. This is not simply a story of the chase to bring Villa to justice however, but the impact that Villa's raid had on the small town of Columbus, New Mexico. It follows the stories of the individual soldiers and citizens involved in the raid as well as the raiders. It is told in an almost novel like approach, much like the books written by David McCullough.
The General and the Jaguar is an interesting read, many overlook the importance of the Villa raid and the punitive expidition. It was one of the first times the military used the airplane (the "Jenny") in an operation. Two of the biggest names in future military history gained experience fro the expedition - Pershing (US commander in WWI) and Patton (general in WWII). Moreover, this was the first time the US had been attacked by a foreign power since 1812 (excluding the Confederacy). The Mexican revolution itself is often overlooked in media and in classrooms, and Welsome does a solid job of presenting the reasons why the revolt happened and how the government changed hands dso many times during the turbulent period of 1910 -1922.
Welsome covers a rather odd incident in US/ Mexican history filled with stories of political intrigue, new technology, survival, courage, battle , and persevereance. Some points in the book are proof that life is in fact stranger than fiction (ie the use of Japanese assasins to poison Villa's coffee or Pershing's romance with Patton's sister Nita) just to name a couple. This is an interesting read I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the History of Mexico.
The General and the Jaguar is an interesting read, many overlook the importance of the Villa raid and the punitive expidition. It was one of the first times the military used the airplane (the "Jenny") in an operation. Two of the biggest names in future military history gained experience fro the expedition - Pershing (US commander in WWI) and Patton (general in WWII). Moreover, this was the first time the US had been attacked by a foreign power since 1812 (excluding the Confederacy). The Mexican revolution itself is often overlooked in media and in classrooms, and Welsome does a solid job of presenting the reasons why the revolt happened and how the government changed hands dso many times during the turbulent period of 1910 -1922.
Welsome covers a rather odd incident in US/ Mexican history filled with stories of political intrigue, new technology, survival, courage, battle , and persevereance. Some points in the book are proof that life is in fact stranger than fiction (ie the use of Japanese assasins to poison Villa's coffee or Pershing's romance with Patton's sister Nita) just to name a couple. This is an interesting read I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the History of Mexico.
March 14, 2011
The title of the book is an accurate description of the contents - a long slog through General Pershing's attempt to capture Pancho Villa in Mexico foreshadowed by the tale of the revolution that lead to Villa's banditry. Several things struck me about this recounting of the story that is at the heart of the book which is essentially the tale of Villa's attempt to terrorize the small village of Columbus, New Mexico in 1916 - Panchito was a stone cold killer, a real badass, but evidently one who held to true revolutionary zeal. He robbed the rich landowners and turned over their haciendas to the peasants. He didn't live lavishly even in his later years when he struck a bargain with the Mexican ruling class that allowed him to lay down his guns and live out his days. That he was murdered by a peasant that he thought was a supporter as he shouted "Viva Villa" before he gunned him down is ironic.
The book tells the story that few of us may have known from history class (no surprise there)about the overly zealous US military types lead by Pershing and a young George Macarthur and their troops who hunted Villa under questionable terms; they were basically an invading force in a foreign country on tenuous circumstances searching for a Mexican terrorist. In the end, I had little if any compassion for Villa because he clearly was a sociopath, killing anyone for any perceived reasoon and doing it with glee but I found this a workable if overly long account.
And irony of ironies, my copy of the book was inscribed to a grandson of one of Villa's most trusted Gernerals (Nicholas Fernandez) who evidently has less interest in the topic than I do :-)
The book tells the story that few of us may have known from history class (no surprise there)about the overly zealous US military types lead by Pershing and a young George Macarthur and their troops who hunted Villa under questionable terms; they were basically an invading force in a foreign country on tenuous circumstances searching for a Mexican terrorist. In the end, I had little if any compassion for Villa because he clearly was a sociopath, killing anyone for any perceived reasoon and doing it with glee but I found this a workable if overly long account.
And irony of ironies, my copy of the book was inscribed to a grandson of one of Villa's most trusted Gernerals (Nicholas Fernandez) who evidently has less interest in the topic than I do :-)
December 31, 2014
A book that gets to the heart of the long-running enmity between Mexico and the USA. It is all here- the violence and savagery that seems to plague the Mexican people, and the prejudice and high-handedness of Americans and their government. The story is grippingly told. Pancho Villa's campaign against Mexico's military government found favor in US circles until pre WWI exigencies compelled Woodrow Wilson to recognize Carranza, the dictator. Betrayed, Villa vowed to take his forces against US citizens. The result was a brutal attack on Columbus, NM, and a punitive expedition into Mexico led by John Pershing, later to lead US forces in WWI Europe.
Conceived as a face-saving gesture by Wilson, but as a prelude to US expansion into Northern Mexico by Pershing and the Manifest Destiny adherents, the invasion into Chihuahua quickly turned into a misadventure. Porfirio Diaz, whom the revolution supplanted as Mexico's leader, once said "Poor Mexico- so far from God, so close to the USA." Pancho Villa seemed to embody this tragic irony, though it was not Pershing or the US that finally defeated him.
Conceived as a face-saving gesture by Wilson, but as a prelude to US expansion into Northern Mexico by Pershing and the Manifest Destiny adherents, the invasion into Chihuahua quickly turned into a misadventure. Porfirio Diaz, whom the revolution supplanted as Mexico's leader, once said "Poor Mexico- so far from God, so close to the USA." Pancho Villa seemed to embody this tragic irony, though it was not Pershing or the US that finally defeated him.
April 6, 2016
In 1916, a band of Mexican revolutionaries under the command of Pancho Villa attacked the U.S. border town of Columbus, New Mexico killing a dozen citizens and three soldiers. The 13th Cavalry which was camped outside of town repulsed the raiders, killing and wounding about 30-50 and capturing another 7. They then pursued them into Mexico for 15 miles killing 20 more. When word got back to Washington about the raid, President Wilson sent General John J. Pershing with over 10,000 soldiers far into Chihuahua, Mexico almost into Durango -- about 300 miles south of the border. The soldiers captured another dozen Villistas and killed a dozen more. They killed two of Villa's generals and scattered his forces at the cost of a few soldiers killed. Villa escaped but he never was the powerful general that he had been before Columbus. The fragmented Mexican de facto government wanted the U.S. troops out of their country but Pershing stayed for almost 10 months before returning to the U.S. This account is well researched and offers some fascinating insights into this strange period in Mexican American relations.
June 30, 2012
I read this book as part of my research for my Masters thesis about the experience of an enlisted soldier during the Punitive Expedition, WWI, his injury, and life upon his return to the United States and after the war. The book held my interest in the topic due to Welsome's narrative writing style recounting the historical events of the US Army and Pershing chasing Villa around northern Mexico. While I would have enjoyed more information about the daily life of the average soldier in the Punitive Expedition, that was obviously not the focus for the author. But, a good book nonetheless.
January 13, 2015
I was looking for some context fee troops in WW1 and this event was it. Strange the US was in another country when in Europe Germany was urging Belgium to allow its troops to pass through to attack France. The US and Mexico actually had an agreement though. Also got some local history. Worth the read
March 1, 2016
HB-B, C-2006, 7/2007 Eileen Welsome
About the attack on Columbus, NM, and the punitive expedition into Mexico, 1916. Very interesting. I read it because I just found out that Maternal Grandfather Adam Kimpel was in the Expedition Forces, and chased Pancho Villa all over Mexico. Copies of some of the pictures in the book were found among my grandfather's papers.
About the attack on Columbus, NM, and the punitive expedition into Mexico, 1916. Very interesting. I read it because I just found out that Maternal Grandfather Adam Kimpel was in the Expedition Forces, and chased Pancho Villa all over Mexico. Copies of some of the pictures in the book were found among my grandfather's papers.
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