Massacre near Agua Nueva

Solon Borland's capture increased tensions among the Arkansans. Then Private Samuel H. Colquitt of Pulaski County was found killed on February 9. A small group of men from both Colquitt’s company and the Sevier County company searched for his attackers and found a carbine sling with Colquitt’s name, as well as a uniform from a missing Illinois volunteer. The volunteers rounded up a group of Mexican civilians in a cave behind Agua Nueva (without the knowledge of the U.S. Army) for interrogation and started shooting when they did not receive any answers. Accounts vary, but 18 to 30 Mexicans were killed, some shot while trying to run, before Illinois troops arrived and stopped the massacre. According to some versions Illinois troops were also involved and it was regular Army dragoons who intervened in the slaughter, but the culpability of the Arkansans is never disputed. Furious, General Taylor tried to force the companies involved to turn in the killers, but no one confessed. He threatened to send both companies to the Rio Grande to face hard labor. Before he had a chance, Santa Anna's army reached the area, and the Arkansans were needed for battle.