Battle of Madera Canyon

 After forming an alliance with Geronimo and his Apache tribe, Confederate General Jeb Stuart made camp at Tubac while they planned their next move. Together, they turned their attention to the town of Tucson, where there was a combined force of US cavalry and Tombstone Rangers.

They attacked the US forces and lured them into an ambush. Forming a defensive line, the US soldiers rushed head long into Stuart’s artillery. They attempted to go wide, but ran into Stuarts infantry. Realising they were now fighting Rebs, they all dismounted and fought back with their Winchester rifles. Unfortunately, their guns lacked the range of the Confederates own Carbine, and they were out ranged and at the centre of fire from three directions.

Desperate for a way out, they tried to punch their way through the Confederate forces dug in on the sides of the canyon. Many advanced on foot to make themselves smaller targets and some go into the defensive works resulting in hand to hand combat. Although they got to the lines they were unable to get through and retreated back to the centre of the canyon.

This allowed the Stuart's men to advance forward. With forces advancing on three sides, the US commander attempted at last to withdraw, but it was far too late. Rifle fire from both west and east sides and Stuart’s own artillery took a heavy toll on them and only a small handful rode back to Tucson.

All confederate's were delighted with their victory, though Stuart knew that he'd broken orders not to attack New Mexico but defend Sonora and Chihuahua. The US defeat lead to a great deal of animosity between US cavalry and the Tombstone Rangers. Although they had lost the battle, the Colonel in charge of US force, Virgil Earp managed to get the last laugh by informing Stuart that the Apache's were no longer his problem but the Generals.