August 18, 1881; Hillsboro, New Mexico: Surviving Apaches of Victorio's band, plus discontented Indians from other Chiricahua bands and a number of Mescaleros, raided up and down the length of the Black Range in the summer of 1881, led by Old Nana. After repelling an attack by the Ninth Cavalry at Cuchillo Negro on 16 August, Nana quickly moved west of the Black Range. In twenty-four hours he traveled about fifty miles through some of the roughest country in New Mexico, coming back to the east side of the range on 16 August. When the Apaches emerged from the mountains, they barreled through the mining camp of Gold Dust, about a dozen miles southeast of present day Hillsboro.
With most of the miners away at the diggings, the Indians boldly shot their way through the tent camp, blasting holes through the canvas covers. The women and children all dove to the floor and escaped the flying bullets. When done with Gold Dust, the raiders turned their attention to the Ousley Ranch, killing Perry Ousley and torching his house and outbuildings. The Indians stopped at the Trujillo Ranch but did no damage, possibly because the Trujillos may have sold food and ammunition to the Indians during the Victorio troubles.
Nana's next stop was southwest of Gold Dust near Lake Valley. They swept into the Irwin Ranch, where Sally Irwin distracted them with a trunkful of colorful ribbons and assorted other items, then grabbed her child and ran for the brush. Mr. Irwin, out tending the cattle at the time, missed the confrontation. Returning to find his house in flames, he was certain that his wife and child were dead. He rode to Lake Valley, where he accused Lt George W. Smith and his detachment of Ninth Cavalry of sitting idle while citizens were being massacred. He calmed down when Sally walked in with the baby.
