Cushing was charged with pursuing
Chiricahua Apache elements under Chief
Cochise, who had recently broken a winter truce in the Tucson area in 1871. Cushing and 22 troopers pursued the Apache elements south towards the Mexican border, which was often used as a sanctuary when pursued by US forces. On May 5, 1871, Cushing came into contact with an Apache element approximately fifteen miles north of today's
Fort Huachuca, in an area known as Bear Spring in the
Whetstone Mountains. This element was not led by Chief Cochise, but reportedly by the chief named
Juh, who was known for stating his desire to kill Cushing. Cushing and his lead element were immediately ambushed, resulting in the deaths of Lieutenant Cushing, Private Martin Green, and a Mr. Simpson; a Private Pierce was wounded. Several horses were killed and wounded. The battle was described as fierce, and reduced to hand-to-hand combat. Cushing's non-commissioned officer, Sergeant John Mott, managed to rescue the wounded and lead a successful retreat with the remainder of the troopers. Within 48 hours three US Cavalry Troops were dispatched from Fort Crittenden to pursue the Apaches, and found Cushing's body with his fellow fallen troopers, who were all stripped of their clothing and left by the Apaches. He was later reinterred at
San Francisco National Cemetery in the
Presidio of San Francisco. ==Legacy==