Máximo rescues Luz Corral de Villa
Amidst the chaos of the Mexican Revolution, a brutal confrontation unfolded in 1913. Francisco "Pancho" Villa, known for his ruthlessness, attacked and killed many of General Máximo Castillo’s men. However, what followed was a remarkable display of honor and respect. Castillo demonstrated that he held the utmost regard for family, going to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of Villa's family, despite Villa’s enmity.
In his memoirs, Castillo recounted a crucial incident involving Villa's wife, Luz Corral de Villa. Unaware of Castillo's presence, Luz was forced to pass through his encampment on her way to the United States in a flight for safety during the war. Rather than treat her with hostility, Castillo showed her the utmost decency and protection. He escorted her with ten men, ensuring she faced no harassment or harm during her escape. This act of kindness touched Luz deeply, and she expressed her gratitude.
“Villa’s wife passed through my encampment accompanied by three young ladies. This lady had no choice but to arrive at my encampment, as she did not know I was in Puerto Palomas, the town through which she had to pass to reach the United States. I treated her with decency, just as one should treat all the families. I escorted her with ten men to make sure my soldiers did not bother her and asked her to let her husband know that I knew how to treat the families of my enemies. The lady expressed her gratitude and offered to tell her husband of the kindness with which I had treated her. I later found out that both spouses were grateful. In fact, once Villa took Chihuahua City, he confiscated my house but returned all of my property in appreciation of my kindness toward the lady,” wrote Castillo.
Castillo had a heartfelt conversation with Luz, expressing his commitment to ensuring her safety. He explained, “Madam, I’m going to write a letter for you and your companions to sign so that, if I happen to encounter Villa, I can present it to him, and he will know how we treated you. When it comes to families, it’s very different.”
In the letter, Luz and her companions affirmed that Castillo had shown them great consideration during their encounter, similar to the considerations he would seek for his own family. These words and the letter they signed played a pivotal role in preventing further attacks on Castillo’s people by Villa, at least for a while.
Castillo's unexpected kindness didn't end there. He offered his protection to Luz and her companions as they made their way to the border, accompanying them every step of the way. This unique bond and unexpected alliance is further explored in Luz's book, "Pancho Villa En La Intimidad," where she dedicates a chapter to her experiences with Castillo.
Their story sheds light on the complexities and intricacies of relationships amidst a turbulent time in history. Despite the disputes and clashes between Castillo and Villa, Luz remained steadfast in her support of Castillo. This support would include speaking out on his behalf even when he was mistakenly incarcerated by the United States for the Cumbre Tunnel disaster.
This tale reminds us that even in the darkest and bloodiest of times, moments of honor, respect, and unexpected connections can transcend the chaos.