La Bolsa, meaning "the pocket," was a northward loop of the Rio Grande, on the border of Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

On February 4, 1860, the steamboat Ranchero was on its way to Brownsville, Texas, with soldiers from Ringgold Barracks on board to guard the boat's cargo.

[1] As the Ranchero entered La Bolsa, Cortina's milita opened fire from the south bank.

[2][1] Although those on board the Ranchero suffered many casualties, the steamboat safely delivered her cargo to Fort Brown.

Cortina retreated into the Mexican interior but later returned as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War to resume fighting with old rivals in the Rio Grande area.