Traveling by train, Butler's forces reached the outskirts of Masaya, where they were threatened by rebels led by Benjamín Zeledón atop the hills of Coyotepe and Barranca.

The U.S. forces, both inside the train and outside (taking cover alongside the roadbed),[18] including the machine gunners on top of the boxcars, "returned fire.

"[22] The train now started picking up steam, leaving behind the Marines, led by Captain Nelson P. Vulte, who had sought refuge by the roadbed.

"[28] However, the Masaya ambush, called "an act of treachery on the part of General Zeledón," was allegedly "premeditated" and "carefully planned.

"[29] Butler's forces continued on to Granada, where they would convince rebel commander Luis Mena to surrender and go into exile in Panama.