The last letter from Bierce, written from Chihuahua, December 26, 1913, said he expected to move out to Ojinaga to be with Francisco Villa's troops. No more was heard from him. Villa captured Ojinaga from federal troops on January 1, 1914. Investigators found nothing and presumed that he died during the battle. For a condensed description of his eventful life, see: Bierce Chronology

A comprehensive "Devil's Dictionary" is being (or recently has been) published. Bierce only published a selection in his book; many entries had appeared in California newspapers.