Not long after Williamson's party passed through their country, the Government was compelled to send into it a considerable force for the purpose of keeping them under control.
The outcome of this was a severe fight--resulting in the loss of a good many lives--between the hostiles and a party of our troops under Lieutenant George Crook.

It finally ended in the establishment of a military post in the vicinity of the battle-ground, for the permanent occupation of the country.
A great load was lifted from my heart when I found myself so near Williamson's camp, which I joined August 4, 1855, receiving a warm welcome from the officers.

During the afternoon I relieved Lieutenant Hood of the command of the personal escort, and he was ordered to return, with twelve of the mounted men, over the trail I had followed.

I pointed out to him on the map the spot where he would find the two men left on the roadside, and he was directed to take them into Fort Reading.

They were found without difficulty, and carried in to the post.