Colonel Cook of the Second Regiment of United States Dragoons, was sent against them.

He selected Kit Carson for his guide.

The Agent's wish, it may be said, was to learn whether any other tribe was concerned in the outrages, and in no way could he do it as well as by accompanying the expedition, which was fully organized by the selection of a number of Pueblo Indians to act as scouts and spies.

These were placed under the immediate command of the well known James H.Quinn, who died some time later.
The force proceeded northward from Taos to the stream known as the Arroya Hondo.

This was followed to the Rio del Norte, which being very high, was crossed with much difficulty.