By this time they had recovered from their surprise, and, cutting their buffalo meat loose from their horses, they came after me at the top of their speed; but as their steeds were tired out, it did not take me long to leave them far in the rear.
I reached the command in less than an hour, delivered the dispatch to General Carr, and informed him of what I had seen.

He instantly had the bugler sound "boots and saddles," and all the troops--with the exception of two companies, which we left to guard the train--were soon galloping in the direction of the Indian camp.
We had ridden about three miles when we met Lieutenant Ward, who was coming slowly towards us.

He reported that he had run into a party of Indian buffalo-hunters, and had killed one of the number, and had had one of his horses wounded.

We immediately pushed forward and after marching about five miles came within sight of hundreds of mounted Indians advancing up the creek to meet us.

They formed a complete line in front of us.