We looked carefully over the summits of the hills before exposing ourselves to plain view, and at last we discovered the village, encamped in the sand-hills south of the South Platte river at Summit Springs.

Here I left the Pawnee scouts to keep watch, while I went back and informed General Carr that the Indians were in sight.
The General at once ordered his men to tighten their saddles and otherwise prepare for action.

Soon all was excitement among the officers and soldiers, every one being anxious to charge the village.

I now changed my horse for old Buckskin Joe, who had been led for me thus far, and was comparatively fresh.

Acting on my suggestion, the General made a circuit to the north, believing that if the Indians had their scouts out, they would naturally be watching in the direction whence they had come.
When we had passed the Indians and were between them and the Platte river, we turned to the left and started toward the village.
By this manoeuver we had avoided discovery by the Sioux scouts, and we were confident of giving them a complete surprise.