While scouting for Indians on the plains they went for eighty-six hours without water; when relieved their mouths and throats were so dry that even brown sugar would not dissolve on their tongues.

Many were delirious, and all had drawn fresh blood from their horses.

Despite repeated vomiting, some drank their own urine.

They were nearly all suffering from overpowering dyspnea, two were dead, and two were missing.

The suffering was increased by the acrid atmosphere of the dry plains; the slightest exercise in this climate provoked a thirst.