The captain of this train was ordered to "go the other way" until he reached the States.

He started; but as he retraced his steps as often as they moved away, they at length burned his train and left him.
And then the recklessness of the new-fledged major became manifest.

He sent one of his captains with twenty men to capture or stampede the mules of the Tenth Regiment, while he with the remainder of his force set off toward Sandy Fork in search of more wagon-trains.

When his scouts late in the day reported a train of twenty-six wagons, he was advised by them that he ought not to attack it with so small a force; but to this advice he was deaf, rebuking the men for their little faith.
He allowed the train to proceed until after dark, and then drew cautiously near.

Learning, however, that the drivers were drunk, he had his force lie concealed for a time, fearing that they might prove belligerent and thus compel him to shed blood, which he wished not to do.
At midnight the scouts reported that the train was drawn up in two lines for the night and that all was quiet.