The wagons were to travel in close order.
Four parallel columns, separated by not too great spaces, were to be maintained as much as possible, more especially toward nightfall.

Of these, the outer two were to draw in together when camp was made, the other two to angle out, wagon lapping wagon, front and rear, thus making an oblong corral of the wagons, into which, through a gap, the work oxen were to be driven every night after they had fed.

The tents and fires were to be outside of the corral unless in case of an Indian alarm, when the corral would represent a fortress.
The transport animals were to be hobbled each night.

A guard, posted entirely around the corral and camp, was to be put out each night.

Each man and each boy above fourteen was to be subject to guard duty under the ancient common law of the Plains, and from this duty no man might hope excuse unless actually too ill to walk; nor could any man offer to procure any substitute for himself.