It was generally supposed that the powerful Blackfeet could bring five thousand warriors into the field.

They were very resolute men; having been abundantly successful heretofore, it was not doubted they would strain every nerve to wipe out the disgrace of this defeat.

The trappers were confident that the savages would soon appear again, with numbers which they would deem sufficient to annihilate the white men.

Guided by the wisdom of Kit Carson, the whole camp immediately resolved itself into a military garrison.

Intrenchments were thrown up to guard every approach.