Only occasionally did these Indian raiders and the pursuing troops come into actual contact.

The former came and went in swift forays, now appearing on the Pawnee, again on the Saline, followed by a wild ride down the valley of the Arkansas.
Scattered in small bands, well mounted and armed, no one could guess where the next attack might occur.

Every day brought its fresh report of horror.

From north and south, east and west, news of outrages came into Sheridan's headquarters at Fort Wallace.
Denver, at the base of the mountains, was practically in state of siege, provisioned only by wagon trains sent through under strong guard; the fringe of settlement along the water ways was deserted, men and women fleeing to the nearest government posts for protection and food.

The troops, few in number and widely scattered in small detachments, many being utilized as scouts and guards, were unequal to the gigantic task of protecting so wide a frontier.