234 large trail leading down the country. We followed it for two days. On the evening of the 10th the spies brought in a couple of Co- manche arrow-heads, extracted from a buffalo found wounded, which they killed. Convinced that we were now in the vicinity of a large body of the enemys every precaution was taken to avoid being descovered and every possible exertion made to find their camp. Had we succeeded in the latter we should have moved near it in the night, and just before day-light sent in a party of our Indians to stampede the horses and we should have attacked the enemy immediately. On the 11th the spies reported having seen Comanches running buffalo, and they likewise had gotten a cor- rect notion of the course to their camp by watching pack animals as they transported buffalo meat to it. I prepared to move upon the enemy without delay. I left a small guard at my camp, and at 2 O'Clock P. M. marched with one hundred Americans and Capt Ross' command of one hundred and thirteen friendly Indians. When we reached the Fort Smith and Santa Fe road we saw Co- manches moving about in the valley beyond the "divide", appar- ently unconscious of our proximity. When they had gone we resumed our March-Confining our selves to the low grounds and ravines to keep out of sight. We halted at dusk, camped and sent forward some Indians to overtake our Keechi Spy and trailer. Unfortunately they missed him and he remained out side of camp until day light, on the morning of the 12th, when he joined us on the march. Our plan was frustrated, and we were compelled to march upon the foe in an open day. The pursuit was made most of the time at a gallop. At 7 O Clock A. M. a small camp of five Lodges was discovered and taken. The Toncahua Indians re- mained, demolished the camp, took some prisoners, and mounted their foot-men. Two Comanches fled towards the Canadian and were followed by the whole command at nearly full speed. After a run of three miles a large encampment was visible from a hill top, about three miles distant, and on the Cherokee side of the Canadian. We saw the two Comanches passing the river and fol- lowed at a run--erossing the stream without holding up--and reached the camp just after they had given the alarm. Capt. Ross led his Indians between the Lodges and the river, and they en- gaged the enemy. I halted for a moment for my men to come up and then gave the order to charge the camp, which was executed promptly and gallantly. The Comanches intended to have made a stand at this point-the Rangers pressed them closely and they fled in every direction. The right wing in charge of myself and Lt William A Pitts, moved straight through the camp and poured
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