Smith's cavalry command was moving southward on an expedition against the Kiowas and Comanches in the Canadian River country, when I joined it as a scout.
Dick Curtis, acting as guide for Smith, had been sent on ahead across the river, while the main command stopped to water their horses.
Curtis's orders were to proceed straight ahead for five miles, where the troops would camp.

He was followed immediately by the advance guard, Smith and his staff following on.

We had proceeded about three miles when three or four hundred Indians attacked us, jumping out of gullies and ravines, where they had been securely hidden.

General Smith at once ordered the orderlies to sound the recall and retreat, intending to fall back quickly on the main command.
He was standing close beside a deep ravine as he gave the order.
Knowing that the plan he proposed meant the complete annihilation of our force, I pushed my horse close to him.
"General," I said, "order your men into the ravine, dismount, and let number fours hold horses.

Then you will be able to stand off the Indians.