Leaving Fort Wallace in November, 1868, we arrived at Fort Lyon in the latter part of the month, and began the work of outfitting.
Three weeks before this, General Penrose had left the Post with a command of three hundred men.

He had taken no wagons with him.

His supply train was composed of pack mules.

General Carr was ordered to follow with supplies on Penrose's trail and to overtake him as soon as possible.

I was particularly anxious to catch up with Penrose's command, as my old friend, "Wild Bill," was among his scouts.
For the first three days we followed the trail easily.