Adam Paine

Payne enlisted in the Army at Fort Duncan, Texas in November 1873, and joined other Black Seminoles known as the "Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts".

Col. R. S. Mackenzie's main group from the 4th U.S. Cavalry was moving towards the Texas-New Mexico border in the Staked Plains region on September 4, 1874.

The horse leading the Comanche's charge was knocked down by Payne's swinging rifle and the scouts began to fight the enemy natives.

The 4th cavalry took the Comanches by surprise and captured or destroyed 1,400 horses and other camp equipment and supplies just prior to the onset of winter.

[1] A year later, on October 13, 1875, Private Payne was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Palo Duro Canyon.