[3] In June 1874, "Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors decided to attack the Wind River Shoshones.

As the invaders crossed the Big Horn Mountains, they had a disagreement about the purpose of their trip.

"[4] Sheridan ordered Bates to raid the Arapaho camp, reported to comprise between 40 and 112 lodges.

[2] Bates led thirty cavalrymen and twenty Shoshone against the encampment, occupied by Black Coal's people, at daybreak on July 4.

[3] Accounts of the battle by different parties reveal wide discrepancies in perceptions of the motivation, progress, and outcome of the fight.