[2] Lt. Col. George Crook had recently arrived to assume command of the District of Boise in November, 1866.

Bad weather, rough terrain, growing opposition from his own ranks and unreliable guides all plagued Crook from the start.

Yet, Crook pushed on until he reached the Paiute camp of Chief Howluck (Bigfoot) along the Owyhee River in southeast Oregon.

Among the native horses and stores captured was a Wells Fargo mail pouch lost in the earlier Paiute raid.

Crook did not immediately return to Boise, but continued his expedition engaging the Paiutes again at the Battle of Steen's Mountain.