[1] Indian Agent Lorenzo Labadie commanded a Mescalero Apache force of about sixty scouts and Chief Cadete which tracked a Navajo war party of 100 strong south along the Pecos after they raided livestock at Bosque Redondo reservation.

The Navajo eventually realized that they couldn't escape without leaving the livestock, so they chose to fight and took up positions along the river to wait for the Americans and Apaches.

By then fifteen soldiers of the 2nd California Cavalry along with at least ten men of the 5th Infantry had arrived to reinforce Labadie, they were under the command of Lieutenant Charles Newbold.

The engagement took place mostly at long-range meaning that it was hard for both sides to see each other and the severe winter cold led to frostbite which slowed the soldier's and scout's ability to reload.

Less than two weeks later Colonel Kit Carson would lead American troops in the Fall of Canyon de Chelly which led to the Long Walk to Fort Sumner[3][4]