The action is a part of the Apache Wars of the mid to late nineteenth century.

That same evening, a dispatch arrived from the Placito, a Spanish-era settlement occupied by Mexican settlers.

The dispatch detailed a current Apache assault on the town, ten miles below the fort.

Pulliam was ordered to proceed to the village with fifteen men to help protect its citizens.

Casualties are unknown, except for the Apaches who suffered at least five men killed by Pulliam's squad.