Colonel Cole should have parked his train, placed it in a defensive position under a good guard, and then mobilized the rest of his force, and, with what rations he had, gone after the Indians, giving them battle and forcing the fight with them.
Dodge critiques Colonel Cole's tactical decisions regarding troop deployment and engagement with the enemy.
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After your expedition started I received documentary proof from Captains Sturgis, Schofield, and Totten, and a number of other officers, in regard to his conduct on those occasions, which destroyed all confidence in him.
What we need are troops, supplies for them, and a vigorous campaign against these hostile Indians.
Our men fought like heroes; many fell covered with wounds.
It was during this ambulance trip, while lying on my back, that I received a telegraphic dispatch from General Halleck notifying me of my promotion for services in this battle.
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