Palo Duro Canyon Randall Texas United States
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The largest Army victory comes when Mackenzie finds a large village of Comanche, Kiowa and Cheyenne, including their horses and winter food supply, in upper Palo Duro Canyon.
At dawn on September 28, Mackenzie's troops attack down a steep canyon wall.
The natives are caught by surprise and don't have time to gather their horses or supplies before retreating.
Only four natives are killed, but the loss is devastating.
Mackenzie's men burn over four hundred and fifty lodges and destroy countless pounds of buffalo meat.
They also take fourteen hundred horses, most of which will subsequently be shot to prevent the Indians from recapturing them.
Except for its unusually large size, the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon is typical of the war.
Most encounters produce few or no casualties, but the natives cannot afford the constant loss of food and mounts.
Even if it escapes immediate danger, a native band that finds itself on foot and out of food will generally have no choice but to give up and head for the reservation.