the fourth column, consisting of the sixth cavalry and fifth infantry, was commanded by colonel nelson a. miles and came south from fort dodge. the fifth column, the eighth cavalry commanded by major william r. price, a total of 225 officers and men, plus six indian scouts and two guides originated from fort union, marched east via fort bascom in new mexico. the plan called for the converging columns to maintain a continuous offensive until a decisive defeat had been inflicted on the indians.