During the subsequent winter, a detachment of ten dragoons under the command of sergeant Holbrook was stationed at Rayado to protect the little settlement.  In order that their animals might have the benefit of the good grass which was to be found in the mountains at a place where but little snow fell, the settlers established there a herder’s ranche, posting two men there to look after and guard the property.  The cold months were passed in peace and quiet, but, in the spring the marauding Apaches came, and, after wounding both of the herders, stole all the gentle animals, including both horses and mules.  One of the wounded men made his way to Rayado, notwithstanding his injuries, and gave information of what had happened to himself and companion.  On learning these facts, Kit Carson, the dragoons and three of the settlers, immediately proceeded to the ranche.  They arrived there just as the shades of night began to fall.  Nothing could be attempted until the dawn of another day, consequently, a camp was ordered and duly arranged.  As the first faint beam of light gilded anew the mountain tops, the party were up and moving.  They soon found the trail made by the thieves and commenced a sharp pursuit.  The pace at which they traveled became so rapid, that, at the distance of only twenty-five miles from the spot where they first struck the trail, the Indians were discovered moving on the prairie a long way in advance.  There remained nothing but an open chase.

Orders were issued to accelerate even the hitherto rapid march.  Each man resumed his exertions to put his horse to his best speed.  The chase was growing intensely exciting when four of the animals belonging to the pursuers gave out, completely ridden down.  Their riders were the most unhappy of any of the party at this circumstance, for it precluded even the chances of engaging in the expected affray.  Leaving the four men behind, the remainder of the party pushed on in the pursuit, and every bound made by their horses brought them nearer to their foes.  After several hours of this hard riding, they came near enough to the warriors to count their numbers.  Their force consisted of twenty well armed and equipped Indians.  They showed no fear of the party pursuing them, but clung to their stolen property with such pertinacity that they allowed themselves to be overtaken.  A running fight was immediately commenced which became most exciting, as well as dangerous, to the participants; but, all the more exciting because thus dangerous.  The Indians were all skillful horsemen and fought with great dexterity.  Their animals being comparatively fresh, in this respect they had the advantage.  Notwithstanding this fact, the pursuing party administered to them a severe lesson.  Five of the rascally Indians were killed and several wounded, while all of the stolen animals, with the exception of four, were overtaken and recaptured.  The whole of this pursuit and the running fight which terminated so