Duro Canyon. Perhaps the sighting of Major William
R. Price's column in the distance influenced that move. The troops and
a drenching rainstorm cleared the thinning ranks of warriors away from
the waterhole. Nevertheless, Lyman's men remained within the protection
of the wagons until the arrival of the long-awaited reinforcements from
Camp Supply in the early-morning hours of September 14. With the siege
broken, Lyman moved out with the loaded wagons later that morning to join
Colonel Miles on the Washita.

During the siege Lyman lost two men killed
and three wounded; Indian casualties were estimated at thirteen or more.
Lone Wolf, Maman-ti, Satanta, Big Tree, Big Bow, and Tohauson were among
the Kiowa leaders present at the engagement; indeed, the episode was probably
a factor in Satanta's subsequent reincarceration at Huntsville for violation
of his parole. On the recommendation ofColonel Miles, thirteen troopers
were awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery in the fight; Lyman was
eventually promoted for his performance. A historical marker describing
the battle is located in Hemphill County on State Highway 33, eighteen
miles southeast of Canadian and some four miles from the actual site, which
is marked by a small granite memorial.

Captain
Wyllys Lyman. Courtesy of Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
Sunday, October 10, 1999 Team trying to reconstruct war that
drove tribes from Panhandle

THE VALLEYS OF CAPROCK CANYONS - Captain Wyllys
Lyman watched the blood trickle between his fingers as he choked on the
dusty air. Gathering what was left of his ammunition and courage, he loaded
his pistol and peered around the wooden frames of the circled wagons.

The arrows that whizzed past his head confirmed
his worst fear. Lyman and his men were