On the morning of December 26, Crook's men caught the Paiutes asleep in their camp.Michno 2003, p.211 However, after the first shots were fired, Chief Howluck determined to stay and fight. The native warriors taunted the soldiers, who returned a deadly accurate fire on the warriors. Quickly into the fighting almost every mounted warrior was shot down. The rest sought refuge behind rocks, remaining there until mid-day when they retreated.Michno 2007, p.194
