It was a tactical function of direct military importance: knowing where the enemy was, and in which direction, was information that allowed Victorio to make better decisions about movement and engagement.

Crossing the Rio Grande

Among the specific episodes attributed to Lozen in the oral accounts, one stands out for its drama and for the quality of the available documentation: the crossing of the Rio Grande with a woman who was about to give birth.

The episode occurred during the Victorio War.

A woman in the band was pregnant and close to term, and the band was in movement, pressed by pursuing forces.

Lozen made the decision — or was directed — to separate from the main band and guide the woman to safety while Victorio and the warriors continued their evasion.