These results were partial exceptions to the general pattern of the resistance campaign’s effectiveness.

They demonstrated that when U.S. soldiers had adequate warning, prepared defensive positions, and sufficient ammunition, they could hold against attacks by much larger forces.

The new breech-loading rifles available in 1867 were a significant factor, as mentioned earlier.

The ability to reload quickly — measured in seconds rather than the minute or more required for a muzzle-loader — meant that a small group of defenders could put out a much higher volume of fire than the same group equipped with older weapons.

The tactical calculations that had been based on the reload time of muzzle-loaders — charge during the reload — produced catastrophic results when the weapons didn’t behave as expected.