To fully understand Mackenzie’s decision at Palo Duro Canyon, it helps to understand what the alternative decisions might have looked like and why he rejected them.

Alternative 1: Pursue the fleeing families.

This would have required following fast-moving people through terrain they knew and Mackenzie did not, through the canyon system and onto the Staked Plains.

The pursuit might have produced additional casualties among both soldiers and fleeing families.

It would have dispersed Mackenzie’s command and left his main force unsupported in hostile terrain.

The outcome was uncertain.

Alternative 2: Hold the camp and attempt to negotiate surrender.