The leadership of this force included Quanah Parker — the son of Comanche chief Peta Nocona and Cynthia Ann Parker, the white captive woman who had been taken as a child and eventually became the wife of a Comanche leader.

Quanah was, by 1874, emerging as one of the most capable military leaders among the Quahada Comanche.

Also involved was the Kiowa war leader Lone Wolf and elements of the Southern Cheyenne.

The attack on Adobe Walls failed.

The hide hunters were armed with the long-range rifles of the professional hunting trade — particularly the .50-caliber Sharps, which could accurately engage targets at distances of several hundred yards.

The attackers, despite overwhelming numerical superiority, could not cross the open ground to reach the buildings without suffering severe casualties from the defenders’ weapons.