South Plains

Only a few Indians were met, so Shafter divided his command.

His own division out of Fort Duncan returned to that post about December 18, 1875, after having explored the country now known as the South Plains of Texas and New Mexico.

One of his lieutenants, Geddes, leading a division from Mustang Springs near present Midland on south to cross the Pecos on a southwesterly course below Independence Creek, reached the Rio Grande.

There they engaged in a small Indian fight, then retraced their steps to avoid the Great Canyon country, crossed the Pecos, and in a worn-out condition reached Fort Clark.