GC1. July 25 - A Small Quantity of Alkali Water Traditional Geocache
GC1. July 25 - A Small Quantity of Alkali Water
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(regular)
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1 of a series of 11 -
An Educational Tour illustrating the 1877 Buffalo Soldier Expedition route.
xAfter his return to Fort Concho, Lieutenant Charles Cooper wrote a letter to his father describing his experience of the tragic events. This geocache series traces the approximate route taken by the soldiers.
Ammo box
Toys, jewelry, books, log
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The story unfolds:
Main Characters
Military: Captain Nolan, Lt. Cooper, and 40 soldiers
Guide: Jose Tafoya
Buffalo Hunters: 22 bison hunters
Native Americans: 40 Comanche hunting party, Chief Quanah Parker and the Kwahada (Quahadi) Band
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August 1877
Dear Father,
You can hardly imagine our astonishment here, to learn of the sensation in the newspaper world our troubles and misfortunes have been the means of causing; as I can see from the clips you have sent me, that the real circumstances of the case are completely misunderstood. I thought it a good idea to furnish you with a brief account of our trip.
Our company “A”, 10th Cavalry left here on July 10th, with two officers and about sixty men, for a two months scout. We were to make a supply camp at a convenient point, and maneuver from there in pursuit of depredating Indians, as also to protect settlers who are rapidly populating this section of the country.
Upon our arrival at Bull Creek, we found a party of twenty-eight buffalo hunters who had lost considerable on account of Indian thief, and who were organized into a company for the purpose of overtaking the Indians and regaining their lost property. Captain Nolan, thought it best to establish our supply camp at this place, and go with the hunters, they having as a guide a Mexican named José, who was thoroughly acquainted with the country and knew every “water hole” and possible camping place where Indians might be found. We left our supply camp with forty men and two officers, on the 19th of July. The hunters had twenty-two men all told, so you can see we had quite a party.
On the 19th of July we left our supply camp with forty men and two officers. The hunters had twenty-two men all told, so you can see we had quite a party. ....
After marching for several days, on July 25, we found ourselves on the Staked Plains at a place called Double Lakes where a small quantity of alkali water was obtained. Here we rested on the 26th. José went further west to Dry (Rich) Lake in search of water and signs of Indians. At eleven o’clock p.m. while we were waiting for José two of his men came hastily with the news, “Though there was no water, about forty Indians had passed that morning”….
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**The small amount of water would be the last time the soldiers filled their canteens. Go to GC2. July 26 - Day One Without Finding Water
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx gb gur jrfg.