May 20, 1859; Rocksprings: Soldiers stationed at the scattered outposts along the Texas frontier were constantly kept busy responding to reports of Indian depreda tions, thefts, and murders. In May, Kickapoos raiding from their home base in Mexico stole a small herd of horses near the ford of the Nueces River in the vicinity of Fort Inge. Fort commander Capt. R. P. Maclay ordered 2nd Lt. William B. Hazen, Eighth Infantry, to lead a detach ment in pursuit.
On 16 May Hazen led ten mounted men of Company F, two scouts, and four civilians to find the raiders. The trail led north along the Nueces. After three days and some seventy-five miles, Hazen's scouts discovered about twelve Kickapoos in camp near a spring on the West Nueces, southwest of present-day Rocksprings. Moving his command to the valley floor, Hazen charged, completely surprising the Indians. The Texans killed four Kickapoos and wounded the rest. They recovered seven stolen horses and other property.
In the camp Hazen found "safe conduct" certificates dating back to 1845. Hazen figured that either the letters were no longer valid or the Indians who carried them should have been more careful about their company. Upon his return to Fort Inge, Hazen was brevetted a first lieutenant for this action and one the year before.
