In 1877, an Army and civilian effort sought to halt raiding by Chief “Old Black Horse's” Comanches. The group included 60 Negro troops of Co. A, 10th U.S. Cavalry, and 22 buffalo hunters known as “The Forlorn Hope.” Led by Capt. Nicholas Nolan, the troops departed Fort Concho in early July. Eluded by Indians and finding water holes dry, the men were thirst-crazed by July 27. By drinking horse blood and urine, the soldiers survived 86 parched hours before finally reaching an old supply base. The hunters left the group and found water on their own. All but 4 soldiers survived this heroic test of endurance.