Officials justified the attack by claiming the camp was hostile or that women were killed to prevent torture, despite Baker's claim that non-combatants were killed accidentally. Sheridan received de Trobriand's initial report on January 29, 1870.

Sheridan received de Trobriand's initial report on January 29, 1870, which was forwarded to Sherman with the promise that the campaign would end Indian troubles in Montana. De Trobriand implied Baker attacked a hostile camp and that Heavy Runner was killed by his own fault. Hancock claimed it was necessary to fire into lodges to drive Indians out. Baker claimed non-combatants were killed accidentally. The Army and Navy Journal editorialized that the attack fell on all ages and sexes. The dates of the Hancock, Baker, and Army and Navy Journal statements are not specified in the sources.

Sources

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