The Sand Creek Massacre
War of the Rebellion Records - april 1864
April 1864
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 85 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
OMAHA, NEBR.,
April 7, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER,
Fort Laramie:
I have just received the following dispatch from department headquarters:
Brigadier-General R. B. MITCHELL:
Information has reached here that the Indians have stolen 175 head of stock from near Denver, in your district. I telegraphed Colonel Chivington to co-operate with your troops. Have you any information of it? Answer.
S. R. CURTIS.
You will take the necessary measures to recapture the stock and, if possible, the Indians. Handle the scoundrels without gloves if it becomes necessary. Communicate with Colonel Chivington and report anything that may occur.
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.OMAHA, NEBR., April 7, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS,
Commanding Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth:
Your dispatch was the first intimation I had of the difficulty with Indians. I have no official information that I have a soldier west of Cottonwood Post. What troops have I west of Cottonwood subject to my orders?
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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Page 98 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 8, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:
I hear that Indians have committed depredations on or near Platte River. Do not let district lines prevent pursuing and punishing them . Give Colonel Collins and General Mitchell your full co-operation and [all the] information you can. You can furlough veterans, but give them Government transportation.
S. S. CURTIS,
Major, &c.
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Page 113 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo., April 9, 1864.
ASST. ADJT. General, DEPT. OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant a party of Cheyenne Indians stole 175 head of cattle from the Government contractors, Irwin, Jackmen & Co., from the headquarters of the Big Sandy, on the Smoky Hill route of the overland stage line (which they ran when the line was first started from Leavenworth to Denver.) The Indians with the stock were traced by the herders about 15 miles. They then left the stream, and the trail ran a due east course, which would take them into the headwaters of the Smoky Hill. I have sent out a section of artillery and company of cavalry in pursuit of them, with instructions to recover the stock. If they refuse to give it up, to chastise them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado,
Commanding District.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 123 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
FORT LARAMIE, April 10, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:
General Mitchell telegraphs information received that Indians stole 175 horses near Denver and directs me to co-operate with you.
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Is it true? When and where? If so, call on Major Mackey, at Halleck, for all troops he can spare, and telegraph me what help I can send from here.
WM. O. COLLINS,
Lieutenant-Colonel Eleventh Ohio Cavalry.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part I
Page 880 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
APRIL 8 - 23, 1864. - Expedition from Denver, Colo., to the Republican River, Kans.
Report of Lieutenant George S. Eayre, McLain's Independent Colorado Battery.
CAMP WELD, COLO. TER., April 23, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit the following report: Agreeably to Special Orders, Numbers --, dated Camp Weld, Colo. Ter., April 7, 1864, I reported to headquarters District of Colorado for
Page 881 Chapter XLVI. EXPEDITION TO THE REPUBLICAN RIVER, KANS.
orders, and received instructions to proceed with a detachment of men in pursuit of some cattle purporting to have been stolen by the Cheynne Indians. Absence of transportation prevented my starting until the 8th instant, when, at 4 p. m., my command, consisting of 54 men and two 12-pounder mountain howitzers of Independent Battery Colorado Volunteer Artillery, Lieutenant Burdsal commanding, and 26 men of Company D, First Cavalry of Colorado, Lieutenant Phillips commanding, was put in motion. On the 9th, I encamped on Running Creek, 30 miles southeast from Denver, at which camp Lieutenant Burdsal was recalled and Lieutenant Beach took command, agreeably to special orders dated headquarters Camp Weld, April 9, 1864. On the 11th, I camped on Beaver Creek, 80 miles southeast from Denver, where I was joined by one Routh (who had been herding the stolen cattle) in the capacity of guide. On the 12th, I crossed the dividing ridge between the waters of the Platte and Arkansas and encamped on the Big Sandy, a confluent of the latter. Forced to remain in camp on the 13th from a prevailing snow-storm. On the 14th, moved 20 miles down Sandy and encamped, having at this point struck a broad and distinct Indian trail directly northwest, evidently having with them, from the numerous tracks, at least 100 head of cattle. I followed this trail on the 15th until I reached the headwaters of the Republican, a tributary of the Kansas River, when I was informed by one of my scouts that an Indian village was on a defile about 1 mile in advance of me. I immediately halted my command and dispatched Lieutenant Phillips with 2 men to make inquiry of the Indians in relation to the stolen cattle. Ten minutes had not elapsed after their departure when one of the men came galloping up and informed me that the squaws were all mounted and leaving the village and that the warriors were approaching the command. I immediately put the column in motion, and when passing through a defile an Indian was descried standing about 50 yards from the command. I ordered 2 men to take him prisoner and bring him to he, and while advancing so to do, the Indian shot 1 of the men through the body, inflicting a very dangerous if not a mortal wound.
At this point I ordered the artillery back to the transports, the nature of the ground being such as to prohibit its farther advance, and divided my forces into squads of 10 men each, with instructions to scour the country for a distance of 10 miles. Taking 3 men with me I proceeded to the village and found it entirely deserted, but containing immense supplies of beef and buffalo, dried and packed in the manner peculiar to the Indians also a quantity of undressed buffalo robes, cooking utensils, powder, lead, beads, and all the paraphernalia of a completely supplied Indian village, all of which I burned, except such articles essential for the use of the command, and encamped upon the ground. On the 15th, I continued my course northwest. During the day my transportation animals, which had been showing evident signs of exhaustion for four days past, almost entirely failed, 1 mule dropping dead in the harness and others lying down. I was compelled at all ravines to attach a rope to the tongue and draw the wagons over by hand, but succeeded in getting 15 miles, when, coming to another village which had been deserted but a short time, I encamped and sent squads in pursuit on the trail. After following about 4 miles robes, dried meats, lodges, lodge poles, and all the various articles found at a first-class village were found strewn along the trail, and ascertaining that the Indians had gone
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down the Republican the scouts returned, bringing with them 19 head of cattle, which the guide identified as being a part of those which had been stolen. On the morning of the 16th, I went with a party and collected and burned all the property which the Indians had thrown away in their hasty flight. My transportation consisted of ten Espenchied's iron-axle freighters, weight 2,000 pounds each, and the condition of my mules were such that it was impossible to follow with it, and the entire absence of grass forbade me following with my horses without some forage. I therefore deemed it prudent to return at once to Denver, make this report, and submit the following: That the Cheyenne Indians are the ones who stole the cattle that they meditate hostilities against the whites, from the fact of their having first fired upon the command that they are now encamped upon the Republican, some 200 miles east of Denver that the distance can be greatly lessened by going other than the usually traveled route that light thimble-skein wagons are best adapted to transport supplies through that portion of the country.
With these suggestions and an ardent desire, the district commander approving, to be ordered on a similar expedition.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EAYRE,
Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment in the Field.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,Commanding District of Colorado.
Page 883 Chapter XLVI. SKIRMISH NEAR FREMONT'S ORCHARD, COLO.
APRIL 12, 1864. - Skirmish near Fremont's Orchard, Colo.
REPORTS.
Numbers 1. - Captain George L. Sanborn, First Colorado Cavalry.
Numbers 2. - Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Colorado Cavalry.
Numbers 1. Reports of Captain George L. Sanborn, First Colorado Cavalry.
CAMP SANBORN, April 12, 1864.
SIR: Receiving information from W. D. Ripley, of the Bijou, that the Indians had been taking stock and committing depredations on the ranchmen on that creek, I this morning sent Lieutenant Dunn, with 40 men of Companies H and C, to recover the stock, also to take from them their fire-arms and bring the depredators to this camp. This evening an expressman arrived from Lieutenant Dunn, who states that after a hard ride they came up with a party of some 15 or 20 Indians, who, on seeing the soldiers approach, drew up in line of battle and made all preparations for a fight, but finally sent forward one of their party to shake hands, and at the same time began to drive their stock back into the bluffs. They soon all came up and wished to shake hands. Lieutenant Dunn then demanded the stock and commenced disarming the Indians, when they turned and ran, turning and firing, wounding 4 of Lieutenant Dunn's party, 2 mortally and 2 severely. Lieutenant Dunn had previously divided his party, sending a part of them across the country to intercept the Indians, and at the time of the skirmish had with him but 15 men. This much I have learned from the messenger verbally.
The skirmish occurred on the north side of the Platte, 3 miles below Fremont's Orchard. The Indians were going north. It will be well to telegraph to Laramie that they may be ready, for this may be the signal of the uprising. Excuse my suggestion will send an expressman with further news as soon as we get it.
Lieutenant Dunn has just arrived and reports that none of the men were killed several of the Indians were seen to fall from their horses, but being freshly mounted, succeeded in getting them away, as the horses ridden by Lieutenant Dunn's men were tired by their long hunt after the Indians, having traveled nearly 80 miles. Lieutenants Dunn and Chase will proceed in the morning on their trail. I have sent for Gerry to act as guide, also to McWade to hurry forward our arms. These Indians were armed with a riffle, a Colt revolver, and bows and arrows each, and were evidently on the war-path, as they did not talk anything but fight. Send down at least 8,000 more cartridges for the carbines for this command.
Major Downing was here when the information was received and fully concurs in the action taken.
I am, sir, in haste, yours, respectfully,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding.
Colonel JOHN M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado.
P. S. - Lieutenant Dunn says they represented themselves (the Indians) to be Cheyennes they also had carbine pistols.G. L. S.
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CAMP SANBORN, April 13, 1864.
SIR: Will your order a surgeon down at once, for 2 of the wounded men are unable to be moved, and I think they will not recover unless speedy relief is given them. One of them has an arrow-head remaining in his back his name is J. G. Brandly. R. E. McBride has two severe wounds from arrows in the back, one opposite the right lung. Both were extracted. A. J. Baird wounded in the right shoulder the arrow-head still remaining in. John Crosby, pistol wound, breaking the right arm between shoulder and elbow the ball still in the arm. All the men behaved in the best manner, and only from the fact that a portion of our men were on the ground at the time of the fight and the tired state of the horses, is to be laid the fact that every Indian of the party was not killed or taken prisoner. Lieutenants Dunn and Chase are on the route, having started at 7 this morning, with Gerry as guide, to take the trail they have four days' rations shall keep a strong picket out up and down the Platte to protect the route and ranchmen.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding.
Colonel JOHN M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado.
Numbers 2. Report of Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Colorado Cavalry.
CAMP SANBORN, Colo. Ten., April 18, 1864.
In pursuance of Special Orders, Numbers 9, dated headquarters Camp Sanborn, April 12, 1864, to take from the Indians stock consisting of horses stolen by them from ranchmen in the vicinity of Camp Sanborn, & c., started at daylight, crossing the Platte, dividing my command, and searching the bluffs on the south side a greater part of the day, till about 3 p. m. I discovered their trail running in northwesterly direction toward the Platte River, when, about 4 p. m., on coming out of the sand hills, I discovered the Indians on the north side of the river, evidently intending to steal a herd of horses and mules grazing near Fremont's Orchard, which belonged to the quartermaster at Denver. Though during the day my command had marched about 75 miles over sandy hills, deep ravines, and most of the time without water, the whole country being an arid waste, I immediately ordered the gallop and soon intercepted them from the herd, when, upon approaching them, I discovered a herd of horses, which they detached men to drive into the sand hills toward the north, and placed themselves in a threatening attitude. When near enough to speak to them, Mr. Ripley, a ranchman, who had lost all the stock he had, and who had informed us of their depredations, said that they were the Indians, and pointing to the herd said there was his stock. Feeling the great responsibility that was resting upon me, and not desiring to bring about an Indian was by being the first aggressor, I dismounted, walked forward to meet their chief, and tried to obtain the stock without any resort to violence. After requesting the chief to return the stock, who replied only by a scorn-
Page 885 Chapter XLVI. EXPEDITION UP MATAGORDA BAY, TEX.
full laugh, I told him I would be compelled to disarm his party, at the same time reaching forward as if to take the arms from one of the Indians, when they immediately commenced firing. I ordered my men to return the fire, and after a short time they fled, and I pursued them about 15 miles, when, finding that my horses would soon be worthless in the pursuit, I started toward Camp Sanborn, which I reached toward midnight, when, obtaining fresh horses and Mr. Gerry for a guide, whose experience for twenty-five years with the Indians we deemed invaluable, I started again at daylight, following the trail till about noon, when it commenced storming violently, snowing and blowing, till the hills appeared to be wrapped in one volume of dust still I pursued the trail. Though before the storm it had become almost obliterated, it now soon became totally so, when, being unable to discover any further indication of their course, by the advice of my guide I turned toward, about sunset, and reached camp before daylight the next morning.
My command with me and engaged in the skirmish with the Indians numbered only 15 men, of whom 4 men were wounded, 2 mortally and 2 severely. My men were armed with the Whitney pistol, caliber.36, and sabers. The Indians were about 25 strong when the skirmish commenced and were re-enforce by about 20 more. They were all well armed with rifles, navy and dragoon pistols, and the carbine pistol, carrying an ounce ball, besides their bows and arrows. My men during the engagement behaved with great coolness, and evinced a degree of courage deserving more than ordinary credit. If my horses had been fresh, I am confident that this band would never again have troubled the settlers in this vicinity.
I have not yet been able to learn to what tribe these Indians belong, though their lances, shields, bows, and arrows which were left upon the field are said by those most intimate with the Indians' character to be such as are used by the Cheyennes, though their peculiar method of traveling is not at all like them. We omitted to mention that we killed some 8 or 10 of the Indians and wounded about 12 or 15 more.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLARK DUNN,
Second Lieutenant, First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Detach.
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Page 146 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
JUNCTION RANCH, COLO. TER., April 12, 1864.
[Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:]
Send me more troops all you can spare. If this is not stopped we will have the Sioux to fight as well as Cheyennes. The small command I have cannot perform the amount of duty required besides, the horses will all be used up. Two howitzers will do to scare, while the cavalry fight. Can you send them to me? After a pursuit of all day yesterday captured and destroyed eleven lodges, all their implements for cooking and dressing hides, &c., besides taking a number of buffalo robes. Caught no Indiana. Will write particulars.
J. DOWNING,
Major First Colorado Cavalry.
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Page 149 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo., April 13, 1864.
Major General S. R. CURTIS,
Commanding Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, had a fight with a party of Cheyenne Indians on north side of Platte River, near Fremont's Orchard, on 12th instant had 4 men badly wounded and killed a number of Indians. They are stealing stock in every direction and refusing to give it up. I have a strong detachment on headwaters Smoky Hill Fork, after party which stole 175 head of Irwin, Jackman & Co.'s oxen. I shall chastise them severely unless you direct differently.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding District of Colorado.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 13, 1864.
Captain S. H. COOK,
1st Cav. of Colo. Commanding Officer, Camp Fillmore, Colo. Ter.:
CAPTAIN: Keep a sharp lookout for Indians. Lieutenant Eayre is out on headwaters Smoky Hill after the Cheyennes, and Lieutenant Dunn had a fight last Tuesday (12th instant) and had 4 men badly, wounded, 2 fatally, and several Indians were killed. No telling where they will strike next. They are stealing large numbers of stock, and refusing to give them up, and there is but one course left for us to pursue, that is, to make them behave or kill them, which latter it now seems we shall have to do. Carbines and carbine ammunition are now on the way for your command. When you send men after these red robbers, arm with only carbines and pistols leave sabers in camp. Be careful to provide your men on scouts, so that they will not be compelled to return just as they are about to overtake the Indians.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 13, 1864.
Captain GEORGE L. SANBORN,
1st Cav. of Colo. Commanding Officer, Camp Sanborn, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: Yours is received giving account of Indian fight.* Surgeon leaves in few minutes. Am sorry Lieutenant Dunn left the Indians at all. Put your force in best trim and avenge the injury done to it. I send to Camp Collins for Hawkins to cut them off also to Fort Laramie. I now have Lieutenant Eayre on the headwaters of the Smoky Hill after them. They stole 175 head of cattle. You will have to be very vigilant. Carbine cartridges come to you by to-morrow's coach look out for them that they are not carried past you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 13, 1864.
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM O. COLLINS,
Commanding, Fort Laramie:
Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, had a fight with band of Cheyennes near Fremont's Orchard on the 12th instant 4 men wounded, 2 fatally several Indians killed. They have gone with stolen stock in your direction. Look out for them and skill them. They are stealing in every direction, and refusing to give up stock when caught.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding District of Colorado.
Page 151 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Colo. Ter. April 13, 1864.
Lieutenant G. W. HAWKINS:
1st Cav. of Colo., Commanding Officer, Camp Collins, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: I am instructed by the colonel commanding to direct that you send out a strong detachment to intercept a band of Cheyenne Indians who had a fight with a detachment of Companies C and H, under Lieutenant Dunn, on 12th instant, near Fremont's Orchard. They had stolen stock, and refused to give it up. In the fight referred to several Indians were killed, and 4 men of Company C wounded. Be sure you have the right ones, and then kill them. If you carbines have not arrived send out and meet them. Arm your men with carbines and pistols leave sabers in camp. You had better move in the direction of Laramie. Will telegraph to Colonel Collins at Laramie. Dunn and Chase are after them. We send you more carbine cartridges by to-morrow's coach.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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Page 166 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Colo., April 15, 1864.
Governor JOHN EVANS,
Territory of Colorado, Denver, Colo.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that Mr. Ripley, who lives on Bijou Creek, on the evening of the 11th instant came into Camp Sanborn, and reported that his stock and the stock of all the ranches in his neighborhood had been driven off by a warlike party of Indians, and requested Captain Sanborn, commanding camp, to send with him troops to recover his stock. On the morning of the 12th instant Lieutenant Dunn, with 40 men, left camp, and after traveling about 60 miles came up with the Indians on the north side of the Platte River, near and below Fremont' Orchard. The Indians on seeing the troops formed line of battle, under which they ran off the stock into the bluffs. Lieutenant Dunn drew up the men now with him, being only 15, he having sent the balance of this command in two squads to look for the Indians in another direction.
Lieutenant Dunn dismounted and advanced about 200 yards and met the chief of the band, of whom he demanded the stock, but the chief informed him he would fight him before he would give it up. The lieutenant told him that if they did not stop running it off he would have to disarm them, to do which the chief defied him, and giving the signal the Indians opened fire on the troops. The troops returned the fire. The fight lasted about one hour, when the Indians began to give way, Lieutenant Dunn and his command following up, and a running fight ensued for about 15 miles, when owing to the tired condition of his horses, the lieutenant ceased the pursuit and returned to Camp Sanborn, now about 10 or 12 miles distant.
In this fight Lieutenant Dunn had 4 men badly wounded, 2 of them thought to be fatally. The los of the Indians is supposed to be about 20 killed and wounded. The whole number of Indians engaged in this fight is estimated to be 60 or 70. On the morning of the 13th instant Lieutenant Dunn, with a fresh command of 60 men and a competent guide, with four days' cooked rations, pursued the
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Indians, being better armed than the day before, having only Whitney pistols and sabers on the 12th. These facts I glean from a hastily written letter by Captain Sanborn, and from Major Jacob Downing, who was at Camp Sanborn when Lieutenant Dunn came in. I have strong hopes that these red robbers will be overtaken and cut off. This may be matter of concern to you as superintendent of Indian affairs for this Territory.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
HEADQUARTERS, Camp Sanborn, April 15, 1864.
Colonel JOHN M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: One of my scouts returned last evening from below the Junction and reported that the party of Indians the Lieutenant Dunn had the fight with came back on the Platte and took a herd of cattle, and killed two of the herders and wounded the owner, Mr. Bradley, in the neck with an arrow. Upon the receipt of the intelligence I dispatched 30 men under Lieutenants Dunn and Chase, with one wagon, to cross over to the cut-off to take the trail this morning they started at 12 o'clock last night. Lieutenant Dunn returned from his second from his second trip, being unable to follow the trail, as it snowed most of the day, and Gerry said it would be an impossibility to follow so returned to camp the same day, having traveled about 60 miles. They had one day's rest and will now be prepared to follow for several days, and, should they come up with them, will give them a lesson they will remember. They all have their carbines and pistols, also sabers.
Lieutenant Dunn has not as yet had time to make a report of the fight, but says, tell the colonel they will fight, and understand the skirmish drill to perfection, and that they were more than a match man to man on account of their arms, but now he feels confident he can whip twice his number. Private Brandly died this morning from his wounds, and Dr. Tolles thinks 2 more of them are dangerous, but may save them. Your communication of the 13th was received at 11 o'clock on the 14th. Cartridges came all right this morning.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain First Cavalry of Colo., Commanding Camp Sanborn.
Inclosed I send you copy of a note received from Mr. Gerry yesterday.
[Inclosure.]
GERRY'S RANCH, April 14, 1864.
Captain SANBORN:
SIR: Two lodges of Indians came here yesterday from the North Platte (Cheyennes). They don't know anything about the war party that you were after. There are also 3 Indians here from the south that came from the main village, which is camped on the headwaters
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of Beaver Creek. They say that no war party has left the village that they came from. There are also ten lodges of Sioux camped at the month of Beaver Creek, and thirty lodges at Valley Station, all Sioux.The above is the report of the Indians that are camped here.
Respectfully,
E. GERRY.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part I
Page 887 Chapter XLVI. EXPEDITION TO BEAVER CREEK, - KANS.
APRIL 14 - 18, 1864. - Expedition from Camp Sanborn, Colo., to Beaver Creek, Kans.
Report of Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Colorado Cavalry.
CAMP SANBORN, COLO. TER., April 18, 1864.
In pursuance of Special Orders, Numbers 11, dated headquarters Camp Sanborn, April 14, 1864, ordering me to pursue the Indians committing depredations on the Platte, & c., at 12 o'clock Thursday night, April 14, 1864, I started from Camp Sanborn, being about twenty minutes from the time of receiving the order, with Lieutenant Chase and 30 men of Companies C and H, went to Bijou Ranch, then to Dry Creek, and finally to the Junction Ranch, where the stock had been stolen, when, learning their course and procuring a guide, we soon discovered their trail, and about noon reached the ranch on Beaver Creek, where some ranchmen were supposed to have been murdered. Found no dead, nor any indication of there having been a struggle. Toward night we recovered about 40 head of cattle, and after securing which we followed the trail in a southeasterly direction, up the left fork of Beaver Creek to its headwaters, where, about 4 o'clock the following morning, we reached a point where the Indians had camped about two days before, when my guide (Asbreuft) informed me that the Indians must have gone to the Arkansas River, as the trail was at least 15 miles too far up Beaver Creek to strike the Republican, and, as they were evidently traveling at the rate of 60 miles a day, I considered that before we could reach them they would be on the Arkansas River, and probably in the camp of their tribe, among whom it would be impossible to identify them and not having sufficient rations with us to last another day, while two days' constant riding had greatly exhausted our animals, we, with great regret, were compelled to return to Camp Sanborn. Lieutenant Chase and the men of Companies C and H, though compelled to remain constantly in the saddle for sixty hours, marching about 250 miles, with regret relinquished the pursuit. Too much credit cannot be awarded them.
In pursuing the Indians we have experienced great difficulty in learning to what tribe they belonged, though every evidence in our possession goes to prove that they are Cheyennes from the Arkansas River. Great difficulty has been experienced in not having pack saddles this is now about being remedied, as we learn that there
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are a few that will be here this evening therefore, hoping that if it again be necessary to pursue the Indians that, properly equipped, I will be able to render a report of not only a pursuit but a capture,
I remain, yours, very respectfully,
CLARK DUNN,
Second Lieutenant, First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Detach.
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Page 188 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
LEAVENWORTH, April 16, 1864. (Received 10.30 a. m., 18th.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff:
Colonel Chivington reports Lieutenant Dunn, First Colorado, had a fight with party of Cheyenne Indians on Platte River, near Fremont' Orchard, on the 12th killed a number of Indians we had 4 men badly wounded. The Indians were stealing stock from Government contractors.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
BOONEVILLE, COLO. TER., April 16, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:
SIR: A party of gentlemen and a Government expressman passed our place this (Sunday) morning, and reported troubles with the Sioux on the Platte, and said you had ordered the troops to concentrate at some point on the Platte. I trust, sir, that you will not
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take from us the only protection to our women and children we have taking away Company L.
Should this be the case I am sure that you will have a remonstrance sent you as long as the moral law, headed by.
Your obedient servant, fraternally,
A. G. BOONE.
HEADQUARTERS, Camp Sanborn, Colo. Ter., April 16, 1864.
Colonel JOHN M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado, Denver, Colo. Ter.:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have received an express from Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, in charge of detachment First Cavalry of Colorado in pursuit of band of Indians. He had arrived with his command at Bijou Station at daylight yesterday morning. The Indians were then twelve hours ahead the report was they were near 100 strong, but I think the report was exaggerated. Private Baird, of Company C, died yesterday about 3 p. m. McBride and the other wounded man of same company are doing very well, and will soon be around again unless their wounds prove to be worse than they appear.
I am, colonel, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Camp Sanborn.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Colo. Ter., April 16, 1864.
Major JACOB DOWNING,
First Cavalry of Colorado, Denver, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: The colonel commanding directs me to say that you will proceed without delay to Camp Sanborn, and take charge of and give directions in person to the movements against the Indians, and see to it that they are appropriately chastised for their outlawry. You will daily communicate with these headquarters. If more troops are needed report that fact, and all others promptly.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Colo. Ter., April 16, 1864.
First Lieutenant G. L. SHOUP,
First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Escort to Commissary Train from Denver to Fort Union:
LIEUTENANT: The colonel commanding directs that you return with your command to Camp Fillmore without delay. You will forward by one of your men the accompanying dispatch to the commanding officer, Fort Union, N. Mex., who is therein requested to send out a detachment to meet and escort the train to that post. The Indian troubles have reached a climax. On 12th instant
Page 190 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
Lieutenant Dunn, with a small party, had a fight with a band of Cheyennes near Fremont' Orchard, and had 4 men badly wounded (1 of them has since died and 2 others are expected to). A number of Indians were killed. They are stealing stock in every direction, and refusing to give it up. Carbines with ammunition are en route to Camp Fillmore.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Colo. Ter., April 16, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER,
Fort Union, N. Mex.:
SIR: I have the honor to request that you will send out a detachment from your command to meet and escort to your post the train of commissary stores now en route from Denver, Colo. Ter. The long anticipated difficulties with the Indians in this Territory appear to have reached a crisis. A fight has already occurred between a small detachment of my troops and the Cheyennes, with some loss on both sides. All my troops are now required for service, and I have ordered Lieutenant Shoup, who, with a detachment of 35 men, has been escorting said train, to return with his command to Camp Fillmore, Colo. Ter.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 196 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
GENERAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 164.
Washington, April 17, 1864.
I. By direction of the President of the United States, the Indian Territory and military post of Fort Smith, included in the Department of Kansas by General Orders, Numbers 1, current series, are hereby transferred to the Department of Arkansas.
II. Major-General Blunt, U. S. Volunteers, will repair to Fort Leavenworth, and report to the commanding officer Department of Kansas, for orders.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
(Copies telegraphed to Generals Sherman, Steele, Curtis, Blunt, and Kimball.)
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 217 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, April 18, 1864.
Brigadier General R. B. MITCHELL,
Commanding District of Nebraska:
Yours of 10th April is before me. I have referred the matter of discord and inadequacy of civil power in Southeast Nebraska both to Major S. S. Curtis, judge-advocate, for a report, and will be governed somewhat by reference to authorities. My judgment at present is that the matter does not come within the provisions of a military commission. Captain Pratt has also presented other matters concerning your district, especially the threatening aspect of Indian tribes. Since he left you the fight at Fremont's Orchard in your district has to some extent justified your apprehensions.
I hope, however, you will be able to keep the peace and properly chastise such offenses as occasioned the assault on the thieves at Fremont's Orchard. As to promising more troops, that seems quite out of the question at present. Everything has been drawn away to augment forces moving from Little Rock to Red River, and great demands are also made for troops on the Potomac and at Chattanooga. We must stand on the defense, I suppose, although I have urged the movement of troops through the Indian country to strike the headwaters of the Trinity and other rivers leading into the heart of Texas. It is, however, unlikely that any new expedition will be favored till the left and center make great struggles against the rebels. You will have perceived some time since that I added considerable to your territory and troops by attaching the overland route to your command.
The movement of Colonel Chivington against the Cheyennes was directed by telegraph from here, knowing that he was nearer the outrages with competent force. I have just received intelligence of a change which attaches the Indian country to the Department of Arkansas, and ordering General Blunt to report here. The troops having been drawn away to Steele's command, it was right to make him take charge of the country. Keep me posted of matters, and try to prevent irritations of Indian difficulty. My brother, H. Curtis, expressed particular regard for you. He resides at my town, Keokuk.
I am, general, very truly, yours, & c.,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
Page 218 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
CAMP SANBORN, April 18, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District:
COLONEL: I arrived here this afternoon. Have sent for Gerry. Told them to send you a report of matters. Am going to the Junction to-morrow morning. It is very difficult to get the truth of anything here without talking with the men, and I do not think there is any more danger of Indian depredations at present. As soon as I can satisfy myself to what band these Indians belong I will be after them as I talked. I think they are Cheyennes, from the Arkansas. Send by the bearer some of their implements. From Jim Beckwith or any Indian man in Denver you can satisfy yourself if this be the case. Shall I go into these Cheyennes on the Platte? I think Captain Sanborn has done all that he could under the circumstances, and deserves credit for his prompt action in these difficulties. I will write you more at length to-morrow. I have not got things running yet. You will please have sent to me 400 pounds hard bread, 12 pack-saddles, 150 light lariats and picket-pins.
Yours, most respectfully,
J. DOWNING,
Major First Cavalry of Colorado.
P. S. - Will send the implements to-morrow in a wagon going up, as I am afraid they will be broken.
J. D.
HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Sanborn, April 18, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: Inclosed I send you report of the expeditions sent out from this camp under Lieutenant Clark Dunn.* Great credit is due him for his promptness and the great distance traveled, and yet the horses are looking well. Only 1 horse has been killed by hard riding. Major Downing arrived this afternoon, and will write by this express. All is quiet at present.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Camp Sanborn.
CAMP ON BEAVER CREEK, April 18, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 13th instant, being on the trail of the Indians who had stolen the cattle, and in the vicinity of the source of the Republican, I came upon one encampment of Cheyennes, five lodges. I sent 3 men to demand the cattle, but before reaching the lodges the squaws mounted their ponies and left, humming. Upon this information I hastened with my command toward the village met 3 Indians on the route but did not molest them had proceeded about half a mile when one of my men was fired upon by an ambushed Indian, and I fear fatally wounded.
---------------*
See Part I, pp. 884, 887.
---------------
Page 219 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.
I followed the Indians as far as I could from the nature of the ground, and returned and burnt the village with everything belonging to it, with the exception of what could be used to advantage by the command. On the 16th I followed the trail, and on the 17th came to another village just deserted by the inhabitants, but vast amount of stores, to all of which I applied the torch. Here I also found 19 of the stolen cattle. The wounded man I start for Denver in the evening on a horse litter improvised for the occasion. I will start down the bayou to-morrow evening to find and destroy another village will be at the mouth of the bayou on 22nd, if scouts bring no further information.
With respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EAYRE,
Lieutenant, Commanding Indian Expedition.
HEADQUARTERS,Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., April 18, 1864.
Lieutenant GEORGE H. STILWELL,
First Cav. of Colorado, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Dist of Colo.:
SIR: Your communication of the 13th instant reached here to-day per express. Captain D. L. Hardy, First Cavalry of Colorado, with 50 men, started from this post the 17th, in pursuit of the Cheyenne Indians, we having positive information that they had the stock that strayed from this post - 3 Government mules and 6 horses. Upon the receipt of your communication I immediately dispatched a messenger informing Captain Hardy of what had transpired on the Smoky Hill, and also ordered Captain James H. Dodge, with one section of the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, to re-enforce him, Captain Dodge being unable to move from this post, in compliance with Special Orders, Numbers 22, from headquarters Department of Colorado, until the train en route from Denver reaches here, we being short of transportation. We are short of ammunition at this post. Please forward revolver cartridges, if there are none already on the road.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL H. COOK,
Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Post.
FORT LARAMIE, April 18, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:
Have parties out looking for Cheyennes that had fight at Fremont's Orchard with Lieutenant Dunn, but can learn nothing of them. Any information you can give, as in what band, how many, who chief, where from, where seen last, and where going, will help.
Please reply.
WM. O. COLLINS.
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Page 234 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
FORT LYON, April 19, 1864.
JOHN EVANS,
Governor of Colorado Territory:
DEAR GOVERNOR: I arrived home from Point of Rocks last evening. Captain Hardy has gone out with 50 men after horses that have strayed from the post, and found by the Cheyennes. If they do not give them up he will fight them, and if so there is great danger of an Indian war with all the tribes. I sent out John Powers, a trusty young man who lives with a Cheyenne squaw, to learn what he could. He came back a few days since and reports, in substance, that the Sioux have been to the Cheyennes with the war pipe, urging them to join against the whites, but they all disclaim all intention to do so. Two Cheyennes have just come in. They have heard of the trouble on the Platte and are very much frightened. I shall try and keep all that come in here. Please keep me advised.
In haste, yours,
S. G. COLLEY,U. S. Indian Agent.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 19, 1864.
First Lieutenant GEORGE S. EAYRE,
Independent Battery, Colorado Volunteer Artillery,
Commanding Detachment on Smoky Hill Route, Colo. Ter.:
LIEUTENANT: The colonel commanding directs that you make prompt report to these headquarters of all matters connected with your command. Full information of the movements of the different commands is necessary, that they may be so directed as to co-operate. You will lose no opportunity of communicating such reliable information as you may acquire.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 241 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.
HEADQUARTERS,
Fort Larned, Kans., April 20, 1864.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
District of South Kansas, Paola, Kans.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that the Kiowa Indians in the vicinity of this post are manifesting a disposition to be troublesome. Depredations upon trains, such as killing and stealing of cattle by them, are becoming of frequent occurrence, and to-day some men came to these headquarters and reported that the Kiowas had robbed them of 5 oxen. This is the third instance of the kind that has come to my knowledge within the last twenty days. In view of these facts I feel it my duty to report that with the garrison that I have it is impossible for me to do more than to perform the necessary post duty, and that in order to stop these depredations, which are daily growing more alarming to travelers, it is necessary to have a cavalry force here large enough to intimidate the Indians. I have been at this post nearly two years and during that time I have never known the Indians to be so insolent as they are at present, and I believe that unless this post is re-enforced with cavalry soon there will be serious difficulty.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. D. CROCKER,
First Lieutenant Ninth Wisconsin Battery, Commanding Post.
[Indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS,
Paola, April 26, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded, with the recommendation that Fort Larned be taken under the particular supervision of department headquarters (communication being so much easier with Fort Leavenworth than with this place), and that a company of cavalry and a good field officer be sent to take command of that post.
THOS. J. MCKEAN,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District.
Page 242 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
INDIAN RANCH, April 20, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
DEAR COLONEL: Last night about 1 a. m. a messenger arrived at Camp Sanborn stating that the ranches on the Platte had been attacked, and at this ranch every person had been driven away and their lives threatened, which I have found to be true the Indians having taken, in addition, all they wanted. I started for this place with 60 men about an hour after I received the news and arrived here at 1 p. m., the horses of my command almost jaded out. Saw one Indian on the opposite bluffs, about 4 miles off, upon my arrival, but he immediately disappeared. Intend to take the trail to-night, as they only started from here this morning, and hope to catch some of them. Will follow the trail as long as my horses will stand it.
Every person with whom I have talked concurs in the opinion that they are Cheyennes, which I now firmly believe. More troops will be needed to wipe them out, as the marches are necessarily so long that the horses will not endure it. More horses are also required. There was a man who lived at this ranch murdered about 10 miles from here last Wednesday. The Indians are evidently so alarmed by the soldiers that they go night and day to escape us. The only way will be to arrange troops with good guides along the road, so that their marches will be short, that when they meet the Indians their horses will be fresh and vigorous. If anything occurs will write you.
Yours,
J. DOWNING,
Major First Cavalry, Colorado.
P. S. - Everything indicates the commencement of an Indian war. Active measures should at once be adopted to meet them on all sides, or the emigration will be interrupted. The people along the Platte are generally very much terrified.
Have the quartermaster send a train of corn to Camp Sanborn immediately, as it will be needed. Another camp should be established lower down the Platte, and commanded by some active man.
Yours,
J. D.
There is no pen or ink here, consequently I have to use a pencil.
HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Sanborn, April 20, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: This afternoon I forwarded to you, per Messrs. Kinney and Smith, a spear, some arrows, and a pistol taken from the battle
Page 243 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.
ground, as Major Downing informed me you wished them. The pistol was taken by Brandly, since dead, and was given by him to Acting Hospital Steward Mead, who wishes to keep it, by your permission.
Information reached camp on the evening of the 18th that a party of Cheyennes had taken possession of a ranch this side of Moore and Kelley's and were despoiling property, getting drunk, and raising the mischief generally.
Major Downing called for 60 men and Lieutenant Dunn, and they were soon in the saddle and off, major accompanying them. I heard from them to-day. Kinney and Smith met them yesterday, 8 miles this side of Beaver Creek and about 12 miles from where the Indians had left the river, going north toward the North Platte. I send this by express, and with it consolidated provision returns for the next month.
We are unable to send teams for our rations. Those here were sent after corn left on the road and, with following the command, have become nearly worked down, so we shall have to have transportation for rations furnished in Denver.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado.
HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Sanborn, April 20, 1864 - 5 p. m.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: Major Downing has returned, having traveled about 140 miles.The command did not come up with the Indians, but learned that they were Cheyennes, and from information of Sioux Indians thinks there are some Kiowas among them, and also thinks the party that Lieutenant Dunn had the fight with were with them. Major D. will write more fully to-morrow and send by coach.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. L. SANBORN,
Captain, First Cavalry Colorado, Commanding Camp Sanborn.
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Page 250 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI
HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Weld, April 21, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I have the honor to report to you that a messenger has just arrived from Lieutenant Eayre with a verbal message to the effect that he will arrive in Denver to-morrow afternoon. He is returning for lighter transportation. The teams he has with him have given out.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. D. MCLAIN,
Captain, Commanding Camp.
CAMP SANBORN, April 21, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding District:
COLONEL: Arrived here Monday and immediately commenced work. Monday night a messenger arrived here stating that the Indians were committing depredations at Morrison's ranch, having driven out the occupants by threats of violence, & c., and were taking all they could find on the premises that they were Cheyennes, and that there were ten lodges near by. One hour after the messenger's arrival I had 60 men in the saddle and on the march. Found the inhabitants on our route along the Platte very much frightened, many of them stating that they had seen ten Cheyenne lodges. At about 1 o'clock the next day we reached the ranch, having marched about 55 miles, where I could not find any person who had seen any Cheyenne lodges or any other lodges near this ranch, but that 7 miles below there were several Sioux lodges, which I did not wish to disturb, as I was informed they did not countenance the depredations of the Cheyennes.
Page 251 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
On the arrival of my guide and our soldiers, who preceded the command a short distance, I learned that an Indian had been seen on the hills on the north side about 7 miles distant, evidently watching the approach of the command. I immediately sent the guide with our soldiers to examine the hills, and upon their return learned that they had found a fresh trail, evidently made by about 3 or 4 Indians, and after following it several miles the guide returned and informed me that the believed they were going to the Indian camp about 30 miles distant on Dry Creek, as the trail led in that direction that there was only one place on the creek where they could camp, and thought we could reach them by daylight the next morning that the Indians would not expect us, knowing that we had traveled all day. Therefore, a little after 8 o'clock that night, I started for Dry Creek, and reached there about daylight. Found an old trail, but nothing fresh. Marched then toward Poll Creek and Cedar Bluffs. Found no Indian signs.
Then marched in a southwesterly direction till we reached a point almost north of Camp Sanborn, and about 20 miles from it, when, finding no trail and having no lariats, without which I could not safely let our stock graze, I took a circuitous route and reached Camp Sanborn yesterday afternoon, having marched about 140 miles, but caught no Indians. Whose fault it is that this command is without lariats is for you to determine. Everything goes to corroborate the fact that the depredators are Cheyennes. Believing now from what I have learned that these depredations have been perpetrated by the Cheyennes, and possibly a few Kiowas, as they are together in almost everything, and that the other tribes are peaceably disposed, and that this party cannot consist of more than 40 or 50 men, I have determined to divide my command and increase the chances of meeting them. I have sent Lieutenant Chase with 25 men to Murray's ranch, 7 miles below the Junction, where he can procure forage, &c., and stabling, with orders to keep his command concealed, he making the march by night, and ascertain by scouts, or otherwise, if the Indians are in that vicinity if so, to go them, reporting all that he does to me.
Intend sending to-morrow Lieutenant Dunn with 30 men to Kelly's ranch, 27 miles below, with the same orders, and then take a detachment and go into the bluffs after them myself, leaving Captain Sanborn in command of the camp. This is the only way by which I can do anything with them, or have a single chance to meet them, though with more men larger detachments could be left at the different points while I thus could pursue them in the sand hills. About 100 men more, I think, wold make it certain with pack animals, &c., as the other Indians already think the cause is assuming rather a serious aspect and that we are in earned. Most of our marched have been made at night, and when it is possible I intend they all shall be, as I think by that means we will be more likely to find them.
I have inclosed with this a list of articles actually needed to render this command efficient, which, if they are on hand, you will order the proper officers to forward immediately and oblige me.
It has been stated that the Cheyennes as a tribe discountenanced the depredations of these men. However that may be, I have as yet been unable to find any of them, and if I find any will punish them for the depredations already committed by members of their tribe, until further orders from you. I will station a messenger at the
Page 252 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
Junction, from which you can telegraph me whenever you wish-Dividing my command in this manner it is actually necessary that we have another officer, as Lieutenant Dunn will not be able to make his reports, &c., and be on a scout all the time, he being the only officer in Company C.
I have just learned that there are a few lodges of Cheyennes at Gerry's. Though he says they discountenance these transactions, I have, through Captain Sanborn, sent him word to notify these Cheyennes to leave immediately, as well as all others who may be on the river, as I intend punishing them for depredations committed by members of this tribe if found on the river. My object is to protect the immigration and get as many together as possible, when, if you think proper, a command can go to their village and compel them to surrender the depredators, or clean them out. Horses are greatly needed. Would you allow me to suggest the propriety of immediately obtaining a sufficient number to prepared for all emergences, as you will see by accompanying report that this command is not all mounted, though all the men are needed and horses are constantly becoming unserviceable? Captain Sanborn informs me that yesterday he sent by Messrs. Smith and Kinney a lance, arrows, pistol, &c., and that they would inform you of the origin of this trouble and corroborate the statement made by Mr. Ripley, which I understand has been contradicted.
Hoping that this will prove satisfactory, I remain, your obedient servant,
J. DOWNING,
Major First Cavalry of Colorado.
P. S.-The pack-saddles Captain Mullin let me have had no packing ropes upon them. The ropes he supposed were packing ropes were lariats attached to the neck halters. Please inform him, that others may be sent to me. There are a number of men here acting as teamsters, as all our men are needed. Will you request Captain Mullin to send down about 8 citizen teamsters if he cannot get anything else, send negroes. We can then use them for expressmen,&c.
J. DOWNING,
DENVER, COLO, TER., April 21, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel COLLINS,
Fort Laramie:
I think Cheyennes. About 60 turned up Beavere Creek. Gone to Republican. We are after them.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding District of Colorado.
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Page 262 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Omaha, Nebr. Ter., April 22, 1864.
Captain JOHN WILCOX,
Seventh Iowa Cav., Commanding Post, Dakota City, Nebr. Ter.:
Your communication of the 21st instant, concerning the murder of Doctor Bentz and apprehended Indian difficulties, has been laid before the general commanding. He does not consider that the circumstances attending the murder of Doctor Bentz, as stated by you, are indicative of any intention of the Indians to commenced depredations and outrages in fact, there seems to be nothing that would indicate that the Indians had anything to do with the murder.
You will, of course, investigate that the deed was perpetrated by Indians, measures must be taken for their punishment and for the prevention of further outrages by them. Keep the general commanding fully and promptly advised of any movements or language of the Indians that my indicate hostile intentions on their part.
The general commanding directs that in sending departchments to various points care must be taken that the several detachments be sufficiently strong and be in proper communication with each other to prevent any of them from being overpowered in any probable emergency. Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, has been ordered to-day to proceed to your post. The company is now at Brownsville.
I am, captain, your very obedient servant,
JNO. PRATT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
DENVER, COLO. TER., April 22, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District, Central City, Colo. Ter.:
Eayre returned after light transportation. That sent with him was worn out before leaving Denver. States he needs no more men. Knows where Indians are. Can reach them if supplied with requisite transportation.
GEO. H. STILWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS,Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., April 22, 1864.
Lieutenant GEORGE H., STILWELL,
A. A. A. G., District of Colorado, Denver, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: I have this day received news from Captain D. L. Hardy, commanding scouting party in pursuit of the Cheyenne Indians. He was successful in obtaining the stock from the Indians, with the exception of 3 mules, which are with a band now on the Smoky Hill. The Indians were very much alarmed and appeared to be very anxious to keep on good terms with the whites. I apprehend no trouble with them in this vicinity.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL H. COOK,
Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Post.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 291 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 25, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS,
Commanding Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
I have three separate commands out after Indians, who are stealing in every direction. Have captured about 100 head of stock. I need abut 100 horses for immediate use in the field after Indians. Shall I order my quartermaster to buy what can be had at reasonable rates, and will you set limit to be pais? Cannot quartermaster buy saddles in the emergency? Will General Mitchell soon relieve the companies of my regiment now in his district, and order them to report to me?
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding District.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 25, 1864.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith copy* of report of Lieutenant George S. Eayre, commanding detachment sent in pursuit of Indians who stole the stock of Irwin, Jackman & Co., as referred to in my letter of the 9th instant. Lieutenant Eayre having returned to Denver and procured the required transportation, has given gone after the Indians.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado,
Commanding Dist.
---------------*
See Part I, p. 880.
---------------
Page 292 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO TERRITORY,
Denver, April 25, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGSTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I have application from parties in Government employ at the Point of Rocks (Upper Arkansas Indian Agency) for arms to defend themselves with against Indian hostilities. It twenty or thirty good guns with ammunition could be placed there, under such regulations as you may prescribe, it would prompted the public service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. EVANS,
Governor of Colorado Territory.
CAMP COLLINS, COLO. TER., April 25, 1864.
Lieutenant G. H. STILWELL,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Denver, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: In compliance with order from district headquarters, dated April 13, 1864, I left Camp Collins on the morning of the 16th, with a detachment of 25 men of B Company, and proceeded on the Laramie road to Cheyenne Pass, a distance of 75 miles the down Lodge Pole Creek 100 miles to the Pine Bluffs. Met a great many Sioux Indians on Lodge Pole and Crow Creeks. They all appeared very friendly, and knew nothing of any troubles between the Indians and whites. I met a Mexican near the Pine Bluffs, who said a war party of 15 Cheyennes had crossed some 40 miles below, on their way to Crow Nation, some five days before. They were gong out to steal ponies. I then crossed the country to the Platte, 75 miles thence to Camp Collins, where I arrived on the evening of the 23rd. All of the Indians I met were Sioux they were very friendly, and say they Have no desire to make war with the whites.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. HAWKINS,
First Lieutenant, First Cav. of Colorado, Commanding Detach.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 303 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 26, 1864.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that on 31st instant I received a very hastily written letter from Captain George L. Sanborn, commanding Camp Sanborn, Fremont's Orchard, Colo. Ter., stating that he had received had been taking stock and communicating depredations on the ranches of that creek. That on 12th instant he sent Lieutenant Dunn, with 40 men of Companies H and C, to recover the stock. That Lieutenant Dunn with party had a fight with the Indians, in with several of them were killed, and 4 of Lieutenant Dunn's men wounded (2 having since died). See copy of Lieutenant Dunn's report, dated Camp Sanborn, April 18, 1864, marked A + also report of expedition commanded by same officer, dated April 18, 1864, marked B.+
There appearing to be some uncertainty as to which tribe the Indians belonged who were engaged in these depredations, and to provide for all emergencies, on the 16th instant I ordered Major Downing, First Cavalry of Colorado, to take charge of the operations
---------------*
See Phillips to Curtis, April 23, p. 301
.+ See Part 1, pp, 884, 887.
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Page 304 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter XLVI.
against them. see copy of his report, inclosed herewith, marked C.* The implements sent to these headquarters are some arrows of the kind used by the Cheyennes and Kiowas, a lance (Cheyenne) and a carbine pistol marked U. S. Manufactured at Springfield, 1855, carrying an ounce ball. The command of Major Downing has, as far as practicable, been supplied with requisite equipment, and every precaution will be taken to protect the settlers and emigrants, and to punish several the Indians who have committed the depredations, unless otherwise ordered by the commanding general.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
JUNCTION RANCH, April 26, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District:
COLONEL: Not hearing anything from you at Camp Sanborn, I came down here last evening. Have sent detachments down the road at different points. Upon my arrival here I learned that they had discovered Cheyennes below, and had gone in pursuit. A messenger was sent to me, but passed me on the way down, having taken a different road. Everything looks prosperous, as far as I can learn, for them to overhaul them this time. I anything occurs before I reach them or after will telegraph you. Has the quartermaster sent down those articles I called for, and do you intend to send more troops down here? I would like to go over to the Republican after them, while I think it important to pursue them on this road to keep them from comminuting depredations here. The Platte is rising rapidly and probably we will be unable to ford it in a short time. Shall i rider Captain Sanborn to cross the river while he can and camp near Fremont's Orchard? I have no idea how long this affair will last., thought the Indians have a big scare and it is hard to find them. I think my only chance is in having detachments along the road. If you think of any improvement, I hope you will let me known. I have tried to write all the particulars.
Hoping to hear from you soon by telegraph, I reaming, yours,
J. DOWNING,
Major First Cavalry of Colorado.
OMAHA, NEBR. TER., April 26, 1864.
Captain JOHN WILLANS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Kansas:
I have received the following dispatch from Colonel Collins, which I forward to you for consideration:
FORT LARAMIE, April 25, 1864.
General R. B. MITCHELL:
I avail myself of Superintendent Creighton's leave to telegraph without charge as to some matters requiring immediate attention, details of which could not be compressed in a short dispatch. Immigration it coming rapidly, trouble with Indians
---------------*
See p. 250.
---------------
Page 305 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
may be expected, and I need power of instructions. You have probably sent orders information as to your plans, but nothing has been received except two or there telegrams as to side matters. Applications are being made for escort through Idaho. Shall I furnish them when it would be unsafe for emigrants to go without, or let them go forward unprotected with a certainty that I shall be called upon when too late to render assistance, as was the case year? A large party is coming from Denver to go a new route from the Platte to the mines, crossing Big Horn and Yellowstone. Colonel Chivington, commanding Colorado District, has assured them I would furnish military escort. Other trains are coming with same object. The route will be at least 200 miles shorter, through a country which ought to be opened, but a strong military party will be necessary. I can furnish an ample one and leave men enough to guard posts and do other duty, especially after the recruits on the way, to insure the best route, prevent difficulties with Indians, or be ready to punish them if necessary. Allow me to say that I have developed the last two years to understanding this country and its peculiar service, and may be supposed to know something of its necessities, and my officers and men are equal to any duty here.
General Curtis Kinsdly wrote me to communicate directly with him on any important subject, but I prefer doing so through you. Should you doubt your power to give me the necessary authority, will you send him this with such suggestions as you think fit? In this mountain service it is better to lead than follow immigration. Could I have my way, it should be sifted, controlled, and guided on designated routes not permitted to run wild and make trouble. The principal [sic] in Nebraska District is Idaho. Could not your headquarters be moved to Laramie so that you could direct it. Deserters and secessions are thronging into the Territory, and even good men make trouble through ignorance. My men should be employed. There is work enough here, and we are anxious to be useful. Escorts from the east are humbugs, for private benefit only. Mr. Creighton will send this to General Curtis without charge. Please suggest that he do so, that I may have immediate information as to what I am to do.
WM. O. COLLINS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment and post.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 314 Chapter XLVI. LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI.
JUNCTION STATION, April 27, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District:
COLONEL: As I wrote you a few days since, I stationed one detachment at the Junction ranch and one at Moore and Kelley's. In consequence of the detachment at the Junction being unable to obtain forage, they moved down to Moore and Kelley's. They had scarcely got there when they learned that a party of Cheyennes were near, who had stolen about $800 worth of horses of Moore and Kelley, when they immediately pursued them, and when about 25 miles south and toward the Republican, reached their lodges, with everything in them, but no Indians.
They destroyed eleven lodges, with the cooking utensils, implements for dressing highs, &c., besides capturing a large number of buffalo robes, many of which, however, were not dressed. The Indians have gone toward the Republican. I have telegraphed you for more troops. If you cannot spare them I will try and get along without them. The amount of duty to perform is so great that I fear the man will all be afoot. We can whip them easy enough with our present command, but I cannot successfully pursue them. I am afraid that if we do stop the thing here soon we will have the Sioux to fight also, which I not wish, if I can avoid it, till we get through with the Cheyennes.Hoping this will be satisfactory, I remain, yours, &c.,
J. DOWNING,
Major First Cavalry of Colorado.
In this affair Lieutenant Dunn and Chase were commanding the detachments. They are both doing well. We are going over to Cedar Bluffs, north of this, to-day, when I will be able to report something better.
J. D.
Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part III
Page 354 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, April 29, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS,
Department of Kansas:
SIR: Send the guns to Fort Lyon. McLain's independent battery company will meet them there. Captain McLain starts for Leavenworth to-morrow to receipt for artillery ordnance. Ninth Wisconsin Battery is en route from Fort Lyon to Council Grove. As soon as General Mitchell or Colonel Collins relieves my troops at Camp Collins and Camp Sanborn, I will concentrate them on the Arkansas. I desire authority to build military telegraph from here to Fort Lyon. Wire is here and can be had cost will not be much, and can be done quickly. I then can have headquarters at Lyon. I also desire authority to move with my command over into Northwestern Texas, if for nothing but a raid. Can make the most successful one of the war, in my judgment. If there should be further Indian troubles, which does not seem probable, the militia are armed and can take care of them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, Colo. Ter., April 29, 1864.Major-General CURTIS,
Department of Kansas:
Can you obtain the authority from the War Department to call out Colorado militia in case of extreme necessity? Our people will be terribly scared with no protection left them. Don't think they will be needed, but by possibility they may.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
Page 355 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, April 29, 1864.
Governor JOHN EVANS,
Denver, Colo. Ter.:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you of the receipt of recent information from department headquarters to the effect that we are threatened with rebel invasion on the southeastern border of this Territory, an event which is likely to necessitate a concentration of the troops in this district at the point threatened, thus withdrawing garrisons from the various stations.
In view of the unprotected state of the southwestern part of the Territory in such a contingency, I would respectfully suggest that you authorize a recruitment of a battery company in the counties of Conejos and Costillo, and such others as in your judgment seem advisable. The recruits could be rationed and otherwise supplied from Fort Garland as fast as enlisted, thus saving to the Government the usually great expenses of enlistments. This company, if raised, would, in my judgment, contribute much to the security of that section of the Territory. If this proposal should meet your favorable notice and action, I would respectfully suggest the appointment as recruiting officer, to be captain of said company when it is raised, First Lieutenant George H. Stilwell, First Cavalry of Colorado, who is a good officer and thoroughly competent for the proposed duty.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.
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