Series 1, Volume: XLI, Part III
Page 37 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
PLUM CREEK, September 2, 1864.
Colonel CHIVINGTON:
If Latham is a good point Camp Collins might be dispensed with. If you think the 100-days' men will do send the Eleventh Ohio men this way. The worst difficulties are between Latham and Fort Kearny. I suppose Fremont's Orchard may also be subordinate, and we will probably consider Latham, Junction, and Valley Station the main points for supplies and for troops. Julesburg must be held with small force, as timber is very remote. I have telegraphed Laramie to know about flour. I am going to start expedition to-morrow southward to Republican and probably below. Troops are coming from east and Indians seem to grow scarce on the line. Am urging stage men to return.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
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Page 87 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.
HEADQUARTERS FOR LARNED, KANS.,
September 6, 1864.
Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Riley, Kans.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that during the past week no reports have reached these headquarters relative to Indian depredations or to hostile Indians having been seen in this locality. One scouting party sent from this post reports having seen quite a large trail, as of Indians traveling north. The trail was about sixty miles west of this post. Lieutenant Murrell, First Cavalry of Colorado, has just returned with fifty men from a scout up the Pawnee Fork, in a northwesterly direction, thirty miles thence northerly crossing Walnut Creek, to the Smoky Hill, down the Smoky Hill, and southerly again, striking Walnut Creek near its mouth, and scouting up and down the Smoky Hill and Walnut Creek. Two recent Indian signs were discovered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SCOTT J. ANTHONY,
Major, Commanding Post.
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Page 98 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
DENVER, COLO. TER.,
September 7, 1864.
Honorable E. M. STANTON.
Pray give positive orders for our Second Colorado Cavalry to come out. Have notice published that they will come in detachments to escort trains up the Platte on certain days. Unless escorts are sent them we will evidently have a famine in addition to this gigantic Indian war. Flour is $45 a barrel, and the supply growing scarce, with none on the way. Through spies we get knowledge of the plan of about 1,000 warriors in camp to strike our frontier settlements in small bands simultaneously in the night for an extent of 300 miles. It was frustrated at the time, but we have to fear another such attempt soon. Pray give the order for our troops to come, as requested, at once, or it will be too late for trains to come this season.
JOHN EVANS
Governor of Colorado Territory.
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Page 112 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
CAMP ON DRY CREEK, September 8, 1864.
Major S. S. CURTIS:
Trains are passing through from Leavenworth from Kearny to Denver and Salt Lake. Escorts are not needed. Have explored up Beaver and Republican to a point on Cottonwood. No buffalo about here, and very few Indians. Am moving eastward.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
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Page 122 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO TERRITORY,
Denver, September 9, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I inclose copy of extract from a letter received yesterday from Major S. G. Colley, U. S. Indian agent at the Upper Arkansas Agency, in relation to the exposed condition of the crops and Government property at that place. If compatible with the public service, I request that a sufficient force be stationed at that point for the protection of the same.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. EVANS,
Governor of Colorado Territory.
[Inclosure.]
Extract from a letter from Major Colley, U. S. Indian agent, dated Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., September 2, 1864, directed to Governor Evans, ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs:
There is some $20,000 worth of crops at the agency which have been left unprotected, the persons employed there having all fled to this post. I requested Major Wynkoop, commanding this post, to send a sufficient military force to that place to protect the people and property, but he has not the troops to spare. If troops are not stationed there soon the whole crop will be destroyed by the Indians. Please confer with Colonel Chivington regarding it, and, if possible, get some troops ordered to that place.
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Page 144 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
SAINT LOUIS, September 10, 1864.
Brigadier-General BROWN,
Warrensburg:
Get the Second Colorado ready secretly to move to join General Curtis. I will send you the Fifth Missouri State Militia as soon as I can spare them. Report how soon they can [move].
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
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Series 1, Volume: XLI, Part III
Page 141 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.WASHINGTON, September 10, 1864-1 p.m.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
Has the Second Colorado Regiment gone to General Curtis? It is of the highest importance that it immediately assist in reopening the road to Colorado.
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.
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Page 148 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,
Denver, September 10, 1864.
Governor JOHN EVANS,
Territory of Colorado:
GOVERNOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 9th instant, with extract of letter from Major S. G. Colley, requesting that a sufficient force be stationed at the Indian agency for the protection of the crops at Point of Rocks are Government or individual property, or if any of the buildings in such condition as to be damaged by fire? I am compelled to station troops at Bent' Old Fort, it being the junction of Santa Fe and Denver line of coaches, which is our only mail line at this time, and a large amount of stock has to be kept there. If the crop at the Indian agency is Government property I will station a squad there until it can be gathered, but if it is individual property I cannot do so, as you will readily see that it would involve the stationing of troops at every ranch or farm in the country. I will give orders to troops stationed at Camp Fillmore above, and at Bent's Old Fort below, to give all the protection in their power, and I repeat, if the crops at Indian agency are Government property, then they shall have some men until they are gathered.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding District.
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Page 179 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-
UNION.CAMP ON SOLOMON RIVER, September 13, 1864.
(Received 7 p.m. 16th.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff:
I struck this river near 100th parallel. Sent scouts out to the head of Saline, finding no large body of Indians divided command sent large portion up valley to strike O'Fallon's Bluff. With remaining 285
Page 180 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
came down, scouring country on all sides. Buffalo plenty. Indians only in small parties escaping south. Shall reach settlements on Smoky Hill to-morrow. No signs of great concentration of Indians. Bands of hunters steal and scalp, but can be routed by small armed force. Stage stations, ranches, and settlements have inclosures for themselves and stock, and a few troops carefully distributed can protect settlements and lines of commerce.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, September 13, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS,
Commanding Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
We learn directly from General Steele that Price crossed the Arkansas last Thursday at The Dardanelles with about 5,000 men, and while it is reported that he is coming into Missouri, and we are preparing for him, I think you should be on your guard. He may go up by Pilot Knob, join Cooper, and go into Kansas.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
FIELD HEADQUARTERS,
Camp on Solomon River, September 13, 1864.
Major S. S. CURTIS,
Aide-de-Camp:
Divided my army of 628, sending part, under General Mitchell, west, to return to Platte Valley near Cottonwood, and come down with remainder, 285. Buffalo plenty, but Indians only in small, shy bands. Hope to reach settlements to-morrow.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TER., September 13, 1864.
COMMANDER OF THE POST:
SIR: On the 8th instant myself and General McKee (deputy U. S. surveyors), in company with our corps, numbering twenty-one men, left this post en route for the field of operations. On the second day out, when near the Republican River, we saw small Indian signals both southwest and east of us, and toward night several small parties of Indians were seen actively moving from point to point. On the following day toward evening we were camped on Turkey Creek, a tributary of the Republican. We were suddenly attacked by a considerable force of the red skins, and, after a brisk skirmish, we drove them off. We lost 5 head of work oxen. They then fired the prairie for miles along the Republican, above and below us, and we were compelled to fall back toward Fort Kearny in the night, and were pursued by them for fifteen or twenty miles, but escaped without the loss of a man. There is no doubt but a considerable force of hostile Indians are concentrated on the Republican River south and southwest of this point.
Yours,
ANGELL AND McKEE,
Deputy U. S. Surveyors.
Page 181 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
DENVER, September 13, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS,
Fort Leavenworth:
Troops en route to Valley Junction and Latham company to each. Have a company at old Fort Lupton. Shall I order abandonment of Camp Collins? Latham supports Fremont's Orchard and is better with a force at Junction, which ought to be. No Indians on the Platte up this way for ten days. Am sending troops to the Arkansas. Indians still in that region, and threaten to be large force of them.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel.
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Page 195 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO TERRITORY,
Denver, September 14, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I herewith inclose for your information a copy of a letter received from Major Colley, U. S. Indian agent, Upper Arkansas Agency, dated September 4, 1864, Fort Lyon, stating the location of the Arapahoes and portions of other tribes of Indians, and inclosing a proposition for peace from Black Kettle and other chiefs. A copy of the letter from Black Kettle referred to by Major Colley has, I presume, been furnished to you by the officer in command of Fort Lyon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. EVANS,
Governor of Colorado Territory.
[Inclosure.]
FORT LYON, COLO. TER., Sunday, September 4, 1864.
Honorable JOHN EVANS,Superintendent of Indian Affairs:
DEAR SIR: Two Cheyenne Indians and one squaw have just arrived at this post. They report that nearly al of the Arapahoes, most of the Cheyennes, and two large bands of Ogallala and Brule Sioux are encamped near the "Bunch of Timbers" some 80 to 100 miles northeast of this place that they have sent runners to the Comanches, Apaches, Kiowas, and Sioux requesting them to make peace with the whites. They brought a letter purporting to be signed by Black Kettle and other chiefs, a copy* of which is here inclosed. They say that the letter was written by George Bent, a half-breed son of W. W. Bent, late U. S. Indian agent for this agency. They also state that the Indians
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*Not found.
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Page 196 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
have seven prisoners. One says four women and three children, the other states three women and four children. Major Wynkoop has put these Indians in the guard-house, and requested that they be well treated in order that he may be able to rescue the white prisoners from the Indians.
S. G. COLLEY,
U. S. Indian Agent, Upper Arkansas.
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Page 218 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
COTTONWOOD, September 16, 1864.
Major General S. R. CURTIS:
Command arrived here last night at 10 o'clock. Horses badly used up. We scoured the country from the point you left us for thirty miles up the Solomon Fork. Captain Wilcox, under my instructions, traversed the Middle Fork of Solomon River some twenty miles above a point due south from our encampment at the point of separation. Found all Indians had left for Republican. After being joined by Wilcox we marched in a northwesterly direction, crossing the two Beaver Creeks and striking the Republican at the mouth of Medicine Lake. From this point sent two companies to the mouth of Red Willow Creek and the mouth of Whiteman's Fork of the Republican River. Finding the Indians were heading for the North Platte, took the nearest route to this point by way of Medicine Lake. Will leave here for North Platte to-morrow with new supplies, and will, in all probability, strike Indians near Ash Hollow. I fell in with one company of militia from Colorado on the Republican. They are now at or near O'Fallon's Bluffs.
ROBERT B. MITCHELL.
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Page 234 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 17, 1864.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D. C.:
Returned from the plains. Generals Blunt and Mitchell are extending search up the Arkansas and up the Platte. Indians not found in force. News of 13th instant from Fort Gibson just received. Reports rebels moving on that post from below, and Price with 15,000 men having crossed the Arkansas at Dardanelle.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 17, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri.Dispatches just received from Fort Gibson, dated 13th, report rebels moving through Choctaw Nation on that post. Also reported there that General Price had crossed Arkansas River with 15,000 men, moving northward.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, September 17, 1864.
His Excellency Governor CARNEY,
Leavenworth:
I have just returned from the plains after a reconnaissance extending over 1,000 miles, mainly through country west of settlements in Nebraska and Kansas. I find no signs of a large body of Indians in that region. A dispatch just received from Fort Scott brings reports
Page 235 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
from Fort Gibson, 13th, stating that rebels were moving on that place through Choctaw country, and that it was there reported General Price had crossed Arkansas River at Dardanelle with 15,000 men. I may again have to ask the militia of Southern Kansas to aid in checking rebel approaches.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
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Page 242 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
FORT LYON, COLO, TER., September 18, 1864.
Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Dist. of Upper Arkansas:
SIR: I have the honor to report for information of the major-general commanding that on the 3rd instant there Cheyenne Indians were met a few miles outside of this post by some of my men en route for Denver, and were brought in. They came, as they stated, bearing with them a proposition for peace from Black Kettle and other chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations. Their propositions were to the effect that they, the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, had in their possession seven white prisoners whom they offered to deliver up in case that we should come to terms of peace with them. They told me that the Cheyennes, Arapahoes, and Sioux were congregated for mutual protection, at what is called "Bunch of Timber," on headwaters of the Smoky Hill, at a distance of 140 miles northeast of this post numbering altogether about 3,000 warriors, and desirous to make peace with the whites. Feeling anxious at all odds to effect the release of these white prisoners, and my command having just been re-enforced by a detachment of New Mexico infantry sent by General Carleton, commanding Department of New Mexico, to my assistance, I found that I would be enabled to leave sufficient force to garrison this post by taking 130 men, including one section of the battery with me, and concluded to march to this Indian rendezvous for the purpose of procuring these white prisoners above mentioned, and to be governed by circumstances as to the manner in which I should proceed to accomplish the same object. Taking with me under a strict guard the Indians I had in my possession, I reached my destination and was confronted by from 600 to 800 Indian warriors
Page 243 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
drawn up in line of battle and prepared to fight. Putting on as bold a front as possible under the circumstances, I formed my little command in as good order as possible for the purpose of acting on the offensive, or defensive, as might be necessary, and advanced toward them, at the same time sending forward one of the Indians I had with me as an emissary to state that I had come for the purpose of holding a consultation with the chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations to come to an understanding which might result in mutual benefit, and that I had not come desiring strife, but was prepared for it, if necessary, and advised them to listen to what I had to say previous to making any more warlike demonstrations.
They consented to meet me in council, and I then proposed to them that if they desired peace to give me palpable evidence of their sincerity by delivering into my possession their white prisoners. I told them I was not authorized to conclude terms of peace with them, but if they acceded to my proposition I would take what chiefs they might choose to select to the Governor of Colorado Territory and state the circumstances to him, and that I believed it would result in what it was their desire to accomplish, viz, peace with their white brethren. I had reference particularly to the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes. The council was divided, undecided, and could not come to an understanding among themselves. Finding this to be the case, I told them I would march to a certain locality, distant twelve miles, and await a given time for their action in the matter. I took a strong position in the locality named and remained three days. In the interim they brought and turned over into my possession four white prisoners, all that was possible at the time being for them to turn over, the balance of the seven being, as they stated, with another band far to the northward. The released captives that I have with me now at this post consist of one female named Laura Roper, aged sixteen, and three children (two boys and one girl), named Isabella Eubanks, Ambrose Asher, and Daniel Marble the three first mentioned all being taken on the Blue River, in the neighborhood of what is known as the Liberty Farm, and the latter captured somewhere on the South Platte with a train of which all the men were murdered. I have the principal chiefs of the two tribes with me, and propose starting immediately to Denver City, Colo. Ter., to put into effect the proposition made aforementioned by me to them. They agreed to give up the balance of the prisoners as soon as it is possible to procure them, which can be better done from Denver City than it can from this point.
Hoping my action may meet the approval of the major-general commanding. I respectfully submit the above report.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. W. WYNKOOP,
Major First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Post.
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Page 257 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.- UNION.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, September 19, 1864,.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.:
I am in receipt of a copy of letters from the honorable Secretary of Interior and Commissioner of Indian Affairs, with your indorsement, to take such action as I "may deem best." It is stated that I have ordered the Indians not to make their usual hunt. This is erroneous. I may have suggested that it would be dangerous for our friendly Indians to go, but I have desired the Pawnees to follow and operate when I had driven away the hostile bands. Yet I see great difficulty in discriminations and also fear that some bands of our friendly tribes might mingle with foes if they come in proximity. If the friendly Indians could be united for the purpose of hunting and fighting with our troops it would be easy to organize and so equip them as to avoid difficulty. In my recent reconnaissance I took about seventy-five Pawnees with me as scouts, and to avoid mistakes dressed them with a blouse and hat. It gave them a distinctive and graphic appearance which could not be mistaken. Any other than an associate arrangement seem almost impossible. I appreciate the importance of allowing or aiding the friendly Indians to hunt buffalo, but any general movement by them would lead to confusion and difficulty, not only with my troops, but with the border settlements, for the people, being terribly alarmed, would make very little difference in their resentments and raids. I will do all I can to favor the friendly Indians in any rational arrangement to hunt the buffalo, and believe with the honorable Secretary that properly associated with the troops they would strengthen our efforts to suppress the hostile tribes.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,Major-General.
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Page 260 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
FORT LYON, COLO. TER., September 19, 1864.
Brigadier-General CARLETON,Santa Fe:
GENERAL: Some two weeks ago I received a letter from yourself just on the ave of starting on an Indian expedition. A few hours after the receipt of your letter I left, and neglected acknowledging the same. I have just returned to the post, and allow me to apologize for my neglect, feeling myself more reprehensible on account of the extreme kindness of your missive. Please receive, general, my sincere thanks for the assistance you afforded me both with the men furnished and the arms you allowed me to take, together with personal interest you have shown in the welfare of my Territory. Since receiving your letter I have succeeded in procuring four white prisoners from the Indians, and hope before long to be instrumental in settling the Indian difficulties in this locality.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
E. W. WYNKOOP,
Major First Colorado Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, September 19, 1864.
General JAMES H. CARLETON,
Commanding Department of New Mexico:
GENERAL: Yours of the 8th August was duly received. I have just returned from a long tour through the country west of settlements between the Platte and Arkansas. Indian troubles have abated, the Indians having left lines of travel and gone to parts unknown. I fear they may collect in the Creek or Choctaw country. I have information of efforts being made to get a grand Indian council down there. The signs which I found at the head of streams west of Kansas seemed to indicate a movement of hostile Indians south. Please keep me informed of whatever tends to threaten our common interest in regard to Indian movements. I am doing all in my power to keep lines open. General Blunt is at or near Larned looking out for Indians, and may co-operate with you in crushing out some of the vile hordes that now harass our lines communication.
I am,general, very truly, yours,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
Page 261 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.- UNION.
DENVER, September 19, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
Have sent the following telegram to Secretary of War:Train with ordnance and ordnance stores en route to New Mexico, with mules stolen by Indians at Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter. We need such stores for Third Regiment Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, 100-days' men, now full. Authorize me by telegraph to take them. Will not be used if reach New Mexico before next year. Indian warriors congregated eighty miles from Fort Lyon 3,000 strong.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding.
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Page 280 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 20, 1864-3.40 p.m.
Colonel CHIVINGTON,
Denver City:The chief of ordnance objects to the diversion of the train sent to New Mexico. You must make requisitions for your wants in usual way.
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.
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Page 294 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, September 21, 1864.
P. P. ELDER, Esq.,
Ohio City, Kans.:
Yours of the 30th ultimo* is killed before me on my return from the plains, where I have been looking after the hostile Indians. I hope arrangements may be made to gather together all the friendly tribes and unite them in general raid on the tribes that are doing so much mischief. It requires the shrewdness and fleetness of Indians to fight those Indians. Colonel Coffin is trying to arrange a general council at the Sac and Fox Nation, to which, no doubt, the Osage chief will be invited. Just at present my attention is especially called to rebel approaches north of Kansas River and south of Kansas and Missouri. This may defer or prevent the proposed council at the Sac and Fox Agency.
Thanking you for your tender of favor, and assuring you that I will be glad to avail myself of it on the terms you suggest, I remain, very truly, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, September 21, 1864.
Messrs. J. D. BRUMBAUGH,
J. WERBACH, and
H. HALLENGBURGH,
Committee, Marysville, Kans.:
GENTLEMEN: I am in receipt of your communications, presented as the representatives of a public meeting, urging the establishment of certain posts to protect the settlements and maintain our lines of communication. I have made a personal reconnaissance extending entirely round the settlements and through the Indian country, and I am glad to perceive the numbers of the Indians that have done so much mischief are comparatively small, and may be resisted by our settlements without very great expense when the Government may not be able to furnish suitable garrisons to fortify our extensive frontier. The Indians are the mounted prairie tribes that almost universally use the bow and arrow, and expect to carry their ends by a dashing charge and immediate retreat. Any sort of an inclosure is a defense against such assaults, and in many places a sod fence or a god house, with gate or door well supported, has deterred the wildest savages from any attempt to carry the position. I name this by way of suggestion. In many neighborhoods the people have erected complete fortifications of earth and sod, to which they can resort at given notice. I have fully appreciated the Republican Bend as a most excellent point for a military
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*See Part I,p.944.
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Page 295 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.- UNION.
post, but at present I am unable to afford the requisite force to make such a plan useful. Besides, the danger along the line of travel has,as you perceive, driven away the station men, who seem disinclined to return to their posts without troops in the immediate vicinity. The Government is anxious to keep the overland mails going, and I have to consider this great national necessity in connection with that of protecting the settlers. If, therefore, I can get troops enough I design to have station along the main travled road near enough together to keep up some protection to the country and leave a safe transit to trains and stages. At the same time I cordially concur in the views of the meeting, ably presented by yourselves, as to the propriety of having a post on the Republican near the Big Bend, and I shall seek an early opportunity to carry out that design.
Anxious to do all in my power to protect your people from the future assaults of savages, who have so cruelly and disastrously devastated your vicinity, I am, gentleman, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
FERNANDEZ DE TAOS, N. MEX., September 21, 1864.
General JAMES H. CARLETON,
Commanding Department of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. Mex.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 18th instant. To-morrow morning I will leave for the Cimarron and see immediately what arrangements I can make with the Indians at that place. I saw Kaneatchi at this place and learned from him that he feels disposed to go along with the whites on a campaign against the Indians of the plains. As soon as I can ascertain the number of Indians that will go with me I will report to you immediately. I cannot say what length of time side Utes would like to remain out on a campaign, but will ascertain the time when I see them. I will require sufficient transportation to take the provisions and ammunition to the lower crossing of the Cimarron, or to the crossing of the Arkansas, where it will be necessary for me to establish a depot. I also wish an order for arms, ammunition, and provisions also transportation sufficient toPage 296 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII. carry all the necessary articles for the campaign, and which transportation I will return as soon as I find practicable. I am fully aware that there are plenty of Indians in the neighborhood of Crooked Creek or Beaver Creek, south of the Cimarron. I would also wish to have the authority to get the three companies of cavalry to go with me, as my object will be to hunt and destroy their villages. The Arapahoes and Cheyennes have gone north of the North Platte with their villages in company with the Sioux. The Commanches, Kiowas, and Apaches are south of the Arkansas, and I will proceed at once to destroy their villages. Keneatchi says he will want blankets and shirts, also arms and ammunition for his men, as many of them are nearly destitute of everything and will require such articles before he can go on the campaign. Please inform me immediately how and where I can procure such articles as the Indians may really need. It is also really necessary for me to have cavalry, and in case I should find they were not wanted I would immediately have them returned to their several stations, as it would be entirely useless for me to go with only the Indians. I think very favorably of your plan of compromising the Utes and Apaches with the Indians of the plains, and feel confident that the plan will meet with success. You, as myself, are fully aware that it will require a strong force to attack their villages and be successful, and therefore I hope you will provide me with a necessary force, so that I can give the Indians of the plains a sound drubbing. Please send by this express all the necessary instructions, orders, &c. If you wish it there are about 300 Navajoes at Fort Sumner who would like to accompany me on a campaign, as I talked to them on the subject before leaving there, and I feel confident there would be no trouble with them and the Utes. I spoke to the Utes concerning a treaty with the Navajoes at Fort Sumner and they have no objection to such a treaty.
Expecting to hear from you by return express, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. CARSON,
Colonel First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers.
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Page 314 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, September 22, 1864.
Major General JAMES G. BLUNT:
DEAR GENERAL: On my review of papers I see many matters of interest concerning your district which I may only partially review on this occasion for lack of time, but I will fully consider everything as fast as I can. First, I find by a letter from Colonel Bent that two chiefs of Kiowas, Sitauk and the son of Little Mountain, called on the 7th of August on the colonel and proposed to make peace with the whites. Taken in connection with the fact that Sontog or sitauk was the chief that shot the sentinel at Larned at the breaking out of the troubles, this movement is significant. It shows that the Kiowas moved west, and no doubt they are the same parties who have subsequently given us trouble on that line. Their lodges must be somewhere west of Larned, probably not far from Bent's Fort of Bent's Ranch. Before any peace can be granted the villains who have committed the crimes must be given up, and full indemnity in horses, ponies, and property must be granted as Indians can indemnify. Something really damaging to them must be felt by them. In view of the immediate pressure on my southern border, it will not be possible for us to extend operations as I would like to do in your district at present. The line of operations of General Thayer from Fort Scott, or rather his line of supplies, has been cut off, and the enemy seems in force near Cane Hill. I shall need all possible aid in that direction, and hope you will be able to move some of your troops down the Arkansas to Council Grove, where you may be able to strike a blow, or your forces to repel invasion, or open the way to our comrades who are now cut off from their supplies. Reports variously present the enemy. It is said two regiments and four pieces of artillery attacked the train at Cabin Creek, capturing and destroying it, and further reports say
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that Price, with 26,000, has crossed at Dardanelle, and is now at Cane Hill. Governor Carney has ordered out the militia, and I am sending all available forces toward the enemy. It seems hardly possible for Price to bring an army through the desolate region of Arkansas, but he has a large portion of our Fort Smith outfit, and it may be corn enough has ripened in Northwest Arkansas to feed the rebel hounds that are now occupying that region. However this may be, the presence of an enemy in formidable force is there, and it will, no doubt, stimulate bushwhackers in Western Missouri, so as to renew difficulties and augment them on the border. I therefore recommend you to distribute enough force along the road to make matters as safe as possible, and move yourself with the remainder to Council Grove and report to me in advance your probable arrival at that place. General Sykes is unable to take the field, and I may to take the advance myself, although department duties are exceedingly onerous here at headquarters.
I remain, general, very truly, yours,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, September 22, 1864.
Colonel LIVINGSTON,
In the Field:
I have directed a detachment to move down from Kearny to establish the post at Liberty Farm. My object is to assist in hurrying forward the overland mail arrangements. Anything that you can do to accommodate this interest consistent with the safety of the troops, I desire that you will do. This will be handed you by Mr. Holliday, the contractor, who will give you information as to the difficulties he has to encounter, and which we should assist him to overcome. You know my general plan is to establish substantial posts once in about fifty miles, with intermediates of less importance, as our forces will admit. General Mitchell has gone on beyond Cottonwood, and in his absence you will proceed to distribute the troops, as few as you can with safety, and carry out my general field order on the subject of protecting and escorting property on that line of travel and commerce. When General Mitchell returns you will furnish him a copy of this letter and say that it is the general's wish that he should pursue the policy here indicated.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
DENVER CITY, COLO., September 22, 1864.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Have regiment 100-days' men on the way for field on train from Fort Leavenworth, but cannot get here in time because of the Indian troubles on the Platte route. Are 400 miles back and laid up. The time of this regiment will expire and Indians still hold road. This is no ordinary case.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel, Commanding.
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WASHINGTON, D. C., September 23, 1864-10.35 a. m.
Colonel CHIVINGTON,
Denver City:
You will communicate your wants to your superior officer, General Curtis, at Fort Leavenworth.
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.
DENVER, September 23, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
I have made such disposition of troops as to give complete protection to the road between Julesburg and Denver. Coaches can resume with perfect safety, and teams are in no possible danger on this end of the route with proper precaution.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Colonel.
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ATCHISON, September 23, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
My paymaster has just arrived from Kearny, via Little Blue, with five men. Saw no Indians. Have directed my men to bring stock down under direction and protection of the military. Impossible to get stock-tenders at Kearny. Must beg of you to assist me in this way with soldiers until I cant get some men out from here. Will start a party from this end to meet those starting from Kearny. With your advice and assistance and my determination I know we can put this line into operations, so that there will be no further interruption in this important service.
BEN. HOLLIDAY.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 23, 1864.
BEN. HOLLIDAY, Esq.,
Atchison:
Have telegraphed Governor Carney requesting him to loan you the guns. You may rest assured that no one is more anxious or determined than I to get an early and safe restoration of the mail route. Some delay may be necessary in the arrangement of troops to avoid dangers, but I will sacrifice, if necessary, other routes to preserve instead the overland mail, but your patient and careful exertions must be added to make your stations as safe as possible for your men and horses.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
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SEPTEMBER 25, 1864.-
Skirmish at Walnut Creek, Kans.
Report of Major General James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, commanding District of Upper Arkansas.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,
In the Field, Fort Larned, Kans., September 29, 1864.
MAJOR: For the information of the major-general commanding the department, I have the honor to report that I left this post on the 22nd instant, at 4 a. m., with about 400 men and two mountain howitzers, provided with ten days' rations of hard bread and half that amount of bacon. It was my intention to have gone south of the Arkansas upon Crooked Creek and the Cimarron but on arriving at the crossing of the river, sixty miles west of this post, on the evening of the 23d, I learned that a force from the Department of New Mexico was at the Cimarron Springs, and that a large party of Indians were camped on the Smoky Hill. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 24th I left camp on the Santa Fe road, and marched north, reaching a point that night within eight or ten miles of Pawnee Fork. At 3 a. m. of the 25th I continued my march directly north, and at the first dawn of day reached the Pawnee, where the command was halted and a party sent up the creek in search of a crossing. They had proceeded about half a mile when they returned and reported the discovery of an Indian lodge and some ponies. I immediately sent out a small party of men to reconnoiter, and soon heard a brisk firing. By this time it had become sufficiently light to discover that they were pursuing the Indians up the creek, and I sent Major Anthony with Companies M and L, of the First Colorado Cavalry, to re-enforce them. After waiting over an hour, and hearing nothing from Major Anthony, I started up the creek with the remainder of the command, and after proceeding about one mile I discovered the small force under Major Anthony surrounded on all sides by the Indians, and gallantly fighting their way back. As soon as the Indians discovered that I was coming up with the remainder of the force they ceased fighting and commenced to retreat.
Major Anthony had followed the first party of Indians up the creek about six miles (the Indians all the time increasing in force), when he found himself overwhelmed by numbers. He then attempted to send messengers back to me and commenced to fall back. The messengers were cut off by the Indians and did not reach me. My loss is 1 killed, 1 missing (supposed to be killed), and 7 wounded. We found 9 dead Indians. More are supposed to have been killed, as many were seen to fall from their horses, but were immediately carried off the ground. I pursued them on their retreat two days, until my stock becoming exhausted and subsistence consumed (no buffalo in that region), I was compelled to abandon the chase. From the head of Pawnee the Indians crossed to Smoky Hill, and there were many evidences of their having retreated in great haste. Their main camp was about ten miles up the Pawnee from where we first attacked their picket, and numbered not less than 4,000, 1,500 of whom at least were warriors, Cheyennes and Arapahos. There is little doubt but this party of Indians were moving down for a raid upon the Santa Fe road or the frontier settlements. If so, their designs for the present are defeated. It was clearly demonstrated in the fight on the 25th instant that the Indian warriors ride fleeter horses than ours, and that their war parties cannot be pursued with success.
JAS. G. BLUNT,
Major-General.Major C. S. CHARLOT, Asst. Adjt. General, Department of Kansas.
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DENVER, September 26, 1864.
Major C. S. CHARLOT:
I have been informed by E. W. Wynkoop, commanding Fort Lyon, that he is on his way here with Cheyenne and Arapaho, chiefs and four white prisoners they gave up. Winter approaches. Third Regiment is full and they know they will be chastised for their outrages and now want peace. I hope that the major-general will direct that they make full restitution and then go on their reserve and stay there.
Would like to hear by telegraph.
J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District.
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Page 462 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 28, 1864.
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON:
I shall require the bad Indians delivered up restoration of equal numbers of stock also hostages to secure. I want to peace till the Indians suffer more. Left Hand is said to be a good chief of the Arapahoes, but Big Mouth is a rascal. I fear agent of Interior Department will be ready to make presents too soon. It is better to chastise before giving anything but a little tobacco to talk over. No peace must be made without my directions.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
FORT KEARNY, September 28, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
I have the honor to report that I left Fort Riley on the 19th instant, and arrived here at 1 p. m. to-day. On the march I scouted the tributaries of the Republican and Little Blue Rivers thoroughly. Crossed last river at mouth of South Fork. No Indian signs until we struck Buffalo Ridge, south of Pawnee Ranch. Trails all old. None fresher than three weeks. Left Nebraska militia at Pawnee Ranch, where they are fortifying.
R. R. LIVINGSTON,Colonel,&c.
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Page 493 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DIST. OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS, Numbers 2.
In the Field, Fort Larned, September 29, 1864.
I. Captain Theodore Conkey, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, will proceed with his command, including section of battery under Lieutenant Edington, to Fort Zarah, and relieve Captain E. A. Jacobs, First Colorado Cavalry.
II. Captain Jacobs, upon being relieved by Captain Conkey, will proceed with his command to Fort Larned and report for duty to Major Scott J. Anthony, First Colorado Cavalry, commanding post.
By command of Major-General Blunt:
J. E. TAPPAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 29, 1864.
Colonel LIVINGSTON,
Fort Kearny:
I wrote you by Ben. Holiday to distribute forces as fast as you can to help the mails through. Main troubles seem to be near Cottonwood. Let your efforts be directed in that direction. Give me the news of the line. Where is General Mitchell?
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 29, 1864.
Major O'BRIEN,
Cottonwood:
Governor Evans reports large Indian force on Republican south of you. Have you any evidence of considerable Indian force crossing over from north to Republican? Where is General Mitchell, and what news have you?
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
COTTONWOOD, September 29, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
Have no evidence of considerable Indian force on the Republican. No knowledge of Indians in any force going that way. None have been seen near here since the last reported raid of a small band on the 18th, just after. General Mitchell is at Kearny to-day.
S. W. SUMMERS,
Colonel.
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS,HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Numbers 3.
In the Field, September 29, 1864.That portion of the District of Nebraska east of Julesburg, Colo. Ter., and south of Omaha City is established as the Eastern Sub-District, with headquarters at Fort Kearny. Colonel Livingston, First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry, is assigned to the command of this Eastern Sub-District, and will have control of the lines of communication running from Omaha City, Nebraska City, and Fort Leavenworth to Fort Kearny, and from Fort Kearny west to Julesburg, Colo. Ter., with power to change troops and established such posts as he in his judgment may deem necessary, promptly reporting all changes to district headquarters for approval.
By command of Robert B. Mitchell, brigadier-general, commanding:
JNO. K. RANKIN,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
DENVER, September 29, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
A party of the most reliable chiefs of Cheyennes and Arapahoe tribes, brought in by Major Wynkoop, say a very large party of Minneconjou and other Sioux Indians from the north are now on the Republican,
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nearly opposite the Cottonwood that they soon will strike the Platte and make for the settlements of Colorado. General Sully has doubtless driven them down upon us. We must have a strong force after them at once or we will be destroyed by their cutting off our communication.
JNO. EVANS,
Governor.
COLORADO SUPERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Denver, September 29, 1864.
Major S. G. COLLEY,
U. S. Indian Agent:
SIR: The chiefs brought in by Major Wynkoop have been heard. I have declined to make any treaty with them, lest it might embarrass the military operations against the hostile Indians of the plains. The Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indians being now at war with the United States Government must make peace with the military authorities. Of course this arrangement relieves the Indian Bureau of their care until peace is declared with them, and as their tribes are yet scattered, and all except Friday's band are at war, it is not probable that it will be done immediately. You will be particular to impress upon these chiefs the fact that my talk with them was for the purpose of ascertaining their views and not to offer them anything whatever. They must deal with the military authorities until peace, in which case alone they will be in proper position to treat with the Government in relation to the future.I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. EVANS,
Governor Colo. Ter. and ex-officio Supt. of Indian Affairs
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Page 524 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO TERRITORY,
Denver, September 30, 1864.
(Received October 5.)
Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,
Commanding District of Colorado:
SIR: I have the honor herewith to inclose for your information copy of a telegram received this day from General Curtis, dated Fort Leavenworth, September 29, in reference to Indian matters in this Territory.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. A. CHEVER,
Private Secretary.
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[Inclosure.]
FORT LEAVENWORTH, September 29, 1864.JOHN EVANS:
General Mitchell is hunting Indians up the Platte, and General Blunt south of Arkansas also searching for them. Try and give them any information you think reliable. The chiefs you named are not reliable, and desire to save their friends, who are near the Arkansas, by extravagant reports of forces elsewhere. They ought to be made to go and show our enemies. Their chiefs are all implicated in the attacks where they have depredated. All they fear is winter approaching and therefore they desire peace, which they cannot have at present. I was far up the Republican and Mitchell was farther. I will try to have new scouts sent out from Cottonwood to ascertain the truth of this report. If such a force is there it must be attacked as soon as possible. The idea of Sioux being driven down by Sully is not reasonable that was the report before my visit to the Platte, and I found nothing to justify it.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General
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