Series 1, Volume: XLI, Part I

Page 948 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

NOVEMBER 29, 1864.-

Engagement with Indians on Sand Creek, Colo. Ter.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1.-Colonel John M. Chivington, First Colorado Cavalry, commanding expedition.

Numbers 2.-Major Scott J. Anthony, First Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 3.-Lieutenant Judson J. Kennedy, First Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 4.-Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 5.-Colonel George L. Shoup, Third Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 6.-Lieutenant Colonel Leavitt L. Bowen, Third Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 7.-Major Hal Sayr, Third Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 8.-Captain Theodore G. Cree, Third Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 9.-Major Edward W. Wynkoop, First Colorado Cavalry, of an investigation of Indian affairs in the vicinity of Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.

Numbers 1. Reports of Colonel John M. Chivington, First Colorado Cavalry, commanding expedition.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

In the Field, Cheyenne County, South Bend of Big Sandy,

November 29, 1864.

In the last ten days my command has marched 300 miles, 100 of which the snow was two feet deep. After a march of forty miles last night I, at daylight this morning, attacked Cheyenne village of 130 lodges, from 900 to 1,000 warriors strong killed Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Knock Knee, and Little Robe [Little Raven], and between 400 and 500 other Indians, and captured as many ponies and mules. Our loss [was], 9 killed, 38 wounded. All did nobly. Think I will catch some more of them eighty miles, on Smoky Hill. Found white man's scalp, not more than three days' old, in one of lodges.

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel, Commanding First Dist. of Colo. and First Indian Expedition.

Major General S. R. CURTIS,

Fort Leavenworth, Department of Kansas.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver, Colo. Ter., December 16, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit the following report of operations of the Indian expedition under my command, of which brief notice was given you by my telegram of November 29, 1864:Having ascertained that the hostile Indians had proceeded south from the Platte and were almost within striking distance of Fort Lyon, I ordered Colonel George L. Shoup, Third Regiment Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, 100-days' service, to proceed with the mounted men of his regiment in that direction. On November 20 I left Denver, and at Booneville, Colo., Ter., on the 24th of November, joined and took command in person of the expedition, which had been increased by battalion First Cavalry of Colorado, consisting of detachments of Companies C, E, and H. I proceeded with the utmost caution down the Arkansas River, and on the morning of the 28th ultimo arrived at Fort Lyon, to

---------------

*See also Vol. 3 of the Report of the Joint Committee on the conduct of the War, at the Second Session, Thirty-eighth Congress, 1865.

---------------

Page 949 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

the surprise of the garrison of that post. On the same evening I resumed my march, being joined by Major Scott J. Anthony, First Cavalry of Colorado, with 125 men of said regiment, consisting of detachments of Companies D, G, and K, with two howitzers. The command then proceeded in a northeasterly direction, traveling all night, and at daylight of 29th November striking Sand Creek, about forty miles from Fort Lyon. Here was discovered an Indian village of 130 lodges, comprised of Black Kettle's band of Cheyennes and eight lodges of Arapahoe with Left Hand. My line of battle was formed with Lieutenant Wilson's battalion, First Regiment, numbering about - men, on the right Colonel Shoup's (Third) regiment, numbering about 450 men, in the center, and Major Anthony's battalion, numbering 125 men, First Regiment, on the left. The attack was immediately made upon the Indian camp by Lieutenant Wilson, who dashed forward, cutting the enemy off from their herd, and driving them out of their camp, which was subsequently destroyed. The Indians, numbering from 900 to 1,000, though taken by surprise, speedily rallied and formed a line of battle across the creek, about three-fourths of a mile above the village, stubbornly contesting every inch of ground. The commands of Colonel Shoup and Major Anthony pressed rapidly forward and attacked the enemy sharply, and the engagement became general, we constantly driving the Indians, who fell back from one position to another for five miles, and finally abandoned resistance and dispersed in all directions, and were pursued by my troops until night-fall. It may perhaps be unnecessary for me to state that I captured no prisoners. Between 500 and 600 Indians were left dead upon the ground about 550 ponies, mules, and horses were captured, and all their lodges were destroyed, the contents of which have served to supply the command with and abundance of trophies, comprising the paraphernalia of Indian warfare and life. My loss was 8 killed on the field and 40 wounded, of which two have since died. Of the conduct of the Third Regiment, 100-days' service, I have to say that they well sustained the reputation of our Colorado troops for bravery and effectiveness, were well commanded by their gallant young colonel, George L. Shoup, ably assisted by Lieutenant Colonel L. L. Bowen, Major Hal Sayr, and Captain Theodore G. Cree, commanding First, Second, and Third Battalions of that regiment. Of the conduct of the two battalions of the First Regiment I have but to remark that they sustained their reputation as second to none, and were ably handled by their commanders, Major Anthony, Lieutenant Wilson, and Lieutenant Clark Dunn, upon whom the command devolved after the disabling of Lieutenant Wilson from wounds received. Night coming on the pursuit of the flying Indians was of necessity abandoned and my command encamped within sight of the field.

On the 1st instant, having set the wounded and dead to Fort lyon, the first to be cared for, the last to be buried upon our own soil, I resumed the pursuit in direction of Camp Wynkoop, on the Arkansas River, marching all night of 3rd and 4th instant, in hopes of overtaking a large encampment of Arapahoes and Cheyennes under Little Robe [Little Raven], but the enemy had been apprised of my advance, and on the morning of the 5th instant, at 3 o'clock, precipitately broke camp and fled. My stock was exhausted. For 100 miles the snow had been two feet deep, and for the previous fifteen days (excepting on November 29 ad 30) the marches had been forced and incessant. Under these circumstances, and the fact of the time of the Third Regiment being nearly out, I determined for the present to relinquish the pursuit. Of the effect of the punishment sustained by the Indians you will be the

Page 950 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

judge. Their chiefs, Black Kettle, White Antelope, One Eye, and Knock Knee were among the killed, and their bands almost annihilated. I was shown the scalp of a white man found in one of the lodges, which could not have been taken more than two or three days previous. For full particulars and reports of the several commanders, i respectfully refer you to the following copies herewith inclosed: Colonel George L. Shoup, Third Regiment, December 6, 1864 Colonel George L. Shoup, Third Regiment, December 7, 1864 Lieutenant Colonel L. L. Bowen, Third Regiment, November 30, 1864 Major Hal Sayr, Third Regiment, December 6, 1864 Captain Theodore G. Cree, Third Regiment, December 6, 1864 Major Scott J. Anthony, First Regiment, December 1, 1864 Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Regiment, November 30, 1864 Lieutenant J. J. Kennedy, First Regiment, November 30, 1864.

If all companies of the First Cavalry of Colorado, and the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, stationed at posts and camps near here, were ordered to report to me, I could organize a campaign which, in my judgment, would effectually rid the country between the Platte and Arkansas Rivers of these red rebels. I would respectfully request to be informed, if another campaign should be authorized from here, whether I could employ 100 or 200 friendly Utes (Indians), furnishing them subsistence, arms, and ammunition for the campaign.

I cannot concluded this report without saying that the conduct of Captain Silas S. Soule, Company D, First Cavalry of Colorado, was at least ill-advised, he saying that he thanked God that he had killed no Indians, and like expressions, providing him more in sympathy with those Indians than with the whites. The evidence is most conclusive that these Indians are the worst that have infested the routes on the Platte and Arkansas Rivers during the last spring and summer. Amongst the stock captured were the horses and mules taken by them from Lieutenant Chase, First Cavalry of Colorado, last September several scalps of white men and women were found in their lodges also various articles of clothing belonging to white persons. On every hand the evidence was clear that no lick was struck amiss.

I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel First Cav. of Colorado, Commanding Dist. of Colorado.

Major General S. R. CURTIS,

Commanding Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth.

ADDENDA.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

In the Field, South Bend of Big Sandy, Colo. Ter.,November 29, 1864.

Messrs. BEYERS and DAILEY,

Editors News, Denver, Colo. Ter.:

SIRS: I have not the time to give you a detailed history of our engagement of to-day, or to mention those officers and men who distinguished themselves in one of the most bloody battles ever fought on these plains. You will find inclosed the report of my surgeon-in-chief, which will bring to many anxious friends the sad fate of loved ones, who are and have been risking everything to avenge the horrid deeds of those savages we have so severely handled. We made a forced march of forty miles and surprised at break of day one of the most powerful villages of the Cheyenne Nation, captured over 500 animals, killing the celebrated chiefs, One Eye, White Antelope, Knock Knee, Black Kettle, and

Page 951 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

Little Robe [Little Raven], and about 500 of their people, destroying all their lodges and equipage, making almost an entire annihilation of the entire tribe. I shall leave here as soon as I can see our wounded safely on the way to the hospital at Fort Lyon for the villages of the Sioux, which are reported about eighty miles from here on the Smoky Hill, and reported 3,000 strong, so look out for more fighting. I will state, for the consideration of gentlemen who are opposed to fighting these red scoundrels, that I was shown by chief surgeon the scalp of a white man taken from the lodge of one of the chiefs, which could not have been more than two or three days taken, and I could mention many more things to show ho these Indians that have been drawing Government rations at Fort Lyon are and have been acting.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel, Commanding Dist. of Colorado and First Indiana Expedition.

Numbers 2. Reports of Major Scott J. Anthony, First Colorado Cavalry.

HDQRS. BATTALION FIRST CAVALRY OF COLORADO,

In the Field, December 1, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I left Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter. with detachment from Companies D, G, and K, First Cavalry of Colorado, numbering 125 men, and two howitzers, joined Colonel Chivington's brigade one mile below Fort Lyon at 8 p. m. November 28, proceeded with his command on Indian expedition, in a northeasterly direction, striking Sand Creek at daylight of the 29th November forty miles from Fort Lyon, when we came upon a herd of Indiana horses was sent forward with my battalion to capture the stock. After proceeding about one mile came in sight of an Indian camp some two miles farther immediately sent word to colonel commanding that an Indian camp was in sight, and proceeded with my command in the direction of the camp, which I reached just before sunrise. Found Lieutenant Wilson with a detachment of the First Cavalry of Colorado upon the right and south of the camp, and Lieutenant Dunn with a detachment of First Cavalry of Colorado, posted upon the west bank of Sand Creek, and opposite the camp, both commanders keeping up a brisk fire upon the camp upon my nearing the camp upon the west side was attacked by a small force of Indians posted behind the bank of the creek, who commenced firing upon me with arrows. My command immediately opened fire upon the Indians, who had collected upon the opposite side of camp. Colonel Chivington coming up at this time, with Colonel Shoup's regiment, Third Colorado Cavalry, and two howitzers, charged through the camp, driving the Indians completely out of their camp and into the creek to the northward, where they took up positions under the bank and in holes, or rifle-pits, dug in the sand. The fighting now became general. The Indians fought desperately, apparently resolved to die upon that ground, but to injure us as much as possible before being killed. We fought them for about six hours along the creek for five miles. The loss to my command was 1 killed and 3 wounded. The loss to the entire command, 10 killed and 40 wounded. Lieutenant Baldwin, commanding the section of howitzers attached to my battalion, had a fine private horse shot from under him. Seven horses were killed from my command. The loss to the Indians was

Page 952 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

about 500 killed, some 600 ponies, 130 lodges, with a large quantity of buffalo robes, and their entire camp equipage. The camp proved to be of Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians, and numbered about 1,100 persons, under the leadership of Black Kettle (head chief of the Cheyenne tribe). Black Kettle and three other chiefs were killed. All the command fought well, and observed all orders given them. We camped upon the ground occupied by the Indians the day before, destroyed the entire camp of the Indians, and then pushed rapidly in a southerly direction, in pursuit of Little Raven's camp of Arapahoes, reported to be on Arkansas River.

I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Battalion.

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., December 2, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I left this post (in company with Colonel Chivington's brigade) November 28 at 8 p. m., with 128 men of the First Cavalry of Colorado and two mountain howitzers. After a march of forty miles we found a camp of Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians and attacked them at daylight on the 29th. We captured from 500 to 600 head of stock, all their lodges and camp, and killed between 400 and 500 Indians. Our loss is 10 killed and 3 commissioned officers and 37 men wounded. The fight was very severe and lasted six hours. The dead Indians are strewn over about six miles. This has certainly been the most bloody and hard-fought Indian battle that has ever occurred on these plains. I have this day returned to Fort Lyon with the dead and wounded, and shall immediately rejoin Colonel Chivington's brigade, which is now moving toward the Arapahoe camp, on the Arkansas. The direction proposed to be taken afterward is to find the remainder of the Cheyennes, on Smoky Hill, and a band of Sioux reported to be in that neighborhood. The command will probably, fifteen days from this, be near Fort Larned, Kans., when I may be able to make more detailed report.

In the meantime I have the honor to remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major First Cavalry of Colorado.

Lieutenant A. HELLIWELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

I came to this post in considerable of a hurry. Told the adjutant to make the above report. Would have written more in detail, but for want of time. Am ordered to rejoin Colonel Chivington's brigade at once. Shall fight the balance of the Arapahoes before morning, I think. Colonel C. has a portion of the Third Regiment Colorado Cavalry with him. This regiment is 100-days' men. Their time expires in twenty days. We shall be greatly in need of troops when his command leaves. Our acting assistant surgeon has a large number of sick and wounded on his hands too much for one good surgeon to attend to. Our present surgeon is incompetent to take charge of this hospital when no wounded are here, and has been so reported by the district medical director. Do try and send us a surgeon as soon as circumstances will admit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major First Cav. of Colo., Commanding Detach. First Cav. of Colo.

Page 953 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

HEADQUARTERS FORT LYON, COLO. TER.,

December 15, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report, in addition to my last report, that I rejoined Colonel Chivington's command sixty-five miles below this post on the morning of the 1st instant, having left this post at 11 p. m. the day previous found him encamped on the bank of the river, where we remained until next day at 2 o'clock, when we learned through passengers on the Larned coach that a band of Indians was only fifteen miles below us. The command immediately broke camp, moved down seventeen miles and encamped at a point where the Indians had been encamped the previous night. Remained in camp until 11 p. m., when scouts brought in reports of Indians fifteen miles below. Broke camp at 2 a. m. of the 3rd instant and at daybreak came upon their old camp, which they had evidently left but a few hours previous, as was evidenced by their scattered lodge poles and cooking utensils, which were strewn along their trail for several miles. The Indians could not have been more than five miles in advance of us and were striking toward the head of Pawnee Fork, when we were ordered to return to the Arkansas River, where we lay encamped two days until our transportation came down, and were then ordered to return to Fort Lyon, where my command arrived on the 11th instant. Colonel Chivington passed the 10th instant en route for Denver, Colo. Ter., leaving Colonel Shoup in command. Colonel Shoup with his command passed on the 12th instant en route to Denver, leaving his sick and wounded in the hospital at this post. I am now of the same opinion that I was when reporting on the 25th November. I then thought that it would not be policy to fight these Indians who were suing for peace until there was a force sufficient to penetrate into their stronghold on the Smoky Hill and follow them up until they were completely humbled. I was attempting to keep those in this vicinity quiet until more troops could arrive, although I would not permit them to come within the post. Had fired upon several who had attempted it and had given strict instructions to the guard to permit no Indians to enter the post.

I am of the opinion now that the road and the settlements above us are in worse condition than before the arrival of Colonel Chivington's command. There was a force sufficient at the post to have totally annihilated the band that we attacked on the 29th at Sand Creek, but as I did not consider it policy for the present had delayed. I now regret exceedingly that Colonel Chivington's command could not have pursued the Indians farther. We were not to exceed from two to three days' march from the main hostile Indian camp, and, I think, with a force sufficient to have whipped them. The command must have had seventy wagons for 700 men. The weather fine for this season of the year the proper time of year for an Indian campaign, and the moon in the right stage for forced night marches across the plains, and the Indians entirely without the knowledge of the increased force. I sincerely regret that so good an opportunity was lost to follow the Indians up. The Indians after they once commenced resisting us at Sand Creek fought with desperation. They evidently expected to be killed, and were resolved to do us all the injury possible before losing their lives. Some of them dug holes or rifle-pits in the sand were they would secrete themselves and fire upon us until they were killed. I saw at one time three Indians charge not less than 150 men. They came within forty yards, firing their revolvers and arrows until they were shot down. One squad was attempting to escape with her two children when she was shot down, but before she died drew her knife and cut the throats of

Page 954 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

her children. The Indians did not scalp our killed, but our men must have scalped 100 of theirs. One prisoner (half breed), son of John S. Smith, Indian interpreter, was taken and afterward killed in camp. One other prisoner, Charles Bent (son of Colonel William Bent), was taken, and sent to this post, where he is now confined. The massacre was a terrible one and such a one as each of the hostile tribes on the plains richly deserve. I think one such visitation to each hostile tribe would forever put an end to Indian was on the plains, and I regret exceedingly that this punishment could not have fallen upon some other band.

The estimate is variously made at from 200 to 500 Indians killed, 130 lodges destroyed, with all their cooking utensils, and about 650 ponies captured, and about 200 buffalo robes. Of the ponies 407 were turned in to the acting assistant quartermaster at this post and afterward taken by Colonel Shoup to Denver. About 225 were run off from the herd toward New Mexico by some parties with the command, sixty were found seventy miles up the river and returned to Colonel Shoup's command. The buffalo robes were mostly used for our wounded on the field. None of them are, however, in the hospital now. I suppose they were all taken to Denver. I shall look with some anxiety for more troops to arrive, prepared to visit the main camp of the Sioux and Cheyennes. Until that time shall continue to furnish escorts and to protect the trains traveling over the roads until further orders. I now have five parties out on scouts or escorts. Indian signs have been seen within twenty-five miles of the post for the last two days. Indians evidently traveling north toward the Smoky Hill or trying to ascertain whether or not it will be prudent for them to molest the road for the present. They are evidently trying to ascertain the strength of this garrison.

I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Post.

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Dist. Upper Ark., Fort Riley, Kans.

Numbers 3. Report of Lieutenant Judson J. Kennedy, First Colorado Cavalry.

HDQRS. COMPANY C, FIRST COLORADO CAVALRY,

Camp Scout Bend of Big Sandy, November 30, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of Company C, First Cavalry of Colorado, on an expedition against the Cheyenne Indians:

In pursuance of Special Orders from headquarters District of Colorado, Numbers 132, of November 13, 1864, I left Camp Wheeler, Colo. Ter., on the 20th of November, 1864, with forty-two men of Company C, First Cavalry of Colorado, en route for Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., a distance of 240 miles, at which place I arrived on the 28th of November, 1864. I left Fort Lyon at 8 p. m. the same day with thirty-five men of Company C, under command of First Lieutenant Luther Wilson, commanding battalion First Cavalry of Colorado. Made a march of forty miles to south bend of Big Sandy, Colo. Ter., at which place I arrived a little after daybreak on the morning of the 29th, where we

Page 955 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

came upon a large village of hostile Cheyenne Indians, numbering from 900 to 1,000, which we immediately attacked, after which a general engagement ensued, which lasted until 3 p. m., and in which the Indians were defeated and nearly annihilated, after which we returned to the Indian village, which we helped to destroy, and then went into camp. I had 1 private (Oliver Pierson) mortally wounded (who has since died), 2 privates (August Mottge and John B. Calhoun) severely wounded Sergt. M. H. Linnell, Saddler Elias South, and Privates C. J. Ballou, and William Boyles, slightly wounded. And I would most respectfully acknowledge to the colonel commanding the services rendered by my platoon commanders, Sergts. John C. Turner and M. H. Linnell also recommend them for their bravery through the entire engagement.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. J. KENNEDY,

Second Lieutenant, First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Company C.

[Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON.]

Numbers 4. Report of Lieutenant Clark Dunn, First Colorado Cavalry.

HDQRS. COMPANY E, FIRST CAVALRY OF COLORADO,

Camp South Bend of Big Sandy, Colo. Ter., November 30, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of Company E, First Cavalry of Colorado, on an expedition against Indians:

On the 25th instant I left Camp Fillmore, with my company, pursuant to Special Orders Numbers 3, headquarters District of Colorado, dated in the field, November 23, 1864. I joined the column, then in the field, the same evening at Spring Bottom, thirty miles distant. I continued the march next day under command of Lieutenant Wilson, commanding battalion of First Cavalry of Colorado. We reached Fort Lyon, seventy miles farther down the Arkansas, on the 28th instant, about noon. About 7 o'clock the same evening I started from that place with eighteen men of my company, taking three days' cooked rations on our horses, and traveled in a northeasterly course till daylight next morning, traveling forty miles. At daylight we came in sight of a large village of hostile Indians (Cheyennes and Arapahoes), numbering 900 or 1,000, nearly two miles north of us. We immediately proceeded to the attack by moving down a small ravine and making a charge on the village from the north side, taking the Indians completely by surprise. They allied immediately, and the engagement became general and lasted till afternoon, when they were utterly routed and half their number left dead on the field. We continued the pursuit till 3 p. m., when, our horses being much fatigued and our ammunition nearly exhausted, we returned to the village, which we helped to destroy, and then went into camp for the night. I lost no men killed, and but 2 wounded. Sergeant Jackson had his hip broken, and Private Mull was shot through the leg.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CLARK DUNN,

First Lieutenant, First Cav. of Colo., Commanding Company E.

Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,

First Cavalry of Colorado.

Page 956 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

Numbers 5. Report of Colonel George L. Shoup, Third Colorado Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD COLORADO CAVALRY,

In the Field, December 7, 1864.

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment, Third Colorado Cavalry, in the engagement with the Indians on Sand Creek, forty miles north of Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., November 29, 1864:

I brought my regiment into action at sunrise. The first order given was to Captain John McCannon, Company I, to cut off the Indians from their ponies on the south side of the village. This order was obeyed with great celerity and success. Captain McCannon captured about 200 ponies at the first dash, but being closely pressed by hundreds of Indians sent the ponies to the rear and opened a terrible and withering fire on the Indians, completely checking them, killing many and causing them to retreat up Sand Creek. Captain O. H. P. Baxter, with his company (G), was sent to re-enforce Captain McCannon. The two companies then fought the Indians up the south side of the creek for about two miles. At this point many of the Indians took refuge in the banks of the creek, where they had prepared rifle-pits. Captain McCannon, with his company, remained at this place until late in the afternoon and was the last to leave the field of battle. His brave company killed 26 Indians in one pit and must have killed 50 or more during the engagement. Company C, led by Captain Baxter and Lieutenant Templeton, pursued the demoralized and flying savages to the south and west, killing upward of 20 Indians. Lieutenant W. E. Grinnell, with a detachment of twenty-one men of Company K, fought during part of the engagement on the southwest side of the battle-field. This brave little detachment deserve honorable mention for their gallant conduct on the field. They lost one-fifth of their men in killed and wounded. At the opening of the engagement I led about 400 of my men up the north side of the creek and engaged the main body of the Indians, who were retreating to the west. I dismounted my men and fought them for some time on foot. At this point Captain Talbot, of Company M, fell severely wounded while bravely leading his men in a charge on a body of Indians who had taken refuge under the banks on the north side of the creek. Here a terrible hand-to-hand encounter ensued between the Indians and Captain Talbot's men and others who had rushed forward to their aid, the Indians trying to secure the scalp of Captain Talbot. I think the hardest fighting of the day occurred at this point, some of our men fighting with clubbed muskets, the First and Third Colorado Regiments fighting side by side, each trying to excel in bravery and each ambitious to kill at least one Indian. Many valuable lives of officers and men were saved by the bravery of others just as the fatal knife was raised to perform its work of death.

Early in the engagement Captain Nichols, with his company (D), pursued a band of Indians that were trying to escape to the northeast. He overtook and punished them severely, killing 25 or 30 and capturing some ponies. Other companies of my regiment fought with zeal and bravery, but after 10 a. m. the battle became so general and covered so wide a field that it became necessary to divide my command into small detachments, sending them in all directions to pursue the flying Indians. I am told by my officers and men that some of their comrades engaged the Indians in close combat. I am satisfied from my own observation

Page 957 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

that the historian will search in vain for braver deeds than were committed on that field of battle. My loss is 9 men killed, 1 missing, supposed to be killed, and 44 wounded. Captain Presley Talbot and Lieutenant C. H. Hawley are the only officers wounded of my regiment, Captain Talbot in left side and Lieutenant Hawley in shoulder.

Inclosed herewith you will find copy of the reports of my battalion commanders to me.

All of which is most respectfully submitted.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

GEO. L. SHOUP,

Colonel Third Colorado Cavalry.

Colonel J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Commanding District of Colorado.

Numbers 6. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Leavitt L. Bowen, Third Colorado Cavalry.

SAND CREEK, November 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose to you the reports of the company commanders of the First Battalion, commanded by myself, in the action of yesterday. I fully indorse all contained in those reports. All behaved well, each vying with the other as to who could do the enemy the most injury. This, I think, can truly be said of the whole regiment. I was in position during the action to see most of the regiment, and did not see one coward. Permit me to congratulate you upon the signal punishment meted out to the savages on yesterday, "who so ruthlessly have murdered our women and children," in the language of the colonel commanding, although I regret the loss of so many brave men. The Third Regiment cannot any longer be called in Denver the bloodless Third. From the most reliable information from actual count and positions occupied I have no doubt that at least 150 Indians were killed by my battalion. I cannot speak in terms of too high praise of the conduct of all the officers and men under my command. The war flag of this band of Cheyennes is in my possession, presented by Stephen D. Decatur, commissary sergeant, Company C, who acted as my battalion adjutant.

Very respectfully,

LEAVITT L. BOWEN,

Lieutenant Colonel Third Colorado Cavalry, Commanding First Battalion.

Colonel GEORGE L. SHOUP,

Commanding Third Regiment Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 7. Report of Major Hal Sayr, Third Colorado Cavalry.

CAMP, December 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my battalion in the action of November 29, on Sand Creek:

Battalion consisted of Company B, Captain H. M. Orahood, First Lieutenant Charles H. Hawley, Second Lieutenant Harry Richmond, and 64 men Company I,

Page 958 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

Captain John McCannon, First Lieutenant Thomas J. Davis, and 53 men Company G, Captain O. H. P. Baxter, Second Lieutenant A. J. Templeton, and 40 men Company K, Lieutenant W. E. Grinnell, and 21 men, making a total of 178 men. Company I was sent at the beginning of the action to the west of the field, where they remained during the day much of the time sustaining a heavy fire from the enemy, who were secreted under a high bank on south side of Sand Creek. This company did good service in preventing the escape of the Indians to the west. Companies B, G, and K moved across the creek and went into the action on the north side of the creek and west of the Indian town, where they remained for several hours, doing good service while under a heavy fire from the enemy who were concealed in rifle-pits in the bed of the creek. The action became general and lasted from 6.30 a. m. until 1 p. m., when the companies divided into small squads and went in pursuit of the Indians, who were now flying in every direction across the prairies, and were pursued until dark. Both officers and men conducted themselves bravely. The number of Indiana killed by the battalion, as estimated by company commanders, is about 175 to 200.

Casualties: Company B, Lieutenant Hawley wounded in shoulder Private Manion wounded in thigh. Company I, 3 killed, 3 wounded. Company G, none killed or wounded. Company K, 2 killed and 2 wounded making a total of 5 killed and 7 wounded.

Hoping the above will meet your approval, I am, colonel, very respectfully, &c.,

HAL SAYR,

Major, Commanding Second Batt., Third Colorado Cavalry.

Colonel GEORGE L. SHOUP,

Commanding Third Colorado Cavalry.

Numbers 8. Report of Captain Theodore G. Cree, Third Colorado Cavalry.

CAMP SKEDADDLE, December 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by the Third Battalion in the fight of the 29th November. They first formed on the left of the regiment in the rear of the village then moved upon the right bank of the creek near one-half mile then dismounted and fought the redskins about one hour, where the boys behaved like veterans. After finding that we had done all the good that we could do there, I moved Companies D and E (Company F having gone with Colonel Bowen's battalion) and moved to the right across the hill for the purpose of killing Indians that were making their escape to the right of the command in which movement we succeeded in killing many. I then made a detail from Company D of fifteen men and sent them to capture twenty ponies, which I could see some four miles to the right of the village, but before they had reached the ponies some twenty Indians attached them, when a fierce fight ensued, in which Private McFarland was killed in a hand-to-hand engagement. But like true soldiers the boys stood their ground, killing 5 Indians and wounding several others. The Indians finding it rather warm to be healthy, they left. The boys pursued them some eight or ten miles, and finding that they could [not] overtake them [returned], bringing with them the ponies they were sent for. I then returned with them to the

Page 959 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

village to take care of the killed and wounded companions. Company E lost 1 killed and 1 wounded Company F, 1 wounded Company D, 2 killed and 1 wounded.

As for the bravery displayed by any one in particular, I have no distinction to make. All I can say for officers and men is that they all behaved well and won for themselves a name that will be remembered for ages to come. The number of Indians killed by my battalion is 60.

I am, colonel, yours, truly,

T. G. CREE,

Captain, Commanding Third Batt., Third Colorado Cav.

Colonel GEORGE L. SHOUP.

Numbers 9. Report of Major Edward W. Wynkoop, First Colorado Cavalry, of an investigation of Indian affairs in the vicinity of Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 15, 1865.

SIR: In pursuance of Special Orders, Numbers 43, headquarters District of Upper Arkansas, directing me to assume command of Fort Lyon, as well as to investigate and immediately report in regard to late Indian proceedings in this vicinity, I have the honor to state that I arrived at this post on the evening of the 14th of January, 1865, assumed command on the morning of the 15th of January, 1865, and the result of my investigation is as follows, viz:

An explanatory, I beg respectfully to state that while formerly in command of this post, on the 4th day of September, 1864, and after certain hostilities on the part of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians, induced, as I have had ample proof, by the overt acts of white men, three Indians (Cheyennes) were brought as prisoners to me, who had been found coming toward the post, and who had in their possession a letter written, as I ascertained afterward, by a half-breed in the Cheyenne camp as coming from Black Kettle and other prominent chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations, the purport of which was that they desired peace, had never desired to be at war with the whites, &c., as well as stating that they had in their possession some white prisoners, women and children, whom they were willing to deliver up provided that peace was granted them. Knowing that it was not in my power to insure and offer them the peace for which they sued, but at the same time anxious, if possible, to accomplish the rescue of the white prisoners in their possession, I finally concluded to risk an expedition with the command I could raise (numbering 127 men) to their rendezvous, where, I was informed, they were congregated to the number of 2,000, and endeavor by some means to procure to aforesaid white prisoners, and to be governed in my course in accomplishing the same entirely by circumstances. Having formerly made lengthy reports in regard to the details of my expedition, I have but to say that I succeeded--procured four white captives from the hands of these Indians--simply giving them in return a pledge that I would endeavor to procure for them the peace for which they so anxiously sued, feeling that under the proclamation issued by John Evans, Governor of Colorado and superintendent of Indian affairs (a copy of which becomes a portion of this report), even if not by virtue of my

Page 960 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

position as a U. S. officer, highest in authority in the country, included within the bounds prescribed as the country of the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Nations, that I could offer them protection until such time as some measures might be taken by those higher in authority than myself in regard to them, I took with me seven of the principal chiefs, including Black Kettle, to Denver city, for the purpose of allowing them an interview with the Governor of Colorado, by that means making a mistake, of which I have since become painfully aware--that of proceeding with chiefs to the Governor of Colorado Territory, instead of to the headquarters of my district to my commanding officer.

In the consultation with Governor Evans the matter was referred entirely to the military authorities. Colonel J. M. Chivington, at that time commander of the District of Colorado, was present at the council held with these Indian chiefs, and told them that the whole matter was referred to myself, who would act toward them according to the best of my judgment until such time as I could receive instructions from the proper authorities. Returning to Fort Lyon I allowed the Indians to bring their villages to the vicinity of the post, including their squaws and papooses, and in such a position that I could at any moment with the garrison I had have annihilated them had they given any evidence of hostility of any kind in any quarter. I then immediately dispatched my adjutant, Lieutenant W. W. Denison, with a full statement to the commanding general of the department asking for instructions, but in the meanwhile various false rumors having reached district headquarters in regard to my course I was relieved from the command of Fort Lyon and ordered to report at headquarters. Major Scott J. Anthony, First Cavalry of Colorado, who had been ordered to assume command of Fort Lyon previous to my departure, held a consultation with the chiefs in my presence and told them that, though acting under strict orders, under the circumstances he could not materially differ from the course which I had adopted, and allowed them to remain in the vicinity of the post with their families, assuring them perfect safety until such time as positive orders should be received from headquarters in regard to them. I left the post on the 25th day of November for the purpose of reporting at district headquarters. On the second day after leaving Fort Lyon, while on the plains, I was approached by three Indians, one of whom stated to me that he had been sent by Black Kettle to warn me that about 200 Sioux warriors had proceeded down the road between where I was and Fort Larned to make war, and desired that I should be careful--another evidence of these Indians' good faith. All of his statement proved afterward to be correct. Having an escort of twenty-eight men, I proceeded on my way, but did not happen to fall in with them. From evidence of officers at this post I understand that on the 27th day of November, 1864, Colonel J. M. Chivington, with the Third Regiment of Colorado Cavalry (100-days' men) and a battalion of the First Colorado Cavalry, arrived at Fort Lyon, ordered a portion of the garrison to join him under the command of Major Scott J. Anthony, and against the remonstrance of the officers of the post, who stated to him the circumstances of which he was well aware, attacked the cam of friendly Indians, the major portion of which were composed of women and children.

The affidavits which become a portion of this report will show more particularly than I can state the full particulars of that massacre. Every one of whom I have spoken to, either officers or soldier, agree in the relation that the most fearful atrocities were committed that ever was heard of. Women and children were killed and scalped, children

Page 961 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

shot at their mothers' breasts, and all the bodies mutilated in the most horrible manner. Numerous eye-witnesses have described scenes to me coming under the eye of Colonel Chivington of the most disgusting and horrible character. The dead bodies of females profaned in such a manner that the recital is sickening, Colonel J. M. Chivington all the time inciting his troops to these diabolical outrages. Previous to the slaughter commencing he addressed his command, arousing in them by his language all their worst passions, urging them on to the work of committing all these atrocities. Knowing himself all the circumstances of these Indians, resting on the assurances of protection from the Government given them by myself and Major Scott J. Anthony, he kept his command in entire ignorance of the same, and when it was suggested that such might be the case, he denied it positively, stating that they were still continuing their depredations, and laid there, threatening the fort. I beg leave to draw the attention of the colonel commanding to the fact established by the inclosed affidavits that two-thirds or more of that Indian village were women and children, and he is aware whether or not the Indians go to war taking with them their women and children. I desire also to state that Colonel J. M. Chivington is not my superior officer, but is a citizen mustered out of the U. S. service, and also that at the time this inhuman monster committed this unprecedented atrocity he was a citizen by reason of his term of service having expired, he having lost his regulation command some months previous.

Colonel Chivington reports officially that between 500 and 600 Indians were left dead upon the field. I have been informed by Captain Booth, district inspector, that he visited the field and counted but sixty-nine bodies, and by others who were present that but a few, if any, over that number were killed, and that two-thirds of them were women and children. I beg leave to further state for the information of the colonel commanding that I have talked to every officer in Fort Lyon, and many enlisted men, and that they unanimously agree that all the statements I have made in this report are correct.

In conclusion allow me to say that from the time I held the consultation with the Indian chiefs on the headwaters of Smoky Hill up to the date of the massacre by Colonel Chivington, not one single depredation had been committed by the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians. The settlers of the Arkansas Valley had returned to their ranches from which they had fled, had taken in their crops and had been resting in perfect security under assurances from myself that they would be in no danger for the present, by that means saving the country from what must inevitably become almost a famine, were they to lose their crops. The lines of communication to the States were opened and travel across the plains rendered perfectly safe through the Cheyenne and Arapahoe country. Since this last horrible murder by Colonel Chivington, the country presents a scene of desolation all communication is cut off with the States except by sending large bodies of troops, and already over 100 whites have fallen as victims to the fearful vengeance of these betrayed Indians. All this country is ruined there can be no such thing as peace in the future, but by the total annihilation of all the Indians on the plains. I have the most reliable information to the effect that the Cheyennes and Arapahoes have allied themselves with the Kiowas, Comanches, and Sioux, and are congregated to the number of 5,000 or 6,000 on the Smoky Hill. Let me also draw the attention of the colonel commanding to the fact stated by affidavit that John S. Smith, U. S. interpreter, a soldier, and citizen, were present, in

61 R R--VOL XLI, PT I

Page 962 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

the Indian camp by permission of the commanding officer of this post, another evidence to the fact of these same Indians being regarded as friendly, also that Colonel Chivington states in his official report that he fought from 900 to 1,000 Indians, and left from 500 to 600 dead upon the field--the sworn evidence being that there was but 500 souls in the village, two-thirds of them being women and children, and that there were but from 60 to 70 killed, the major portion of which were women and children. It will take many more troops to give security to travelers and settlers in this country, and to make any kind of successful warfare against these Indians. I am at work placing Fort Lyon in a state of defense, having all, both citizens and soldiers, located here, employed upon the works, and expect soon to have them completed, and of such a nature that a comparatively small garrison can hold the fort against any attack by Indians. Hoping that my report may receive the particular attention of the colonel commanding, I respectfully submit the same.

Your obedient servant,

E. W. WYNKOOP,

Major, Commanding First Colorado Vet. Cav. and Fort Lyon.

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, District of Upper Arkansas.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, February 11, 1865.

Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters for the information of the general commanding.

JAS. H. FORD,

Colonel Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,

Saint Louis, February 28, 1865.

Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the army, through headquarters Division of the Missouri.

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Third indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,

Saint Louis, March 2, 1865.

The within papers and affidavits relating to the Chivington massacre are forwarded for the information of the War Department.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Fourth indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY,

March 6, 1865.

Respectfully forwarded to Adjutant-General's Office.

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Page 963 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

[Fifth indorsement.]

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

March 8, 1865.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

W. A. NICHOLS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Sixth indorsement.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

March 11, 1865.

Referred to the Judge-Advocate-General to report what action can be taken to bring Colonel Chivington to punishment and justice.

By order of the Secretary of War:

C. A. DANA,

Assistant Secretary of War.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

COLORADO SUPERINTENDENCY,

Denver, Colo. Ter., June 16, 1864.

Major S. G. COLLEY,

Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.:

SIR: You will immediately make necessary arrangements for the feeding and support of all the friendly Indians of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians at Fort Lyon, and direct the friendly Comanches and Kiowas, if any, to remain at Fort Larned. You will make a requisition on the military commander of the post for subsistence for the friendly Indians of his neighborhood. If no agent there to attend to this deputize some one to do it. These friendly bands must be collected at places of rendezvous and all intercourse between them and tribes or individuals engaged in warfare with us prohibited. This arrangement will tend to withdraw from the conflict all who are not thoroughly identified with the hostile movement, and by affording a safe refuge, will gradually collect those who may become tired of war and desire peace. The war is opened in earnest, and upon your efforts to keep quiet the friendly as nucleus for peace will depend its duration to some extend at least. You can send word to all these tribes to come as directed above, but do not allow the families of those at war to be introduced into the friendly camp. I have established a camp for our northern friendly bands on Cache la Poudre, and as soon as my plan is approved by the military, I will issue a proclamation to the Indians. Please spare no effort to carry out this instruction, and keep me advised by every mail of the situation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. EVANS,

Governor and Ex Officio Supt. of Indian Affairs.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Denver, Colo. Ter., June 29, 1864.

Major S. G. COLLEY,

U. S. Indian Agent, Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.:

DEAR SIR: I inclose a circular to the Indians of the plains. You will be every means you can get the contents to all of these Indians, as many that are now hostile may come to the friendly camp, and when

Page 964 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

they all do the war will be ended. Use the utmost economy in providing for those who come in, as the Secretary of the Interior confines me to the amount of our appropriations, and they may be exhausted before the summer is out. You will arrange to carry out the plan of the circular at Lyon and Larned. You will use your utmost vigilance to ascertain how many of your Indians are hostile, where they are, and what plans they propose, and report to me by every mail at least. For this purpose you will enlist the active aid of Mr. John S. Smith and his son, and of such other parties as you may judge can be of essential service. Mr. C. A. Cook reports to me that Mr. Bent has given you important information in regard to the plans and strength of the hostile combinations on the plains. Please be careful and report to me in detail all of the reliable information you can get promptly, as above directed.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. EVANS,

Governor of Colorado.

[Sub-inclosure.]

COLORADO SUPERINTENDENCY INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Denver, June 27, 1864.

TO THE FRIENDLY INDIANS OF THE PLAINS:

Agents, interpreters, and traders will inform the friendly Indians of the plains that some members of their tribes have gone to war with the white people. They steal stock and run it off, hoping to escape detection and punishment. In some instances they have attacked and killed soldiers and murdered peaceable citizens. For this the Great Father is angry, and will certainly hunt them out and punish them, but he does not want to injure those who remain friendly to the whites. He desires to protect and take care of them. For this purpose I direct that all friendly Indians keep away from those who are at war, and go to places of safety. Friendly Arapahoes and Cheyennes belonging on the Arkansas River will go to Major Colley, U. S. Indian agent at Fort Lyon, who will give them provisions, and show them a place of safety. Friendly Kiowas and Comanches will go to Fort Larned, where they will be cared for in the same way. Friendly Sioux will go to their agent at Fort Laramie for directions. Friendly Arapahoes and Cheyennes of the Upper Platte will go to Camp Collins on the Cache la Poudre, where they will be assigned a place of safety and provisions will be given them.

The object of this is to prevent friendly Indians from being killed through mistake. None but those who intend to be friendly with the whites must come to these places. The families of those who have gone to war with the whites must be kept away from among the friendly Indians. The was on hostile Indians will be continued until they are all effectually subdued.

JOHN EVANS,

Governor of Colorado and Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

[Inclosure Numbers 3.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 15, 1865.

Personally appeared before me John S. Smith, U. S. Indian interpreter, who, after being duly sworn, says: That on the 4th day of September, 1864, he was appointed Indian interpreter for the post of

Page 965 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

Fort Lyon, and has continued to serve in that capacity up to the present date. That on the 4th day of September, 1864, by order of Major E. W. Wynkoop, commanding post of Fort Lyon, he was called upon to hold a conversation with three Cheyenne Indians, viz, One Eye and two others, who had been brought into the post that day that the result of the interview was as follows: One Eye, Cheyenne, stated that the principal chiefs and sub-chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations had held a consultation, and agreed to a man of the chiefs and sub-chiefs to come or send some one who was well acquainted with the parties at the post, and finally agreed to send in himself, One Eye, with a paper written by George Bent, half-breed, to the effect that they (the Cheyennes and Arapahoes) had an did agree to turn over to Major E. W. Wynkoop, or any other military authority, all the white prisoners they had in their possession, as they were all anxious to make peace with the whites and never desired to be at war. Major E. W. W. Wynkoop then asked One Eye, he having lived among whites and known to have always been friendly disposed toward them, whether he thought the Indians were sincere, and whether they would deliver the white prisoners into his (Major Wynkoop's) hands. His reply was, that at the risk of his life he would guarantee their sincerity. Major Wynkoop then told him that he would detain him as a prisoner for the time, and if he concluded to proceed to the Indian camp he would take him along and hold him as a hostage for their (the Indians) good faith. One Eye also stated that the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations were congregated to the number of 2,000 on the headwaters of the Smoky Hill, including some forty lodges of Sioux that they had rendezvoused there and brought in their war parties for the purpose of hearing what would be the result of their message by which they had sued for peace, and would remain until they heard something definite. Major Wynkoop told One Eye that he would proceed to the Indian camp and take him with him. One Eye replied that he was perfectly willing to be detained a prisoners as well as to remain a hostage for the good faith of the Indians, but desired the major to start as soon as possible for fear the Indians might separate.

On the 6th day of September I was ordered to proceed with Major Wynkoop and his command in the direction of the Indian encampment. After a four days' march we came in sight of the Indians, and one of the three Indians before mentioned was sent to acquaint the chiefs with what was the object of the expedition, with the statement that Major Wynkoop desired to hold a consultation with the chiefs. On the 10th day of September, 1864, the consultation was held between Major Wynkoop and his officers, and the principal chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations. Major Wynkoop stated through me to the chiefs that he had received their message that acting on that he had come to talk with them asked them whether they all agreed to and indorsed the contents of the letter, which he had in his possession, and which had been brought in by One Eye. Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he then told the chiefs that he had not the authority to conclude terms of peace with them, but that he desired to make a proposition to them to the effect that if they would give him evidence of their good faith by delivering into his hands the white prisoners they had in their possession he would endeavor to procure for them peace, which would be subject to conditions that he would take with him what principal chiefs they might select, and conduct them in safety to the Governor of Colorado, and whatever might be the result of their interview with him, return them in safety to their tribe. Black Kettle, the head chief of the Cheyenne Nation, replied as follows:

Page 966 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

That the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations had always endeavored to observe the terms of their treaty with the United States Government that some years previously, when the white emigration first commenced coming to what is now the Territory of Colorado, the country which was in possession of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations, they could have successfully made war against them (the whites). They did not desire to do so--had invariably treated the with kindness, and had never, to their knowledge, committed any destruction whatever that until the last few months they had gotten along in perfect peace and harmony with their white brethren, but while a hunting party of their young men were proceeding north in the neighborhood of the South Platte River, having found some loose stock belonging to white men, which they were taking to a ranch to deliver them up, they were suddenly confronted by a party of U. S. soldiers, and ordered to deliver up their arms. A difficulty immediately ensued, which resulted in the killing and wounding several on both sides. A short time after this occurrence took place a village of papooses, squaws, and old men, located on what is known as the Cedar Canon, a short distance north of the South Platte River, who were perfectly unaware of any difficulty having occurred between any portion of their tribe (Cheyenne) and the whites, were attacked by a large party of soldiers, and some of them killed, and their ponies driven off. After this, while a body of U. S. troops were proceeding from the Smoky Hill to the Arkansas River, they reached the neighborhood of Scan Bear's band of the Cheyenne Nation Scan Bear, second chief of the Cheyenne, approached the column of troops alone, his warriors remaining off some distance, he not dreaming that there was any hostility between his nation and the whites. He was immediately shot down. Fire opened upon his band, the result of which was a fight between the two parties. Presuming from all these circumstances that war was inevitable, the young men of the Cheyenne Nation commenced to retaliate by committing various depredations, all the time of which he (Black Kettle) and other principal chiefs of the Cheyenne Nation was opposed to and endeavored by all means in their power to restore pacific relations between that tribe and their white brethren, but at various times, when endeavoring to approach the military post for the purpose of accomplishing the same, were fired upon and driven off. In the meantime, while their brethren and allies, the Arapahoes, were on perfectly friendly terms with the whites, and left Hand's band of that nation were camped in close vicinity to Fort Larned, Left Hand, one of the principal chiefs of the Arapahoe Nation, learning that it was the intention of the Kiowas on a certain day to drive off the stock from Fort Larned, proceeded to the commanding officer of that post and informed him of the fact.

No attention was paid to the information he gave, and on the day indicated the Kiowas ran off the stock. Left Hand again approached the post with a portion of his warriors for the purpose of offering his services to the commanding officer there, to pursue and endeavor to regain the stock from the Kiowa Indians, when he was fired upon and obliged hastily to leave. The young men of the Arapahoe Nation supposing it was the intention of the whites to make war upon them, as well as the Cheyennes, also commenced retaliating as well as they were able and against the desire of most of their principal chiefs, who, as well as Black Kettle and other chiefs of the Cheyenne, were bitterly opposed to hostility with the whites. He then said that he had lately heard of a proclamation issued by the Governor of Colorado, inviting all friendly-disposed Indians to come into the different military posts and that they would be protected by the Government. Under these circumstances,

Page 967 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

although he thought the whites had been the aggressors and forced the trouble upon the Indians, and anxious for the welfare of his people, he had made this last effort to communicate again with the military authority, and he was glad he succeeded. He then arose, shook hands with Major Wynkoop and his officers, stating that he was still as he always had been, a friend to the whites, and as far as he was concerned he was willing to deliver up the white prisoners or anything that was required of him to procure peace, knowing it to be for the good of his people, but that there were other chiefs who still thought that they were badly treated by the "white brethren" who were willing to make peace, but who felt unwilling to deliver up the prisoners simply on the promise of Major Wynkoop that he would endeavor to procure them peace. They desired that the delivering up the white prisoners should be an assurance of peace. He also went on to state that even if Major Wynkoop's proposition was not accepted there by the chiefs assembled, and although they had sufficient force to entirely overpower Major Wynkoop's small command, that from the fact that he had come in good faith to hold this consultation, that he should return unmolested to Fort Lyon. The expressions of other chiefs were to the effect that they insisted upon peace as the condition of their delivering up the white prisoners.

Major Wynkoop finally replied that he repeated what he had said before, that it was not in his power to insure them peace, and that all he had to say in closing was, that they might think about his proposition that he would march to a certain locality, distant twelve miles, and there await the result of their consultation for two days advising them at the same time to accede to his proposition as the best means of procuring that peace for which they were anxious. The white prisoners were brought in and turned over to Major Wynkoop before the time had expired set by him, and Black Kettle, White Antelope, and Bull Bear, of the Cheyenne Nation, as well as Nevah Nattanee, Borcee, and Heap Buffalo, of the Arapahoe Nation--all these chiefs delivered themselves over to Major Wynkoop. We then proceeded to Fort Lyon, and from there to Denver, Colo. Ter., at which place Governor Evans held a consultation with these chiefs, the result of which was as follows: He told them he had nothing to do with them that they would return with Major Wynkoop, who would reconduct them in safety, and they would have to await the actions of military authorities. Colonel Chivington, then in command of the district, also told them that they would remain at the disposal of Major Wynkoop until higher authority had acted in their case. The Indians appeared to be perfectly satisfied, presuming that they would eventually be all right as soon as these authorities could be heard from, and expressed themselves so. Black Kettle embraced the Governor and Major Wynkoop, and shook hands with all the other officials present, perfectly contented, deeming that the matter was settled. On our return [to] Fort Lyon I was told by Major Wynkoop to say to the chiefs that they could bring their different bands, including their families, to the vicinity of the post until he had heard from the Big Chief that he preferred to have them under his eye and away from other quarters, where they were likely to get into difficulties with the whites. The chiefs replied that they were willing to do anything Major Wynkoop might choose to dictate, as they had perfect confidence in him. Accordingly the chiefs went after their families and villages, and brought them in they appeared satisfied that they were in perfect security and safety after their villages were located, and Major Wynkoop had sent an officer to headquarters for instructions. He (Major Wynkoop) was relieved from command of the

Page 968 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

post by Major Scott J. Anthony, and I was ordered to interpret for him (Major Anthony) in a consultation he desired to hold with these Indians.

The consultation that then took place between Major Anthony and these Indians was as follows:

Major Anthony told him that he had been sent here to relieve Major Wynkoop, and that he would from that time be in command of this post that he had come here under orders from the commander of all the troops in this country, and that he had orders to have nothing to do with Indians whatever, for they heard at headquarters that the Indians had lately been committing depredations, &c., in the very neighborhood of this post, but that since his arrival he had learned that these reports were all false that he would write to headquarters himself and correct the rumors in regard to them, and that he would have no objection to their remaining in the vicinity of Sand Creek, where they were then located, until such a time as word might be received from the commander of the department that he himself would forward a complete statement of all that he had seen or heard in regard to them, and that he was in hopes that he would have some good news for the Indians upon receiving an answer, but that he was sorry that his orders were such as to render it impossible for him to make them any issues whatever. The Indians them replied that it would be impossible for them to remain any great length of time, as they were short of provisions. Major Anthony then told them that they could let their villages remain where they were, and could send their young men out to hunt buffaloes, as he understood that the buffaloes had lately come close in. The Indians appeared to be a little dissatisfied with the change in the commanders of the post, fearing that it boded them no good, but having received assurances of safety from Major Anthony, they still had no fears of their families being disturbed. On the 26th of November I received permission from Major Scott J. Anthony, commanding post, to proceed to the Indian village on Sand Creek for the purpose of trading with the Indians, and started, accompanied by a soldier named David H. Louderback, and a citizen, R. Watson Clarke. I reached the village and commenced to trade with them. On the morning of the 29th of November the village was attacked by Colonel J. M. Chivington, with a command of from 900 to 1,000 men. The Indian village numbered about 100 lodges, counting all together 500 souls, two-thirds of which were women and children. From my observation I do not think there were over sixty Indians that made any defense. I rode over the field after the slaughter was over, and counted from sixty to seventy dead bodies, a large majority of which were women and children, all of whose bodies had been mutilated in the most horrible manner. When the troops first approached, I endeavored to join them, but was repeatedly fired upon, also the soldier and the citizen with me. When the troops began approaching I saw Black Kettle, the head chief, hoist the American flag over his lodge, as well as a white flag, fearing there might be some mistake as to who they were. After the fight Colonel Chivington returned with his command in the direction of Fort Lyon, and then proceeded down the Arkansas River.

JOHN S. SMITH,

U. S. Interpreter.

Sworn and subscribed to at Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., this 27th day of January, 1865.

W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, First New Mexico Volunteers, Post Adjutant.

Page 969 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT OF SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

[Inclosure Numbers 4.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 27, 1865.Personally appeared before me Samuel G. Colley, who, being duly sworn, on oath deposes and says:

That he is now and has been for the past three years U. S. agent for the Arapahoes and Cheyenne Indians. That in the month of June last he received instructions from Honorable John Evans, Governor and ex officio superintendent Indian affairs for Colorado Territory, directing him to send out persons into the Indian country to distribute printed proclamations (which he was furnished with) inviting all friendly Indians to come into the different places designated in said proclamation, and they would be protected and fed. That he caused the terms of said proclamation to be widely disseminated among the different tribes of Indians under his charge, and that in accordance therewith a large number of Arapahoes and Cheyennes came into this post, and provisions were issued to them by Major E. W. Wynkoop commanding and myself. That on the 4th day of September last two Cheyenne Indians (One Eye and Mainmick) came into this post with information that the Arapahoes and Cheyenne had several white prisoners among them that they had purchased and were desirous of giving them up and making peace with the whites. That on the 6th day of September following Major E. W. Wynkoop left this post with a detachment of troops to rescue said prisoners, and that [after] an absence of several days he returned, bringing with him four white prisoners, which he received from the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indians. He was accompanied on his return by a number of the most influential men of both tribes who were unanimously opposed to war with the whites, and desired peace at almost any terms that the whites might dictate. That immediately upon the arrival of Major Wynkoop at this post large numbers of Arapahoes and Cheyennes came in and camped near the post. Major Wynkoop selected several of the most prominent chiefs of both nations, and proceeded to Denver to council with Superintendent Evans. After his return he held frequent councils with the Indians, and at all of them distinctly stated that he was not empowered to treat with them, but that he had dispatched a messenger to the headquarters of the department, stating their wishes in the matter, and that as soon as he received advices from there he would inform them of the decision of General Curtis respecting them. That until that time, if they placed themselves under his protection, they should not be molested. That the Indians remained quietly near the post until the arrival of Major Anthony, who relieved Major Wynkoop.

Major Anthony held a council with the Indians and informed them that he was instructed not to allow any Indians in or near the post, but that he had found matters here much better than he had expected, and advised them to go out and camp on Sand Creek until he could hear from General Curtis. He wished them to keep him fully advised of all the movements of the Sioux, which they promptly did. He also promised them that as soon as he heard from General Curtis he would advise them of his decision. From the time that Major Wynkoop left this post to go out to rescue the white prisoners until the arrival of Colonel Covington here, which took place on the 28th of November last, no depredations of any kind had been committed by the Indians within 200 miles of this post. That upon Colonel Chivington's arrival here with a large body of troops, he was informed where these Indians were encamped, and was fully advised under what circumstances they had come into this post, and why they were then on Sand Creek that

Page 970 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

he was remonstrated with both by officers and civilians at this post against making war upon those Indians that he was informed and fully advised that there was a large number of friendly Indians there, together with several white men who were there at the request of himself (Colley), and by permission of Major Anthony that notwithstanding his knowledge of the facts as above set forth, he is informed that Colonel Chivington did, on the morning of the 29th of November last, surprise and attack said camp of friendly Indians and massacre a large number of them (mostly women and children), and did allow the troops under his command to mangle and mutilate them in the most horrible manner.

S. G. COLLEY,U. S. Indian Agent.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 28th day of January, 1865, at Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.

W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, First Infantry New Mexico Vols., Post Adjutant.

[Inclosure Numbers 5.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 16, 1865.

Personally appeared before me Lieutenant James D. Cannon, First New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, who, after being duly sworn, says:

That on the 28th day of November, 1864, I was ordered by Major Scott J. Anthony to accompany him on an Indian expedition as his battalion adjutant. The object of that expedition was to be a thorough campaign against hostile Indians, as I was led to understand. I referred to the fact of there being a friendly camp of Indians in the immediate neighborhood, and remonstrated against simply attacking that camp, as I was aware that they were resting there in fancied security under promises held out to them of safety from Major E. W. Wynkoop, former commander of the post at Fort Lyon, as well as by Major S. J. Anthony, then in command. Our battalion was attached to the command of Colonel J. M. Chivington, and left Fort Lyon on the night of the 28th of November, 1864. About daybreak on the morning of the 29th of November we came in sight of the camp of the friendly Indians aforementioned, and was ordered by Colonel Chivington to attack the same, which was accordingly done. The command of Colonel Chivington was composed of about 1,000 men. The village of the Indians consisted of from 100 to 130 lodges, and, as far as I am able to judge, of from 500 to 600 souls, the majority of which were women and children. In going over the battle-ground next day I did not see a body of man, woman, or child but was scalped, and in many instances their bodies were mutilated in the most horrible manner--men, women, and children's privates cut out, &c. I heard one man say that he had cut a woman's private parts out, and had them for exhibition on a stick. I heard another man say that he had cut the fingers off of an Indian to get the rings on the hand. According to the best of my knowledge and belief, these atrocities that were committed were with the knowledge of J. M. Chivington, and I do not know of him taking any measures to prevent them. I heard of one instance of a child a few months' old being thrown in the feed-box of a wagon, and after being carried some distance left on the ground to perish. I also heard of numberless instances in which men had cut out the private parts of females and stretched them over the saddle bows, and wore them over

Page 971 Chapter LIII. ENGAGEMENT ON SAND CREEK, COLO. TER.

their hats while riding in the ranks. All these matters were a subject of general conversation, and could not help being known by Colonel J. M. Chivington.

JAMES D. CANNON,

First Lieutenant, First Infantry, New Mexico Volunteers.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 27th day of January, 1865, at Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter.

W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, First New Mexico Volunteers, Post Adjutant.

[Inclosure Numbers 6.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 27, 1865.

Personally appeared before me Second Lieutenant W. P. Minton, First Regiment New Mexico Infantry Volunteers, and Lieutenant C. M. Cossitt, First Cavalry of Colorado, who, after being duly sworn, say:

That on the 28th day of November, 1864, Colonel J. M. Chivington, with the Third Regiment of Colorado Cavalry (100-days' men) and a battalion of the First Cavalry of Colorado, arrived at this post, and on the 29th of November attacked a village of friendly Indians in this vicinity, and according to representations made by others in our presence, murdered their women and children and committed the most horrible outrages upon the dead bodies of the same that the aforesaid Indians were recognized as friendly by all parties at this post, under the following circumstances, viz: That Major E. W. Wynkoop, formerly commander of the post, had given them assurances of safety until such time as he could hear from the commanding general of the department, in consequence of their having sued for peace and given every evidence of their sincerity by delivering up the white prisoners they had in their possession by congregating their families together and leaving them at the mercy of the garrison of Fort Lyon, who could have massacred them at any moment they felt so disposed that upon Major Wynkoop being relieved from the command of Fort Lyon, and Major Scott J. Anthony assuming command of the same, it was still the understanding between Major Anthony and the Indians that they could rest in the security guaranteed them by Major Wynkoop. Also that Colonel J. M. Chivington on his arrival at the post of Fort Lyon was aware of the circumstances in regard to these Indians, from the fact that different officers remonstrated with him, and stated to him how these Indians were looked upon by the entire garrison that notwithstanding these remonstrances, and in the face of all these facts he committed the massacre aforementioned.

W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, First Infantry, New Mexico Volunteers.

C. M. COSSITT,

First Lieutenant, First Cavalry of Colorado.Sworn and subscribed to before me this 27th day of January, 1865.W. W. DENISON,

Second Lieutenant, First Colo. Vet. Cav., Acting Regtl. Adjt.

[Inclosure Numbers 7.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 16, 1865.

Personally appeared before me Captain R. A. Hill, First New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, who, after being duly sworn, says:

That as an officer in the service of the United States he was on duty at Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., at the time there was an understanding between the chiefs of the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Nations and Major E.

Page 972 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

W. Wynkoop with regard to their resting in safety with their villages in the vicinity of Fort Lyon, until such time as orders in regard to them could be received from the commanding general of the department that after Major Wynkoop being relieved from the command of Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., the same understanding existed between Major Scott J. Anthony and the aforesaid Indians. That to the best of his knowledge and belief the village of Indians massacred by Colonel J. M. Chivington on the 29th day of November, 1864, were the same friendly Indians heretofore referred to.

R. A. HILL,

Captain, First Infantry, New Mexico Volunteers.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 27th day of January, 1865.W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, First Infantry, New Mexico Vols., Post Adjutant.

[Inclosure Numbers 8.]

FORT LYON, COLO. TER., January 27, 1865.Personally appeared before me Private David H. Louderback, First Cavalry of Colorado, and R. W. Clarke, citizen, who, after being duly sworn, say:

That they accompanied John S. Smith, U. S. Indian interpreter, on the 26th day of November, 1864, by permission of Major Scott J. Anthony, commanding post of Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., to the village of the friendly Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians on Sand Creek, close to Fort Lyon, Colo. Ter., he (John S. Smith) having received permission to trade with the aforesaid friendly Indians that on the morning of the 29th day of November, 1864, the said Indian village was attacked while deponents were in the same by Colonel J. M. Chivington with a command of about 1,000 men that according to their best knowledge and belief the entire Indian village was composed of not more than 500 souls, two-thirds of which were women and children that the dead bodies of women and children were afterward mutilated in the most horrible manner that it was the understanding of the deponents, and the general understanding of the garrison of Fort Lyon, that this village were friendly Indians that they had been allowed to remain in the locality they were then in by permission of Major Wynkoop, former commander of the post, and by Major Anthony, then in command, as well as from the fact that permission had been given John S. Smith and the deponents to visit the said camp for the purpose of trading.

R. W. CLARKE.

DAVID H. LOUDERBACK.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 27th day of January, 1865.

W. P. MINTON,

Second Lieutenant, New Mexico Volunteers, Post Adjutant.

______________________