December 1864

Series I, Volume XLI, Part I

Page 980 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

DECEMBER 1-31, 1864.--

Operations against Indians in Nebraska, with skirmish (8th) near Plum Creek.

Itinerary of the Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska, Colonel Robert R. Livingston, First Nebraska Cavalry, commanding.*

All was quiet on the road until the evening of the 8th, when a small party of Cheyenne attacked a train with eighteen men six miles east of post (Plum Creek, Nebr.), but were repulsed with a loss of 3 Indians 1 man wounded, and has since died the Indians withdrew to the bluffs. Captain Curran, with twenty-five men, was sent to the scene of action, and brought the train and wounded men to the post.

December 9.--Captain Ivory, with twenty men, was sent to scout in the vicinity of Lone Tree found trail of Indians leading south.

December 11.--Six selected men, well armed and mounted, accompanied by a guide, were sent in search of Indian encampments. They traveled south about 100 miles unable to find Indians returned to post on the 14th instant.

December 13.--Captain Majors, with thirty mounted men of this command and fifty from Fort Kearny, moved southward across the Republican River to Beaver Creek followed up that stream to point where Curtis' trail crosses finding no Indians, returned to this station absent five days marched 165 miles. Daily escorts furnished overland mail coaches.

_____________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part I

Page 981 Chapter LIII. SKIRMISH NEAR FORT ZARAH, KANS.DECEMBER 4, 1864.--Skirmish with Indians on Cow Creek, near Fort Zarah, Kans.

Report of Captain Theodore Conkey, Third Wisconsin Cavalry.

FORT ZARAH, December 6, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 4th instant, just after dark, four men of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, forming an escort to a six-mule team and wagon loaded with ammunition for this post, were attacked by Indians while in camp on Cow Creek, fifteen miles east of this post, and the driver killed and one of the escort wounded in the arm. They had camped within thirty feet of the bank of the creek which at that place is twenty or thirty feet high, and while eating their supper the Indians crept up along the bed of the creek, within fifty feet of them, and fired under cover of the bank. From one of the party who was picked up by the stage which came along about four hours later, I gather this, that upon being fired into

Page 982 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

the men dispersed, first firing several shots in return that the teamster fled across the creek, the Indians in pursuit, where his body was found pierced with arrows and 100 yards or more the wagon. Three of the escort made their escape and returned to Fort Ellsworth on foot, reaching that post at 3 o'clock in the morning. The fourth man composing the escort hid himself near by and remained concealed until the stage and escort came along, when he was picked up and brought to this post at 1 o'clock in the morning. I immediately dispatched a force of twenty-five mounted men to the place designated and there await the coming of daylight. As soon as it became sufficiently light, the country was patrolled for several miles around in search of the three missing men belonging to the escort, who were supposed at that time to have been killed. An overcoat was found half a mile from the camp, which was the only trace of them to be discovered. At daylight I sent out another party of ten men and a team to bring in whatever might be found by the party first sent out, which returned in the afternoon with the wagon and about half of the ammunition in good condition, and considerable in a damaged state. One horse came in with the stage belonging to the escort slightly wounded with arrows, and one was found dead upon the ground near the camp. The other two were probably captured by the Indians, and also the mules. The harness was cut up and portions abstracted. Last night Lieutenant Hutchings with sixteen men arrived at this post with the intelligence that the three missing me from the escort had arrived safely at Fort Ellsworth.

I would respectfully beg leave to suggest that the escort furnished at Fort Ellsworth, for the safe transportation of valuable ordnance stores, over a route known to be swarming with hostile Indians, was entirely inadequate. The loss of the stores may lead to serious results and disasters, while a neglect of proper care to prevent their falling into the hands of an unrelenting savage foe becomes a crime.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THEO. CONKEY,

Captain, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Commanding Post

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 10, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded to Major C. S. Charlot, assistant adjutant-general, Department of Kansas, for the information of the general commanding, and particular attention is called to the report of Captain Conkey, which says:

The loss of ammunition may tend to serious results and disasters, while a neglect of proper care to prevent their falling into the hands of an unrelenting savage foe becomes a crime.

B. S. HENNING,

Major Third Wisconsin Cav. Vols., Commanding District.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Leavenworth, December 15, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded to headquarters, Washington, D. C., for information.

The apparent inadequacy of the escort furnished by the commander at Fort Ellsworth will be properly investigated, but may be mainly

Page 983 Chapter LIII. EXPEDITION TO AUGUSTA, ARK.

attributed to a want of troops, which I am trying to correct by forwarding more force from those I have been using against Price's invasion.

S. R. CURTIS,

Major-General, Commanding.

________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 751 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Levenworth, December 2, 1864.

Major B. S. HENNING,Fort Riley, Kans:

DEAR MAJOR: I am in receipt of many letters from you concerning your command which I cannot answer in detail I must generally approve your exertions to keep matters right, and hope you will keep me advised. The treaty operations at Lyon greatly embarrass matters, and I hope you have disposed of Major Wynkoop and directed a change for the better. Indians must be kept at arm's length. Even if they come in as prisoners of war we are not obliged to receive them, or feed them, or allow them inside the forts. The old and infirm and lazy will come in, while the wicked are allowed to go on with their devilment. I suppose Left Hand and some of the Indians who have been in may be sincere, but they must evince their fidelity by strong proofs, such as turning over the culprits, arms, horses, &c., and becoming the foes of hostile bands, ready and willing to fight them. I am going to send troops forward with a view of further operations at the proper time, but do not desire the public to know my purposes, and therefore will not dilate upon them. Of course, I have my eyes on the matter of Indian troubles.

I remain, major, very truly, yours,

S. R. CURTIS,Major-General.

_______________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 770 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS- MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

JUNCTION CITY, KANS., December 5, 1864.

Major B. S. HENNING,

Commanding District of Upper Arkansas:

DEAR SIR I have been on our western border more or less during the past tow months, and wish to make some suggestions in regard to the Indian difficulties. From some cause the Indians have lost all fear or perhaps respect for our troops. They regard them quite differently from what they did a few years ago. They have a very high opinion of their own fighting qualities, and regard themselves as the victors. All the indications are that they intend to continue the war, and that they are becoming more bold and systematic in their attacks and movements. It is very evident that if they are permitted to continue their depredations during the winter without a proper chastisement, that they will become bolder and more determined in their hostilities, and that the commerce of the plains and our exposed settlements will be in much greater danger next spring than they ever have been. The withdrawal of their supplies makes it a necessity for them to continue the war or to ask for a treaty of peace. There is no probability of their doing the latter while they regard themselves as the victors. Nothing short of the most severe punishment will bring them to terms. Now is the best time to wage a successful war against them, and a large force should be sent out at once, with orders to show them no quarter, until they are most severely chastised. We are dealing with savages, and we must adopt their mode of warfare, and, if possible, exceed them in cruel and barbarous treatment. Nothing short of this will secure a permanent peace. Some parties who are actuated more by immediate personal gain than the public good may prefer a "patched- up" peace but it is clearly to the interest of Kansas, of the west generally, and to the Government, to fight them until they are completely subdued and taught a lesson they will not soon forget. I have been expecting that an expedition would be sent against them, and am surprised that it has been so long delayed. Now that Kansas is comparatively safe from rebel incursions from the east and south the troops in Kansas could not be used to better

Page 771 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC- UNION.

advantage then in quieting the Indians. I hope, major, that you will take my suggestions in the spirit I have intended them, and that, if upon mature consideration you deem them correct, you urge upon the department commander the importance of concentrating a sufficient force on the plains to properly chastise those savage devils. Something must be done and that quickly, or the business on the plains must be discontinued and the frontier settlements abandoned.

I am, very truly, your obedient servant,

S. M. STRICKLER,

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 8, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded to Major C. S. Charlot, assistant adjutant-general Department of Kansas, for the information of the general commanding.

Mr. Strickler, the writer of the within, is a resident of junction City, Kans.: is a man of means and influence, and is supposed to be well posted in regard to condition of affairs on the western border.

B. S . HENNING,

Major Third Wisconsin Cavalry Volunteers, Commanding District.

[Second Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Leavenworth, December 16, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Department. If my suggestions have reached Washington this may add testimony. I think the Indians are well convinced of our strength and their danger, but their won necessities and inherent love of strife have induced them to extend their usual robberies to our neglected frontier and overland travel.

S. R. CURTIS,

Major- General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Leavenworth, December 5, 1864.

His Excellency Governor JOHN EVANS,

Washington, D. C.:

GOVERNOR: Since you left I have further news of occasional attacks on coaches, trains, and unguarded squads, showing, evidently, that small war parties continue to infest our lines of travel, and Indian troubles therefore seem to continue. In the meantime some of the Arapahoes and Cheyennes come into or near Fort Lyon and surrender, as they pretend, offering to comply with almost any terms. Of course, some of these are really anxious to avoid quarrel, while others, as I believe, come in to get food for winter. Probably 2,000 or more are thus asking for mercy, and I suppose in spite of my severe orders they at Lyon, and if these Indians are to become a burden on the Government they ought to be located at some more convenient point for feeding them. I confess myself entirely undecided and uncertain as to what can be done with such nominal Indian prisoners. The receiving of some

Page 772 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS- MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

by Major Wynkoop induced others, as you perceive, to follow the example. Major Anthony is there now in command, and promises greater caution. Nothing is heard from the Kiowas except what I get from General Carleton, who has sent Colonel Carson east from Santa Fe, where he understood they had fled from my movements in July last. He locates their lodges about 200 miles south of Fort Zarah (the mouth of Walnut Creek) says they went down the old trail leading south from the confluence of Arkansas and Walnut, which you will see laid down on the topographical map of that region. Whether the hostile bands still operating on the lines of travel and trade belong to these seems now uncertain, but I think all the confederate tribes furnish a portion or, more properly speaking, these war parties are emanations from all of these. I have started the Second Colorado to Fort Riley, where I intend to have them ready for a farther advance if I am supported by accessions of force such as I consider necessary. The rebels below have demonstrated against trains which I recently sent to save the garrison at Fort Gibson and Fort Smith, outside of my department, from starvation and I have had to re- enforce the escort to prevent Steele's troops and supplies being carried off from their destination. This embarrasses and cripples my new designs to operate on the plains, but will not prevent me from doing something. I write knowing you are anxious about matters, and wish to act in Washington with full understanding of matters. At last accounts Chivington was near Fort Lyon trying to find the Indians that attacked the train. I suppose he has the 100- days' men with him.

Respectfully, yours,

S. R. CURTIS,Major- General.

_____________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 796 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS- MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 7, 1864.

Major C. S. CHARLOT,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Kansas:

MAJOR: I have the honor to suggest to the general commanding the propriety of directing Major Anthony, in command of Fort Lyon, to arrest and send to this post or Fort Leavenworth Left Hand, Little Raven, Storms, Nervah, and Knock Knee, and other influential members of the Arapahoe Indians, now fed as prisoners at that post. Such hostages might result in keeping that tribe quiet, but as it is at present the Government is feeding all the old men, women, and children, while the young men are on the warpath, killing and destroying every opportunity. Major Anthony reports that he has disarmed them, but it is unofficially reported that only a few arms were given up, and also that the horses returned are broken down and worthless. There is no doubt but that the different tribes are making every preparation for a vigorous prosecution of hostilities in the spring, and have adopted a system of action, the most important of which is to cripple the Government by stealing an destroying all the horses and mules possible, so as to prevent the rapid movement of troops. Most of the leading chiefs of the different tribes have been to Washington, some as late as the summer of 1863, and are as fully posted in regard to the strength of the Government as it is possible for them to be but for all that, they began these hostilities without provocation nd solely because they expected to be benefitted. There is no doubt but that they are influenced

Page 797 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

by secession sympathizers, not placed among them for that purpose, but nevertheless are quite as dangerous. George Bent, a son of old Bent by a Cheyenne woman, was educated in the East, and at the time of the breaking out of the war was engage in farming in Missouri, but left there and is now foremost in leading those wild tribes in their depredations. He is a noted rebel and ought to have been killed long ago. If the general commanding will direct Major Anthony to arrest the Indians above mentioned we can soon tell if they are in reality desirous of peace, but it is my opinion that they will refuse to give up their chiefs, and in that case it will lead to driving them from the post and relieve the Government from feeding them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. S. HENNING,

Major Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Commanding District.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver, December 7, 1864.

Governor JOHN EVANS:

(Care of National Hotel, Washington, D. C.)

Had fight with Cheyennes forty miles north of Lyon. I lost 9 killed and 38 wounded. killed 500 Indians destroyed 130 lodges took 500 mules and ponies. marched 300 miles in ten days snow two feet deep for 100 miles. Am still after them.

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

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

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver, Colo. Terr., December 7, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Julesburg, Colo. Terr.:Colonel Chivington had a big fight with Cheyennes, November 29, forty miles north of Fort Lyon. Killed about 500, and captured as many ponies. There were 130 lodgesa bout 1,000 warriors. Pursuit is being kept up. They are coming toward the Platte. Our loss is 9 killed and 38 wounded.

CHARLES WHEELER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 801 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., December 8, 1864.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

Colonel Chivington, after a march of 300 miles in ten days, on the 29th returned. He came upon a Cheyenne camp of 130 lodges at the south bend of big Sandy,, Cheyenne County, Colo. He attacked at daylight, killing over 400 Indians and capturing the same number of ponies. Among the killed are Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, and Little Robe [Little Raven]. Our loss, 9 killed and 38 wounded. Our troops encountered snow two feet deep.

S. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, December 8, 1864.

Major-General BLUNT,

Paola:

The location and character of cribs should be determined by the engineer who will go down soon to attend to this and other matters which I desire of permanent character. Chivington telegraphs a fight with the Cheyennes, in which he killed between 400 and 500.

S. R. CURTIS,Major-General.

______________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 802 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS POST,

Salina, Kans., December 8, 1864.

Major B. S. HENNING,

Commanding District of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans.:

MAJOR: I have the honor to state that I have this day ordered Second Lieutenant Charles E. Everton to take command of this post, and I will start to-morrow with a detachment of my company and number of citizens in pursuit of Indians. They are on Clear Creek (a tributary of the Solomon River), about forty miles from here. I have suitable scouts that can take me to where they were on the 7th instant. There are about 100 Indians. They drove in some buffalo hunters. Messrs. White and Chapman are here they are direct from where the Indians were. I have no doubt but what I can be able to attack them by daylight on the 10th instant. I hope that this move will be sanctioned by you.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ELISHA HAMMER,

Captain Company G, Seventh Iowa Vol. Cav., Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 8, 1864.

Major SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Commanding Fort Lyon:

MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of November 26, 1864, inclosing copy of Special Orders, Numbers 34, headquarters Department of New Mexico, ordering Company K, First New Mexico Infantry, on duty in this district. However desirable it may be to retain troops within the district, that properly this company belongs to the Department of New Mexico, and are subject to orders from there. Pressing necessity sometimes excuses or warrants the detention and use of troops temporarily within jurisdiction or command of an officer, but it should only be used in cases of absolute necessity. The major commanding appreciates the kindness of General Carleton in sending troops into the district under the circumstances that existed at that time, and hopes that the favor will not be abused, and that the com-

Page 803 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

pany will be permitted to obey the order from their proper officer without interference from any officer within this command. In fact, courtesy demands that every facility should be given to carry out orders from Department of New Mexico. The major commanding regrets exceedingly that Major Anthony should have assumed to order Captain Hill on duty in the district that should properly fall on the officers belonging in the district, and which has taken Captain Hill so far from his proper command. He will be directed to return immediately.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. TAPPAN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

___________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 842 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS,

Denver, December 12, 1864.Major General S. R. CURTIS,Fort Leavenworth, Department of Kansas:Following dispatch for you from 100 miles above Fort Lyon, dated 6th instant, has been received:Since 29th of last month have been after 130 lodges, Arapahoes and Cheyennes. Marched all night 3rd and 4th instant. They broke camp precipitately yesterday morning at 3 o'clock. Can't follow-time of Third Regiment being nearly out. If I can have 1,000 troops can make campaign on Smoky Hill and Republican and close them out.

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel, Commanding.

Respectfully, &c.,

CHARLES WHEELER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 862 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

FORT LARNED, KANS., December 14, 1864.

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: The Santa Fe coach has just arrived from Fort Lyon and brings in news of a fight with the Indians thirty miles from that fort, in which 10 soldiers were killed and 38 wounded, and from 250 to 280 Indians killed. These Indians were those that have been camped around Fort Lyon for some time past. Colonel Chivington is reported as being in command of the force on our side, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony.

*Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony sends word that it will not be safe to send the stage through with less then fifty men, and as this garrison cannot afford so large an escort the stage will be obliged to wait. Lieutenant Crocker has detained it under General Field Orders, Numbers 2. I report to you for instructions. I Know of no other way at present than to let part of the force at Fort Zarah come up here and help this post do the escorting between this fort and Fort Lyon. From what I can learn, I think it hazardous to start out a less number than fifty, and that number cannot be spared from here without disobeying General Orders, Numbers 2. The Indians will, no doubt, be exasperated by the late action at Fort Lyon, and we have every reason to suppose will harass the travel on the road more than ever. If any way can be found by which a sufficient escort can be procured I shall proceed to Fort Lyon with as little delay as possible.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY BOOTH,

Captain and Chief of Cavalry.

(* BOOTH INCORRECTLY REFERS TO MAJOR SCOTT ANTHONY AS “LIEUTENANT-COLONEL”)

____________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 879 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 17, 1864.

Major-General CURTIS,

Commanding Department of Kansas:

SIR: Yours of the 5th instant came to hand a few days ago. I am gratified that Colonel Ford's regiment has moved toward the plains. Hope they may get a chance at the hostile Indians, and that they may be sent to the Colorado side of the plains, as the time of our 100-days' regiment is about up and we will be almost without troops. It would be much cheaper and better every way to keep such Indians as surrender on the frontier of Kansas that at Lyon or any other point across the plains. The paper you indorsed for me, with your letter, have been laid before the Secretary of War. The Secretary of the Interior also recommended this winter campaign. The Secretary has told me that when a decision was made he would inform you. I am extremely anxious to know the result and would be thankful for the information as soon as you can give it. Every report from the plains confirms the necessity of active hostilities as the savages become more and more troublesome.

Thanking you for the earnest interest and co-operation in the great work of securing peace on the plains.

I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. EVANS,

Governor of Colorado Territory.

Page 880 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 17, 1864.

Captain ELISHA HAMMER,

Commanding Post, Salina:

CAPTAIN: The major commanding directs that you send some good and reliable man over to the neighborhood or vicinity where you saw that encampment of Indians which you mentioned in your report of the 13th instant, to find out if they are there yet, and if he finds them let him report directly to these headquarters. I would suggest that some good and reliable citizen would be the best to send, and that there should be two of them, so that there can be no mistake in regard to the information. The portion of the Second Colorado Cavalry now in this district will in all probability be placed on duty in the district, and then a movement will be made against them. You should keep yourself and these headquarters advised with regard to the encampment, and any movement upon their part should be communicated to these headquarters immediately.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. TAPPAN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 894 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS POST,

Salina, Kans., December 19, 1864.

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

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

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to honor to state that on the 16th instant I sent Sergt. Malcom P. Doud and seven men of Company G, Seventh Iowa Volunteers Cavalry, to scout the country in regard to Indians. They proceed as far as Spring Creek, a tributary of Salt Creek, and southwest to Saline River, and down said river to this place. They saw no Indians. They were within about ten miles of where they were encamped. They report that they saw smoke about the same place where they were. I sent one corporal and two men to-day to Fort Solomon with instructions to get Abraham White and Mr. Ingersoll (citizens) to go with them and to see whether the Indians are still at same place If not there to find their location and strength, if possible. The corporal and one of the citizens will report to you if they find them.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ELISHA HAMMER,

Captain Company G, Seventh Iowa Vol. Cavalry, Commanding Post.

_____________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 897 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, December 20, 1864.

Major-General BLUNT,

Paola:

Colonel Moonlight is relieved by General Orders, Numbers 63, from duty in your district to take command of District of Colorado. Let him report here en route as soon as possible. The sooner the better.

S. S. CURTIS,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

57 R R-VOL XLI, PT IV

Page 898 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

PAOLA, December 20, 1864.

Major General S. R. CURTIS:

I have just seen telegram to General Blunt, who is at Lawrence, ordering me to Colorado. My regimental and brigade business is in a sad plight cannot I have a few days to straighten in out?

T. MOONLIGHT,

Colonel.

__________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 909 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

GENERAL ORDERS,

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Numbers 63.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., December 21, 1864.

Colonel Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, is relieved from duty in the District of South Kansas, and assigned to duty as commander of the District of Colorado, vice Colonel Chivington, whose term of service has expired. Colonel Moonlight will forthwith proceed by the overland route to Denver City, where he will assume the district command.

The Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry will also be relieved from duty in the District of South Kansas, and proceed by the Arkansas route for Colorado, but halting at Fort Riley for further orders, and till grass will forage the stock and admit of an exchange of Colorado and Kansas troops.

By command of Major-General Curtis:

C. S. CHARLOT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, December 21, 1864.

Colonel MOONLIGHT,

Paola:

Do not delay for anything others can do. The regiment will move so as to join you in the spring. Such is my design. But I need a commander of that district immediately.

S. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

_________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 919 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 22, 1864.

Lieutenant J. E. TAPPAN,

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

LIEUTENANT: For the information of the colonel commanding the district, I have the honor to call your attention to the following matters in connection with the District of Upper Arkansas on which he will be called to act: First, the report of Captain E. Hammer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, stating that he discovered a large body of Indians on Fifth Creek, a branch of Salt Creek, which is a branch of the Solomon, and about twenty-five miles from Fort Solomon second, to the fact that there is a large force of Colorado soldiers under command of Colonel Chivington, First Colorado Cavalry, in the district in pursuit of Indians, and at last date were at Fort Lyon and expected to proceed to Fort Larned (see report* of Major Anthony, dated December 2, 1864) third, that the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians have been congregating near Fort Lyon for some time, but that the Cheyennes were attacked and dispersed by Colonel Chivington and Major Anthony, and no Indians were supposed to be in that immediate vicinity at last date. My opinion is that a large portion of the hostile plain Indians are now in the northeast portion of the district, and should judge on the Solomon and Republican, and close watch will be necessary to prevent their committing depredations on the frontier. The term of service of the First Colorado Cavalry on duty in this district is expiring, and arrangements should be made to fill their places by other troops, as there is no doubt but that the operations of Colonel Chivington will create great activity on the part of the Indians in their depredations and should be guarded against. Of the officers and soldiers I can speak in the highest terms, and have no doubt but that the colonel commanding will find them all he could desire. With my best wishes for his success.

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

B. S. HENNING,

Major Third Wisconsin Cavalry.

SPECIAL ORDERS,

HDQRS. DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Numbers 36.

Fort Riley, Kans., December 22, 1864.

1. The Second Regiment Colorado cavalry, having reported to these headquarters in obedience to orders from department headquarters, will remain on duty at Fort Riley, Kans., until further orders.2. Major J. L. Pritchard, Second Regiment Colorado Cavalry, will, in addition to his duties as regimental commander, assume command of the post of Fort, Kans.

* * * * * *

By order of Colonel James H. Ford:

J. E. TAPPAN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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

* See Part I, p. 952. (INCLUDED IN NOVEMBER – SAND CREEK REPORTS)

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

_________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 923 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,

Fort Riley, Kans., December 23, 1864.

Major C. S. CHARLOT,

Asst. Adjt. General, Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth:

MAJOR: For the information of the general commanding I have the honor to report that in pursuance to instructions received from department headquarters, I left Leavenworth 19, and arrived at this post on the 21st instant and assumed command of this district as per General Orders, Numbers 10, a copy of which is inclosed herewith.

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

JAS. H. FORD,

Colonel Second Colorado Cavalry.

[Inclosure.]

GENERAL ORDERS,HDQRS. DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Numbers 10.Fort Riley, Kans., December 22, 1864.

I. Pursuant to instructions received from the major-general commanding Department of Kansas, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the District of Upper Arkansas, headquarters at Fort Riley, Kans.

Page 924 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

II. All orders heretofore in force will continue to be obeyed until otherwise directed.

III. Lieutenant Robert S. Roe, adjutant Second Colorado Cavalry, is announced as acting assistant adjutant-general.

JAMES H. FORD,

Colonel Second Colorado Cavalry.

____________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

Page 938 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Leavenworth, December 26, 1864.

Governor S. J. CRAWFORD,

Topeka:

GOVERNOR: I received yours of the 14th instant in due time, but delayed answering, hoping to be better able to respond favorably. I send hear of continued troubles with Indians on the plains and have to send a force out to fight them. It is, therefore, very difficult to meet demands for interior localities, such as Topeka. The entire frontier of Kansas seems to require watchful care, and I am every day being weakened in force by the expiration of terms of service in my old regiments. I will not determined at present, but hold it under careful advisement.

Very truly, your obedient servant,

S. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

_________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

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

WASHINGTON, December 29, 1864.

Major General S. R. CURTIS,

Fort Leavenworth:

GENERAL: It appears, from papers just submitted to the Secretary of War by the Commissary-General of Subsistence, that on or about the 9th of September last General Blunt directed a quantity of bacon to be taken from a train at Fort Larned en route for New Mexico for the supply of the troops in that department. Similar acts of this kind in Colorado Territory last year caused positive orders to be issued against taking anything from Government trains sent to New Mexico, and the Secretary of War regards General Blunt's conduct in this case as a violation of orders which should be immediately investigated and duly punished. It is no excuse that the District of Colorado was in want of supplies, for it was the duty of the officers there to have made the proper requisitions and procured their own supplies without molesting those sent to other departments. The troops in New Mexico have been seriously inconvenience by these unauthorized acts of officers in Colorado.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

__________________________

Series I, Volume XLI, Part IV

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,

Fort Leavenworth, December 31, 1864.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.:

Several papers have been referred to me concerning irregularities charged on General Blunt and others before I came in this command, and entirely outside. Yet, as some of the parties are in my command, I may do something if I can get men disconnected with Kansas affairs and worthy of credence. There is so much political and personal strife in our service it is almost impossible to get an honest, impartial deter-

Page 971 Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

mination of facts. A shifts of troops so as to put officers and men out of their own home localities would greatly improve my command, and I wish especially that some of my Kansas regiments may be sent to the front and troops of other States sent to me. I have ordered the Eleventh Kansas to Colorado, far enough from their homes, but the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Kansas might well be changed. The First Colorado, the Third Colorado, and many companies of other regiments have to be mustered out under the provisions of Circular Numbers 36. I am also informed that Fort Smith and Fayetteville, in the Department of Kansas, are being evacuated. Fort Gibson, in the same department, is garrisoned with dismounted Indian troops, so that my southern border is more exposed than formerly. The Indians on the plains continue to act in bands of 50 or 100 at various points, and I desire to make new efforts to crush them during the latter part of winter. Under these circumstances I feel it my duty to urge the sending of more troops of other States to aid in keeping open the overland lines, escort trains, put down the Indians, and strengthen the defenses which overlook the enemy's approaches from Texas.

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

S. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,HDQRS. DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Numbers 42.Fort Riley, Kans., December 31, 1864.

* * * * *

7. Company D, Second Colorado Cavalry, is hereby relieved from duty at Fort Riley, Kans. The commanding officer will report in person to these headquarters for orders.8. Company F, Second Colorado Cavalry, is hereby relieved from duty at Fort Riley, Kans. The commanding officer will report in person to these headquarters for orders.

* * * * *

13. Major E. W. Wynkoop, First Colorado Cavalry, is hereby relieved from duty at Fort Riley, Kans., and will proceed without delay to Fort Lyon, Colo. Terr., and upon his arrival at that post will assume command. Major E. W. Wynkoop, upon his arrival at Fort Lyon, will make a thorough investigation of the recent operations against the Indians in that part of the District of Upper Arkansas, and make a detailed report of the same to these headquarters, with as little delay as possible.

* * * * *

By order of Colonel James H. Ford:

J. E. TAPPAN,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

___________________________