Series 1, Vol. XXII, Part II

Page 172 MO.,ARK.,KANS.,IND.T.,AND DEPT.N.W. Chapter XXXIV.

HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT COLORADO VOLUNTEERS,

Fort Lyon, Colo. (Old Fort Wise), March 22, 1863.

Major General E. V. SUMNER,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

GENERAL: Believing that you will, upon assuming command of the Department of the Missouri, wish to know the situation of military matters in Colorado, I take the liberty of writing, and shall try and give you a correct idea of what we have and what we need out here. In the first place, Colorado is strongly loyal to the Union, and her position is such that no fear need be apprehended from any outside attacks, and as for the Indians, not the least fear should be thought of.

There have been raised in this Territory what has been called three regiments, but they are somewhat mixed. The force is as follows: First Regiment Colorado Cavalry, twelve companies Second Regiment Colorado Volunteer Infantry, eight companies, and one battery of artillery, not armed Third Regiment Colorado Volunteers, only five companies full. These have marched for the States, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis, leaving some fractional companies here recruiting under Colonel Ford and Major Pritchard.

The Second was raised under an order given me by the Secretary of War, and at the time the order was given General Hunter then commanded the Department of Kansas, and he, fearing that the Texans, who were then advancing into New Mexico, might reach the Arkansas River by the Old Santa Fe road, furnished me with 1,000 stand of arms, 200,000 ball cartridges, and a battery of field artillery complete, all of which I arrived with at Denver, Colo., on the 25th of May, 1862. At Saint Louis, General Halleck manned the battery with the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, 150 men, commanded by Captain Johnson. Two sections of this battery are now at Fort Lyon, Colo., and one section at Fort Larned, and as it has been in service a long time, well officered and in fine condition, it should be ordered into active service.

A few interested parties have been very anxious to get a large volunteer force retained in this Territory, more for speculation than anything else, and I do hope they will be disappointed. There is no more necessity for troops at this point than at Syracuse, N. Y. Two companies of the First Cavalry at Fort Lyon, one at Fort Garland, and one at Camp Collins, on the overland mail line, are all the troops required, in my estimation, in Colorado. All the rest retained are to protect new town lots, and eat corn, at $5.60 per bushel.

Eighth companies of the First Cavalry, all of the Second and Third, together with the Ninth Wisconsin and First Colorado Batteries, should be ordered into the States at once for active duty. The material of these troops is not excelled by any other in the would, and, if put into service under a good and active officer, will do honor to any department.

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The First Regiment was originally infantry, but, when mounted, two companies of the Second were transferred to it, leaving me with but eight companies and one battery. The officers being appointed by myself, makes us somewhat independent of the Governor, and, I think, disposes him to do us no more than justice.

Major Fillmore, paymaster, brings a report that all my regiment is ordered to the States, but I am informed that General Curtis has ordered one of my companies to Fort Garland and one to remain at Fort Lyon. This, I hope, General Sumner, will not be allowed by you. I wish my regiment together, if the good of the service does not require it to be separated. And should you require good mounted troops, I can assure you will find the mountain men of the Second Regiment Colorado Volunteers as good material as any to make them from.

You will also find the quartermaster's department out here also a little mixed. Captain [S. H.] Moer, of the Volunteers, was the assistant quartermaster when General Curtis took command of this department. He was relieved by Lieutenant Anderson, of the First Colorado Cavalry, but he, I believe, did not give satisfaction to the Department, and Captain Alley, of the Third U. S. Infantry, who has been here for nearly two years as general disbursing officer of the War Department, has been ordered to relieve him. If so, the Government may be saved thousands.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. LEAVENWORTH,

Colonel, Commanding Second Colorado Volunteers.

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Page 294 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N.W. Chapter XXXIV.

DENVER, COLO., May 27,

Via Saint Louis, May 30, 1863

[General SCHOFIELD:]

I sent a special messenger to Washington in reference to Indian difficulties, and should have an answer soon. Indians have given notice we must fight or leave. Have just had report of a big secret conference between Sioux, Arapahoes, and Cheyennes, about 100 miles north. May want our forces strengthened in a few days. Colonel Chivington has everything in good shape, and understands the situation well. I have confidence in a favorable issue. All quiet at present. Will keep you posted. Forward copy to Secretary of War.

JOHN EVANS,

Governor of Colorado Territory.

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Page 316 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.

Thirty miles from Fort Larned, Kans., June 11, 1863.Major H. Z. CURTIS,

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

MAJOR: A large body of Comanche Indians have just arrived at the Big Bend of the Arkansas, with 3,000 or 4,000 horses and ponies (so reported), many of them large American horses. These, with the great number of Comanches heretofore on the Arkansas--with the Kiowas, Apaches, Cheyennes, Arapahoes, and Caddoes--fill this part of Kansas full to repletion with Indians, and, if anything should occur to arouse their passions, nothing could save us all from certain destruction, and unless some more troops are sent promptly on to this Santa Fe route, I cannot vouch for its safety one day.

To-day, in coming down the river, I met a great number of teams bound to New Mexico, mostly owned by Mexicans, and about three in every five were loaded with whisky. Is this proper? They have no permits to carry this article-only passes for a number of men to go and return from and to New Mexico. Now, it only requires a spark to set the whole of this country in a blaze. Let a few Indians threaten one of these Mexican trains but with a show, and compel them to give them on canteen of whisky, and fearful, indeed, may be the consequences. There is whisky enough in one train that I met to-day to intoxicate every Indian on the plains. I shall send an express to Captain Rouell, at Council Grove, to stop every train that has liquor until

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he receives orders from the general on this subject. The train I met to-day I placed in charge of a guard, to keep the Indians from it, and shall hold it and every other one until I receive orders about them, which, I hope, will be without delay.

Please send me all orders in relation to permits to ship goods from the Missouri River over the plains to New Mexico, if there are any. I am greatly in want of a few more troops here. Could I have the two companies of my regiment now in Colorado, and have them mounted, together with the two sections of the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, at Fort Lyon, I should not call for any more troops until the general makes his move into Texas.

Please forward all the men at or near Fort Leavenworth that belong to the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, now there. They are very much wanted with the section at Fort Larned.

Captain [N. L.] Benter marched for Fort Riley on the morning of the 10th, with instructions to move slowly, by the way of Council Grove, so as to be on hand for anything that might occur on the Santa Fe road. I did not feel authorized to keep him, as Captain [H. N. F.] Read had been ordered to Fort Larned.

Lieutenant [George F.] Crocker shot himself, accidentally, yesterday, and will be laid up for weeks. I at once sent a request to Lieutenant-Colonel [S. F.] Tappan to detach an officer from Fort Lyon to this section of the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, there being two sections of that battery at that post.

This is all the paper I have consequently cannot keep a copy. Please return me a copy for file.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. LEAVENWORTH,Colonel Second Regiment Colorado Volunteers, Commanding.

P. S.-Major Colley, the Indian agent for the Upper Arkansas, has just said to me, if the New Mexican trains are allowed to carry whisky to the extent seen to-day, that he very much fears for the consequences, as they will sell, more or less, to the Indians.

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Page 333 Chapter XXXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver City, Colo., June 23, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel SAMUEL F. TAPPAN,

Commanding Post at Fort Lyon, Colo.:

SIR: Your letters of the 20th instant are received, and I am directed by the colonel commanding to say, in reply, that Colonel Phillips has had re-enforcements sent him, and will not in all probability be defeated nor compelled to surrender. If he is, the rebels will not be permitted to march on Larned. It can and will be re-enforced strongly before the rebels can reach there. The rebels will be much more likely to strike

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at Lyon that at Larned at least such is the present indication. You will not, therefore, sent or go with your forces to Larned, or indeed out of the district, except for temporary purposes, and then you will not report for duty only co-operate with other troops. You will keep your pickets well out, and arrest and detain all suspicious persons that may be roaming around, no matter which way they are traveling. The time has come when we must use decisive measures. Colonel L. has not authority to call for troops from this district, and will not have. Additional troops are ordered in this direction from the Missouri River, and Colonel C. is ordered to co-operate with General Connor against the Ute Indians on the Overland Mail Route. He will keep an eye to the Arkansas, and has additional forces which he will send if there is a necessity for so doing. We have the mail three times a week, and are within two days by telegraph of department headquarters, from whence all reliable information must come. All report there, and from there all that is reliable is quickly sent out. The colonel feels that with the troops you now have, with your usual vigilance, you will be able to give timely notice, that you may be re-enforced if necessary.

I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,

S. S. SOULE,

First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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Page 400 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE BORDER,

Kansas City, Mo., July 26, 1863.Lieutenant Colonel C. W. MARSH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: I inclose you, at the earnest request of Colonel Leavenworth, who had command, under an order from Headquarters District of Kansas of troops on the Santa Fe road, two letters sent, to illustrate his embarrassment. He is at Fort Larned, with one company of cavalry, one of infantry and one section of artillery, showing a total for duty on 10th of July of 147 men. This is enough for an average garrison at that post or nearly enough. At this time, however, there is an unusually large gathering of the Indians (Kiowas, Comanches, Arapahoes, Cheyennes, and Prairie Apaches), who are friendly or not as occasion prompts, and numbering 4,000 to 5,000 lodges. They come up yearly at this season with the buffalo that cross the Arkansas in their migrations near Larned, partly to kill buffalo and partly to receive their annual presents.

About ten days ago an Indian was killed by a sentinel, at which the Indians were fierce and indignant and threatening. There is no doubt the garrison was then in some danger, and it may perhaps be so still, but it would not be possible for me to send it re-enforcements now, unless it were in imminent peril, for the bands of guerrillas are receiving such accessions from Price's broken army that I shall have my hands full, or more than full, with them.I respectfully invite your attention to Colonel Leavenworth's suggestion that a portion of the troops in Central and Northern Colorado be sent on the road, and that the whole road, from Council Grove to the Raton Mountains, be placed under one management and command.

In addition to the troops named above as at Larned, there is one company of cavalry guarding the line from Council Grove to Cow Creek, and one company of cavalry and one section of artillery at Lyon. I think one more company of cavalry at Fort Lyon and one more at Fort Larned will be a sufficient addition to the force now on the road. Three companies more would certainly be enough.There have been some interferences by Indians with trains, occasioning some uneasiness, but not alarm, among the traders, which a small addition of troops would hereafter prevent, and which probably will not recur with present force, as they were occasioned by carelessness of the wagon-master in letting the Indians have whisky.I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

[Inclosures.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT TROOPS,On Santa Fe Road, July 15, 1863.ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

District of the Border, Kansas City, Mo.:

SIR: On the morning of the 9th instant, a sentinel on post at this fort shot and killed an Indian. It was about 1 a.m. As we were surrounded

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by all the Apache, Arapaho, and Kiowa Indians, and not knowing to which tribe he belonged, our position was rather unpleasant, owing to not having many troops here and, as the Indians had been troublesome on the Santa Fe road, I had out on scout some 50 or our small garrison to protect trains above and below on the river. As soon as this Indian was killed, I sent runners out for all the scouts to return to this post, and called a council of all the chiefs. By 8 a.m. the chiefs (principal chiefs) were here. As I had told the runners to inform the chiefs I did not want any braves or other Indians to visit the post, all kept away by the Kiowas they could not be governed by their chiefs, and came up in strong force, and very much excited more so than any Indians I ever saw. Upon examination of the dead Indian by the chiefs, it was found to be a Cheyenne they happened to be in small numbers, and we happily escaped a collision for the moment. What may happen it is impossible for me to say.

The Fort Lyon mail is in, and the messenger informs me that he applied for an escort to the mail to the commanding officer of a company of the First Colorado Cavalry, which was stationed about 65 miles this side of Fort Lyon, but he refused to send a man with him said he had positive orders not to do so. What does all this mean? Am I expected to guard and escort trains on the whole of this road, for 400 miles, with but one company of cavalry? Captain Rad's company, of the Ninth Kansas Volunteers, will do all that men can do, but it is impossible for them to do justice to themselves and the service, in these 400 miles, alone. There are plenty of troops at Forts Lyon and Colorado,to protect this road, if properly managed. The whole of the road from Council Grove to the New Mexico border should be under the direction of one officer. Unless this is so, duty on it will not be properly done in some parts of it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. LEAVENWORTH,

Colonel Second Regiment Colo. Vols., Commanding Route on Santa Fe Road.

HEADQUARTERS OF TROOPS ON THE SANTA FE ROAD, Fort Larned, Kans., July 22, 1863.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DIST. OF THE BORDER, Kansas City, Mo.:

SIR: The Fort Lyon mail is just in, and I have received a note from Lieutenant Colonel S. F. Tappan, First Colorado Cavalry, stating that his sending me re-enforcements when I was so fearfully menaced by the Indians a few days since has been excepted to by the colonel commanding the District of Colorado, and that he has been relieved from the command of Fort Lyon in consequence. If such is the fact, I ask as a great favor of the general commanding this district that he will so represent our matters out here to General Schofield as will not restore Colonel Tappan to his former command, but place his post, and the whole of the Santa Fe road, without the District of Colorado, if Colonel J. M. Chivington is to command it any longer. Inclosed I have the honor to send, for the information of the general commanding the District of the Border, extracts of two letters the Headquarters of the District of Colorado,* showing the limited knowledge they must possess of our situation on the Santa Fe road. Five hundred miles distance for troops to

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*Not found.

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26 R R-VOL XXII, PT II

Page 402 MO., ARK., KANS., IND.T., AND DEPT. N.W. Chapter XXXIV.

march to re-enforce this post is not so easily done. Judge Arny, from New Mexico, will give you more full and complete information than I have time to write.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. LEAVENWORTH,

Colonel Second Regiment Colo. Vols., Commanding Route on Santa Fe Road.

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HEADQUARTERS,

Fort Lyon, Colo., September 2, 1863.

Lieutenant GEORGE H. STILWELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding the district that reports are constantly being made to me of Indian depredations committed by Kiowa and Comanche Indians near the Cimarron Crossing. Three trains have arrived to-day entirely destitute of provisions, the train-masters reporting that they had been robbed of all their supplies, and one man fired upon by the Indians while he was passing their camp. I have authorized the commissary at this post to supply the trains with subsistence. These train-masters also report that the indians have a number of white men and women prisoners. I have accordingly ordered Lieutenant Edington, with one section of the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, and Lieutenant Ackley, with 70 men from Companies F and K, to proceed immediately to the Cimarron Crossing and establish a camp. I shall leave here in time to overtake them by the time they arrive at the Indian camp, and, should I find that it is not necessary to punish them, shall establish a camp, returning myself immediately to this post. Should I find that it is necessary to punish them, I shall administer as severe a chastisement as it will be possible for me to do with my shall command. They number about 3,000. I shall try by all fair means to avoid an Indian war, but shall proceed as rapidly as possible in case it becomes necessary to have one.

Last week two horses were stolen from the quartermaster's herd. I ascertained beyond a doubt that they were stolen by Kiowa Indians,

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and sent two men in pursuit of them. Have not heard from the men yet, and fear the Indians have detained them. On Saturday night, a Mexican, who had been prowling about the vicinity for several days, broke into the corral of the stage company and stole two horses. I sent out four men in pursuit of the thief, with instructions to return the horses. I have learned that the men had overtaken the Mexican, recovered the horses, but left the Mexican on the prairie. If any more stealing is done in this vicinity, I shall issue orders in each case, until further orders from headquarters, to leave the thieves wherever they are overtaken.

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

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major, Commanding Post.

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Page 527 Chapter XXXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver, Colo., September 12, 1863.

Major General JOHN M. SCHOFIELD,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, dated Kansas City, Mo., September 7, and referring to the "representation that a regiment could now be spared from my district, and that it is needed in Utah." I answered by telegraph yesterday morning, and now reply more at length.

Page 528 MO.,ARK.,KANS.,IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.

There is no point in the district that, in my judgment, would be safe with a less number of troops than now stationed at it, except at Camp Weld, near this city. There is now stationed at this place Companies A, G, and I, First Colorado Cavalry one section of First Colorado Battery, or Captain McLain's company Colorado Volunteers (true relation hardly known), and half of Company G, Third Colorado Volunteers. I have kept more troops here than was demanded for immediate protection, first, because it is central, and I could from time to time, as necessity seemed to require, re-enforce the places that were threatened second, because I have had to do a great deal of escort duty from this place, by direction of the War Department and Department of the Missouri, and under the circumstances I think this has all been necessary.

The Overland Stage Company has applied to me for additional protection between where their line enters the mountains and Fort Bridger, a distance of between 300 and 400 miles. On this route Fort Halleck is located, where Company B, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, has been stationed, but it is now relieved and ordered to Leavenworth, Kans.I have directed Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, at your suggestion, to divide his command between the Overland Stage Line and the line of the Pacific Telegraph Company, which would afford them each ample protection, but no more than ample, in my opinion.

I have had to send another company to Fort Lyon, in consequence of the threatening attitude of the Kiowa and Comanche Indians, below that post on the Arkansas River, the Santa Fe route.

The civil officers of Conejos and Costilla Counties have all resigned, and there is only the United States commissioner and deputy United States marshal to carry on the affairs of Government there.

The commissioner has urged me to proclaim martial law in those counties, but, deeming this not best, I have assured him that he should have all needful protection and aid in the enforcement of the laws of the United States, and have instructed Lieutenant Colonel S. F. Tappan, commanding at Fort Garland, accordingly.

The Indians who committed the theft and robbery in the neighborhoods of Laramie and Halleck are now in camp at the Conejos agency, 50 miles from Fort Garland. I have thought it best not to irritate them, as they are the same who were represented at Washington last winter, and Governor Evans and Dr. Steck (Superintendents, respectively, of Indian Affairs in Colorado and New Mexico), and Indian Agents Whiteley and Head are to have a council and make a treaty with them on the 1st of October next but if they refuse to indemnity the stage company and Mr. Richard, then, of course, we shall try to make them otherwise they will steal and rob the country over, and so interfere with the stage company's stock that they could not run, and the mails would cease.

Whoever represented that a regiment could be spared from this district could not have known whereof he represented, or did not care about the safety of Colorado perhaps wanted the job of transporting the troops to Utah.

Colorado, in my judgment, is not of second importance to any State or Territory to the General Government. If protected and kept quiet, she will yield twenty millions of gold this year, and double yearly for years to come, and, in view of the national debt, I think this important, very!

I hope the major-general commanding will not think that I have any sinister design in keeping troops here that ought to be elsewhere. If a special inspector (an officer on the commanding general's staff) could be sent out here (one who would agree to endure the fatigue of travel

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and privation of fare) to travel over this district, and see its wants and importance, I should be very glad to have him represent to the commanding general the state of things in this district. Light make manifest.

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

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding District of Colorado.__________________Page

571 Chapter XXXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.

HEADQUARTERS,

Fort Lyon, Colo., September 24, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report to headquarters of the district my return from a trip down the Arkansas River. Have been as far as Fort Larned. Visited the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Caddo, and Arapaho Indians. The head chiefs of all these tribes requested, as soon as they

Page 572 MO.,ARK.,KANS.,IND.T.,AND DEPT.N.W. Chapter XXXIV.

learned that a command of troops was on the road, that they might have a talk with the officer in command. I have talked with them all, through the United States interpreter, J. S. Smith. They all express the utmost friendship for the whites say they have been offered the war-pipe by the Sioux of the Platte, and all refused to smoke, except the Northern Cheyennes. They say they are aware that some of their young men have committed depredations upon the road, and, in order to prevent a repetition of these officers, the Kiowas and Comanches will all leave the main traveled road that they know they cannot live long while at war with the whites that they must depend upon the Government and the friendship of the whites in a great measure for their support, especially the coming winter, as the buffalo have all left their accustomed ranges, owing to the unprecedented drought upon the Arkansas, the river being perfectly dry for 400 miles. They have promised to hunt up the authors of the depredations which have been committed, and to see that they are not repeated.

The Kiowa band, under La-tan-ka, one of the chiefs of the Kiowas, has done more damage than all the others, but he had left the road before I came up. The Comanches, and particularly the Apaches, appear very loyal they offered all their warriors to aid me at the time they supposed the Texans were coming up, and went out as scouts to reconnoiter. They also went with me through their herds to look for white men's stock we recovered ten head of Government mules and three Government horses, which have been turned over to assistant quartermaster at this post. I saw a good many head of Confederate States stock among the Comanche and Apache tribes they had stolen it from the borders of Texas. This accounts for their "great scare" when they supposed the Texans were coming up from Red River.

The Arapahoes, to the number of 2,000, are moving up this way, under Little Raven, Left Hand, and Neeva. They expect to receive their annuities at this post next week. The band of Arapahoes who committed the depredations at Maxwell's and in vicinity of Colonel Boone's belong to the North Platte, and are now on the Smoky Hill. They are very destitute, and, from all reports, are suffering terribly from disease and hunger. With the force now here and at Fort Larned, I do not think any trouble need be feared from any band on the Arkansas. They were badly frightened when we went down. I could have wiped them all out with my force, and probably should have commenced upon the Kiowas, after their robbery of the wagon-master of Honore's train, had it not been for the interpreter, who explained the matter better than I could have understood it without his aid.

The Caddo Indians, numbering about 500, will arrive here in about ten days, and will go into a permanent settlement about 20 miles above the post. They suffered terribly from the hands of the rebels in Texas last winter. They have adopted many of the customs of the whites, and are well behaved.

Lieutenant [John A.] Edington, with his command, will reach here by the 30th instant, leaving the road almost clear of Indians except the Arapahoes in the immediate vicinity of the post and the Caddoes above.

The Indians are all very destitute this season, and the Government will be compelled to subsist them to a great extent, or allow them to starve to death, which would probably be much the easiest way of disposing of them.

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

SCOTT J. ANTHONY,

Major, Commanding Post.

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