INDEX
1862 - Reports from the Battle at La Glorieta Pass
Series I, Vol. IX, Part I
1863 Operations - March-September 1863
As the war rages in the States, trouble grows in the Plains over broken Indian treaties. A personal conflict brews between Colonel John Chivington and Colonels Samuel Tappan (1st Colo. Cav.) and Jesse Leavenworth (2nd Colo. Cav.) over troop disbursement.
1864 Operations
January 1864
Harsh winter takes a toll on Indians and soldiers. Departmental lines reorganized as General Samuel Curtis assumes command of Kansas and surrounding territories.
February 1864
Maj. General Jonathan Pope, General Curtis and Colonel Chivington express concerns regarding the tenuous relationship between whites and Indians throughout the midwest and western territories. They warn of impending hostilities if white encroachment on Indian land continues.
March 1864
Kansas departmental commanders bicker over dispersal of troops and district authority. General Halleck scolds General Curtis for ordering troops beyond district lines. Colonel Chivington submits report from Indian Agent Sam Colley regarding rumors of a brewing war between Kiowas, Utes and Arapahos, and a plan by Sioux warriors to conduct summer raids on settlements in the Kansas/Colorado territories. Governor Evans requests additional troops for Colorado's defense.
April 1864
The first serious hostilities between Colorado troops and Cheyenne/Arapaho warrior clans break out at Fremont’s Orchard. Colonel Chivington orders Major Downing, Lt. Dunn and Lt. Eayer to investigate and attack the offending war parties, setting of a chain-reaction of skirmishes throughout eastern Colorado Territory.
May 1864
Major Downing attacks Indian encampments in Colorado Territory, while General Curtis continues to push for the mobilization of a militia to defend the western territory. Curtis assures Governor John Evans he is doing everything he can, but his Kansas command is spread thin, and the Governor must help him lobby for additional troops. Major Edward W. Wynkoop assumes command of Fort Lyon and finds the post in a dilapidated condition. Chivington warns that the Cheyennes will have to be soundly whipped to quell the rumored uprising.
June 1864
Indian war parties are cutting off mail and supply lines to Colorado. Hungate family massacred just 30 miles southeast of Denver. While Governor Evans expresses fears of a rumored consolidation of warrior tribes, General Curtis also receives ominous warnings about an Indian war, and the deteriorating conditions of his command in western Kansas.
July 1864
Indian depredations increasing. Evans continues to lobby for more military protection of Platte road, but Curtis lacks sufficient troops. Curtis realigns districts scolds Chivington for spending too much time campaigning for Statehood movement and his political campaign.
August 1864 - Aug. 1 - 12 Aug. 13 - 21 Aug. 22 - 31
Full scale war breaks out on the Plains. Warrior clans conduct reign of terror along the Platte, Blue and Republican rivers in Nebraska and Kansas. Trains, ranches and farms are plundered, and settlers murdered or abducted. Evans fears Colorado invasion and finally gets permission to raise the Colorado Third Volunteers militia for the purpose of protecting the Platte Road to Denver.
September 1864
Price's troop movement on the Missouri occupies the full attention of Curtis consequently Evans' pleas for help are widely ignored. Warriors continue to strike settlements, but Wynkoop has reached a tentative accord with Black Kettle at the Smoky Hill Council.
September 29 - November 30, 1864
Operations against Indians in Nebraska and Colorado.
October 1864
Overland Mail has been entirely choked off by warrior clans. Browne protests the execution of Reynolds gang by Chivington's militia. P.E. Connor attempts to move in on Denver District.
November 1864
Indian war on the Plains is escalating. Chivington moves Denver militia south towards Sand Creek.
November 29, 1864
Engagement on Sand Creek, Colorado Territory.
December 1864
Plagued by scandal and controversy in the Kansas District, a beleaguered General Curtis now hears rumors regarding Chivington's campaign at Sand Creek. With little explanation, he orders Colonel Thomas Moonlight to take command in Denver, and sends Major Wynkoop back to Fort Lyon to investigate Chivington's attack.