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THE INDIANS.Col. Wyncoop's Letter Resigning His Agency.
From the Leavenworth (Kansas) Commercial, Dec. 9.
EN ROUTE TO FORT COBB, NOV. 29, 1868, Hon. N. G. Taylor, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.: SIR: During the year 1864, while an officer in the army of the United States, highest in authority in the Indian country in which I served, I, in the supposed fulfillment of my duty as such, congregated some 500 friendly Cheyenne Indians together, assuring them the protection of the United States; the consequence of which was they were attacked by a large body of volunteer troops from Colorado, and nearly 200 of their women, children and old men brutally murdered. The infamous massacre of Sand Creek will not soon be forgotten. The Indians were naturally under the impression that I was responsible for the outrage, but after they fully understood my position, I became, at their request, their agent, and they have renewed the confidence they had in me previous to the Sand Creek murder, trusting me implicitly up to the time of Gen. HANCOCK'S memorable expedition, they then having received assurances from him, that Gen. HANCOCK would not harm them, and seeing me with him, whom I had been induced to accompany under assurances from himself that his mission was a peaceful one. Upon the destruction of their lodges and other property, again they naturally inferred the fault was mine, and some time after, while in the performance of my duty among the Indians, I came near losing my life in consequence, but I again succeeded in regaining their confidence, and am now under orders to proceed to Fort Cobb, on the Washita River, and congregate what Indians I can of my agency at that point or vicinity. Since I have started on my journey thither, I have learned of some five different columns of troops in the field, whose objective point is the Washita River. The regular troops are under control, commanded by officers who will not allow atrocities committed; but there are also in the field, under sanction of the Government, volunteer troops and Ute and Osage Indians, the deadly enemies of all Plains Indians, and whom nothing will prevent from murdering all, of whatever age or sex, wherever found. The point to which that portion are marching who have expressed their determination to kill under all circumstances the Indians of my agency, is the point to which I am directed to congregate them at. They will certainly respond to my call, but I most certainly refuse to again be the instrument of the murder of innocent women and children. While I remain an officer of the Government, I propose to do my duty--a portion of which is to obey my instructions. All left me under the circumstances, with the present state of feelings I have in this matter, is now to respectfully tender my resignation, and return the commission which I have so far earnestly endeavored to fulfill the requirements of. To the President of the United States, who has intrusted me with the commission I have held; to yourself for the consideration always shown me; to the Superintendent, Col. MURPHY, for his invariable kindness, I shall always feel grateful. I have the honor to respectfully forward this communication through Col. THOMAS MURPHY, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, to whom I will turn over what property I am responsible for, and make my appearance at Washington as soon as possible to settle my accounts. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, (Signed) E. W. WYNCOOP.
Source: Unknown, "The Indians. Col. Wyncoop's Letter Resigning His Agency," The New York Times, New York, Saturday, 19 December 1868, p. 3.
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