MESSRS. EDITORS:--Allow me through the medium of your columns, to allude to the events transpiring in the south; the rumors constantly reaching us of the exposed condition of that portion of Uncle Sam's domain, known as New Mexico, and the gallant efforts of Colonel Canby to arrest the progress of the Confederate forces now advancing upon Santa Fe.
    Some time since in the history of Colorado Territory, our worthy Governor issued orders for the raising of the First Regiment of Colorado Volunteers, with sundry other companies, known as the Home Guards, Cavalry Companies, &c. We, as citizens of Colorado looked on in amazement, and wondered for what so large a force could be needed in Colorado, but confiding in the patriotism of our Chief Executive, said Amen, and patiently waited for the development of intrigues and machinations of the most alarming character, presuming that the powers that guided our Territorial craft, had possessed themselves of sufficient information to warrant it all, but peace has blessed our land, and the enemies of our country have not been seen within our borders since our gallant volunteers enrolled their names as soldiers of the American Union.
    Though a far different state of affairs exists at the south, where the hydra headed monster, with strength and determination, is now threatening the Federal Forts, boasting that in sixty days New Mexico will have been subjugated, the Federal Forts and stores in possession of the Confederates, and the rebel army will be at, or near the city of Denver. Colonel Canby, nobly battling against superior numbers, knowing the material of which our troops are composed there, the Governor of New Mexico implores aid, material aid, men, fighting men, the kind of which our First is made. A courier arrives, a requisition is received, our troops impatient for a fight, pray to be led to battle, where they can perform the duties to their country which all so well comprehend, while our intelligent citizens, knowing it to be better to meet the enemy at the door sill, than to be compelled to fight him on the hearth stone,--say why is not something done, for death and devastation will certainly mark the victorious pathway of an army with whom perjury and treason is considered a pleasant pastime. Still silence prevails with the powers that control our political destinies, while debauchery and imbecility are the only traits that conspicuously appear upon the pages of their histories.
    Why not march these troops to meet the enemy and render all the assistance in their power to drive back these desperadoes, who for the sake of plunder are now attempting to subjugate New Mexico and Colorado? Is it because they have sufficient force in New Mexico or that they have no arms or provisions for an increased number? No, it cannot be either, for they are now pressing men into the service to supply the army, while the larger portion of these men are intended for the protection of government property now stored in the forts, and for which the rebels are willing to risk a desperate conflict.
    Is it because the forces now at Camp Weld are cowards, and do not wish to engage in a conflict from which some of their precious persons will not escape uninjured, or is it because the God or War, the Great Mogul of this Colorado First, would rather be a living coward, than a dead hero, or is it because our worthy Chief Executive being absent, the man who tries to fill his place does not dare to take the responsibility upon himself to serve his country as a patriot, but sits idly by while the enemy is advancing in overwhelming numbers upon his brothers in the south, and probably upon their near approach to Denver, flee into some canon in the mountains to securely fortify himself, or make a hasty passage down the Platte?
    With these things brought prominently before me, permit me through your columns as an humble citizen to state my opinion of the course to be pursued, and the facts in relation to the different characters that conspicuously appear in this hitherto farce.
    The Governor, Wm. Gilpin, for whom we entertain the most supreme respect, in our opinion has acted honestly and wisely. With a strong secession element to contend with, he assumed a responsibility in which few would have had either the nerve or the intelligence to have succeeded with pecuniary embarrassments which would have discouraged an ordinary mind; he accomplished his purpose, raised a sufficient force to protect the Territory and went to Washington to report, in person, his proceedings and to meet the consequences, but what is the condition of affairs at the present time? though his absence has been but of short duration. Couriers are constantly arriving with dispatches, the entire contents of which are known to but few, praying for help, but no preparations are made to meet the coming storm where it should be met--on the soil of New Mexico. Instructions are given to Lieut. Col. Tappan, that if a large force is sent against him, to burn Fort Wise and retreat to Denver, from whence, if necessary, they can go to the canon near Golden City, and securely fortify themselves; all of which is concurred in by a certain pompous Colonel.
    Soldiers of the First Regiment of Colorado Volunteers, your courage is being called in question. Will you stand idly by, and allow the flag of your country to be trailed in the dust; your names disgraced, and become the laughing stock of the grand army of the Union? when, by your oath, your earliest and most endearing association, and by your sacred honors, you are bound, as true and brave men to your country's cause, to demand to be led to battle; where, by your strong, right arms and steady nerves, you can so soon and so gallantly prove yourselves to be all the people say you are--the bravest of the brave. Arouse to a sense of your disgrace--among the citizens you have friends, and to them by your actions, prove that idleness is not your motto, but prompt executive measures are the only ones you will endorse.
    Let the Major lead you on and success is certain.                         UNION.

Source:

Unknown, "On Military Matters, by Union," Daily Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado, Friday, 7 February, 1862, page 2.

    While this letter contains no direct reference to Captain Edward W. Wynkoop, and to the best of my knowledge, was not written by him, I have included it here because it had a definite impact on the morale of the First Regiment of Colorado Volunteers during the opening days of the Civil War, questioning as it does their bravery and courage, and haunted Captain Jacob Downing, (its purported author), for years to come.

    Whether or not Capt. Downing wrote this, or some other highly educated First Colorado officer, hardly matters. It does, however, reflect the frustration prevalent in Colorado Territory at the time and as such I offer it for your examination.

    The "Major" mentioned in the last paragraph is obviously Major John M. Chivington, while the "the God or War, the Great Mogul of this Colorado First," is just as obviously, the aloof and distant Colonel John P. Slough, who later resigned his commission in the Colorado First, after rumors circulated that his own men had deliberately fired at him during the fighting in New Mexico.

    All my best,

    Chris