FORT LYON, COLO. TER., August 12, 1864.
Hon. JOHN EVANS,
        Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs:
    SIR: The Indians are very troublesome. Yesterday a party of fifteen chased a soldier within three miles of the post. Lieutenant Cramer with fifteen men pursued them. After a chase of fifteen miles the Indians halted and gave fight. We killed 2, wounded 2 more, and captured 2 horses. They then retreated toward Sand Creek. Our horses were so much exhausted that our men were unable to pursue farther. Last evening an expressman was driven back by four Indians. There is no doubt but large parties, since the re-enforcement of Larned, have come up the river and are now in this vicinity. I fear the work at the agency will have to be abandoned if troops cannot be obtained to protect it. I have made application to Major Wynkoop for troops. He will do all he can, but the fact is we have no troops to spare from here. We cannot ascertain what Indians they were, but I fear that all the tribes are engaged. The Arapahoes that I have been feeding have not been in for some time. It looks at present as though we shall have to fight them all.
                                                        S. G. COLLEY,
                                     U. S. Indian Agent, Upper Arkansas.

                                          DENVER, August 12, 1864.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS:
    Indians have appeared near here. No militia organized for the field, and law no account. Troops all out after Indians and guerrillas; can't send any down Platte yet.
                                                 J. M. CHIVINGTON,
                                                    Colonel, Commanding.

Source:

United States. War Dept., United States. Record and Pension Office., United States. War Records Office., et al., "Price's Missouri Expedition," The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Published Under the Direction of the Honorable Daniel S. Lamont, Secretary of War. By Major George B. Davis, U. S. Army, Mr. Leslie J. Perry, Mr. Joseph W. Kirkley, Board of Publication. Series I-Volume XLI-In Four Parts. Part II-Correspondence, Etc. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1893. p. 673.