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and Arapahoe Chiefs and Warriors, brought to Denver by Major Wynkoop, taken down by the Indian Agent Simeon Whiteley, as it Progressed.
 The Chiefs are in the first wagon and the former captives are in the second one.
 At the back are, (left to right), Unknown (Simeon Whiteley?), Dexter Colley, John Simpson Smith, Heap of Buffalo, Bosse, Gov. John Evans and Unknown. Seated are, (left to right), Neva, Bull Bear, at center, holding the peace pipe is Black Kettle followed by White Antelope and No-Ta-Nee, (Knock Knee). Maj. Edward W. Wynkoop, (on the left), and Capt. Silas Soule are kneeling in front. Photographed by Maj. Wynkoop's step-father-in-law, George D. Wakely.
REPORTOf Council with Cheyenne and Arapahoe Chiefs and Warriors, brought to Denver by Major Wynkoop; taken down by the Indian Agent Simeon Whiteley, as it Progressed.CAMP WELD, DENVER. PRESENT--Gov. John Evans, Colonel Chivington, Comd'g Dist. Colorado, Col. Geo. L. Shoup, Third Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, Maj. E. Wynkoop, Colorado First, S. Whiteley, U. S. Ind. Agt. Black Kettle, leading Cheyenne Chief. White Antelope, Chief central Cheyenne band. Bull Bear, leader of Dog Soldiers, (Cheyenne.) Neva, sub-Arapahoe chief, (who was in Washington.) Boise, Arapahoe chief. Heap of Buffalo, Arapahoe Chief. Na-ta-nee, The Arapahoes are all relatives of Left Hand, Chief of the Arapahoes, and are sent by him in his stead. John Smith, Interpreter to the Upper Arkansas agency, and many other citizens and officers. His Excellency Gov. Evans asked the Indians what they had to say. Black Kettle then said: On sight of your circular of June 27th, 1864, I took hold of the matter, and have now come to talk to you about it. I told Mr. Bent, who brought it, that I accepted it, but it would take some time to get all my people together--many of my young men being absent--and I have done everything in my power, since then, to keep peace with the whites. As soon as I could get my people together, we held a council, and got a half-breed who was with them, to write a letter to inform Major Wynkoop, or other military officer nearest to them, of their intention to comply with the terms of the circular. Major Wynkoop was kind enough to receive the letter, and visited them in camp, to whom they delivered four white prisoners--one other (Mrs. Snyder) having killed herself; that there are two women and one child yet in their camp, whom they will deliver up as soon as they can get them in; Laura Roper, 16 or 17 years; Ambrose Asher, 7 or 8 years; Daniel Marble, 7 or 8 years; Isabel Ubanks, 4 or 5 years. The prisoners still with them [are] Mrs. Ubanks and babe, and a Mrs. Morton, who was taken on the Platte. Mrs. Snyder is the name of the woman who hung herself. The boys were taken between Fort Kearney and the Blue. I followed Major Wynkoop to Fort Lyon, and Major Wynkoop proposed that we come up to see you. We have come with our eyes shut, following his handful of men like coming through the fire. All we ask is that we have peace with the whites. We want to hold you by the hand. You are our father. We have been traveling thro' a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began. These braves who are with me are all willing to do what I say. We want to take good tidings home to our people, that they may sleep in peace. I want you to give all the chiefs of these soldiers to understand that we are for peace, and that we have made peace, that we may not be mistaken by them for enemies. I have not come here with a little wolf bark, but have come to talk plain with you. We must live near the buffalo or starve. When we came here we came free, without any apprehension to see you, and when I go home and tell my people that I have taken your hand, and the hand of all the chiefs here in Denver, they will feel well, and so will all the different tribes of Indians on the Plains, after we have eaten and drank with them. Gov. Evans replied: I am sorry you did not respod [sic] to my appeal at once. You have gone into an alliance with the Sioux, who were at war with us. You have done a great deal of damage--stolen stock, and now have possession of it. However much a few individuals may have tried to keep the peace, as a nation you have gone to war. While we have been spending thousands of dollars in opening farms for you, and making preparations to feed, protect, and make you comfortable, you have joined our enemies and gone to war. Hearing, last fall, that they were dissatisfied, the Great Father at Washington sent me out on the plains to talk with you and make it all right. I sent messengers out to tell you that I had presents, and would make you a feast, but you sent word to me that you did not want to have anything to do with me, and to the Great Father at Washington that you could get along without him. Bull Bear wanted to come in to see me at the head of the Republican, but his people held a council and would not let him come. Black Kettle--That is true. Gov. Evans--I was under the necessity, after all my trouble, and all the expense I was at, of returning home without seeing them. Instead of this, your people went away and smoked the war pipe with our enemies. Black Kettle--I don't know who could have told you this. Gov. Evans--No matter who said this but your conduct has proved to my satisfaction that was the case. Several Indians--This is a mistake. We have made no alliance with the Sioux, or any one else. Gov. Evans explained that smoking the war-pipe was a figurative term, but their condct [sic] had been such as to show they had an understanding with other tribes. Several Indians--We acknowledge that our actions have given you reason to believe this. Gov. Evans--So far as making a treaty now is concerned, we are in no condition to do it. Your young men are on the war path. My soldiers are preparing for the fight. You, so far, have had the advantage; but that time is near at hand when the plains will swarm with United States soldiers. I understand that these men who have come to see me now, have been opposed to the war all the time, but that their people have controlled them and they could not help themselves. Is this so? All the Indians--It has been so. Gov. Evans--The fact that they have not been able to prevent their people from going to war in the past spring, when there was plenty of grass and game, makes me believe that they will not be able to make a peace which will last longer than until winter is past. White Antelope--I will answer that after a time. Gov. Evans--The time when you can make war best, is in the summer time; when I can make war best, is in the winter. You, so far have had the advantage; my time is just coming. I have learned that you understand that as the whites are at war among themselves, you think you can now drive the whites from the country. But this reliance is false. The Great Father at Washington has men enough to drive all the Indians off the plains, and whip the rebels at the same time. Now the war with the whites is nearly through, and the Great Father will not know what to do with all his soldiers, except to send them after the Indians on the plains. My proposition to the friendly Indians has gone out; I shall be glad to have them all come in, under it. I have no new propositions to make. Another reason that I am not in a condition to make a treaty, is that war is begun, and the power to make a treaty of peace has passed from me to the Great War Chief. My advice to you, is, to turn on the side of the government, and show, by your acts, that friendly disposition you profess to me. It is utterly out of the question for you to be at peace with us, while living with our enemies, and being on friendly terms with them. Inquiry made by one Indian--What was meant by being on the side of the government? Explanation being made, all gave assent, saying "All right." Gov. Evans--The only way you can show this friendship is by making some arrangement with the soldiers to help them. Black Kettle--We will return with Major Wynkoop to Fort Lyon; we will then proceed to our village, and take back word to our young men, every word you say. I cannot answer for all of them, but think there will be but little difficulty in getting them to assent to helping the soldiers. Major Wynkoop--Did not the Dog Soldiers agree, when I had my council with you, to do whatever you said, after you had been here? Black Kettle--Yes. Gov. Evans explained that if the Indians did not keep with the U.S. soldiers, or have an arrangement with them, they would all be treated as enemies. You understand, that if you are at peace with us it is necessary to keep away from our enemies. But I hand you over to the military, one of the chiefs of which is here today, and can speak for himself, to them, if he chooses. White Antelope--I understand every word you have said, and wil [sic] hold on to it. I will give you an answer directly. The Cheyennes, all of them, have their eyes open this way, and they will hear what you say. He is proud to have seen the chief of all the whites in this country. He will tell his people. Ever since he went to Washington and received this medal, I have called all white men as my brothers. But other Indians have since been to Washington, and got medals, and now the soldiers do not shake hands, but seek to kill me. What do you mean by us fighting your enemies? Who are they? Gov. Evans--All Indians who are fighting us. White Antelope--How can we be protected from the soldiers on the plains? Gov. Evans--You must make that arrangement with the Military Chief. White Antelope--I fear that these new soldiers who have gone out, may kill some of my people while I am here. Gov. Evans--There is a great danger of it. White Antelope--When we sent our letter to Major Wynkoop, it was like going through a strong fire, or blast, for Major Wynkoop's men to come to our camp; it was the same for us to come to see you. We have our doubts that the Indians south of the Arkansas, or those north of the Platte, will do as you say. A large number of Sioux have crossed the Platte in the vicinity of the Junction, into their country. When Major Wynkoop came we proposed to make peace. He said he had no power to make a peace except to bring them here and return them safe. Gov. Evans--Again, whatever peace they make, must be with the soldiers and not with me. Gov. Evans--Are the Apaches at war with the whites? White Antelope--Yes, and the Camanches and Kiowas as well; also a tribe of Indians from Texas, whose names we do not know. There are thirteen different bands of Sioux who have crossed the Platte and are in alliance with the others named. Gov. Evans--How many warriors with the Apaches, Kiowas and Camanches? White Antelope--A good many. Don't know. Gov. Evans--How many of the Sioux? White Antelope--Don't know, but many more than of the southern tribes. Gov. Evans--Who committed the depredations on the trains near the Junction, about the 1st of August? White Antelope--Do not know did not know any were committed. Have taken you by the hand and will tell the truth, keeping back nothing. Gov. Evans--Who committed the murder of the Hungate family, on Running Creek? Nevah--The Arapahoes; a party of the northern band who were passing north. It was Medicine Man, or Roman Nose, and three others. I am satisfied from the time he left a certain camp for the north, that it was this party of four persons. Agent Whiteley--That cannot be true. Gov. Evans--Where is Roman Nose? Neva--You ought to know better than me. You have been nearer to him. Gov. Evans--Who killed the man and boy at the head of Cherry Creek? Neva--(After consultation)--Kiowas and Camanches. Gov. Evans--Who stole soldiers horses and mules from Jimmy's Camp, twenty-seven days ago? Neva--Fourteen Cheyennes and Arapahoes, together. Gov. Evans--What were their names? Neva--Powder Face and Whirlwind, who are now in our camp, were the leaders? Col. Shoup--I counted twenty Indians on that occasion. Gov. Evans--Who stole Charley Autobee's horses? Neva--Raven's son. Gov. Evans--Who took the stock from Fremont's Orchard, and had the first fight with the soldiers this spring, north of there? White Antelope--Before answering this question I would like for you to know that this was the beginning of war and I should like to know what it was for, as a soldier fired first. Gov. Evans--The Indians had stolen about forty horses, the soldiers went to recover them, and the Indians fired a volley into their ranks. White Antelope--This is all a mistake. They were coming down the Bijou, and found one horse and one mule. They returned one horse before they got to Geary's to a man, then went to Geary's expecting to turn the other one over to some one. They then heard that the soldiers and Indians were fighting somewhere down the Platte; then they took fright, and all fled. Gov. Evans--Who were the Indians who had the fright? White Antelope--They were headed by the Fool Badger's son, a young man, one of the greatest of the Cheyenne warriors, who was wounded, and though still alive, he will never recover. Neva--I want to say something. It makes me feel bad to be talking about these things and opening old sores. Gov. Evans--Let him speak. Neva--Mr. Smith has known me ever since I was a child. Has he ever known me commit depredations on the whites? I went to Washington last year--received good council. I hold on to it. I determined to always keep peace with the whites. Now, when I shake hands with them they seem to pull away. I came here to seek peace and nothing else. Gov. Evans--We feel that they have, by their stealing and murdering, done us great damage. They come here and say they will tell me all, and that is what I am trying to get. Neva--The Camanches, Kiowas and Sioux have done much more injury than we have. We will tell what we know, but cannot speak for others. Gov. Evans--I suppose you acknowledge the depredations on the Little Blue, as you have the prisoners then taken in your possession. White Antelope--We (the Cheyennes) took two prisoners, west of Fort Kearney, and destroyed the trains. Gov. Evans--Who committed depredations at Cottonwood? White Antelope--The Sioux. What band, we do not know. Gov. Evans--What are the Sioux going to do next? Bull Bear--Their plan is to clean out all this country. They are angry and will do all the damage to the whites they can. I am with you and the troops, to fight all those who have no care to listen to what you say. Who are they? Show them to me, I am not yet old--I am young. I have never hurt a white man. I am pushing for something good. I am always going to be friends with the whites--they can do me good. Gov. Evans--Where are the Sioux? Bull Bear--Down on the Republican, where it opens out. Gov. Evans--Do you know that they intend to attack the trains this week? Bull Bear--Yes. About one half of all the Missouri River Sioux and Yanktons, who were driven from Minnesota, are those who have crossed the Platte. I am young and can fight. I have given my word to fight with the whites. My brother (Lean Bear) died in trying to keep peace with the whites. I am willing to die in the same way, and expect to do so. Neva--I know the value of the presents which we receive from Washington. We cannot live without them. That is why I try so hard to keep peace with the whites. Gov. Evans--I cannot say anything about those things, now. Neva-- I can speak for all the Arapahoes under Left Hand. Raven has sent no one here to speak for him. Raven has fought the whites. Gov. Evans--Are there any white men among your people? Neva--There are none except Keith, who is now in the store at Fort Larned. Col. Chivington--I am not a big war chief, but all the soldiers in this country are at my command. My rule of fighting white men or Indians is to fight them until they lay down their arms and submit to military authority. They are nearer Major Wynkoop than any one else, and they can go to him when they get ready to do that. The Council then adjourned. I Certify that this report is correct and complete; that I took down the talk of the Indians in the exact words of the Interpreter, and of the other parties as given to him, without change of phraseology, or correction of any kind whatever. SIMEON WHITELEY.
Source: Whiteley, Simeon, "Report Of Council with Cheyenne and Arapahoe Chiefs and Warriors, Brought to Denver by Major Wynkoop; Taken Down by the Indian Agent Simeon Whiteley, as it Progressed," Daily Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Co., Monday, 13 September, 1865, p. 2, cols. 2-4.
This Council marked an important turning point in the relations between the Native Americans and the white settlers of the region and led directly to the tragic massacre at Sand Creek exactly two months later and then the Battle of the Washita, almost exactly four years after that. This Council did not end well for any of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, or even the interpreter, John Smith, despite their obvious high hopes. At dawn on November 28th, 1864, the Third Colorado Volunteers, under Colonel John M. Chivington, attacked Black Kettle's band, encamped at Sand Creek. White Antelope and Na-ta-nee died in the ensuing massacre. Black Kettle escaped, only to be killed four years later, on November 27th, 1868, by General Custer's Seventh Cavalry at the Battle of the Washita. John Smith's son, Jack, was in Black Kettle's village at Sand Creek when the attack began and was captured by Chivington's soldiers. He died later that night under suspicious circumstances. Bull Bear lived a long life, eventually participating in the Battle of the Little Big-Horn, where General Custer died on June 25th, 1876. He fought in Gall's charge up Medicine Tail Coulee. Later, when the Cheyennes were driven back onto the reservation, Bull Bear was one of the first to send his son to a white man's school. I'd like to offer a very special thanks to Nancy Spencer, [email protected], of Denver, Colorado for digging this article out for me. Nancy found it for me, plus a host of others, quite a few years ago now. Unfortunately, I managed to mislay them, something that's been happening with increasing frequency lately as more and more material on the Wynkoops, and Ned in particular, comes to light. They somehow managed to surface recently and here they are now for your enjoyment. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank Jim Kroll, [email protected], Manager of the Western History/Genealogy Department of the Denver Public Library, once again for his invaluable help. Jim copied the missing portion of this newspaper report for me not once, but twice! Hurricane Isabel somehow managed to gobble up the first copy and Jim was kind enough to go back into the microfilm for me a second time and recopy it for me. My deepest thanks, Jim. I am incredibly grateful. All my best, Chris
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