The Indians.
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The Indians.

The Indians.

    As our readers are aware, Major Wynkoop has brought in some of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe chiefs who wish to negotiate for peace. The Major's object was good--to regain possession of the white prisoners they had captured during the Summer. He brought in four and three more are to be brought to Denver by the Indians. The Major took some heavy chances to accomplish this purpose and he and his command deserve credit for their energy, firmness, and daring. Though a good smart brush is the joy of a soldier's life, yet we doubt not, these men experience more satisfaction in relieving these prisoners, than they would have derived from ever so brilliant a victory unattended by that result.
    As to peace there is this about it: According to all the information attainable from former Indian reports, there are not 2,000 lodges of the entire Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and Ogallallah Sioux nations. They have been stirred up to their silly attempt to expel the Whites from this country by Confederate emmissaries. Painted white men with long beards have been seen among the thieving murderous bands that have infested the Platte this Summer. Friendly Indians belonging to the hostile tribes, maintain that Texans have occasioned the whole disturbance. The tribes above mentioned are believed to be the only ones who are particularly injuring Colorado. Their big chiefs, Little Raven, Little Moon, Friday, and Left-Hand, have signified no desire for peace. They have an idea that the Whites are interlopers, and they mean to drive them out if possible. The chiefs who came in with Wynkoop's command, have little or no authority--perhaps each of them control a half dozen lodges. They are undoubtedly the dog-robbers who have created all the mischief, and now that Winter is approaching, and they have taken seven-fold revenge in murdering our people and stealing our stock, they are willing to run some risk to secure peace. They amount to nothing and should be sent about their business. As to the story of there being 5,000 or 10,000 of their braves, ready to take the war-path, it is idle to repeat it. There are not over 2,000 men in the three tribes. Their villages are on the Smoky Hill and Republican, not very far down, consequently easily and surely reached, and nothing will cure their disease but a good Ash Hollow or Bear River dose of medicine. That will fetch them to terms, secure a good, perfect treaty, and open the Overland route most effectually. We trust and have every confidence that it will be administered up to the handle. It will be comparatively easy. Whenever the Indians commit depredations on either the Platte or Arkansas Rivers, they cross over to their headquarters on the Republican and Smoky Hill. Let the first two be well patrolled, and start as strong a column as possible--say of 600 or 800 men--down the last two, and then God help the red devils, their time will have come. 'Tis a measure of vital importance to us, and should be pushed with the utmost possible energy.


Source:

Unknown, "The Indians," Daily Mining Journal, Black Hawk City, Gilpin County, Colorado, Friday, 30 September, 1864, page 1.

Created March 24, 2007; Revised March 24, 2007
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