The Indians of the Pike's Peak Region / Including an Account of the Battle of Sand Creek, and of Occurrences in El Paso County, Colorado, during the War with the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, in 1864 and 1868

by Irving Howbert

Major S. G. Colley, the Indian agent, said in his testimony, "Left Hand's band had gone out to Sand Creek," and when asked how many were in Left Hand's band, replied, "About eight lodges of about five to the lodge."

If there were no other evidence, the following telegrams from General Curtis, Commander of the Department of Missouri, are in themselves sufficient proofs of the hostility of both Cheyennes and Arapahoes:

Ft. Leavenworth, April 8th, 1864.

To Colonel Chivington:

I hear that Indians have committed depredations on or near Platte River. Do not let district lines prevent pursuing and punishing them.

S. R. Curtis, Major-General.

Ft. Leavenworth, May 30th, 1864.

To Colonel Chivington:

Some four hundred Cheyennes attacked Lieut. Clayton on Smoky Hill. After several hours fight the Indians fled, leaving twenty-eight killed. Our loss four killed and three wounded. Look out for Cheyennes everywhere. Especially instruct troops in upper Arkansas.

S. R. Curtis, Major-General.