Col. John Milton Chivington’s Report

Background: Following the attack on Black Kettle's camp at Sand Creek, Colonel John M. Chivington dispatched the report below to General Samuel Curtis.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

In the Field, Cheyenne County, South Bend of Big Sandy,

November 29, 1864.

In the last ten days my command has marched 300 miles, 100 of which the snow was two feet deep. After a march of forty miles last night I, at daylight this morning, attacked Cheyenne village of 130 lodges, from 900 to 1,000 warriors strong; killed Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Knock Knee, and Little Robe [Little Raven], and between 400 and 500 other Indians, and captured as many ponies and mules. Our loss, 9 killed, 38 wounded. All did nobly. Think I will catch some more of them eighty miles, on Smoky Hill. Found white man's scalp, not more than three days' old, in one of lodges.

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel, Commanding First Dist. of Colo. and First Indian Expedition.

Major General S. R. CURTIS,

Fort Leavenworth, Department of Kansas.

Source: Rebellion Records, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLI Part I, 948-950.