USA > Colorado > Sketches of Colorado: being an analytical summary and biographical history of the State of Colorado as portrayed in the lives of the pioneers, the founders, the builders, the statesmen, and the prominent and progressive citizens Vol. 1 > Part 6
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OLORADO now a territory, after a long political struggle, was in touch with the nation- al government. Persistent agitation at Washington, in the presentation of their claims for recognition, had been successful. On March 22, 1861, President Lincoln sent the following nominations to the senate, as the first officials for the new territory, which were promptly confirmed; Governor, William Gilpin of Mis- souri; Secretary, Lewis Ledyard Weld of Colorado; Attorney General, William L. Stoughton of Illinois; Surveyor General, Francis M. Case of Ohio; Marshal, Copeland Townsend of Colorado; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, B. F. Hall of New York; Associate Justices, S. Newton Pettis of Penn- sylvania, and Charles Lee Armour of Ohio. Within a short time, James E. Dalliba, suc- ceeded Stoughton as Attorney General. Gov- ernor Gilpin arriving in Denver May 29, 1861, was accorded a hearty welcome, and soon assumed the reins of government. Gov. Steele of Jefferson Territory, on June 6, is- sued a proclamation, and after reciting the change in affairs, added:
"I deem it but obligatory upon me, by virtue of my office, to 'yield unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's,' and I hereby com- mand and direct that all officers holding commissions under me, especially all judges, justices of the peace, etc., etc., shall surrender the same, and from and after this date, shall abstain from exercising the duties of all the offices they may have held, and yield obedi- ence to the laws of the United States, and do it by attending to their proper and legiti- mate avocations, whether agriculture or mining."
Governor Gilpin was already distinguish- ed as a soldier, and an explorer. He was a major with Doniphan's men in the Mexican War, and had led an expedition against the Indians in the southwest in 1847. He was with Fremont in Colorado in 1843, and a prominent figure in the northwest and the Oregon country. Always enthusiastic con-
cerning the west, and its future, he was some- times called a dreamer, but the old "Gilpin Dreams" have more than been fulfilled and realized. The new states of which Colorado is one, have and are now developing the re- sources of the great empire that he predicted. Under the instruction of congress, Gov. Gil- pin ordered a census taken, with the result that Denver had a population of less than 3,000. The total for the territory was 25,331, divided as follows: white males over 21 years of age, 18,136; under 21 years of age, 2,622; females, 4,484; and negroes, 89. The ju- dicial districts were organized and the judges assigned. The governor issued a procla- mation, dividing the territory into nine coun- cil and thirteen representative districts, and an order made for the election of the terri- torial legislature, and a delegate to congress. Hiram P. Bennett was elected territorial delegate, receiving 6,699 votes as against 2,898 cast for his opponent, Beverly D. Wil- liams.
The first territorial legislature was con- vened in Denver, Sep. 9, 1861, adjourning Nov. 7, that year, and was composed of the following members .:
Council (Senate)-Hiram J. Graham, Amos Steck, Charles W. Mather, H. F. Parker, A. U. Colby, S. M. Robbins, E. A. Arnold, R. B. Willis, and J. M. Francisco.
House of Representatives (after certain contests had been settled)-Daniel Steele, Charles F. Holly, E. S. Wilhite, Edwin Seud- der, William A. Rankin, Jerome B. Chaffee, James H. Noteware, O. A. Whittemore, Dan- iel Witter, George F. Crocker, Jose Victor Garcia, Jesus M. Barella, and George M Chilcott.
E. A. Arnold of Lake county was elected president of the Council, S. L. Baker, secre- tary, David A. Cheever, assistant secretary, and E. W. Kingsbury, sergeant-at-arms. The house organized with Charles F. Holly of Boulder, as speaker, F. H. Page, chief clerk, and E. P. Elmer, sergeant-at-arms.
Governor Gilpin completed the territorial organization in making the following ap- pointments: Treasurer, James P. Benson
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(succeeded by George T. Clark); Auditor, Milton M. DeLano; and, Superintendent of Schools, William J. Curtice. The legislature divided the territory into seventeen counties, which were: Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Costilla, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Gaudaloupe, (a few days later changed to Conejos), Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Pueblo, Summit, and Weld. An act was passed at the first session of the Colorado legislature, locating the capital at "the town of Colorado City, situated on the east bank of the Fontaine qui Bouille, at the mouth of Camp Creek." S. L. Baker of Central City, E. B. Cozzens of Pueblo, and J. M. Holt of Gold Hill, were designated the commis- sioners to select the exact site for the capitol and other territorial buildings.
In the midst of the organization of the new territory, and putting into operation the ex- ecutive, judicial, legislative departments, and the several county administrations, the civil war had begun. Even before the arrival of Gov. Gilpin, the people of Colorado were agi- tated by the issues of the civil war. The southern influence was strong in this region at that time. Green Russell who led the ex- pedition to Cherry Creek, and John Gregory who discovered the Gregory vein, were from Georgia, while George A. Jackson, who open- ed the rich placers near Idaho Springs, was a native of Missouri. These historical in- cidents are mentioned, but to illustrate many others that could be cited, to show the in- fluence of the south in this section. A large part of the early immigration to the Rocky Mountains at that time, was from Southern states. Yet, the north was ably represented, and historically speaking, the Lawrence party from Kansas, was only a few days behind Green Russell and his Georgians. Although the Northern influence was the stronger and prevailed, yet that of the South was not in- significant. A great mass meeting was held the latter part of April, 1861, in front of the Tre- mont House, Denver, at which Richard So- pris presided and Scott J. Anthony was secre- tary. Patriotic speeches were made, and many of the leading democrats joined with the republicans in pledging Colorado to the Union, and resolutions were adopted to that effect. Richard Sopris sent the following dispatch to President Lincoln:
"The eyes of the whole world are upon you; the sympathies of the American people are with you; and may the God of Battles sustain the Stars and Stripes."
Similar patriotic meetings were held in other parts of the state. In the midst of this agitation, one day a confederate flag was raised over the store of Wallingford & Mur- phy, on Larimer street, near 16th. Its re-
movał by force was threatened by a large crowd that assembled, but more peaceful counsel prevailed. Still the incident gave sufficient warning of the prevailing sentiment, and the confederate flag was taken down, the owners having been given notice that Den- ver was a loyal city.
Gov. Gilpin, a soldier of the Florida and Mexican wars, and experienced as well in Indian campaigns, began to prepare for the coming crisis. The 1st Colorado Volunteer Infantry was soon raised, with J. P. Slough, Colonel, Samuel F. Tappan, Lieut. Colonel, and John M. Chivington, Major. Supplies and equipment were secured. Zealous and patriotic in a good cause, Gov. Gilpin issued drafts, aggregating a large amount, on the war department to maintain and equip these troops. Colorado merchants accepted the Gilpin drafts as money, and were astounded when Salmon P. Chase, secretary of the treasury, refused to honor and pay the same. He held that Gov. Gilpin was without au- thority to issue these drafts. Merchants be- came clamorous for their money, which was finally paid. While Gov. Gilpin has always been credited with a lofty and patriotic pur- pose; and, although the results later, but em- phasized the necessity to make hurried prepa- rations to protect and save the Rocky Moun- tains to the Union, yet in his unauthorized acts probably lay the main reason for his removal, and the appointment of Dr. John Evans as his successor.
In the meantime Gov. Gilpin was raising and equipping troops, and the 1st Colorado was rapidly making history. The southern influence proving unequal to the northern sentiment in this territory, an attempt was made to obtain possession of Colorado by another means, hold the mountain passes, and cut off California and the Pacific coast. This led to what is known as the Colorado-New Mexico campaign of 1861-62. The 1st Colo- rado was called into the field to assist in re- pelling the invasion. Two independent and unattached Colorado companies, commanded by Captains T. H. Dodd and James H. Ford, who for a time had been stationed at Fort Garland, were now in New Mexico, and also participated in this New Mexico campaign. Gen. H. H. Sibley with about 4,000 con- federate troops from Texas and the southwest, was coming northwest to attack the Union forces under Gen. R. S. Canby, who had al- ready met with a repulse at Valverde. In that fight, the independent Colorado troops made a gallant stand, but the inexperienced militia of New Mexico gave way, and the Union forces were compelled to retire. The 1st Colorado was now hastened to Fort Union, New Mexico, a part of the regiment
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reaching that point, March 10. On March 26, Major Chivington defeated Sibley's ad- vance in Apache Canon. On the 28th, the main command of the Coloradoans, under Col. Slough, was attacked by the Con- federates at Pigeon's Ranch and was slowly being driven back by a larger force of the enemy, when Major Chivington came up with a vigorous attack in the rear, and saved the day. This sudden check of his forces, to- gether with the loss of baggage and supplies in Apache Canon, caused Sibley to ask for an armistice until March 30, at the expiration of which he retreated. Thus Colorado saved New Mexico to the Union, and prevented the Confederates from obtaining a foothold within her own borders. The two engagements of Apache Canon and Pigeon's Ranch, are some- times considered as one fight, and called the battle of Glorieta, so named for Glorieta Pass. The Union losses in these two engagements were 49 killed, 64 wounded, and 21 captured; and that of the Confederates, 281 killed, 200 wounded, and 100 captured. On April 15, there was a skirmish fight at Peralta. During this campaign, the Colorado troops sustained a loss of 56 killed and 91 wounded.
In February, 1862, Col. J. H. Leavenworth was made Colonel of the 2nd Colorado Volun- teer Infantry, then being organized, and T. H. Dodd, Lieut .- Colonel. The independent companies of Ford and Dodd, that had par- ticipated in the New Mexico campaign were made the nucleus in organizing the 2nd Colo- rado. It was sometime, before it was re- cruited to its full strength, but in the mean- time it performed duty on the frontier.
In May, 1862, Dr. John Evans succeeded Gilpin as territorial governor of Colorado, serving until October, 1865. He had been a prominent figure in public life in Indiana and Illinois; was a professor at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and the founder of the Northwestern University at Evanston. Dur- ing his gubernatorial administration in Colo- rado, he completed the work of organizing and equipping troops in the civil war, and also defending the frontier against the Indians, after which, in private life he entered upon an era of railroad building and other enter- prises, that rapidly led to the development of Colorado and the vast resources of this re- gion.
In the fall of 1862, Governor Evans was authorized to raise another regiment, to be known as the 3rd Colorado Volunteer In- fantry, of which Gen. William Larimer was to be Colonel, and S. S. Curtis, Lieut .- Colonel. The outlook for recruiting a full regiment at that time, was not encouraging, and Gen. Larimer resigned. It was understood that when the regiment was organized, J. H. Ford
was to be Colonel. After organizing five companies, they were sent to Pilot Knob, Mis- souri, forming a part of the army of the fron- tier. The 2nd and 3rd Colorado regiments were both incomplete, and Oct. 11, 1863, they were consolidated into one, and later as mounted, became the 2nd Colorado Volun- teer Cavalry, with the following officers; James H. Ford, Colonel; T. H. Dodd, Lieut .- Col .; and J. Nelson Smith, and Jesse L. Pritchard, Majors. This regiment performed gallant service in Missouri during the Price campaign in the fall of 1864. Prior to this time, in July 1864, Captain Wagoner and nine of his men had been killed, fighting guerillas near Independence. In the battle of the Blue, Major Smith was killed. The 2nd Colorado Cavalry was in the engagements at Westport, Newtonia, and other battles in this campaign in which they bore an heroic part, and suffered heavy losses in killed and wounded.
In the fall of 1862, William D. McLain of Denver was commissioned to organize a four gun battery, which was known as the 1st Colorado battery, and also designated as "MeLain's Battery." In addition to other services, this battery made a splendid record for bravery and efficiency in the Price raid of 1864, along with the 2nd Colorado Cavalry. The soldier's monument on the State Capitol grounds is inscribed with the names of the battles in the civil war, in which the Colorado troops participated.
Returning again to the operations of the 1st Colorado, Col. Slough was incensed at not being permitted to follow up the successes of the troops against Gen. Sibly, his command being ordered by Gen. Canby to fall back to Fort Union. Col. Slough, owing to this order, resigned, and Major Chivington, the fighting Methodist parson, whose dash and heroic services had made him the popular idol of the troops, was appointed colonel of the 1st Colorado. During the summer, Col. Chivington went to Washington, making an unsuccessful effort to have his regiment transferred to the Army of the Potoniac. On Nov. 1, 1862, an order was issued by Major Gen. Curtis, changing the regiment from infantry to the 1st Colorado Cavalry, with instructions to rendezvous in Colorado, with headquarters at Denver. They were then continued in the western service, and later bore a conspicuous part in the Indian warfare on the plains.
The second session of the legislature was convened at Colorado City, July 7, 1862, but being unfavorably impressed with that place as the Capital city, they adjourned to Denver, July 11, where they resumed their deliberations, adjourning August 15. During
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this session the question of statehood was agitated, and a measure was submitted to carry out such a provision, but it was de- feated, as it was not deemed advisable to attempt to assume the burden and responsi- bility of a state at that time. In July, 1862, Gov. Gilpin who in the meantime had been succeeded by Gov. Evans, announced himself as the "People's" candidate for congress, and proved a strong competitor against Hiram P. Bennett, who was re-elected Oct. 7, 1862, as the nominee of Union Ad- ministration party, the vote being as fol- lows: Bennett, 3,655; Gilpin, 2,312, and J. M. Francisco (Breckenridge Democrat), 2,754. At this time the old party lines were more or less ignored in Colorado, many of the Democrats supporting the policy of President Lincoln.
George W. Lane was in 1862, appointed superintendent of the branch mint at Denver which, for years was conducted more a a place for the deposit of gold bullion, but it was the beginning of what is now the ex- tensive coinage mint in this city.
At the December session, 1862, the Hon. J. M. Ashley presented in congress an om- nibus bill to establish the states of Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Jan. 5, 1863, Mr. Bennett, the Colorado delegate intro- duced a supplemental bill to provide state- hood for this territory. Both these measures failed.
On April 19, 1863, Denver was swept by a disastrous fire which destroyed about half the business district, inflicting a loss of about $250,000, but the young city began at once to rebuild, and in a more substantial manner. The two Espinosa, Mexican bandits, in the summer of 1863, killed nine men in the North Park region, where the people were horror stricken and terrified by these crimes. A company was raised, and in the pursuit that followed one of the bandits was killed in El Paso county. The other escaping, later returned, and was killed by Tom Tobin.
The first telegraph line to Denver was completed in the beginning of October, 1863, and the first messages sent on the 10th of that month. This line was soon extended to Central City. The rates from Denver for ten words, were: to St. Louis, $5.25; Chicago, $6.50; New York, $9.10; and Boston, $10.25.
The long and severe drought during the summer of 1863, followed by an early and se- vere winter resulted in a shortage of grain and provisions, which rose to fabulous prices.
The third session of the legislature was convened at Golden, Feb. 1, 1864; adjourned to meet in Denver, Feb. 4; adjorned sine die March 11. They revised the laws re- lating to corporations, and redistricted the
territory for the judiciary. An act passed by congress, approved by the president March 21, 1864, authorized the election of delegates to meet on the first Monday in July, to form a constitution to be submitted to the people at an election to be held on the second Tues- day in October. This convention met in Golden, and later adjourned to Denver. O. A. Whittemore was elected president, and Eli M. Ashley, secretary. The constitution sub- mitted by the convention was defeated at the fall election, and Allen A. Bradford was elected territorial delegate.
On May 19, 1864, Denver was visited by the memorable flood in Cherry Creek. Many buildings were swept away, and great damage done.
In July, 1864, Jim Reynolds, who had been a prospector in Colorado in 1860, but went south to join the Confederate army, re- turned with a band of Texas guerillas, and became notorious by his robberies in Park county. He came independent of any au- thority from the Confederate government, being intent only on robbery and pillage. They were attacked on Deer Creek by a volunteer company of miners, led by Dick Sparks of Summit county. One of the outlaws was killed, but Reynolds, who was wounded, and the rest were scattered. Later Reynolds and four others were taken near Canon City and turned over to the U. S. marshal, A. C. Hunt, who brought them to Denver. After a secret military trial, they were ordered con- veyed to Fort Lyon. Near Russelville, they were shot and killed by their escort, it being reported that the prisoners attempted to es- cape.
The historic event of 1864, was the battle of Sand Creek. The Arapahoes and Chey- ennes regretted the cession of their lands east of the mountains, made in their treaty of 1861 at Fort Bent. Gradually the Indians of the plains assumed a more threatening attitude, and later began attacking the main routes, seizing provisions and taking horses, and interfering with traveling and freighting. On March 30, 1863, Indian marauders were reported near the mouth of the Cache la Poudre. These depredations continued dur- ing 1863, and increasing, the militia was called out in January, 1864. At one time Denver was so panic stricken that Gov. Evans ordered all business places to close daily at 6:30 p. m. and called on all able bodied men to meet and drill. In June, Henry M. Teller was appointed major general of the militia, with instructions to equip the com- panies as quickly as possible. Gov. Evans sent messengers with overtures of peace to the Indians but without success. He also attempted to separate any friendly from the
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hostile Indians, but these efforts were un- availing. Not only in Colorado, but to the north and south along the base of the moun- tains and in the plains, hostile Indians were on the war path. Colorado and other parts of the west, were weakened by the liberal quotas they had supplied in recruiting troops for the civil war. When asked for military assistance, Major General Curtis replied. "we have none to spare, you must protect yourselves." The government was not with- out warning. On April 10, 1863, Gov. Evans informed the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the hostile attitude of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, and the threatened uprising of the Indians. On Nov. 7 the governor also apprised Maj. S. G. Colley, Indian agent on the Ar- kansas, of reports received at the executive office to the effect - that a league had been formed by the Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Sioux, and Kiowas for the purpose of making war on the settlers, and that he must not issue to the Indians, ammunition and arms. Ou Nov. 9, Gov. Evans again called the atten- tion of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to the threatened Indian uprising, at the same time submitting trustworthy evidence to support his statements, that the Indians had formed a league, and were continuing their marauding expeditions. Roman Nose who had led the Indians when they murdered the Hungate family in June, 1864, on Running creek, talked with the governor and pro- fessed his friendship. The records are full of the urgent demands of Gov. Evans upon the officials at Washington, giving due warn- ing of threatened dangers, and notification that the Comanches had also joined the league. Gov. Evans also forwarded copies of this correspondence to the Secretary of War and Col. John M. Chivington, then com- manding this military district, instructing the latter to be ready for any emergency. If any- thing was wrong at the battle of Sand Creek, the officials at Washington were at fault and not Gov. Evans, who time and time again had given due and timely warning of the or- ganization of the Indian League, and the threatened hostilities. The murdered Hun- gate family were brought to Denver, and when the victims of the outrage were seen, the people of the city knew that the Indian war had begun. Murders of whites on the plains followed, some of them burned alive, others being the victims of horrible atrocities, and women suffering a fate worse than death. Men, women and children were killed. Major Jacob Downing led a successful expedition against Spotted Horse, defeating his band in Cedar Canon.
On Sep. 28, 1864, Black Kettle, White Antelope, and Bull Bear of the Cheyennes,
and Neva and other chiefs of the Arapahoes (Left Hand's Tribe) held a council at Camp Weld, Denver, with Gov. Evans, Col. Chiv- ington, Maj. Wynkoop, Simon Whitley, U. S. Indian agent and a number of citizens. Black Kettle acknowledged the truthfulness of Gov. Evans' statements, but denied that they had entered into a league with the Sioux. Black Kettle professed a desire for peace, but nothing satisfactory was accom- plished, as the Indians must make terms, if so desired, with the military, they being at war with the government. Gen. Curtis approved of this and instructed that no peace should be made without his orders. It is needless to go into a general discussion of the Sand Creek affair. Col. John M. Chivington, who was in command, in making his report states: that he took command of the expedition Nov. 24 (1864) which had been increased by a battalion of the 1st Colorado Cavalry, and reached Fort Lyon on the morning of the 29th. Here he was joined by Maj. Scott J. Anthony with 125 men and two howitzers. At daylight, Nov. 29, they struck Sand Creek, about 40 miles from Fort Lyon. Here was discovered an Indian village of 130 lodges of Black Kettle's Cheyennes, and eight lodges of Left Hand's Arapahoes. Chivington form- ed his line of battle, with Lieut. Wilson's battalion of the 1st Colorado Cavalry of 125 men, on the right; Col. Shoup's Third Regiment of about 450 men in the center, and Maj Anthony's battalion on the left. It is estimated that from 300 to 600 Indians, male, female, and children were killed. The Colorado troops recalling the atrocities that had been heaped on the whites, were relent- less. While, whatever there may have been of excesses should not be condoned, yet it has ever been thus with the warfare of the whites and the Indian. In the Pequot war in New England, about 600 helpless Indians were slain in one of the forts of Chief Sas- sacus of that nation. Women and children when trying to hide under beds, were killed by the swords of their white pursuers. These Pequots having only their own missile wea- ons, were almost helpless before the rapiers of their enemies, who followed them from wig- wam to wigwam, with bloody slaughter. Then fire was set to wigwams, and many per- ished in the flames. Soldiers stationed out- side the fort, shot down those of the Pequots who attempted to escape, or drove them back to perish by the sword or in the flames. This massacre of the Pequots, in New England, and similar instances could be given of other atrocities in the east, is no excuse for any wrongs that may have been committed at Sand Creek. This instance of colonial his- tory is only cited for the purpose of showing
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that New England, when under similar provo- cation, actually massacred at one time as many if not more Indians than were killed at Sand Creek by the Colorado troops. One tragedy is no excuse for another, but the eastern historian, living in his own glass house, should not throw stones at the west.
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