Battlefield Dispatches No. 223: Escaping a 'Fatal' Collision

During the Civil War the "Union" command in Missouri and Kansas was also faced with the dilemma of how to protect the mail routes on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails and how to combat the "Guerrillas of the Plains" or the American Indians. Eventually, the Yankees figured out the best way to do this was to increase the number of troops and outposts needed for the protection of the commerce and mail carriers along the trails. This did not occur until late 1864 and 1865. However, from 1861 -- 1863, the "Union" defense of the posts or garrisons along the trails consisted of small numbers of troops which were in constant danger of being attacked by a larger force of Indians. This predicament is evident in the following correspondence that is located on Pages 400-401, in Series I, Vol. 22, Part II Correspondence of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.

"Headquarters District of the Border,

Kansas City, Mo., July 26, 1863.

Lieut. Col. C. W. Marsh

Assistant Adjutant General, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Sir: I enclose to you, at the earnest request of Colonel Leavenworth, who has command, under an order from Headquarters District of Kansas, of troops on the Santa Fe Road, two letters sent, to illustrate his embarrassment. He is at Fort Lamed, with one company of cavalry, one of infantry and one section of artillery, showing for duty on the 10th of July 147 men.

This is enough for an average garrison at that post, or nearly enough. At this time, however, there is an unusually large gathering of the Indians (Kiowas, Comanches, Arapahoes, Cheyennes and Prairie Apaches) who are friendly or not as occasion prompts and numbering 4,000 - 5,000 lodges. [Now that was one large group of Indians & It is know wonder that Col. Leavenworth was worried]. They come up yearly at this season with the buffalo that cross the Arkansas [River] in their migration near Lamed, partly to kill buffalo and partly to receive their annual presents [annuities guaranteed each tribe by treaty with the U. S. Govt.].

About ten days ago an Indian was killed by a sentinel at which the Indians were fierce and indignant and threatening. There is no doubt the garrison was in some danger and it may perhaps be so still, but it would not be possible for me to send it re- enforcements now, unless it was in imminent peril, for the bands of guerrillas are receiving such accessions [re-enforcements] from Price's broken army that I shall have my hands full, or more than full, with them.

I respectfully invite your attentions to Colonel Leavenworth's suggestion that a portion of the troops in Central & Northern Colorado be sent on the road and that the whole road [Santa Fe Trail] from Council Grove to the Raton [Rocky] Mountains be placed under one management and command.

In addition to the troops named above, as at Lamed, there is one company of cavalry guarding the line from Council Grove to Cow Creek and one company of cavalry and one section of artillery at Fort Lyon. I think one more company of cavalry at fort Lyon and one more at Fort Lamed will be a sufficient force now on the road. Three companies would certainly be enough.

There have been some interferences by Indians with the [wagon] trains, occasionally some uneasiness, but not alarm, among the traders, which is a small addition of troops would hereafter prevent and which probably will not recur with the present force, as they were occasioned by carelessness of the wagon-master inletting the Indians have whiskey!

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS EWINGJ R., Brigadier General."

{Enclosure}

"Headquarters District Troops,

On Santa Fe Road, July 15, 1863.

Assistant Adjutant General,

District of the Border, Kansas City, Mo.:

Sir: On the morning of the 9th instant, a sentinel on post at this fort SHOT & KILLED AN INDIAN. It was about 1 a.m. As we were surrounded by all the Apache, Arapaho and Kiowa Indians and not knowing to which tribe he belonged, our position was RATHER UNPLEASANT, owing to not having many troops here; and as the Indians had been troublesome on the Santa Fe Road, I had out on scout some 50 of our small garrison to protect the trains above and below on the [Arkansas] river. As soon as this Indian was killed, I sent runners out [on horseback] for all the scouts to return to this post and called a COUNCIL of all the CHIEFS. By 8 a.m., all the (Principle) CHIEFS were here. As I had told the runners to inform the chiefs I did not want any braves or other Indians to visit the post, all kept away but the Kiowas; they could not be governed [controlled] by their chiefs and came up in strong force and very much excited; more so than any Indians I ever saw.

Upon examination of the dead Indian by the chiefs, it was found to be a Cheyenne; they happened to be in small numbers and we happily ESCAPED A COLLISION for the moment. What may happen it is impossible for me to say.

The Fort Lyon mail is in and the messenger informs me that he applied for an escort to the mail to the commanding officer of a company of the 1st Colorado Cavalry, which was stationed about 65 miles this side of Fort Lyon, but he refused to send a man with him; said he had positive orders not to do so. What does all this mean? Am I expected to guard and escort trains on the whole of this road for 400 miles, with but one company of cavalry? Captain Read's company of the 9th Kansas Volunteers, will do all that men can do, but it is IMPOSSIBLE for them to do justice to themselves and the service, in these 400 miles, alone. There are plenty of troops at Forts Lyon and Colorado, to protect this road, if properly managed. The whole of the road from Council Grove to the New Mexico border should be under the direction of one officer. Unless, this is so, the duty on it will not be properly done in some parts of it.

Very Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J.H. LEAVENWORTH

Col. 2nd Colorado Vols., Comdg. Route on Santa Fe Road."

Now then, did Col. Leavenworth receive all the re- enforcements he requested? No he did not and it would be until late 1864 before there was a unified "Union" command along the Santa Fe Trail and of Course the War Went On!