New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-07-24
Fort Lyon when he assumed command Of that post,

Fort LYON when he assumed command Of that post
that they protested their friendiness to the whites
and their willingness TO do whatever he demanded OF
them that they delivered their up TO him; that
they went TO and encamped upon the place designated
lby him; that they gave him information. from time to
time of acts Of hostility which were medtaed by other
and hostile bands, and In every way conducted them
selves properly and peaceaby and yet he says 1t was
fear and not principle which prevented bis kiilhg
them Nhie they were completely In Ills power anu
when Col Chyir gton appeared at Fort Lyon, on ms
mission OF murder and barbarty Major Anthony maze
haste TO accompany him with men and artillery, al
though Col. ChiyiDgton had no authority whatever
over him.
As to Col Chiyington. your Committee can hardly
find fitting terms to describe bis conduct Wearing the
uniform Of the United States which shond be the EN-
blcm If justice and humanity; holding the important
position OF a commander Of n military district, and.
therefore hnvine the honor of the Government to that
extent his keeping he deliberately planned and
disgfaced the veriest savage among those who were
the victims Of bis cruelty. Having full knowledge Of
their friendly characters having himself been insru.
mental TO some extent in placing hem in the position
Of anced security he took advantage of their inappre
tension and dcienseess condition 10 crafty the worst
passions that ever cursed the heart Of IT is
thought by some that desire for political precrmept
PROMPTED him 10 this oowardly act that le supposed
thai by panderng 10 the named passions OF excited
population he cOud recommend hinsefto their regard
and consideration. Others think II was 10 AVOID the
being sent where there more OF danger AID hard
service TO be pcrormed that he was willing 10 get up
show of hostility on the part 1.-THE Indians by COM
hitting himself acts which savages themselves would
never premeddate Whatever may have been lis mo-
tive il is 10 be hoped that the authority Of this Govern
ment will meter again he"dsgraced by acts such ms he
and those acting with him have been guilty Of commit
ting.
There hostile Indians not far distant against
which Col Chvngton could have lea the iorce uhder
his command Major Anthony testihes that bat three
four days march from his post were several hundreds
of Indians generally believed to be engaged IN acts Of
hostility toward the whites. And he deliberately test
fes that only the fear OF them prevented him nom Kill
ing those who friendly and entirely within hls
CURED days of hard marching III was not 10 be
expected that tLey could be surps easily as those
on Sand Creek ana the warriors among them were al
most ifnOt quite, rs the soldiers under the
control Of Col. CLiyingon. Whatever iGluence this
may have had upon Col Chivngon the truth Is that he
surprised and murdered in cold blood the unsuspectng
men. women and children on Sand Creek. who had
of tie United States authorities, ard then returning to
Denver and boosted Of the brave deeds be aud the men
under his command had performed.
The Congress Of the United States at its last session.
authorized the appointment Of commission 10 inyesti
gate all matters relating 10 the administration OF Indian
affairs within the limits Of the United States Your
Committee most sincerely trust that the result OF their
inquiry will be the adoption OF measures which Will
render impossible the employment of officers civil and
military, such have heretofore made the admnstrn-
ton of Indian affairs in this country by word and re-
preach.
In conclusion. Committee Of the opinion that
for the purpose Of vindoairs the OF justice and
unfolding the honor OF the nation prompt and energetic
measures should bo at once taken TO from Office
those who have thus disgraced the Government by
whom they employed and TO punish. as their crimes
deserve those who have been guilty OF these brutal and
oowardy acts. Respectfully submitted.
Il. +. WADE. Chairman.