The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-12-19

Resignation OF Col. WynkoOp.

From the Leavsnworth Commercial, Dec ..
Col. Wyncoop as a matter Of principle, has ten
dered his resignation Is Agent Of the Chey-
ennes and Arapahoes because OF the impessibility
Of his rendering his charges anything like JUS
tics. No man on the border has more expert
ence with the redskins, or has accomplished
1.-THE that he has done in his intercourse and stp-
ulstions with them. While in the service he
made gallant record, and has had his merits
recognized since, and We are sorry to lose him In
the West. We learn that he returns to his home
in Philadelphia. BY reference to his resignation,
given below, it will be seen that he predicts a
repetition Of the Sand Creek massacre in the
Washita reserve, which has been realized in The
late fight and the killing Of Black Kettle.
COPY
En- ROUTE TO FoRT CoBB,I
November 90 1868.
Hon. n. G.. TAYLOR, Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, Washington D. C.
SIR-During the year 1865, while an officer in
the army of the United States, highest in author.
ity in the Indian country in which l served, 1,
in the supposed fulflment of my duty as such,
csngregated some five hundred friendly Cheyenne
Indians together, assuring them Of the protection
Of the United States; the consequence Of which
was they were attacked BY large body Of vol
unteer troops from Colorado and nearly two hun
drsd of their women, children and old men bru-
tally murdered. The infamous massacre at Sand
Creek will not soon be forgotten. The Indians
were naturally under the impre that l was
responsible for the outrage; but after they fully
understood my position, became, at their
quest, their agent and they have renewed the
confidence they had in me previous to the Sand
Creek murder, trusting me implicitly up to the
time of Gen Hancock's memorable expedition,
they then having received assurances from me
that Gen. Hancock would not harm them, and
seeing me with him, whom had been induced
to accompany under assurances from himself that
his mission was peaceful one Upon the des.
truction Of their lodges and other property again
they naturally inferred the fault was mine, and
some time after, while in the performance Of my
duty ansng the Indians, came near losing my
life in consequence, but again succeeded in re-
gsining their confidence, and am now under Or
asrs to proceed to Fort Cobb, ON tho Washita
river, and congrsgate what Indians can Of my
agency At that point or vicinity. Since have
started on my journey thither, I have learned
Of some five different columns of troops in the
field, whose objective point 10 the Washita rivar.
The regular troops are under esntrol, command.
ID by officers who will not allow atrocities com.
mitted, but there are also in the field, under
sanction Of the Government, volunteer troops and
Uts and Osags Indiana, the deadly enemies Of
all Plain Indisns, and whom nothing will pre-
voht AouA GA VI Wn00V0T aye OF sex,
wherever found. The point 10 which that per.
tion are marching who have expressed their De-
termination TO kill under all circumstance the
indiana Of my agency, is the point to which I
am directed TO congregate them at. They will
readily respond to my call, but mast certainly
refuse to again DO the instrument Of the murder
Of innocent women and children. While remain
Al officer Of the Government I propose to do my
auty-s portion Of which is to obey ny instrlct.
ions. All left mo under the circumstances, with
the present state Of feelings have in this mat.
tor, il now to respectfully tendsr my rssignation
and return the commission which I have 50 fsf
earnestly endesvorsd to fulfil tho requirsmsats
Of
| To tho President Of the United States, who
has entrusted mo with the commission have
held to yourself for the consideration you have
always shown me to the Superintendent, Col
Murphy, for his invarisble kindness, I shall al.
ways feel grateful.
have the honor TO respectfully forward this
communication through Col. Thomas Murphy,
Superintendent of Indian affairs, to whom will
turn over what property am responsible for,
and mako my appearance At Washington ~ soon
~ possible to settle my accounts. ~
| l have the honor to be, with much respvc
your sbedient servant. r-PG
(Signsd) e. WYNcooP.