This testimony was given by a second lieutenant in the 3rd Colorado Cavalry, Henry Hewitt, before the military commission investigating the massacre of Cheyenne Indians at Sand Creek, Colorado, in 1864. His testimony focuses on his own role in the military campaign against the Cheyenne, including his seizure of Indian ponies and mules. Hewitt was introduced as a witness on behalf on Colonel Chivington, commander of the 1st Colorado Cavalry, whose actions were under investigation. Although this commission was not a criminal trial, the format of taking witness's testimony was similar?the commission was allowed to cross examine the witnesses called by the Colonel Chivington. The testimony is part of a larger report containing evidence obtained at this hearing, titled Report of the Secretary of War, Communicating, In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of February 4, 1867, a copy of the evidence taken at Denver and Fort Lyon, Colorado Territory, by a military commission, ordered to inquire into the Sand Creek massacre, November, 1864.

Date: May 9, 1865
Creator: United States. Congress. Senate