This testimony, given by an Indian trader named Samuel Ashcraft, was taken before the military commission investigating the massacre of Cheyenne Indians, at Sand Creek, Colorado Territory, in November 1864. His testimony focuses on the Cheyenne's attitude toward ending their war with the U.S. military, not on the specific events of the massacre. Ashcraft was introduced as a witness on behalf of Colonel John 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 testimony was similar--the commission was allowed to cross-examine the witnesses called by 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.

Creator: United States. Congress. Senate
Date: May 6, 1865