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This testimony was given by Edward Wynkoop, a major in the 1st Colorado Cavalry, who was called before the military commission investigating the massacre of Cheyenne Indians at Sand Creek, Colorado, in 1864. Wynkoop gives a detailed description of his personal interactions with the Cheyenne, Indian depredations allegedly committed in the area, and the events that occurred along Sand Creek. Although this commission was not a criminal trial, the format of taking witness's testimony was similar—Colonel Chivington, commander of the 1st Colorado, was allowed to cross-examine the witnesses called by the commission. 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. This report also includes transcriptions of documents called as evidence.
Creator: United States. Congress. Senate
Date: March 20, 1865-March 24, 1865
This testimony provides a first-hand account of the massacre. Students could use this source to discuss how to interpret primary sources that may have a bias. It works with other testimonies and documents relating to the commission. Because of its length, it may need to be excerpted for classroom use.
KS:7th:3.1:Federal government and Indian lands (2005)
Item Number: 211651
Call Number: GL 328.7304 Un3, U.S. Congressional Serial Set, 1277
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 211651
Collections - Library
Curriculum - 7th Grade Standards - Kansas History Standards - 1860s to 1870s (Benchmark 3) - Fed. Gov. and Indian lands (Indicator 1) - Cheyenne
Curriculum - 7th Grade Standards - Kansas History Standards - 1860s to 1870s (Benchmark 3) - Fed. Gov. and Indian lands (Indicator 1) - Military presence on the Plains
Curriculum - 7th Grade Standards - Kansas History Standards - 1860s to 1870s (Benchmark 3) - Fed. Gov. and Indian lands (Indicator 1) - Sand Creek Massacre
Date - 1861-1869 - 1865
Military - Service - Army
Military - Wars - Indian Wars
Objects and Artifacts - Communication Artifacts - Documentary Artifact - Report
People - American Indians - Indian lands
People - American Indians - Tribes - Arapaho
People - American Indians - Tribes - Cheyenne
People - American Indians - Tribes - Kiowa
People - Notable People - Black Kettle
Places - Other States - Colorado
Type of Material - Printed materials - Government publications - Reports
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/211651