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576 Series I Volume XXXIV-IV Serial 64 - Red River Campaign Part IV

Page 576 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.

FORT LYON, COLO, TER., June 27, 1864.

Lieutenant H. L. ROCKWELL,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Military dist. of Colorado:

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the colonel commanding, the following report of all the information I could gain by means of scouts, thrown over toward the border of Texas, in the neighbood of the Cimarron and Red Rivers, in regard to the movements of an enemy in the direction of Texas:

The first scouting party that left this post for that purpose under my orders started on the 16th of May, 1864, was gone eight days and returned, bringing no information whatever.

The next, 6th of June, reached a point north of Cimarron crossing, finding a train of wagons that had been attacked by a party of men, numbering about 30, from which they had taken 70 head of mules and &10,000 in money, taking whit the mules the harness, the singletrees, and fifth chains, all this occurring about the 26th day of May, 1864. The marauding party had evidently departed from the scene of their depredation in a southwesterly direction. Since the above-mentioned depredations, various rumors being circulated of the approach of a large body of Texans, I have kept scouting parties constantly out; the last report being on the 26th of June, 1864, from Lieutenant Oster, First Cavalry of Colorado, commanding detachment of 15 men on scout.

He left this post June 7, 1864, proceeded to Bent's old fort, 35 miles west of Fort Lyon, crossed the Arkansas River, and traveled southeast 116 miles; crossed the Cimarron, and from thence proceeded 65 miles due south. He was then forced to return 25 miles and traveled nearly due west 60 miles; struck a trail leading due west, which crossed Rabbit Ear Creek 50 miles south of the Santa Fe road. Here he found evidences of some horses and mules having passed toward the west within a space of ten days. Having but three day's rations remaining he was obliged to return, travelling northeast 70 miles; crossing the Cimarron 15 miles to this post. The distance traveled, 464 miles; time, 17 days; miles traveled per day, 27 5\17.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I am, with respect, your obedient servant,

EW. W. WYNKOOP,

Major First Cavalry of colorado, Commanding Post.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Milwaukee, Wis., June 27, 1864.

Brigadier General JOHN COOK, U. S. Volunteers, Milwaukee:

GENERAL: You will please visit without further delay Bayfield and Superior City, and such other points as may be proper on the west coast of Lake Superior, and inform yourself fully of the condition and disposition of the Chippewa Indians in that region. It is not believed that any necessity exists for troops, even in small numbers, among these Indians. You will inform yourself thoroughly and report the facts to these headquarters. When these duties are completed you will report in person to these headquarters.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MELINE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.


Page 576 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.