October 8, 1879
General W.T. SHERMAN,
War Department:
Your dispatch was received. Captain Payne is all right. His command lost Thornburgh and eleven men were killed. Three officers and forty men were wounded. All but one slightly.
The command was relieved by Merritt on Sunday morning.
Dodge’s company, Ninth Cavalry, had reached Payne the day before.
The above is official. It is reported that Merritt has had an engagement. Particulars not officially known. It is reported, and probably so, that he killed 37 Indians.
P.H. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant-General.
Forwarded from Saint Louis, Mo., October 10, 1879.
Milk River, Colorado
Via Rawlins, Wyo, October 8, 1879
Adjutant General Department of the Missouri,
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas:
At daylight this morning I re-enforced the cavalry command of Major Thornburg. Indians all around us and keep up a plunging fire on our pits. All our animals are dead. Cannot communicate with the agency, but dare not hope that any one there is left alive. The command is in good spirits and we can hold out till succor arrives. We cannot move on account of the wounded, of whom there are 42, having no transportation to move them; the stench from the dead animals and distance from water are our great disadvantages; judging from their extravagance in its use the Indians are abundantly supplied with ammunition. It is impossible to anticipate their intentions or give an idea of their next move.
DODGE,
Captain Ninth Cavalry,
Commanding
Los Pinos Agency
October 9, 1879
COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Washington:
Employee Brady and an escort of Indians have just arrived from White River. The Utes recognized and obeyed Ouray’s order—- withdrew and will fight no more, unless forced to do so. If soldiers are now stopped the trouble can be stopped by a peace commission to investigate offenses, and let the blame rest where it may. This will save life, expense, and distress, if it can be accomplished.
Later: 1:30 p.m.— A runner is just in from the Southern Ute agency with a letter from the agent. A general council has been held. The Utes will obey Ouray’s request, and will stay at home and take no part in the White River trouble, and request Ouray to inform them of their decision.
STANLEY,
Agent.
I concur in the above.
OURAY, Chief of the Utes
