Headquarters Military Division of the
Missouri, Chicago, October 1, 1879
General A.H. TERRY,
Saint Paul, Minn.:
Major Thornburgh’s command, three companies of cavalry and one of infantry, were attacked near the White River Ute Agency, Colorado. Thornburgh and ten men were killed, and about twenty soldiers and teamsters were wounded. The balance of the command is in a condition to hold out until the reinforcements ordered reach it. As the country is very mountainous, Crook will want more infantry than he has, and I wish you to send without delay the six companies of the Seventh infantry now at Fort Snelling to Rawlins Station, on the Union Pacific Railroad. The men should take with them forty rounds of ammunition per man. An additional supply will be placed at Rawlins. The commanding officer will report to General Crook as he passes through Omaha. General Crook will have camp and garrison equipment provided at Rawlins Station.
P.H. SHERIDAN
Lieutenant- General.
Chicago, Ill.
October 1, 1879
To ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY:
Telegram from Captain Payne to General Crook announces that Major Thornburgh’s column of three companies of cavalry and one of infantry were attacked at Milk Creek, Colorado, on September 29, and driven back to where the wagon was parked, with the loss of Major Thornburgh and ten men killed, with Lieutenant Paddock and Dr. Grimes slightly wounded, and twenty soldiers and teamsters wounded. About three-fourths of the animals have been killed. The Command is now in good condition to hold out until re-enforcements reach it. Major Thornburgh was met by apparently friendly Indians, as will appear from the following telegram yesterday:
Fort Omaha, Sept., Sept. 30.
General George Crook, Chicago:
Thornburgh telegraph on 26th from Bear River, Colorado: “ Have met some Ute chiefs here. They seem friendly, and promise to go with me to the agency. Say Utes don’t understand why we have come. Have tried to explain satisfactorily. Do not anticipate any trouble.”
R.W. WILLIAMS,
Assistant
Adjutant-General
Reinforcements to the number 530, cavalry and infantry, have been dispatched, under Colonel Merritt, to the relief of Captain Payne.
P.H. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant-General
Chicago, Ill., October 1, 1879
To General E.D. TOWNSEND:
General Crook has ordered General Merritt, with 530 men, cavalry and infantry, to the relief of the command of Major Thornburgh. In addition, four companies of cavalry have been ordered from Fetterman, Laramie, and Robinson, and I have ordered six companies of Seventh Infantry from Fort Snelling to report to General Crook, at Rawlins Station, Union Pacific Railroad. Major Thornburgh was attacked in a canyon.
P.H. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant- General. E.A. Hayt
Commissioner
