Overview:
Black Kettle was born in the Dakotas around 1807 and died on November 29, 1868. He was born into the tribe Cheyenne, but later joined Wutapiu after marrying his wife. In 1859, Black Kettle advocated for peace and accommodation when white settlers came into Colorado looking for gold. In 1861 he signed the Fort Wise Treaty in an attempt to obtain secure lands for his people. However, in 1864, the increasing tensions brought the peace to an end and war broke out. Black Kettle attempted to talk to Volunteer US Army units to negotiate peace, but his efforts were pointless. However, later, Lone Bear delivered a letter as dictated to George Bent to Major Ned Wynkoop. This letter later led to the Camp Weld Conference on September 28, 1864 ("Biography of Black Kettle"). Later, Black Kettle sent peace feelers to Fort Lyon in reply to the proclamation of Colorado that governor John Evans issued the previous June. In the proclamation, Evans stated that any group of Indians who detached themselves from known hostile groups would be permitted to set up camp near specified army posts and have the leisure of army protection. However, tensions grew over the situation during the weeks following the proclamation. Indians had started to raid the east, isolating Denver, and murder of the Hungate family in June had caused public outcry for retaliation. To help subside this tension, Evans gave the citizens a free hand with any hostile Indians in August. In late September, Evans turned the problem over to the district military commander, Col. John M. Chivington. Evans informed Black Kettle that the June offer was still open, however now would be necessary to make peace with the military. Black Kettle and the other chiefs agreed. Then, in early October, a large group of Arapahos surrendered to Major Edward Wynkoop at Fort Lyon. Because the Indians were considered prisoners, Wynkoop decided that it was his responsibility to feed them. This act was later taken over by Major Scott Anthony. Anthony then sent the Arapahos to camp on Sand Creek. In early November, Black Kettle arrived, and was too sent to camp on Sand Creek. It was during this time however, where Chivington was forming plans to strike the Indians. There had been vague talk about striking hostile villages in Colorado, yet it was lucid that Chivington wanted to strike at the Indians in Sand Creek first. On November 29, the forces were positioned for a surprise attack on Black Kettle's village. As soon as Black Kettle realize what was happening, he tried to reassure his people that they should not panic. However, despite Black Kettle's pleas, panic arouse through the people. The troops tore through and shot any Indian they came across. When it was all over, Black Kettle, along with 200 other Indians lay dead (Keenan). |
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Quotes:
"All we ask is that we have peace with the whites. We want to hold you by the hand. You are our father." ("Biography of Black Kettle")
"Although the troops have struck us, we throw it all behind and are glad to meet you in peace and friendship." ("Black Kettle")
"We have been traveling through a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began." ("Black Kettle")
"But we want peace, I move all my people down this way. I could keep them all quietly near camp." ("Black Kettle")
"I once thought that I was the only man that persevered to be the friend of the white man, but since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses and everything else, it is hard to believe the white man any more." ("Black Kettle")
"All we ask is that we have peace with the whites. We want to hold you by the hand. You are our father." ("Biography of Black Kettle")
"Although the troops have struck us, we throw it all behind and are glad to meet you in peace and friendship." ("Black Kettle")
"We have been traveling through a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began." ("Black Kettle")
"But we want peace, I move all my people down this way. I could keep them all quietly near camp." ("Black Kettle")
"I once thought that I was the only man that persevered to be the friend of the white man, but since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses and everything else, it is hard to believe the white man any more." ("Black Kettle")
Why it matters:
This personal account matters because just like with Osceola's account, it shows how much suffering the Indians went through and it also gives an Indian view on the Native American genocide. This account also shows that the genocide of the Native Americans happened through a series of events, for the Second Seminole War and Sand Creek Massacre are two different events.
This personal account matters because just like with Osceola's account, it shows how much suffering the Indians went through and it also gives an Indian view on the Native American genocide. This account also shows that the genocide of the Native Americans happened through a series of events, for the Second Seminole War and Sand Creek Massacre are two different events.