Posted by Elaine on March 22, 1999 at 21:56:14:
In Reply to: The Massacre at Sand Creek posted by Champ on March 22, 1999 at 20:45:29:
Hi Champ -
Thanks for the note on Sand Creek ...
What happened here was a horrific example of human insanity - or mob mentality. The great & brave Col. Chivington successfully "protected" the settlers of Colorado territory from terrible danger in the form of Black Kettle's Cheyenne village.
The majority of victims, as Champ said, were women & children.
Imagine, if you can, a volunteer unit riding in to the unsuspecting peaceful camp - their only 'crime' being they were an easy, handy target - mowing down, mutilating, & parading trophies (various human parts impaled on poles) of their victory down the streets of Denver, for which they were wildly cheered.
The American flag was flown at Black Kettle's tipi because he was promised it would always identify his camp as "friendly" & prevent any assault upon his people. Apparently, '90 Day Chivington' was no respector of flags, allies, or persons.
It's really sad to visualize Chief Black Kettle, confident of their safety, assuring terrified women & children as they huddled round him & the flag, that all was well - only to be shot where he stood. The subsequent mutilation of the Cheyenne included unborn infants being cut from their mothers' wombs.
This was the Colorado Volunteers in action. Chivington & his boys were little more than a Denver posse out for blood.
Anyone who isn't familiar with the events of the massacre, try to read up a bit. It's a piece of Americana that everyone really ought to know about ... Then lend your support to Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell's bill.
administrator@campbell.senate.gov.