TIMELINE derived from Cavalry & Coaches: The Story of Camp and Fort Collins Completed by Jenny Hannifin, January 2014

The Setting (pages 10-12) 1820s moves through the area. (as early as Feb 1826) William H. Ashley camps with his brigade of free trappers at the foot of the Laramie Hills, making a trappers’ cache of extra gunpowder. 1840s Emigrant highway to Oregon and California ascends the Platte, North Platte and Sweetwater Rivers to cross the Continental Divide. 1849 Party of Cherokee traverse across southern to Green River; the route doesn’t have a name, and was briefly called Evans’ Road, but the name that stuck was (all foothills to Poudre gateway, up to , westward beyond Green River). Jul 1858 Prospectors strike gold near junction of Cherry Creek and South Platte (where Denver quickly sprouted). Apr 1859 French traders (with Indian families) establish settlement on the Poudre, first called Colona. Oct 6 1860 The town site of Colona is reorganized under the name Laporte, meaning “the gate.” Feb 1861 Congress passes enabling act for Territory of . Dec 2 1861 First slate of county officials is elected by voters. Spring 1862 Goldrush in present-day Idaho; Cherokee Trail was shortest route to there from Denver. (during Civil War) Stage line service reroutes to a safer route – the Cherokee Trail – due to Indians wreaking havoc along original route. Jul 1862 Army established two new posts to guard along this new route: (at the foot of Elk Mountain) and , on the north bank of the Poudre at Laporte. 1864 Violent plains war breaks out. Camp Collins provides protection to settlers. Jun 1864 Flooding occurs on Poudre Canyon, washing away Camp Collins. A more substantial post is erected four miles downstream, now calling itself “Fort” Collins. Sep 1866 Last garrison of Fort Collins evacuates the post (as railroad lines advanced. and stage lines shrunk). 1868 Fort Collins becomes the seat of Larimer County.

9th Cavalry Establishes Camp Collins Mar 21 1862 Ben Holladay, western business tycoon, buys the Express Company of Russell, Majors and Waddell, the “Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak.” (13) Mar 1 – Apr 10 1862 raid the line, from the North Platte Bridge (present-day Casper, Wyoming) to the Green River. Agents appeal for assistance. (13-14) (until Jun 1862) Mail stoppages occur, due to Sioux threat. (14) May 30 1862 Lt. Col. William O. Collins, commander of 6th Ohio Cav., arrives in Fort Laramie, providing protection. (15) Jul 8 1862 Holladay prepares for the line to move to the Cherokee Trail; he directs the main line up South Platte from Julesberg to mouth of Cache la Poudre. (15)

1 Jul 15 1862 Special Order No. 19 directs Asaph Allen’s company, the 9th Kan. Cav., to protect the new mail route. (16) Jul 22 1862 Founding date of Camp Collins: the escort, including Capt. Allen, 1 Lt. Robert Madden, and 2 Lt. Henry Bradley, arrive after a five-day journey, with 64 enlisted men. Co. B, 9th Kan. Cav., garrisons the new post at Laporte for the first 3.5 months, under the command of 1 Lt. Robert Madden (who was, thus, the first post commander). (16-17) Sep 8 1862 “Camp Collins” is used as an address for the first time, in a letter from Capt. Frank Eno to Lt. Madden. (17) Nov 1 1862 A garrison leaves Camp Collins for Fort Halleck (18), and Capt. Hardy’s company of Colorado Volunteers take over duties at Camp Collins. (19)

1st Colorado Cavalry Takes Over (by Sep 1861) Gov. William Gilpin raises volunteer troops in Colorado (one mounted and nine infantry companies), plus four Independent Cavalry Companies, known by the name of their captains: James H. Ford, Theodore H. Dodd, William L. Backus, and John Sexton (or Saxton). (20). Apr 25 1862 Backus’ and Sexton’s outfits leave Camp Weld for New Mexico; these two units were scheduled to become Co.’s C and D, 2nd Colo. (20) May 30 1862 Sexton resigns. (21) May 31 1862 1 Lt Hardy is promoted to Captain of Co. D. (21) Sep 25 1862 Special Order No. 20, , directs Capt. Hardy to take command of Camp Collins. (21) Oct 15 1862 Stage employees Joseph Slade, Hiram Kelly, Naylor Thompson and Robert Scott assault George R. Sanderson, a squatter who was maintaining a grog shop (22). Slade is released from jail, but discharged and replaced as division agent (Denver to North Platte) by Lem Flowers. (23) Oct 23 1862 First newspaper use of the name “Camp Collins” in Denver Commonwealth. (22) Jun 1863 Slade moves permanently to Montana with his wife Maria Virginia. (23) Oct 1864 Robert J. Spotswood takes over as division agent of Denver to North Platte. (23)

Friction, Fortification, and False Alarms Before 1860 Joe Knight, a Canadian, moves down from North Platte to run the major store in the Poudre settlement. (28) Nov 2 1863 Gen. Samuel R. Curtis assigns Col. Chivington to command a new District of Colorado, including Camp Collins. (24) Nov 14 1863 Chivington’s Special Order No. 2 directs Capt. Hardy to leave Camp Collins. Dec 8 1863 Chivington’s S.O. No. 24 sends Capt. Joseph S. Maynard to replace Capt. Hardy in command of Camp Collins, with the changeover effected on Dec 17; S.O. No. 42 sends Hardy back to Camp Collins to muster for pay Lt. Maynard’s platoon. (25) Feb 19 1863(?) First Indian trouble on Holladay’s route (near Fort Halleck); tribal conflict between Utes and Arapahoes. (28) April-May 1863 Capt. Logan (Co. B, 1st Colo. Cav., stationed in Denver) establishes a new post, Camp Curtis, at the mouth of the Poudre, protecting the stage line east of Latham. (29) Apr 23 1863 First death at Camp Collins: Surgeon Edgerton Perry, of “black tongue.” (29)

2 Apr 6 – Jul 7 1863 Larimer Co. Deed Book A records twelve instruments bearing the names of twelve different enlisted men of Co. M. (29) May 5 1863 Gen. Craig resigns from District of Nebraska, succeeded by Gen. Thomas J. McKean. (30) May 24 1863 Gen. John M. Schofield replaces Gen. Curtis, Dept of the . (30) Nov 17 1865 makes first squatter claim of 160 acres. The Cherokee Trail is now routinely called the Drive. (27)

Rescue of Ute Susan Jun 15 1863 Gov. Evans learns that a large party of Arapahoe under Chiefs Friday and Many Whips have returned to the Poudre. (31) Jun 18 1863 The News announces an Indian attack on Fort Halleck. (32) Jun 24 1863 Delegation of Arapahoe (including Friday) hold friendly council with the governor. (31) Jun 19 1863 Capt. Hardy finds an Arapahoe camp near the mouth of the Poudre, from which he rescues Susan (a young Ute girl “in unhappy captivity”). (31) According to the reminiscences of J. Nelson Holloway, Susan was tied up to be burned at the stake. (33) Oct 20 1863 Official report of Simeon Whiteley, the newly appointed agent to the Ute bands, reiterates the same story (though other accounts question the “burning at the stake” embellishment). (34)

Susan was later reunited with her people near Spanish Fork, south of Provo, Utah; she was to become the wife of Chief Johnson. (34)

Jul 11 1863 Gov. Evans instructs Agent Whiteley to make first contact with the Ute bands in Middle Park. (34) 1879 In conflict between Susan’s and their agent, Nathan S. Meeker, the Utes kill Meeker and kidnap his wife and daughter (and another white woman). Susan’s influence helps effect their release. (35)

Wynkoop Indian Expedition Jun 18 1863 Via Special Order No.116, Chivington begins mobilizing troops for the largest Indian expedition mounted from Colorado. Capt. Hardy’s Co. M “would play host to the others at Camp Collins,” which was selected as the staging base. (36)

Good details of the supply preparations for the Indian Wars on p. 37.

Jun 29 1863 Via Special Order No.1211, Chivington assigns Maj. Edward W. Wynkoop to command the Indian expedition, with 1 Lt. Luther Wilson serving. At that time, Capt. Hardy commanded Camp Collins with 2 Lt. Quimby and 83 men of Co. M. (37-8) Jul 7 1863 Troops and supply wagons under Wynkoop’s command depart from Camp Collins (five cavalry companies). (38) Jul 8 1863 The column receives Chivington’s S. O. No. 125 of July 6, ordering them to return to Camp Collins, peace having been established with the Utes. Wynkoop heads for Denver. (38) Jul 10 1863 Wynkoop receives a letter saying the expedition is reactivated. (38) Jul 12 1863 Wynkoop heads for Camp Collins with 2 Lt. Frank Murrell (Co. B) and 1 Lt. Eli Dickerson. (40) (probably Jul 14 1863) Wynkoop leads Co.’s A, G, I and M up the Cherokee Trail (leaving Co. B to garrison Camp Collins). (40)

3 (around Jul 21 1863) Rocky Bear, four other Sioux, and four frontiersmen join the expedition as volunteer scouts (including Jose Merivale, William A. Comstock (the grandnephew of James Fenimore Cooper), Michel Duval, and a man named West). (40) Jul 24 1863 Chivington joins, and assumes command of, the expedition. (41)

The details of their journey are outlined on pp 40-41.

Aug 12 1863 After travelling about 630 miles, the expedition reaches Denver. They have completed “a bold and determined chase after the Utes over formidable and unknown country.” (42)

Lt. Hawkins and Company B Man Camp Collins (at least 1864) John E. Wild continues to serve in the sutler post. (44) Jul 19 1863 Gen. Schofield transfers to the District of Colorado the portion of the District of Nebraska lying west of the 104th meridian. (44) Aug 4 1863 Lt. Col. Collins assigned to command all troops on the North Platte and Cherokee Trails (via Chivington’s Special Order No.148). (44) Jan 6 1864 The News reports wagon trains stalled all along the Platte, due to severe weather. (46) Feb 1864 Chivington’s communications give a detailed picture of the military routine of Camp Collins at that time (noting the neatness of the camp and regular drills, but also some gambling and drinking). (46) Feb 18 1864 Gen. Thomas Ewing assigned as new commander of the District of Colorado by Gen. Curtis – but then is promptly reassigned. (47) Mar 21 1864 Gen. Curtis transfers alls of the Department of Kansas lying north of the 40th latitude out of Chivington’s jurisdiction – including Camp Collins. (47) Mar 1864 Chivington orders abandonment of Camp Curtis. (47)

The Road to War Apr 1864 War breaks out on Colorado plains, starting not as an Indian war but a “white” war. (48) Dec 29 1862 Samuel F. Browne, U.S. Attorney for , writes the Secretary of the Interior, asking for clarification on recently ceded lands in the area. The answer reveals that all the settled and gold-bearing portion of the Territory was still Indian country. This is the crux of the “land cession problem.” (49). Apr 10 1863 Evans’ letter to Indian Commissioner presages “a bloody war.” (49) May-Nov 1863 The Governor pursues “devious paths” (assuring the populace that Indian title to the North Platte had been extinguished, but acknowledging to Washington that it had not). (51) Jan 15 1864 Indian Commissioner grants governor authority to negotiate with the Northern and Arapahoe for a separate reservation. (51) May 16 1864 Lt. George Eayre uses howitzers against Cheyenne, claiming repossession of stolen cattle (52).

Unsubstantiated claims of stolen stock are used to wage war; the News is skeptical (53).

Apr 25 1864 Lt. Hawkins (Co. B, 1st Colo., at Camp Collins) gives a level-headed report to Chivington, citing no bellicose intentions seen in the Indians he had encountered. Within a few weeks, he and his company would be replaced at Camp Collins. (54)

4 11th Ohio Cavalry Faces Stormy Times May 15 1864 Co. F (under Capt. William H. Evans) pulls into Camp Collins, filling the gap left by Lt. Hawkins’ (and Co. B’s) departure to Fremont’s Orchard to reinforce Camp Sanborn. (55) Jun 9 1964 Cache la Poudre flood; grounds of Camp Collins wrecked. (56) Jun 15 1864 The “Great Panic:” Denverites congregate to arm against reported Indian attacks. (57) Jun 27 1864 Evans issues “Proclamation to the Friendly Indians on the Plains;” Forts Laramie, Lyon, Larned, and Camp Collins are designated as sanctuaries. (58) Jun 28 1864 S.O. No. 1 is issued, dated at Camp Collins. (58) Jul 1 1864 By S.O. No. 4, 1. Lt. Drake is appointed post quartermaster and commissary. (58) Jul 1 1864 First proof that Camp Collins hired civilian experts (via S.O. No. 5): Antoine Janis is hired to act as Post Guide and Interpreter. (58) Jul 4 1864 Acting Asst. Surgeon Timothy M. Smith assumes duties as post surgeon. (58) Jul 17 1864 Cheyenne launch stronger retaliatory raids along South Platte; Sioux begin to sympathize with the Cheyenne. (59) Jul-Aug 1864 Col. Collins sends Co. B (under Capt. Wesley Love, 1 Lt. Edwin L. Pettijohn, and 2 Lt. Charles Waters) to reinforce Camp Collins. They leave Fort Laramie July 30, and arrive at Camp Collins around August 4. (59) Aug 1864 Cheyenne raids, and movements against them; these skirmishes scarcely touch Colorado, but severe its communications. (59) Aug 10 1864 Gov. Evans calls out the militia: “any man who kills an Indian is a patriot.” (60) Aug 23 1864 Agent Whiteley arrives in Camp Collins, finding a garrison unruffled by the raids in Nebraska. (60)

Last Days at Laporte Aug 8-13 1864 Col. Collins records his 154-mile ride to the Poudre, in “Journal of a trip to Camp Collins from Fort Laramie, Aug 8 to 13, 1864.” (62) Aug 20 1864 Col. Collins issues Special Field Order No. 1 at Camp Collins, citing the new position of Camp Collins, near Joseph Mason’s claim. (63) Sep 13 1864 Election for territorial delegate to Congress. Nov 3 1864 Returns of the election show that the electorate rejects both statehood, and Chivington as their delegate (65-66) Oct 2 1864 Chivington issues an ultimatum to Holladay (restore Denver to the mail line, or forego troop protection). 66) Sep 19 1864 Capt. Evans appoints a Court of Inquiry to investigate charges against “Mr. Yager, a resident of Cache la Poudre.” (66) (by Sep 23 1864) Two troopers are detailed at Camp Collins as post carpenters. (67) Oct 7 1864 Joseph Mason and Henry Chamberlin are appointed acting sutlers at Camp Collins by Capt. Evans. (68) Oct 8 1864 An officer’s mess is allowed by order of Capt. Evans, with leave given to Lewis Stone to build and maintain it. He does so, with wife Elizabeth. (68) Oct 21 1864 An order book entry bears the name “Camp Collins.” (68) Oct 23 1864 The new heading “Fort Collins” is used in an order book entry. (68) Oct 22 1864 Based on the above, this date marks the full occupation of the new post; this means that the Laporte camp had been occupied for 2 years 3 months, from July 22 1862 to October 22 1864. It was clearly Capt. Evans who “promoted” the new post to the status of “Fort”; there was no official order sanctioning it. (68)

5 Fort Collins Reservation and Post, 1864 Aug 21 1864 Col. Collins sends official order to Gen. Mitchell setting aside the military reservation of Fort Collins; to have been official, however, this needed additional legal machinations which were not undertaken at the time. (69) Oct 26 1864 Gen. Mitchell approves request and forwards it to Washington. John Pierce, Survey General of the Colorado Territory, approves it. (69) Nov 12 1864 Acting Secretary of the Interior W. T. Otto forwards the file to President Lincoln. (69) Nov 14 1864 Lincoln endorses it: “Let the tract of land…” (70)

Problems securing a proper survey, page 70. War department never issues an order proclaiming or defining the Fort Collins reservation, page 70. Three sources dating to 1864 provide excellent description of lay-out of the post, page 71.

Jun 30 1863 Caspar W. Collins (Col. Collins’ son) is commissioned 2 Lt. of Co. G, 11th Ohio. It was Caspar who sketched the plat of Camp Collins (on Nov 16, 1864), based on written and oral information from his father. (72) Feb 1 1865 A traveler writes a tribute of the new post for the News: “fine arrangements … under Capt. Evans of 11th Ohio Cav. … Abe Lincoln spent awhile about the fort …” (73)

Chivington Sets a Time-Bomb Nov 14 1864 Maj. Thomas L. Mackey, 11th Ohio, assumes command of Camp Collins. (75) Nov 29 1864 Battle of Sand Creek, aka the Chivington Massacre. (76) Dec 21 1864 Col. Chivington relieved of command of the District of Colorado by Gen. Curtis (77). Jan 4 1865 Thomas L. Moonlight takes over command of the District of Colorado. (77) Jan 15 1865 Indians attack at John Morris’ American Ranch, Holon Godfrey’s ranch, and Mark Coad’s Wisconsin ranch. (78) Feb 2 1865 Sack of Julesberg. (78) Feb 6 1865 Moonlight declares martial law. (78) Apr 1 1865 Companies A, B, C and D cease to exist. Companies E, F, G and H remain in service. Companies I, L and K are created. Thus, the regiment goes from 8 to 7 companies. (74)

A Little Action and a Lot of Order Jan 1865 Indian “terror” breaks out along South Platte, just after Fort Collins had been reduced to Co. F, 11th Ohio Cav. (though raids approached no closer than 120 miles). (79) Jan 1865 Col. Collins appoints to Co. L Kilburn H. Stone (acting 1 Lt.) and Waterman W. Swearing (acting 2 Lt.). (79) Jan 23 1865 Co. L. reaches Fort Collins. (79) Jan 25 1865 The post sutler is ordered to extend $5 credit to men of Co. L; at this point, Joe Mason has a new sutler partner, Capt. Asaph Allen (who was mustered out of Co. B on Nov 19, 1864). (80) Jan 30 1865 Capt. Evans orders the arrest of James C. Green and French Pete Gazeau, in relation to a complaint made by Adolph Pollier (but there is no record of the charges or outcomes). (82) Jan 30 1865 The Department of Kansas is merged with the Department of Missouri, with Gen. Grenville M. Dodge at the helm. (83 Feb 11 1865 As a result of the martial law declared on Feb 6, Fort Collins is designated a convening ground for those Cache la Poudre residents being called into service. (81) (by Mar 11 1865) All militia volunteers are in the field when Moonlight lifts martial law. (82)

6 Mar 3 1865 Lt. Hanna is assigned to command Co. L (because Stone is mustered out). (82) Mar 28 1865 Dodge designates a new and extensive District of the Plains, covering former Districts of Colorado, Nebraska, and Utah, with headquarters in Denver (and assigns Gen. Connor to command). (83) Apr 8 1865 Connor divides the District of the Plains into four sub-districts, including the South Sub-District (Colo. Terr., and Fort Halleck), under Gen. Guy V. Henry. Col. Collins is mustered out, and Moonlight takes on the North Sub-District (headquartered in Fort Laramie). (84) Apr 20 1865 Co. L. leaves Fort Collins, leaving Co. F as the sole garrison. (83) Apr 1865 An emotional month for the nation. (84)

The Hostiles Circle North Feb 2 1865 Cheyenne destroy Julesburg. (85) Feb 6 1865 Cheyenne attack Mud Springs. (85) Apr 14 1865 Spotted Tail’s Brules appear at Fort Laramie. (85) Apr 24 1865 Lt. Col. Baumer (at Fort Laramie), instructed by Gen. Connor, hangs Cheyenne Big Crow from chains. (86) Apr 29 1865 Capt. Evans, via his last order (No. 184), bans Indians from visiting Fort Collins and soldiers from visiting any Indian camp. (86) Apr 30 1865 Capt Evans is absent from Fort Collins, escorting Agent Whiteley to Little Chug; Co. L is there, commanded by Lt. Hanna (this according to a post return to the Fort). (87) May 3 1865 Gen. Henry sends reinforcements – Co. D, under Capt. Wilson – to Fort Collins. Wilson takes over from Lt. Drake on May 5. May 18 1865 Lucinda Eubanks incident (at Fort Laramie; peace-seeking Oglala, returning a white woman who had been captures by Cheyenne, are received as “captives” and two of them are hung on May 26). (86-87)

There are difficulties separating “friendlies” from “hostiles,” page 86-87.

May 19 1865 Dr. John H. Finfrock (check sp) replaces Dr. Timothy Smith at Fort Collins. (89) (around May 20 1865) Capt. John S. Cochrane, Asst. District Inspector, recommends that an officer of field grade (major or better) be assigned to Fort Collins. (89) Jun 14 1865 Revolt at Horse Creek. (87) Jul 26 1865 Raid on post at North Platte Bridge; Lt. Caspar Collins dies. (87)

Capt. Evans asked officially to resign, and he does, page 88. Routine of troops at Fort Collins, listed in the May 11 G.O. No. 2, page 88.

War on the Cherokee Trail Summer 1865 During Indian War, Fort Collins takes on protection of the Cherokee Trail (from Poudre settlements to beyond the continental divide). (90) Jun 2 1865 Initial strike of hostile Indians near Sage Creek Station. (91) Jun 3 1865 Colfax party arrives in Fort Collins. (90) Jun 8 1865 Second attack at Sage Creek. (91) Jun 11 1865 Forty horses are stolen from Antoine Janis. Capt. Wilson recovers Janis’ horses around July 7. (93-94) Jun 13 1865 Col. Potter sends 2 Lt. John Burgess of Co.A to Fort Collins. (92) Jun 1865 Col. Plumb dispatches two companies to Fort Collins. (92)

7 Jun 17 1865 Via Special Order No. 29, Connor directs Major Henry Norton, 6th USV, to replace Capt. Wilson in command at Fort Collins. (92) Jun 22 1865 Capt. Wilson sends out from Fort Collins a squad of Co. F, 11th Ohio, to establish a guard post at Virginia Dale (via Special Order No. 15), and authorizes the hiring of John R. Brown as blacksmith. (93) Jun 30 1865 Pvt. William A. Bonser notes the departure from Fort Collins of Arapahoe under Black Bear (either to avoid upcoming hostile attacks by other tribes or because they would join the warpath). (96) Jul 2 1865 Capt. Louis F. Green’s Co.B and Capt. John G. Lindsay’s Co.F of the 11th Kan. Cav. arrive at Fort Collins. (95) Jul 3 1865 Col. Potter instructs Maj. Norton to “take all available cavalry at Camp Collins” to protect against attacks. (95) Jul 10 1865 Connor and Potter meet at Fort Collins to discuss problems in the region. (97) Jul 27 1865 Bonser testifies in Denver on troop raids of spring 1864 that had provoked the war. (97)

Headquarters for Cavalry west of Denver Jul 18 1865 Col. George G. Briggs’ 7th Mich. Cav. and 1st Mich. Cav. are sent to Fort Collins for duty in Col. Potter’s South Sub-District. (99) Jul 27 1865 Col. Briggs arrives in Fort Collins at 1 pm, taking command of all the cavalry forces west of Denver (from Fort Collins to Sulphur Springs) that are stationed at Fort Collins. Capt. Green’s Co.B, 11th Kan. Cav, are relieved from duty. (99) Aug 6 1865 Potter orders Maj. Lineus F. Warner, 7th Mich., to take over command of Fort Collins from Maj. Norton. Norton, Wilson, and Hawkins depart Fort Collins shortly thereafter, marking the last service of Colorado troops at Fort Collins. (102) Aug 19 1865 Remainder of the two Michigan regiments (under Lt. Col. Andrew W. Duggan, 1st Mich. Cav.) pulls in to Fort Collins. (103) Aug 28 1865 Attack on Mariano Medina’s ranch on the Big Thompson. (104) Aug 30 1865 Raiders strike settlements on St. Vrain’s Creek, near present-day Longmont. These and other actions by a dwindling number of Sioux mark the essential end of summer war on the Cherokee Trail. (105)

New Faces and Mixed Omens Frontiersmen were hired as scouts, guides, interpreters, and couriers in campaign against Indians. (107) Col. Collins used services of . (107)

Aug 30 1865 Potter requests that Dominique Bray be sent to Fort Collins. Briggs complies, but since the Indian raids subsided so soon after Bray’s assignment to Fort Collins, he saw little active field service there. (197-108) Sep 1 1865 William A. Comstock – aka Medicine Bill, Buffalo Bill - contracted at Fort Halleck as a scout. (108) Sep 1 1865 21st NY Cav. arrive in Fort Collins, under Maj. Charles G. Otis. (110) Sep 12 1865 Bray serves as election judge at Fort Collins precinct. (108) Dec 14 1865 Gen. Upton orders Bray discharged from Fort Collins (for economic reasons). (108) Jul 21 1865 Gen. William T. Sherman replaces Gen. Dodge with Gen. John Pope as commander of the Dept. of the Missouri. (110-111) Aug 22 1865 Gen. Pope abolishes the District of the Plains, and sets up nine new districts; Gen. Emory Upton is assigned to the District of Colorado. Pope also orders the abandonment of all posts except , Camp Wardwell, and Camp Fillmore – thus wiping out all protection for the stage line. (111)

8 Retrenchment and Peace-Feelers Oct 2 1865 Upton assumes formal command of the District of Colorado. Oct 3 1865 Upton orders Maj. John E. Mayo, 13th Mo. Cav., to Fort Collins with two companies, and to assume command of Fort Collins, relieving Maj. Warner (7th Mich.). (114) Oct 8 1865 Maj. Mayo takes command of Fort Collins, retaining 1 Lt. Thomas Moore’s Co.L, 13th Mo. Cav., as garrison replacement for the departing 7th Mich. (115) Oct 22 1865 Baptiste (“Little Bat”) Garnier is taken from his caretaker, Elias W. Whitcomb, in a raid on a camp at Lodge Pole Creek. He is soon released. (116) Nov 1 1865 5th USV arrives in Fort Halleck, and over time Upton pulls those cavalry over to Fort Collins. Maj. Otis brings one company of 21st NY Cav. to Fort Collins, and assumes command of them on Nov. 9. (116) Jan 5 1866 Lt. Col. Charles FitzSimmons, 21st NY Cav., takes command of Fort Collins. His six companies of cavalry may have totaled 500 men, though not all were present. (117)

Conflicting evidence as to which buildings ordered at FC had actually been built, pages 117-118.

Jan 10 1866 The completion of Mr. Mason’s sutler establishment – Mason & Co. – is described in a News article. (118)

The 21st New York Rides a Seesaw Winter 1865-66 Mrs. Elizabeth Stone continues to run the officers’ mess. Henry C. Peterson, who occupied a lean-to attached to her cabin, becomes a prominent builder around this time. (122) Feb 25 1866 In a communication to Gen. Sherman, Gen. Pope proposes replacing Forts Collins and Halleck with a new post to be erected between them on the . (119) Mar 10 1866 Via General Order No. 33, Pope calls for the immediate mustering out of all remaining state volunteers to be replaced by regulars; abolishes the District of Colorado; and assigns Col. Henry E. Maynadier, 6th USV, to command the new District of the Platte. (119) (until end of Apr 1866) District of Colorado still in existence, with Gen. Upton in command. (120) Mar 17 1866 In response to the proposed abandonment of Fort Collins, Poudre citizens hold a protest meeting. Henry W. Chamberlin is chair, and N.P. Cooper the secretary. (120) Mar 27 1866 Letter from Dodge to Upton notes a reprieve for Fort Collins. (121) Apr 3 1866 Upton orders Co.A, 21st NY, and Co.A and Co.E, 5th USV, down from Fort Halleck to Fort Collins. By the same order, Co. C, D and E, 21st NY, are transferred to Camp Wardwell. This leaves Co. A, B, F and G, 21st NY, at Fort Collins. (121) Apr 30 1866 Via General Order No. 10, Upton closes out the District of Colorado, turning Forts Collins and Halleck over to the . (121). May 6 1866 Gen. Dodge accepts appointment as Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad. Civilians of note at Fort Collins at this time include Joe Mason, Asaph Allen, Harris Stratton, and William D. Hays. (121-22) May 31 1866 Elizabeth (Parke) Keays, Mrs. Stone’s niece, arrives at Fort Collins. (122) Jun 5 1866 Mrs. Keays’ diary notes that the Petersons (including Mr. Fount Peterson) are sleeping in their new house. (122) Jun 20 1866 Seven companies are mustered out of Fort Collins, with five more following over the next ten days. One company remains: Co.A, under Capt. Henry E. Snow, 2 Lt. Reuben C. Niles, and 1 Lt. James F. Hill. (123-4)

9 Old Army Posts Just Fade Away Jun 23 1866 Camp Wardwell’s name is changed to . Jul 12 1866 Via Special Order No.14, Capt. Henry R. Mizner transfers Co.F, 5th USV (under Capt. Laycock), to Fort Collins to relieve Co.A, 21st NY. (126) (around Jul 17 1866) Capt. Laycock takes command of Fort Collins. (126) Aug 22 1866 Lt. Hill is relieved as post quartermaster. (126) Aug 31 1866 Last post return for Fort Collins; Laycock is in command with 25 men. (126) Sep 7 1866 Via Special Order No.44, Co.F (5th USV) is relieved from duty at “Camp Collins,” with orders for Laycock to turn over all government property to Lt. Edmund F. Thompson, 18th Inf., at Fort Buford. (127) Sep 8 1866 Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman arrives in Fort Collins. Recommends transfer of its stores to Fort Buford. (127) Sep 22 1866 Likely last departure date of Laycock’s Co.B, 5th USV. (128) (Sep 17-23 1866) Likely time period that David Van Lennep sketches Fort Collins. (130) Oct 20 1866 Harris Stratton sends a letter to President Andrew Johnson, discussing the release of reservation land. (128) Jan 2 1867 Gen. Sherman recommends that Camp Collins be sold (buildings and land). (129) Feb 4 1867 Orders are officially given for the sale of the buildings at Fort Collins. There is confusion over the status of the land; but since a reservation had been validly proclaimed, its restoration to public domain would an act of Congress. “Legal limbo” reigned for years. (129-130) May 15 1872 President signs bill, by which the reservation is opened to homesteading. (130) Oct 23 1872 Larimer Co. Improvement Co. is incorporated. (130)

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