Sand creek massacre Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sand creek massacre - Research Paper Example Though there was chaos and panic upon the start of the attack, some Native Americans refused to fight. Chief Black Kettle and Chief White Antelope of the Cheyenne stood with their arms folded, having unsuccessfully tried to stop the raid, signifying that even now they would not take up arms or move against the attacking soldiers3. Chief Black Kettle also hoisted the American flag atop his lodge, along with the white flag of surrender, as he had been promised by Colonel Greenwood, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, that should he fly the American flag he would be under the protection of the soldiers and kept safe4. However, on that day, it did not help to save his people. Men, women, and children were killed without reason or sympathy, even those that put white cloth on sticks and showed their surrender5. Nothing mattered to Chivington but clearing out the Native Americans, and their hatred knew few bounds. Chivington wasted no time in celebration. He gleefully sent a telegram that informed his superiors of his victory, stating that between 400 and 500 Native American warriors were killed (in reality, it was 105 women and children, and 28 men)6. However, Chivington took delight in making it sound as though it had been the result of a very long and hard-won battle, praising his officers lavishly as he did so7. He had lost only nine men and had 38 wounded, mostly from friendly fire8. The encampments of both tribes were burned to the ground, on the orders of Colonel Chivington, before the soldiers rode away9. Though the bloodlust for Native Americans had been satisfied, the results would damage Native American relations for years to come. Chivington, as well as others, were called to testify before Congress, to the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War. According to the published report, it was found that his acts were