What Happened, How Did We Get Here continued

The Battle at Sand Creek

Written by Morse H. Coffin in a series of articles to the Colorado Sun, 1879. Excerpt only.

“I now desire to mention a few things in order to make plain the general opinion among the people at that time regarding Indian killing, and thus account in some degree for the scalping indulged in at Sand Creek, and which is now condemned by many good persons. At the time the 3d Colorado regiment was raised, the idea was very general that a war of extermination should be waged; that neither sex nor age should be spared; and women held to these views in common with men, and it is my opinion that as great a per cent of the latter as the former held this view; and one often heard the expression that “nits make lice, make a clean thing of it.” Of course there were some exceptions, as I mentioned in my former letter, but that such exceptions were a weak minority must be well known by most residents of Colorado at that time. I propose to show that both officers and soldiers but carried out the general sentiment of the country; and let each bear their share of blame if any attach to what was done; for I wish it understood that Colorado soldiers fourteen years ago were not bloodthirsty and cruel above all men who then lived, though a few of us did not agree with the majority as to some things.” Morse H. Coffin.

ICP RPC Coffin Quote EXCERPT

“I now desire to mention a few things in order to make plain the general opinion among the people at that time regarding Sand Creek (Massacre),..At the time the 3rd Colorado regiment was raised, the idea was very general that a war of extermination should be waged; that neither sex nor age should be spared; and women held to these views in common with men. Of course there were some exceptions, but that such exceptions were a weak minority must be well known by most residents of Colorado at that time. ... both officers and soldiers but carried out the general sentiment of the country; ...I wish it understood that Colorado soldiers fourteen years ago were not bloodthirsty and cruel above all men who then lived, though a few of us did not agree with the majority as to some things.”

Morse H. Coffin, Colorado Sun, 1879.

ICP RPC Coffin Quote EXCERPT