"Putting on as bold a front as I could under the circumstances I formed my command in as good order as possible for the purpose of acting on the offensive or defensive, as might be necessary, and advanced towards them, at the same time sending forward one of the Indians I had with me, as an emissary, to state that I had come for the purpose of holding a consultation with the chiefs of the Arapahoes and Cheyennes, to come to an understanding which might result in mutual benefit; that I had not come desiring strife, but was prepared for it if necessary, and advised them to listen to what I had to say, previous to making any more warlike demonstrations. "They consented to meet me in council, and I then proposed to them that if they desired peace to give me palpable evidence of their sincerity by delivering into my hands their white prisoners. I told them that I was not authorized to conclude terms of peace with them, but if they acceded to my proposition I would take what chiefs they might choose to select to the Governor of Colorado Territory, state the circumstances to him, and that I believed it would result in what it was their desire to accomplish—'peace with their white brothers.' I had reference particularly to the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes. "The council was divided—undecided—and could not come to an understanding among themselves. I told them that I would march to a certain locality, distant twelve miles, and await a given time for their action in the matter. I took a strong position in the locality named, and remained three days. In the interval they brought in and turned over four white prisoners, all that was possible for them at the time being to turn over, the balance of the seven being (as they stated) with another band far to the northward. * * * * * "I have the principal chiefs of the two tribes with me, and propose starting immediately to Denver, to put into effect the aforementioned proposition made by me to them. "They agree to deliver up the balance of the prisoners as soon as it is possible to procure them, which can be done better from Denver City than from this point. "I have the honor, Governor, to be your obedient servant, "E. W. WYNKOOP, "Major First Col. Cav. Com'd'g Fort Lyon, C. T. "His Excellency, JOHN EVANS, "Governor of Colorado, Denver, C. T." "FORT LYON, COLORADO TERRITORY, July 26, 1864. "SIR: