thecivilwarparlor:Silas S. Soule- A Hero the History Books Forgot to MentionOn April 23, 1865, assas
thecivilwarparlor:Silas S. Soule- A Hero the History Books Forgot to MentionOn April 23, 1865, assassins shot and killed 1st Colorado Cavalry officer Capt. Silas S. Soule. A man that stood up for what was right, in return he paid with his life.During the infamous Sand Creek Massacre of November 29, 1864, Soule had disobeyed orders by refusing to fire on Chief Black Kettle’s peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village. The encampment, along Sand Creek which was primarily full of old men, women, and young children and was flying the American flag. Later, at army hearings, Soule testified against his commander, Col. John M. Chivington, detailing the atrocities committed by the troops at Sand Creek. His murderers were never brought to justice.”“I refused to fire, and swore that none but a coward would, for by this time hundreds of women and children were coming towards us, and getting on their knees for mercy. … I tell you Ned it was hard to see little children on their knees, having their brains beat out by men professing to be civilized.”- Captain Silas Soule, letter to Major Edward W. Wynkoop, 14 December 1864Background: Silas Stillman Soule (July 26, 1838 – April 23, 1865) was a Massachusetts abolitionist, Kansas Territory Jayhawker, and a soldier in the Colorado infantry and cavalry during the American Civil War. -- source link