In 1861 John Chivington, an ordained minister, was offered the position of chaplain by Colorado territorial governor William Gilpin, but denied it deciding to fight instead.  Chivington fought in the New Mexico Campaign, where he commanded a detachment of approximately 400 men from the 1st Colorado Volunteers. 

Chivington is most noted for his fortune at the Battle of Glorieta Pass in March, 1862.  While waiting for Confederate troops above the Pass, Chivington received information regarding the location of the Confederate supply train.  Moving quickly to the train’s location Chivington and his troops surprised the Confederate soldiers at the train and captured all of the supplies. The attack lead the Confederates to retreat after their victory at the Battle of Glorieta Pass due to lack of supplies.