Ken, from the dates you give and the location this must be related to the Green Russell Party's arrest in Dec.1862. My reference was to a larger group organized in 1861 by the Secesh underground who headed to the South in Oct 1861.They were following an even larger group (led by Capt Joel McKee) who had made it to TX unmolested a little earlier.

Green Russell, from, Ga made the original gold finds in Co in 1855 or 56. He was the richest man in the Territory and had intermarried with a Cherokee family and had family in Ga and the Indian Territory. He and his brothers, 2 were physicians, were all well educated, wealthy men. They were all probably mixed bloods themselves. The Russells suffered considerable abuse at the hands of the Yankees in CO and finally fled with their families for the Indian Territory and their relatives there. The wagon train carrying the families was intercepted near Ft Wise (Lyon) by CO troops who enlisted a band of Comanches to help them. The Comanches were promised several captives to torture as part of their reward. Only their wealth and prominence saved them from a grisly death.They were taken to Santa Fe but smallpox claimed the lives of several en route. They were finally released through the intercession of Gen James Carleton( Commanding in NM) who knew Russell in CA. Amazingly, their gold ($20,000-$40,000) was also restored to them because of Carleton.

So you see, we are looking at 2 different groups. I am very interested in the 2 that escaped and their later War careers. Any information will be appreciated. Some of these people may have returned to CO as guerrillas which is the topic I'm working on. I will supply whichever name list you desire. One of the members of the Green Russell party wrote an account of his experiences and I will be happy to send you a copy if you will send a snail-mail address by my personal email. It lists all their names.

In answer to your other question, Yes, some of these men served in Indian and mixed units. I strongly suspect that many were Indian or mixed bloods which may account for their brutal murders on Col Chivington's orders. But I lack much evidence.
Earl Pittman