Ordered to St. Louis MO in February 1862, Collins' command was officially declared the 1st Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion.

[6] Collins served under General James Craig protecting the Overland Mail routes in Nebraska Territory.

Also during this time General Craig ordered troops to establish a military post in northern Colorado Territory.

[8] On November 29, 1864, the U.S. Army committed the Sand Creek Massacre, leading to a series of retaliatory battles in early 1865 by an alliance of Native Americans.

During this time he was ranking officer at a military garrison called Platte Bridge Station, near present day Casper, Wyoming, from which he led troops into action against the Native American warriors in the battles of Mud Springs and Rush Creek.