Capt. Simpson's Description of the Sioux, 1855

[ephriam]

I found this document today at the National Archives in the consolidated correspondence files of the Quartermaster General. Thought everyone might be interested in this description by Capt. M. D. L. Simpson, dated Fort Pierre, July 20, 1855:

The Sioux nation is composed of nine (9) Tribes, called Yanktons, Yanktonais, Brules, Ogillalahs, Miniconges, Blackfeet Sioux, Sans-Arc, Two-Kettle Band, and Oncpapa, number in in all, about twenty four thousand (24,000) souls, including about six thousand (6,000) warriors. They range over a country extending from the mouth of the Yellowstone south along the western slope of the "Black Hills," to the sources of the Platte, thence along the forks of hat river to their junction, thence to the mouth of the "Big Sioux," thence along that river to the sources of the Saint Peter, Thence westward to the place of beginning. They hve but few fire arms, being armed principally with the Bow & Arrow. The are migrating in their habits, subsisting chiefly upon the chances of the chase, and visiting such localities where the buffalo & game are most abundant. They are a healthy, active, strong Indian, and capable of great endurance. They are warlike in their propensities, being almost constantly engaged in active hostilities with all surrounding tribes.

Yanktan.
Live mostly on the east of the Missouri, from the Big Sioux to opposite Fort Pierre. A portion of the tribe, in the spring, cultivate some corn about fifteen (15) miles above the mouth of "Jaques River." Frequently they range up the "L'Eau que court" and "White Earth," and sometimes cross the Missouri at Fort Pierre and go to the "Black Hills," in search of buffalo. They have about three hundred & fifty (350) Lodges, say eight hundred (800) warriors. They are quite destitute of horses & mules, and their feelings towards the whites are friendly. Their principal men are the "Man who Strikes the Ree," "Smutty Bear," and "White Standing Medicine Cow."

Yanktonais.
Live on the east of the Missouri from opposite Fort Pierre as high up as "Painted Wood Creek," and eastward to the "Saint Peter's River." They hunt the Buffalo in this locality from the last of March to October, when they go to the mouth of Painted Wood Creek (emptying into the Missouri about ten (10) miles from Fort Clarke, between Heart River & Cannon Ball River) to trade meat with the Arickarees for corn, pumpkins, beans, &c. Sometimes, though rarely, they cross the Missouri and go to the Black Hills on hunting expeditions This is the largest single tribe of the Sioux nation, counting near four hundred and fifty (450) Lodes, about one thousand (1000) warriors. They are quite destitute of animals, and they are friendly disposed towards the whites. Their principal en are "Bear Nicholas [Necklace]", "Big Head," and "Two Bears." They are esteemed brave men and good warriors.

Brules
This tribe consists of five hundred lodges, about fifteen hundred (1500) warriors. It is divided into three (3) Bands, viz: Brules of the Platte, Wagages, and Missouri Brules.

Platte Brules live on the head waters of the Platte and White Earth and range in the Black Hills, from the Red Buttes on the south to the branches of Tongue River. They also range on the Platte from the Red Buttes of the west, to the Blue of the east, between the Platte and White Earth, sometimes crossing the Platte and going on the plains towards the Arkansas. Their feelings are hostile to the whites. They were concerned in the "Grattan Massacre" of 1854, numbering about three hundred (300) lodges or nine hundred (900) warriors.

Wagages live on the head waters of the L'eau que Court and Cheyene. They range in the Black Hills to the branches of Tongue River and Cannon Ball River. They winter in the Black Hills, counting about seventy (70) lodges, or two hundred (200) warriors. Their feelings toward the white are hostile.

Missouri Brules, number one hundred & fifty (150) lodges, or four hundred (400) warriors, and are generally to be found upon the head waters of the L'eauque court and White Earth. Sometimes they go to the Platte, but never cross the Missouri. They are friendly disposed to the whites, and are learning to cultivate corn. A large portion of their country is almost inaccessible to either man or beast, being full of small lakes, and is known by the name of the "Sand Buttes." Their principal men are White Black Bird and Frog.

Ogillalahs.
Live in the Black Hills, on the head waters of the Cheyenne. Their range is the same as the Platte Brules and Wagages. They count three hundred (300) lodges, seven hundred (700) warrriors. Their feeling towards the whites is hostile. Their principal men are Whirlwind & Bad Wound.

Miniconges.
Number two hundred and fifty (250) lodges. Six hundred (600) warrior. They range from the forks of the Cheyenne to the Arickarees and Gros-Ventres on the north, the Missouri River on the east, and to the branches of Tongue River on the west. Their principle men are Red Fish, One Horn, and Medicine Bow. These men are friendly to the whites, but the general feeling of the tribe is decidedly hostile.

Sans-Arc
Live on the forks of the Cheyenne, and range with the Miniconges. They count two hundred (200) lodges. Six hundred (600) warriors. Their chief, Crow Feather, is very friendly disposed to the whites, but the tribe generally, is hostile.

The Brules of the Platte, Wagages, Ogillalahs, Miniconges and Sans Arc generally hunt together, and entertain in common, the same unfriendly feeling towards the whites.

Oncpapa
This Band numbers three hundred (300) Lodges. Eight hundred (800) warriors, and occupy the country lying between the Moreau River and Knife River, ranging west from the Missouri River to the western slope of the Black Hills. Their principal men are Little Bear, Bear Rib, and Red Horn, all friendly disposed to the whites, though the tribe is decidedly inimical[?]. They seldom go beyond their limits, not caring to have trade or intercourse of any kind with the whites. Their country abounds in game, and is very accessible.

Black feet Sioux
Number one hundred (100) lodge, three hundred (300) warriors. They range with the Oncpapa, and are the same in condition and character. Their principal men are Fire Heart, Bears Foot & Two Hearts.

Two Kettle Band.
Live in the vicinity of Fort Pierre on the west of the Missouri, and number about eighty (80) lodges, three hundred (300) warriors. They range from the mouth of White Earth river to the mouth of the Cheyenne, and west about two hundred (200) miles. This band cultivates corn some little and have always been most friendly to the whites. They have more fire-arms than any other band of the nation and are well supplied with fine horses. Their principle men are Big Mandan, and Man who drags the Stone.

Respectfully submitted
(signed) M. D. L. Simpson
Capt. & C. S.

Fort Pierre, N. T.
July 20/55

[kingsleybray]

wow, thanks Ephriam, fascinating document. I presume it was put together by military 'on the ground' in advance of the Harney campaign then being readied. It would be interesting if Fort Laramie produced anything comparable for a perspective from the Platte and the southern end of the Lakota range.

[ephriam]

Captain Marcus De Lafayette Simpson (1824-1909) had been appointed to the Commissary of Subsistence Department in March 1855 and was almost immediately assigned to Gen. Harney's staff for the Sioux Expedition. On April 5, 1855, Harney wrote: "I have just received a letter from the Commissary General of Subsistence relative to the assignment of Captain Simpson to the expedition, and a recommendation that he be required to accompany the troops destined to establish a post on the upper Missouri. Such a destination is a proper one for an officer of his department, and it is my intention to give him that direction unless some unforeseen contingency prevent."

Fort Pierre was being established as a new Army post in 1855 to serve as supply depot. Capt. Simpson arrived at Fort Pierre on July 7 and only remained for a month and a half, departing on Aug. 20, 1855, after "having completed the duties assigned him at this post."

General Harney wrote from Fort Kearney on Aug. 23, 1855: "I have this day received communications (by express from Fort Leavenworth) from Fort Pierre, which represent the state of affairs at that post in fully as favorable a light as I could have expected. The reports of Captain Simpson and Lieut. Warren, relative to the country passed over by them, and to the Sioux Indians in general, will be forwarded as soon as copies can be made out." But not until several months later after his own arrival at Fort Pierre did General Harney find the time to forward the reports on Dec. 14, 1855, commenting that "The information obtained by Captain Simpson, and Lieutenant Warren, was hastily gathered from the employees of Messrs. Chouteau and others, who have been living in this country for several years."

Unfortunately, Lt. Warren's letter has not survived with Harney's transmittal in Adjutant General's Office, Letters Received, and the Simpson letter is different than the one I quoted above. Simpson's new letter is titled "Report relative to the resources of country bordering the Upper Missouri for the supplying Fort Pierre with Beef Cattle, the facilities for driving them to that point, &c." and is also dated 20 July 1855. This implies there is a longer more complete report or series of reports by Simpson yet to be found.

Table. Comparison of Lodge Estimates between Capt. Simpson and Lieut. Warren:

Tribe	Simpson, 1855	Warren, 1856	Warren, 1875
Hunkpapa	300 lodges	365 lodges	365 lodges
Sihasapa	100 lodges	165 lodges	165 lodges
Two Kettle	80 lodges	100 lodges	100 lodges
Miniconjou	250 lodges	200 lodges	200 lodges
Sans Arc	200 lodges	170 lodges	170 lodges
Oglala	300 lodges	360 lodges	460 lodges
Brule	520 lodges	480 lodges	380 lodges
TOTAL	1,750 lodges	1,840 lodges	1,840 lodges

Kingsley: In your article "Teton Sioux Population History," you cite Warren's diary as the source for the Eat No Dogs 164 lodges, though absent from Warren' published versions. Can you provide a reference? I looked at Hanson's published version of the Warren diary in "Little Chief's Gatherings" but could not find it.

Also, I suspect that the difference between the Oglala and Brule lodge counts in the two published accounts by Lt. Warren is a typographical error. I suspect that the "3" and "4" got swapped when the type was being laid out. If it was a type setting error, which of these is the originally intended number? (My guess is 360 for Oglala and 480 for Brule).

I think the main difference between the two population estimates is in the size of the Brule.

[dT]

I had no idea the US Cavalry maintained such a high level of surveillance on the Native Americans in those days. It would be interesting to find out what else is stored at the National Archives.

dT

[ephriam]

I think this is not really an issue of military surveillance. This information came from the fur traders at Fort Pierre who were interacting with Lakota in the buffalo robe trade. The information was being gathered by the fur trade industry for economic reasons. You can think of it more like market research today.

[kingsleybray]

Kingsley: In your article "Teton Sioux Population History," you cite Warren's diary as the source for the Eat No Dogs 164 lodges, though absent from Warren' published versions. Can you provide a reference? I looked at Hanson's published version of the Warren diary in "Little Chief's Gatherings" but could not find it.

Also, I suspect that the difference between the Oglala and Brule lodge counts in the two published accounts by Lt. Warren is a typographical error. I suspect that the "3" and "4" got swapped when the type was being laid out. If it was a type setting error, which of these is the originally intended number? (My guess is 360 for Oglala and 480 for Brule).

Read more: amertribes.proboards.com/thread/2045/capt-simpsons-description-sioux-1855#ixzz2yNvjPR7h

Hi Ephriam!

The page ref. is page 114 in Jim Hanson's printed version of the Warren journals, LITTLE CHIEF'S GATHERINGS. In his list of Sioux divisions, obtained from trader Henry Goulet, Warren rates the "Mee-na-con-zhoos" at 200 lodges; the "Shon-kah-u-ta-she 'they who eat no dogs' (when they have none)" at 164 lodges.

I looked at Jim Hanson's notes from the Warren collection back in 1984 - gulp, thirty years ago! Before the book was printed. I confess I simply can't remember whether I checked his photocopies of the original Warren papers, or simply consulted his typed transcript for this passage, but my own notebooks have this Warren-Goulet list just as it's printed.

The 1855 journal entry (page ref. as before) gives a Teton total of 2004 lodges, as follows: Brule - 480 lodges; Oglalas - 360 lodges; Hunkpapas - 365 lodges; Sihasapas - 164 lodges; Miniconjous - 200 lodges; Sans Arcs - 171 lodges; Eat No Dogs - 164 lodges; Two Kettles - 100 lodges.

[dT]

ephraim ... military surveillance uses many sources. so if the Captain got his info from fur traders - that might have been a smart way to do things from his perspective. if he reported it back to his high command, and they used it for decision making - it would function as some sort of surveillance. of course, the problem is that the Army might not have used the information at all :-) or alternatively, the people the Army sent into the field (like Custer!) were so strong headed that they ignored Washington anyway :-)

the Lakotas also had plenty of scouts who reported on incursions into their own territory. it was a two-way street.

dT

[ephriam]

Thanks, Kingsley, for the page number. Not sure how I missed it earlier. And dT of course is correct that the Army was gathering intelligence from several of the experienced fur traders of the region.

Adding Warren's diary entry to the table:

Table. Comparison of Lodge Estimates between Capt. Simpson and Lieut. Warren:

Tribe	Simpson, 1855	Warren, 1855	Warren, 1856	Warren, 1875	Bray Reconstruction
Hunkpapa	300 lodges (17%)	365 lodges (18%)	365 lodges (20%)	365 lodges	360 lodges (18%)
Sihasapa	100 lodges (6%)	164 lodges (8%)	165 lodges (9%)	165 lodges	160 lodges (8%)
Two Kettle	80 lodges (5%)	100 lodges (5%)	100 lodges (5%)	100 lodges	100 lodges (5%)
Miniconjou	250 lodges (14%)	200 lodges (10%)	200 lodges (11%)	200 lodges	265 lodges (13%)
Eats No Dogs		164 lodges (8%)
Sans Arc	200 lodges (11%)	171 lodges (9%)	170 lodges (9%)	170 lodges	165 lodges (8%)
Oglala	300 lodges (17%)	360 lodges (18%)	360 lodges (20%)	460 lodges (typo)	455 lodges (23%)
Brule	520 lodges (30%)	480 lodges (24%)	480 lodges (26%)	380 lodges (typo)	480 lodges (24%)
TOTAL	1,750 lodges	2,004 lodges	1,840 lodges	1,840 lodges	1,985 lodges

With three different versions of his numbers, we have to ask what was Warren's original intent? As argued above, I think it is very likely that the two differences between the 1856 published report and the 1875 published report is simply a typographical error, with the "3" and "4" accidentally being swapped when the publication was being laid out. Therefore, these differences can be ignored.

There are two main differences between his original 1855 diary entry and his 1856 publication. First, he rounds several of the numbers, changing the number of Sihasapa lodges from 164 to 165 for example. And second, in his published report, he omits the Eats No Dog band. I think it interesting that Warren originally distinguished the Eats No Dog band separately from the rest of the Minneconjou. Similarly, Capt. Kinney, in recording the number of lodges in the area of Fort C. F. Smith in 1867, also listed this band separate from the Minneconjou (McDermott, Red Cloud's War, vol. 1 p. 301). But in preparing his 1856 publication, he clearly reconsidered his numbers, perhaps with input from other knowledgeable individuals. Perhaps he decided that these lodges were already accounted for in the other tribes. I think he purposely left it out and that his 1856 report most closely represents Lt. Warren's understanding of Lakota population.

Lt. Warren and Capt. Simpson separate populations estimates are relative similar. While the actual numbers of lodges varies, the percentage of the total for each tribe is remarkably similar. I think this new information helps us to re-examine earlier population trends, such as what Kingsley Bray did in his excellent paper. In particular, one of the notable differences between the Warren/Simpson estimates and Bray's estimate is in the size of the Brule. If we adjust Bray's Brule count in line with Warren/Simpson, we lose most of the dramatic population decline of the 1850s that he attributed to cholera and smallpox. I think this new number shows that while epidemic diseases did impact the Brule, it was just a slow down in population growth, not a decline; and it make the population grown of the 1860s and 1870s more in line with other Lakota tribes.

Just a thought for consideration.

ephriam

[kingsleybray]

there is another tabulation of Lakota divisions from 1855, included in the Letters sent by the Sioux Expedition, April 1855-July 1856, Records of the Dept of the West, US Army Continental Commands, National Archives.

It is undated, but is from November 1855 and was assembled at Ft Pierre soon after Gen. Harney's command arrived there after the Blue Water battle. It includes some details on ranges, names of chiefs, lodge numbers - plus a multiple of 3 warriors per each lodge.

The Tetons are as follows:

Lower Brules, chief White Blackbird, 160 lodges.
Brules of the Platte, Iron Shell, Little Thunder, Big Warrior, 100 lodges ("50 lodges destroyed at Blue Water").
Wajajos, Black Horn, 80 lodges.
1st Band Minneconjos, Red Fish, 260 lodges.
2nd band Minneconjos, No Heart, Two Lance, 125 lodges [nb equivalent to Eat No Dogs - KMB].
Sans Arcs, Crow Feather, Hollow Horn, 150 lodges.
Hunkpapas, Little Bear, 380 lodges.
Sihasapa, Fire Heart, 160 lodges.
Two Kettle, Two Lance and Long Mandan, 60 lodges.
Oglalas, Man Afraid of His Horse, Smoke, 350 lodges.

Total Teton lodges: 1825, x 3 warriors per lodge = 5475 warriors.

[witkola]

This is very interesting and useful. A recent poster announcing an upcoming (or past) treaty meeting on the Pine Ridge reservation indicated that representatives from the Oglala and "Wazaza" were going to be present. However, "Wazáza" is Lakȟóta for "to shred into strips" and this particular band of the Oglála is referred to, by them, as one of seven bands of the Oglála. The "Wazaza" are not, obviously, the "Wagages" referred to in Simpon's letter. The "Wagages" that Simpson refers to are most likely the "Wažáže" -- a group among the "Rosebud Sioux" -- which was listed in the "1891 june 30 - consolidated waziaziah two kettle" census.
So, this most recent reference to "Wazaza" on the Pine Ridge is puzzling. I would be interested in finding out if there are any available written accounts about the Wazaza, translated as "to shred into strips," on the Pine Ridge.

[kingsleybray]

It's a long story, witkola, but there was originally one Wazhazha band (that's the way I like to spell it ), and it got divided up in the period 1855-1890: some settled at Rosebud (Black Pipe Dist.) and some at Pine Ridge (Porcupine Dist., also at Pass Creek).

[witkola]

It is interesting that the "Sioux Expedition, April 1855-July 1856" tabulation identifies the Wažáže as a distinct group equal in status to that accorded to the Oglála and the Sičháŋǧu. As a practical matter, this distinction seems to disappear much later when it comes to administrative tasks associated with the other two bands of Lakȟóta. This might indicate only the perception of the potential, or actual, military threat that the Wažáže represented at the time.
Sampson's letter is very, very helpful when it comes to classifying the Wažáže as a sub-group of a much larger group which included the Sičháŋǧu but not the Oglála. Swift Bear, the Sičháŋǧu, was considered the "chief" of the Wažáže and upon his death in 1909 it is generally believed that the Wažáže were formally disbanded -- although I haven't seen any documentation of this, other than a notice of his death -- and absorbed into the Milk's Camp band, located on the east side of the Rosebud reservation. This general area also had within it at least a couple of areas associated with the "Ponca," as well as "Yankton," which were identified as such in early documents. What I have assumed about this particular group of "Yankton" -- later incorporated into the Sičháŋǧu -- is that it consisted of some Lakȟóta, from the Oglála and Sičháŋǧu who had returned from Canada with Sitting Bull and camped at Fort Randall while he served his prison sentence there. After his release, some of the Lakȟóta who returned from Canada with him remained in that area. Some eventually wound up, and remained, on the "Yankton" tribal rolls -- at least that's what happened to two of my great-grandmothers who were originally Sičháŋǧu. Thus, by merely looking at records, for example, if one didn't know the particular circumstances of their enrollment on the "Yankton" tribal rolls, one could mistakenly assume that the two women, both Sičháŋǧu, were actually "Yankton." Documents -- while useful -- are limited in the accuracy that they provide. But they remained in that general area, as did Swift Bear. This area, along the Missouri, used for trading, appears to have enabled a kind of diplomatic peace among otherwise linguistically distinctive groups (and sometimes traditional enemies) that allowed them to freely intermingle and marry.
There doesn't seem to have been a significant distinction between Swift Bear's enrollment as a Sičháŋǧu and his status as "chief" of the "waziaziah" (as in the title of the "1891 June 30 - Consolidated Waziaziah Two Kettle and Northern Bands census"). He later appears in photographs of delegations from Rosebud as a "chief."
As you probably know, "Osage" is the corruption of the word "Wažáže" that the "Osage" used as a name for themselves. What I had assumed, based upon linguistic features of the Wažáže ("Osage") language that appear within the Sičháŋǧu dialect, was that this relationship between the two pre-dated the establishment of the reservation system and, thus, represented an enduring historical relationship. I'm very interested in any documents relating to the division that you mentioned, especially as it relates to those specific areas on the Pine Ridge reservation.
Very distinctive features of this Sičháŋǧu-Wažáže ("Osage") dialect are not found among the Oglála, for example, a fact that some Oglála exploit in order to vilify the Lakȟóta dialect that the Sičháŋǧu speak as "not true" Lakȟóta. However, what this difference between the Oglála and the Sičháŋǧu-Wažáže dialect indicates, more than anything else, is how the Wažáže were far more established, even linguistically, with and within the Sičháŋǧu than the Oglála. Given this historical relationship with the Sičháŋǧu, it seems highly unlikely that the Wažáže, as a distinctive group -- that is, distinctive enough that it might require, or insists upon having, some kind of political representation -- would voluntarily reside among the Oglála, much less remain intact into the current era. Do you know where I can find information about the Wažáže division that you mentioned? That would be very helpful.
I find it all very, very interesting. Thank you for providing Sampson's letter and the "Sioux Expedition" tabulation. Documents are very, very helpful in providing facts that can help lead to accurate conclusions.

[kingsleybray]

witkola, much to talk about, but here is what French geographer Joseph Nicollet learned about the Sichangu subdivisions when he was at Fort Pierre in 1839. Nicollet was an extremely perceptive and sensitive observer. Note the important details about the origins of the Wazhazha band -Lakotas intermarrying with Poncas and/or Osages.

"The Brules are subdivided into four principal bands.
1. The Chokatowanyans, the Brûles proper, from the old
name, "those of the middle village," and who have not taken
the name Sicharu. "burned thighs." 90 lodges. Sources of the
White River, and the white buttes [buttes blanches]^^ towards
the sources of the Niobrara.

2. The Wazazi. Name which the Sioux give to the Osage, and
which this band took. There were marriages of Ponças with the
Osages living with the Ponças, and it seems that this Sioux band
had marriages with Ponca-Osage families. 70 lodges. Between
the White River and the Cheyenne. Hesappa, "the Black Horn."

3. The Minishanan, "the little band of the Red Water." 60
lodges. In the sand hills of the Niobrara. Minishanan ishtakpa.
"Le Borgne, of the Red Water." (One-eyed from a ball which
removed the eye.)^'

4. The Kiuksa. "those who divide, who separate." Eraka
nompa. "the Two Flks." Shawanon, chief who had this name
because he shaved his head hke the Shawnees. Chief well known
(still living) for being one of the first to take the interests of the
whites in seriously punishing a savage of his band who had
violently struck a man named Bouvet, a trader, with bis bow. At
least 80 lodges. In the sand hills." "

[kingsleybray]

witkola, can you tell us about the linguistic features of the Osage language that appear within the Sichangu dialect of Lakota?

Obviously the Ponca-Osage-Lakota connection that produced the Wazhazha band predated the reservation era. Lewis & Clark mention the "Ozash" band of Sichangu in 1804, so it must date back before 1800. I am working on this period of Lakota history and would welcome the opportunity to exchange thoughts and knowledge! Are you at Rosebud? You should contact Victor Douville, Lakota Studies Dept, Sinte Gleska University, he knows a lot about Sichangu band and tribal origins.

For what it's worth I think the intermarriage period that produced the hybrid Wazhazha band falls in the frame 1750-75.

[Dietmar]

Hello witcola,

I´m sorry, I know I might sound nitpicky, but it is stated above that Swift Bear was chief of the Wazhazha/Wajaje.

Two men that were almost constantly mixed were Swift Bear and Quick Bear.

Quick Bear (Mato Ohanko) was indeed a chief of the Wazhazha. He travelled with Spotted Tail (and Swift Bear!)to Washington in 1870 and later settled in the Black Pipe district on the Rosebud reservation.
www.american-tribes.com/Lakota/BIO/QuickBear.htm
amertribes.proboards.com/thread/275/quick-bear-mato-ohanko

Swift Bear (Mato Luzah)was, as far as I know, chief of the Red-Top Tipi tiwahe that later became the Brule Corn band.
amertribes.proboards.com/thread/1335/swift-bear

Best wishes