Chief Blue Horse

[rich00]

I have a question concerning Chief Blue Horse's eloquent letter through his interpreter Ista Tanka, around 1898, to the artist E.R. Burbank. This is the section: "I have lived in peace here and have assisted the Great Father in his work advancing my people from warriors to citizens, and to accept the load, burden of your race and with downcast heart I have noticed my Great Father giving nice carriages and fine horses and building frame houses for some who have murdered many of your race."
Can an expert put this quote into context for me, and explain more specifically what this is about? Thanks.

[gregor]

Hi rich00,
as far as I know the quote was directed against the U.S. government (which neglected the reservations) and also against Spotted Tail (then of course long dead). Spotted Tail had killed Big Mouth, the brother of Blue Horse . For the government Spotted Tail was always one of their favorites among the Lakota chiefs. Spotted Tail was rewarded with a big house, horses and a carriage for his cooperation. Blue Horse complained to Burbank that he refrained from revenge (I hope that's the right expression), obeyed the laws and lives in poverty. While "others" killed people and got rewards. Of course, he also complained about the intolerable conditions on the reservation. That's what I know on this case.
Greetings from Germany
Gregor

[rich00]

Thank you Gregor. Your narrative makes sense. I suspected that the Chief was referring to Spotted Tail. No reward for the peacemakers. But some justice. The assassin of Big Mouth in 1869, was in turn assassinated by Crow Dog in 1881.