Sitting Bull

[brock]

LaDonna,

Excellent. To be honest I was kind of worried that since a member of the One Bull family is tribal chairman and most likely has a say in who works that it might color your answers. I'm happy to hear you're not beholding to him...not that he's bad or anything...it just nice to get it out on the table. You should know I don't represent Ernie or his sisters but have a genuine thirst for the truth...which means I have a tendency to ask more questions than most normal people...which others may find irritating at times...including my friends. However it is who I am for better or worse.

So let's get started. You offered that only Sitting Bull's wives and children left. Ernie in his oral history claims it was more than that. Right now, for the sake of argument let's say it was somewhere in between. One might pin it down later by getting hold of the Pine Ridge enrollment records. Unless you have a copy it might be something I could to order. Secondly you indicated that McLaughlin gave Sitting Bull's wives and children the right to leave. In all the National Archive materials that I read I didn't find that at all. Ernie says they arrived at Pine Ridge during the summer of 1891 but were not enrolled until 1894. If McLaughlin 'gave' them the right to leave did he notify Pine Ridge or Agent McGillycuddy? For that point, since it is McLaughlin, I think there would be a strong chance that he would have written something about that down. And if he did know they were going to Pine Ridge I would think as a responsible agent he would have notified McGillycuddy...unless there was something more devious going on. It seems to me sending two women and their children out on their own outside his jurisdiction when prior to that they were taken to Fort Yates as a 'we'll keep you safe here' move by McLaughlin seems to go against the grain. You should know in Ernie's oral history he says they went to the stronghold because they feared McLaughlin would send the police after them again so they wanted to be in an area where they could run off and hide in the badlands if they got word of any impending move against them. He also says that it wasn't their idea to go to Fort Yates but that it was an attempt by McLaughlin to keep an eye on them. What say you on this part?

Thanks

[ladonna]

I have seen the copy of the letter for Sitting Bull's wives from McLaughlin in college when i read the McLaughlin paper, boy there was a lot of them too. MCLaughlin had the worse handwriting I have ever seen. In fact McLaughlin refuse to allow them to come back to Standing Rock after they left.

He gave them a paper that gave them permission to move to the Pine Ridge Agency on the paper it had the names of the one who could accompany the sisters.

I was tracking down Chases Alone aka Andrew Fox Jr. aka Peter Fox Sitting Bull 2nd oldest daughter's son because he is on the census with the Grey Eagle sister until 1891 then he is no longer with them. He did not go with them when they left for Pine Ridge
he moved back into his father's house and is recorded to live to adulthood with wife and children. Until 1900 when the family moved to Crow Creek where he lived with his father's family.

Give me a little time and I see if I can dig them out for you.

I was doing research on Sitting Bull's cabin a few years ago to find out what happen to it and that is how i came across the papers.

I have to get out all research on Sitting bull again. I could email you the police letter from Afriad of hawk i have it online now.

I will tell you that I am Ihunktonwan frist because that is what I was raised by my Brave Bull side my relatives are as followed Ihunktonwan, (My great great grandfather Tatanka Ohitika), Cuthead (Nape Hote Win (great great grandmother) and Sisseton (my great great great grandfather)Oyate tawa) then Hunkpapa (Red Thunder is my great great grandfather, his brother was Rain-In-The-Face so you know which family i came from) Blackfeet, (Dog is my great great grandfather) and Oglala (Fast Wolf Randal is my great grandfather).

I am not relatived to Sitting Bull but I am from Standing Rock so that is where my interest lay.

[brock]

Yes that would be of interest. But I still don't understand the gap from 1891 to 1894 in enrollment. Why wouldn't McLaughlin give Agent McGillycuddy the courtesy of letting him know he has new people? Something's haywire there. I don't think it discounts Ernie's family's point of view that they were scared of McLaughlin and their version that they were fleeing. There are two pairs of shoes to walk in. After what happened, that's only natural. If it were me I'd see myself as fleeing too, letter or no letter. But that 1891-1894 gap needs to be understood. I think if we figure that out then it should tell us if McLaughlin's letter was issued prior to their departure as an act of compassion or if he wrote it after they left and to avoid looking bad.

If you need my email address would it be all right to give it to you in a personal message?

Thanks

[ladonna]

All good questions I never look in to their time on Pine Ridge only recorded their leaving and the fact the fact the Chases Alone did not go with them either did Sitting Bull's son-in-laws.

There seem to be a a separation from Sitting Bull's family and the Grey Eagel sisters.

Four Horn family remained, Grey Eagle family remained, Growler Family remained, Runs After Him Family remained, Black Moon Family remained, Crazy Dog Family remained, Looking Elk Family remained, Looking Horse Family remained, Fly family remained, Fox family remained, White Bull family remained, One Bull family remained, these are all member of Sitting Bull's family that stayed on Standing Rock and did not leave with the Grey Eagle sisters.

Was It Little Assinaboine or Little Soldier that accompandies the Grey Eagle sister to Pine Ridge?

McLaughlin did give the two widows supplies, I just have to find the letter of their request to leave Standing Rock. Why they did not enroll right away I do not know.

[ladonna]

freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mikestevens/tiyo2-p/p220.htm#i13803

Gertie White Rabbit (F)
(1872-), #13793

Her married name was LaPointe. Gertie White Rabbit was born in 1872.1 She was the daughter of (?) White Rabbit and (?) Crazy Woman. She married Jacob Hendricks LaPointe before 1896.2,3 She was listed as Jacob Hendricks LaPointe's wife in a census in 1896 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.2 Gertie White Rabbit was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1901 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA; Listed as Gertie Lapoint at age 27 and living with her were 0 children.4


Children of Gertie White Rabbit and Jacob Hendricks LaPointe
Anna LaPointe b. 18942
Claude LaPointe+ b. September 10, 1898, d. October 19, 19653
Citations

[S159] 1904.
[S158] 1896.
[S262] Sonja LaPointe, Mike Stevens.
[S161] 1901.


White Rabbit (M)
(1836-), #13794

White Rabbit was also known as (?) Mastincala Ska. He was born in 1836.1,2 He married (?) Crazy Woman circa 1870 at USA.1,2 (?) White Rabbit was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1886 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.3 (?) was listed as Head of the Household on the Indian Census at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA, on June 30, 1904.1 He was listed in the Indian Census on the date of in 1905 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.2

Children of (?) White Rabbit and (?) Crazy Woman
Gertie White Rabbit+ b. 1872
Phillip White Rabbit+ b. 1882, d. March 29, 1941
Sarah White Rabbit b. 1892
Citations

[S159] 1904.
[S206] 1905.
[S157] 1886.


Crazy Woman1 (F)
(1856-), #13795

Crazy Woman was also known as Winyan Witko. Her married name was White Rabbit. She was born in 1856.1,2 She married (?) White Rabbit circa 1870 at USA.1,2 She was listed as (?) White Rabbit's wife in a census on June 30, 1904 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wakpamini District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.1

Children of (?) Crazy Woman and (?) White Rabbit
Gertie White Rabbit+ b. 1872
Phillip White Rabbit+ b. 1882, d. March 29, 1941
Sarah White Rabbit b. 1892
Citations

[S159] 1904.
[S206] 1905.


Claude LaPointe1 (M)
(September 10, 1898-October 19, 1965), #13796

Claude LaPointe was born on September 10, 1898 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Slim Buttes, Harding Co., South Dakota, USA.1 He was the son of Jacob Hendricks LaPointe and Gertie White Rabbit.1 Claude LaPointe married Angeline Spotted Horse after 1918.1 Claude LaPointe died on October 19, 1965 at age 67.1

Last Edited=February 17, 2007
Citations

[S262] Sonja LaPointe, Mike Stevens.


Angeline Spotted Horse1 (F)
(December 10, 1903-April 17, 1959), #13803

Angeline Spotted Horse was born on December 10, 1903 at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Oglala, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.1 She married Claude LaPointe, son of Jacob Hendricks LaPointe and Gertie White Rabbit, after 1918.1 Angeline Spotted Horse died on April 17, 1959 at Rapid City, Pennington Co., South Dakota, USA, at age 55.1

Last Edited=February 17, 2007
Citations

[S262] Sonja LaPointe, Mike Stevens.

[brock]

Thanks

To answer your question: Little Assinboine ( aka Jumping Bull) was killed at the cabin. Little Soldier ended up in Pine Ridge and was a frequent visitor along with Dewey Beard to his brother John 'Sitting Bull' at the LaPointe house because John lived there.

One further question of mine is whether that letter was on Agency letterhead. Since it's not among the National Archive letters then maybe it could be under Pine Ridge (if it was delivered there) or maybe it was written but never delivered or maybe the government just missed it. But nonetheless, there's a piece missing here...

As far as who went and who didn't, I think a good double check as to who went would still be who enrolled at Red Shirt in 1894. Two women with two young deaf mutes, a little girl, and a young boy would have a hard time on their own. If indeed they were on their own, it would be a heroic story that would trump any current story in circulation hands down. But instead Ernie told a story of community in their move to Red Shirt...so it seems more likely that some folks came with them.

As far as Sitting Bull's cabin, I do know that D. F. Barry went into his cabin shortly after he was killed and 'rescued' most of what was of interest. It sat in the D. F. Barry Museum in Wisconsin for years until one day it was robbed. A game piece belonging to Crowfoot, three of Sitting Bull's pipe bowls, and a feather off a shield survived and were given to Ernie not long ago. As far as the log cabin itself, my guess is that the logs may have looked mighty inviting to those in need of cut wood...I could be wrong but I saw no sign of a log cabin on my visit to the Grand River site.

PS: I know Sonja LaPointe is Ernie's wife, but who's Mike Stevens?

[kingsleybray]

On Sitting Bull's cabin post-1890, according to Colin Taylor, THE WARRIORS OF THE PLAINS (London: Paul Hamlyn, 1975), p. 125:

"This cabin was dismantled and shipped to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, where it was hoped it would be a star attraction - if the curious looked closely enough they were rewarded by the sight of a number of bullet holes in the logs. (The project was a financial disaster for the promoters.)"

One to follow up -

Kingsley

[jinlian]

I'm aware all this involves sensitive family matters, so I hope not to offend anyone's sensibility.

To Brock: in late 1890-91 the administrative situation at Pine Ridge was quite confused. In fact, there were not one, but two agents: Daniel Royer (unable to deal properly with the Ghost Dancers) and special agent James A. Cooper, sent by the Indian Bureau (V.T. McGillycuddy was dismissed in 1886, so it's just impossible to find any documents on Sitting Bull's wives and family being enrolled in the Pine Ridge census after 1891 in his papers)

About the story behind Sitting Bull's killing: I'm not home now and can't check to book, but I remember reading in J. Ostler's The Plain Sioux and US colonialism that in fact Sitting Bull's wives's account of the Hunkpapa chief's death was somewhat different from the one given by the police (I seem to recall that they dragged Sitting Bull naked from the cabin and shot Crow Foot right away, but I have to check). One Bull also gave an account of Sitting Bull's death, stating that Crow Foot didn't urge his father to resist the arrest, but that was done by Sitting Bull's wives who started singing a brave heart song, encouragin him to resist. There was also a reference to One Bull's statement, saying that some of Sitting Bull's enemies started spreading false rumours about him wanting to leave Standing Rock and go to Pine Ridge and that it was because of his rumours that McLaughling wanted Sitting Bull arrested (and maybe killed). One Bull didn't specify who those enemies were, though. Also, One Bull's wife in part confirmed Sitting Bull's wives's account of the chief's death.

I'll check Ostler's sources tonight and let you know.

[ladonna]

Sept 15, 2008 1:57:49 GMT -5 kingsleybray said:

On Sitting Bull's cabin post-1890, according to Colin Taylor, THE WARRIORS OF THE PLAINS (London: Paul Hamlyn, 1975), p. 125:

"This cabin was dismantled and shipped to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, where it was hoped it would be a star attraction - if the curious looked closely enough they were rewarded by the sight of a number of bullet holes in the logs. (The project was a financial disaster for the promoters.)"

One to follow up -

Kingsley

Hi Kingsley I did find out that Col. Parkins brought the cabin from the Grey Eagle sister in 1891, the cabin was owned by Sitting Bull Log Cabin Co., Mandan, North Dakota then took it down and numbered each log moved it to mandan until they sold it to the worlds fair. It was taken to the World Fair in Chicago in 1893, then it was sold to Coney Island, New York where it was in a warehouse until it was lost in a fire.

[ladonna]

Sept 14, 2008 16:55:37 GMT -5 brock said:

Thanks

To answer your question: Little Assinboine ( aka Jumping Bull) was killed at the cabin. Little Soldier ended up in Pine Ridge and was a frequent visitor along with Dewey Beard to his brother John 'Sitting Bull' at the LaPointe house because John lived there.

One further question of mine is whether that letter was on Agency letterhead. Since it's not among the National Archive letters then maybe it could be under Pine Ridge (if it was delivered there) or maybe it was written but never delivered or maybe the government just missed it. But nonetheless, there's a piece missing here...

As far as who went and who didn't, I think a good double check as to who went would still be who enrolled at Red Shirt in 1894. Two women with two young deaf mutes, a little girl, and a young boy would have a hard time on their own. If indeed they were on their own, it would be a heroic story that would trump any current story in circulation hands down. But instead Ernie told a story of community in their move to Red Shirt...so it seems more likely that some folks came with them.

As far as Sitting Bull's cabin, I do know that D. F. Barry went into his cabin shortly after he was killed and 'rescued' most of what was of interest. It sat in the D. F. Barry Museum in Wisconsin for years until one day it was robbed. A game piece belonging to Crowfoot, three of Sitting Bull's pipe bowls, and a feather off a shield survived and were given to Ernie not long ago. As far as the log cabin itself, my guess is that the logs may have looked mighty inviting to those in need of cut wood...I could be wrong but I saw no sign of a log cabin on my visit to the Grand River site.

PS: I know Sonja LaPointe is Ernie's wife, but who's Mike Stevens?

Mike Steves is a man from Three Affilated who put together the Oglala genealogy.

I would like to see who went with them this group?

[jinlian]

On the killing of WSitting Bull: Ostler's main sources are J.M. Carroll The Arrest and Killing of Sitting Bull and
the HighEagle Manuscript in the Campbell (Vestal) papers.

[ladonna]

On the 12th of December an order was given to Col. Drum. Commanding Officer of the troops at Fort Yates, to arrest Sitting Bull. McLaughlin and Drum that the Indian police would make the arrest decided it. A detachment of troops would be available to render assistance.

The Troops who participated in the arrest of Sitting Bull The 8th Cavalry under
Captain Fechet F troop under Lieutenant Slocum and Lieutenant Steele, 48 enlisted men.
G troop under Lieutenant E.H. Crowder and E.C. Brooks,
51 enlisted men.
Medicinal Officer August Nicket.
Two Indian scouts Smell the Bear and Iron Dog.
Interpreter Louis Primeau
One hotchkiss gun and one gatling gun with them.

Regular Indian police who participated in the arrest of Sitting Bull: Henry Tataukapah (Bullhead)
Charles Kashlah (Shave Head)
Marcellus Chankpidutah (Red Tomahawk)
James Wambdichigalah (Little Eagle)
James Wambdi (Eagle Man) T
homas Tunkah (Stone Man)
Louis Wahpahah (Hat)
Hugh Chetahohonko (Swift Hawk)
Paul Akicitah (Afraid of Soldier)
Luke Ptasah (White Buffalo Man)
Alexander Hochokah (Middle)
Eugene Akichitahchigala (Little Soldier)
Joseph Brown wolf
Richard Running Hawk
Paul Hautaymaza (Iron Cedar)
John Ishnawichah (Lone Man)
Oliver Hehakawaketo (Looking Elk)
Dennis Wahpahaichu (Take the Hat)
George Ironstar Felix
Matowitko (Crazy Bear)
Daniel Ojincha (Bob Tail Bull)

Special Police who participated in the arrest of Sitting Bull
Afraid of Hawk
Joseph White Bird
David Hawkman
Magpie Eagle
Iron Thunder
Joseph Paints Brown
Leo Weasel Bear
Rooster Martin
High Eagle
Louis Good Voiced Eagle
William Red Bear
Bad Horse
Jacob Cross Bear
Black Pheasant J
ohn Armstrong (Strong Arm)
Antoine One Feather
Walcott Walking Shooter
Edward Good Voice Elk
Cetanwicoste (Hawk Man)
Elias Brown Man
Maurice Bob Tail Bull

Volunteer Force participating in the arrest of Sitting Bull:
Gabriel Wamblihota (Grey Eagle)
Otter Robe
Spotted Thunder
Young Eagle

Regular Indian Police at the time of Sitting Bull’s arrest:
David Chatka (Left Hand) resigned December 31, 1891, at the time of Sitting Bull’s death he was detailed at St. Elizabeth.

Miles Walker (Walks Miles) resigned December 31, 1890

Francis Kokeposhni (Not Afraid) detailed at Kenel School at the time of Sitting Bull’s death.

Edmund High Eagle discharged December 1890 for neglect of duties.

Henry Wakanyuhah (Holy Place) discharged Decmeber 31, 1890 for inefficiency. Detailed at the agency at the time of Sitting Bull’s death.

Frank Buffalo Head discharged November 23, 1890 for participating in the Ghost dance.

Report of casualties of Indian police and Hostiles, December 15, 1890.
Henry Tatankapah (Bullhead) 1st Lieut, in Command Dangerously wounded, four wounds.

Charles Kashlay(Shavehead) 1st Sergeant mortally wounded, later dead.

Jame Wambdichigalah (Little Eagle) 4th Sergeant killed

Alexander Hochokah (Middle) Private, Painfully wounded died from wounds.

Paul Akicitah (Afraid of Soldier) Private killed J

ohn Armstrong, (Strong Arm) Special Police killed

Hawk man, Special Police killed

Killed in the Arrest of Sitting Bull’s camp:
Sitting Bull
Black Bear
Catch the Bear
Little Assinaboine (Hohe boy Sitting Bull adopted.)
Crow foot
Spotted Horn Bull (chief)
Brave Thunder (chief)
Chase Wounded Wounded and recovered:
Bull Ghost
Strike the Kettle

[ladonna]

“ New Sources of Indian History”. It was told by John Loneman, one of the Indian police ordered to arrest the chief. Translated and recorded by his relative, Robert P. Higheagle. THE ARREST AND KILLING OF SITTING BULL One morning the 14th day of December, 1890, while I was busily engaged in mending my police saddle at my home on the Grand River, about 36 miles south of the Standing Rock Agency, Policeman Charles Afraid of Hawk of Wakpala district came to me with a message that all the members of the entire Reservation Indian Police had been ordered to report immediately to the Lieut. Henry Bullhead’s place, about three miles south of Bullhead Sub-issue-station. This place was about 30 miles up the river, west from my home, and about 40 miles southwest of the Standing Rock Agency. Afraid of Hawk was sent to notify me in person. I asked him what was up. “Oh.” He said, I have a hunch that we are going to be ordered to arrest Sitting Bull and his ghost dancers, which I am very sorry to say.” “That is just what I had expected all time - something unpleasant would be the outcome of this Messiah Craze,” I said to him. I invited him to dinner - fed his horse - he was on horseback and I got ready. I had an excellent saddle horse -a gray gelding - in the best condition for service. I had him shod all around on all fours with “Neverslip” horseshoes. I named him Wacinyanpi - Trusty for he proven himself a thoroughly reliable horse. My wife hearing the news became rather nervous and exciting for she seemed to realize that there was a serious trouble coming. Dinner being over, I bade my wife and children goodbye and we left for Bullhead’s place. On the way up we notified several police- Bad Horse, Armstrong, Wakutemani, Brownman, Hawkman and Good Voice Elk and others so that, by the time we arrived at Bullhead’s place there were about 12 of us from our way and the rest of the 37 were all from different districts in the reservation. Of course, we had quite a lot to say on the way among ourselves knowing full well that we were called to take a final action to suppress this ghost dance which was becoming a menace to the tribe. I’m simply expressing my viewpoint as one who had reformed, from all heathenish, hostile and barbarous ways, formerly one of the loyal followers of Chief Sitting Bull. But ever since I was about ten years of age and was one of the most active members in the Band for I had participated in good many buffalo hunts and fought under Sitting Bull against different Tribes, but the most important fight I took part in was the Custer fight. After this fight I still went with Sitting Bull’s Band to Canada and after being in Wood Mountain two years. I returned with the first bunch of Sitting Bull’s followers who were shipped down by steamboat from Fort Keogh to Standing Rock Agency. We were not taken as prisoners of war – we came in at our accord after the Great White Father stripped us of all our ponies, weapons of war and in some cases, valuable belongings such as robes, elk teeth, and other relics of our bygone days. Even after Sitting Bull was returned to Standing Rock reservation, I remained in his camp near the Agency, where I tamed down somewhat, received my share of annuities and rations as provided under former treaties and started building a permanent log cabin for my family as well as shelter for my oxen and a few ponies. I also started a little garden where I took particular pains to raise corn and some vegetables. Major McLaughlin, then Indian agent took a liking to my efforts trying the new way of living and at once appointed me assistant boss-farmer - a position I held for two years. I took a claim where I have been living ever since when the Hostile camp broke up and moved out to different parts of Grand River to establish for themselves permanent homes. I was promoted to the position of private Indian police - a work which, they say, I was well fitted for on account of my past career with the Hunkpapa band. I merely say this because I was at one time one of the strong supporters of the chief but did not join him with his Messiah craze. I had adopted new ways and had discarded all superstitions and other old-time custom and practice. It was about 6 or 7 o’clock in the evening when we reached our destination. White Bird and Red Bear Police Privates, were assigned to take care of the saddle horses belonging to the Indian police. These two were my relatives so felt quite at home with them. Lieut. Bullhead was likewise a relative to me and needless to say anything of his ever warm reception for me in his home. While we were all assembling two members of the Force from what is now known as Kenel District arrived. They were Shavehead and High Eagle. Lieut. Bullhead went out to meet them. Their Bullhead and High Eagle were standing with hands clasped and lock arms. Bullhead said: “So, brother, you are going to be with me again.” High Eagle replied “Wherever you go -I shall always follow you even unto death.” Bullhead said. “Good.” It was a well-known fact that these two comrades had been pals from childhood up “sharing each others sorrow, sharing each others joy.” After our supper, when all had arrived Lieut. Bullhead called a meeting and they all got together on the very spot where Sitting Bull was born many years before. Bullhead said: “Friends and relatives, I am sure you are all over anxious to know why you had been called here this evening and am quite positive that everyone knows and excepts that sooner or later we would be called to this serious order. I have this communication from Major McLaughlin, which will be read to you by our friend Charles Derockbraine who is serving as assistant farmer and interpreter in this district.” Here Charley, popularly known as Caska among the Indians came forward and read the order in Sioux language so that everyone understood what the order was about. I do not think any of the Indian Police present could read or write in English or Dakota language. We all felt sad to think that our chief with his followers had disobeyed orders - due to outside influences, and that drastic measures had to be resorted to in order to bring them to discipline. Personally, I expected a big trouble ahead for during the time this ghost dance was indulged in, several times have the leaders made threats that if the policemen tried to interfere with the matter, they would get the worst of it for the ghost-dancers were well-equipped with “ogle wakan” -medicine shirts, which were supposed to be bullet-proof, and for the further fact, several attempts were made by different officers of the Police Force has attempted to break up the camp in a peaceable way, but failed. During the month of august, when the ghost dance was in full blast, I became curious to know, the trust of this thing that has set my people “crazy”. I in company with my brother, White Horse, made a special trip to witness the performance. Having spent nearly all day during which I had a chance to have a personal interview with the chief and having satisfied myself of his deepest and sincerest interest with the ghost dance and as I have always been on the best terms with him and did not care to embarrass him in any way, I refrained from mentioned or asking any questions about the matter. I decided then and there, that if this thing were allowed to continue some serious trouble would be the outcome of it. The order being for us to act about daybreak and as the night was rather long, that we tried to pass the intervening time in telling war stories. The Indian Police who were on this campaign were a class of Dakotas who had enviable achievements and attainments and who on account of having highest estimation in the minds of government officials, missionaries, traders, as well as possessing good influence in their respected communities. Daybreak was drawing near and Lieut. Bullhead asked that we offer up a prayer before starting out and without waiting or calling upon anyone else, led us in prayer. After this order was issued to saddle up our horses, when everyone was ready we took our places by two and at the command “Hopo” we started. We had to go through rough places and the roads were slippery. As we went through the Grand River bottom as seemed as if the owls were hooting at us and the coyotes were howling all around us that one of the police remarked that the owls and the coyotes were giving us a warning ---“so beware” he said. Before we started, Bullhead assigned Red bear and White Bird to have the favorite white horse of Sitting bull’s (which was always kept in the shed or in the corral at nights) caught and saddled up and be in readiness for the chief to ride to the Agency upon his arrest. The rest of the force were ordered to station themselves all around Sitting Bull’s cabin for the purpose of keeping order while the officers went into the cabin and cause the arrest. Bullhead said to me “now you used to belong to this outfit and was always on the good side of the chief. I wish you would use your influence to keep order among the leaders who are going to become hostile. We rode in a dogtrot gait till we got about a mile from the camp, then we galloped along and when we were about a quarter of a mile, we rode up as if we attacked the camp. Upon our arrival at Sitting Bull’s cabin, we quickly dismounted and while the officer went inside we all scattered around the cabin. I followed the police officers and as per ordered. I took my place at the door. It was still dark and everybody was asleep and only dogs, which were quite numerous, greeted us upon our arrival and no doubt by their greetings had aroused and awaken the ghost dancers. Bullhead, followed by Red Tomahawk and Shavehead, knocked at the door and the Chief answered, “How timahel hiyu wo,” “all right come in.” The door was opened and Bullhead said “I come after you to take you to the agency. You are under arrest.” Sitting Bull said “How,” “Let me put on my clothes and go with you.” He told one of his wives to get his clothes, which was complied with. After he was dressed, arose to go and ordered his son to saddle up his horse. The police told him that it was already outside waiting for him. When Sitting Bull started to go with the police that, according to the custom of Indian wives and other women relatives, instead of bidding him good bye, the way it was done by the civilized people, one of Sitting Bull’s wives burst into a loud cry which drew attention. No sooner had this started, when several leaders were rapidly making their way toward Sitting Bull’s cabin making all sorts of complaints about the actions of the Indian police. Mato Wawoyuspa, the Bear That Catches, particularly came up close saying “Now here are the “ceska maze” ‘metal breast.’ (Meaning police badges) just as we had expected all the time. You think you are going to take him. You shall not do it.” Addressing the leaders, “Come on now, let us protect our chief.” Just about this time, Crow Foot got up moved by the wailing of his mother and the complaining remarks of Bear that Catches, said to Sitting Bull: “Well -You always called yourself a brave chief. Now you are allowing yourself to be taken by the Ceska maza.” Sitting Bull then changed his mind and in response to Crow Foot’s remark said, “Ho ca mni kte sni yelo,” “Then I will not go.” By this time the ghost dancers were trying to get close to the Chief in every possible manner, trying to protect him and the police did their best, begging in their way, not to cause any trouble but they would not to listen, instead they said You shall not take away our chief,” Lieut. Bullhead said to the chief: “Come, now, do not listen to any one,” I said to Sitting Bull in an imploring way: “Uncle, nobody is going to harm you. The Agent wants to see you and then you are to come back, - so please do not let others lead you into any trouble,” But the chief’s mind was made up not to go so the three head officers laid their hands on him. Lieut. Bullhead got a hold of the Chief’s arm Shaved Head on the left arm and Red Tomahawk back of the Chief – pulling him outside. By this time the whole camp was in commotion -women and children crying while the men gathered all around us - said everything mean imaginable but had not done anything to hurt us. The police tried to keep order but was useless - it was like trying to extinguish a treacherous prairie fire. Bear the Catches in the heat of the excitement, pulling out a gun, from under his blanket, and fired into Lieut. Bullhead and wounded him. Seeing that one of my dearest relatives and my superior, shot, I ran up toward where they were holding the chief, when Bear that Catches raised his gun -pointed and fired at me, but it snapped. Being so close to him I scuffled with him and without any great effort overcame him, jerked the gun away from his hands and with the butt of the gun, I struck him somewhere and laid him out. It was about this moment that Lieut. Bullhead fired into Sitting Bull while still holding him and Red Tomahawk following with another shot which finished the Chief. The rest of the police now seeing nothing else for them to do but to defend themselves. Because engaged in a bitter encounter with the ghost dancers. It was day-break and the ghost dancers fled to the timber and some already started running away into the breaks south of the Grand River. The police took refuge behind the sheds and corrals adjoining the Chief’s residence, knocked the chinks out, fire in the direction of the fleeing ghost dancers. One of our police was lying on the ground behind a shed when some ghost dancer shot him in the head and killed him instantly. This was my brother-in-law John Strong Arms who came with me from our camp. Finally, there was no more firing and we proceeded gathering up our dead and wounded. Hawkman, another relative of mine, a cousin, who hailed from same camp I came from, was sent to carry the news of the fight to the Military Forces. We brought them to the cabin and cared for them. While we were doing this, my friend, Running Hawk, said to the police: “Say, my friends, it seems there is something moving behind the curtain in the corner of the cabin.” The cabin, instead of being plastered, the walls were covered with strips of sheeting, sewed together and tacked on the walls making quite a bright appearance within. All eyes were directed to the corner mentioned and without waiting for any orders I raised the curtain. There stood Crow Foot and as soon as he was exposed to view, he cried out, “My uncles, do not kill me. I do not wish to die.” Lieut. Bullhead, seeing what was up said, “Do what you like with him. He is one of them that have caused this trouble.” I do not remember who really fired the shot that killed Crow Foot -several fired at once. It was about this time that the soldiers appeared on the top of the hills toward the Agency. According to the instructions received we were expecting them but they did not show up in our critical moment. Maybe it was just as well they did not for they would have made things worse as heretofore they generally did this. Immediately they fired cannon toward where we were being ordered to display a “flag of truce.” I tore off a piece of the white curtain, tried it on a long pole and ran out where they could see me, thinking they would cease firing but all was of no avail. They continued firing and the cannon balls came very close to where I was that at time I dodged. Finally, they stopped firing and made a beeline toward us. They arrived and upon learning what had happened the officer ranking highest proceeded to where Sitting Bull’s corpse was and with a (branch brush) took the third coup and said: “Sitting Bull-big chief, you brought this disaster upon yourself and your people,” Louis Primeau was interpreting. The soldiers having dismounted rushed to the camp—ransacking anything worth keeping. Red Tomahawk took charge of the police force and after everything was prepared to take the dead and the wounded Indian police as well as Sitting Bull’s corpse, discharged us from this campaign, and having complimented us for doing our duty as we did, ask up to attend the funeral of our comrades, killed in the fight. Strong Arm, Hawkman, Little Eagle and Akicita were killed. Bullhead, Shavehead and Middle were wounded seriously. Seven ghost dancers besides Sitting Bull were killed on the Sitting Bull’s side. About this time, some of the relatives of the police killed arrived and such lamenting over the dead was seldom known in the history of my race. Taking a; last look on my dear friends and relatives, I in company with Charles Afraid of Hawk, started for home. On the way, we past several deserted homes of the ghost dancers and felt sorry that such a big mistake was made by listening to outsiders who generally cause us nothing but trouble. I reached home and before our reunion I asked my wife, brothers, sister, and mother to prepare a sweat bath for me that I might cleanse myself for participating in the bloody fight with my fellow men. After doing this, new or clean clothes were brought to me and the clothes I wore at the fight were burned up. I then, was reunited with my family. God spared my life for their sake. The next day I took my family into the Agency, I reported to Major McLaughlin. He laid his hand on my shoulders, shook hands with me and said: “He alone is a Man, I feel proud of you for the very brave way you carried out your part in this fight with the ghost dancers.” I was not very brave right at that moment. His comment nearly set me a crying.

[ladonna]

My Friend the Indian wrote by Major James McLaughlin. This is account wrote by McLaughlin of the arrest and death of Sitting Bull. Pg. 217 to 222 “ Letter to Lieut. Bull Head, or Sergt. Shave Head, Grand River.” Standing Rock Agency, N.D. December 14, 1890. From reports brought by Scout Hawk Man I believe that the time has arrived for the arrest of Sitting Bull and that it can be made by the Indian police without much risk. I therefore desire you to make the arrest before daylight tomorrow morning, and try and get back to the Sitting Bull road crossing of Oak Creek by daylight tomorrow morning or as soon thereafter as possible. The Cavalry will leave tonight and reach the Sitting Bull crossing of Oak Creek before daylight tomorrow morning (Monday), where they will remain until they hear from you. “Louis Primeau will accompany the Cavalry command as guide and I desire you to send a messenger to the Cavalry as soon as you can after making the arrest, so that the troops may know how to act in aiding you or preventing any attempt of his followers from rescuing him.” “I have ordered all the police at Oak Creek to proceed to Carignan’s school and await your orders. This gives you a force of forty-two policemen for the arrest. Very respectfully, James McLaughlin U.S. Indian Agent. P.S. “You must not let him escape under any circumstance.”

The verbal instructions given Red Tomahawk as to assembling the scattered detachments of the Indian police were complete. Thirty-nine regular policemen and four specials, under Bull Head and Shave Head, rode into the Sitting Bull camp at early dawn the next morning.

Some of the men had traveled immense distances to rendezvous at the home of Lieutenant Bull Head, and all were firmly determined to make the arrest.

Sitting Bull’s band lived in houses stretching along the Grand River for a distance of four or five miles. About the home of the chief consisting of two log hoses and a corral, there were a half-dozen log cabin of good size. Many of the houses were deserted, the Indians having been engaged in dancing the greater part of the previous night.
The entrance of the policemen awakened the camp, but they saw no one, as Bull Head wheeled his men between the Sitting Bull houses and ordered them to dismount. Ten policemen headed by Bull Head and Shave Head, entered one of the houses, eight policemen the other.
In the house entered by Bull Head’s party they found the old medicine man, his two wives and Crow Foot his son a youth of seventeen years. The women were very much frightened and began to cry. Sitting Bull sat up and asked what was the matter. “You are under arrest and must go to the agency,” said Bull Head. “ Very Well,” said Sitting Bull, “ I will go with you.” And he told his wives to go to the other house and bring him his best clothes.
He showed no concern at his arrest, but evidently wanted to make a good impression and dressed himself with some care. He had also asked that his best Indian policemen had the animals at the door by the time Sitting Bull was dressed and ready to leave. There had been no trouble in the house, and the police when they walked out were surprised at the extent of the demonstration.
They came out of the building in a little knot, Bull Head on one side of Sitting Bull, Shave Head on the other, and Red Tomahawk directly behind. They had been twenty minutes or more in Sitting Bull’s house, and it was in the gray of the morning when they came out. They stepped out into a mass of greatly excited ghost dancers, nearly all armed and crowding about the main body of the police, who had held the way clear at the door. As Sitting Bull stepped out with his captors he walked directly toward the horse with the evident intention of mounting and accompanying the police.

He was some distance from the door when his son, Crow Foot, seeing that the old man intended to make no resistance began to revile him. “ You call yourself a brave man and you have declared that you would never surrender to a blue coat, and now you give yourself up to Indians in blue uniforms,” the young man shouted. The taunt hit Sitting Bull hard. He looked into the mass of dark excited faces and commenced to talk volubly and shrilly and there was a menacing movement in the crowd. The last moment of Sitting Bull’s life showed him in a better light, so far as physical courage goes than all the rest of it.

He looked about him and saw his faithful adherents about one hundred and sixty crazed ghost dancers who would have gone through fire at his bidding; to submit to arrest meant the end of his power and his probable imprisonment; he had sure news from Pine Ridge that he, only, was needed to head the hostiles there in a war of extermination against the white settlers. He made up his mind to take his chance and screamed out an order to his people to attack the police.

Instantly Catch the Bear and Strikes the Kettle who were in the front rank of the crowd, fired at point blank range, Catch the Bear mortally wounding first Lieutenant Bull Head, and Strikes the Kettle shooting First Sergeant Shave Head in the abdomen. Lieutenant Bull Head was a few yards to the left and front of Sitting Bull when hit and immediately wheeling, he shot Sitting Bull through the body and at the same instance Second Sergeant Red Tomahawk who with revolver in hand was rear guard shot him in the right cheek, killing him instantly; lieutenant the first Sergeant and Sitting Bull falling together. Sitting Bull’s medicine had not saved him, and the shot that killed him put a stop forever to the domination of the ancient regime among the Sioux of the Standing Rock reservation.

[ladonna]

The burial of Sitting Bull by Major James McLaughlin I quietly left the enclosure and joined a little burial party in the military cemetery at Fort Yates, situated about five hundred yards south of the agency cemetery. Four military prisoners dug the grave and in the presence of A. R. Chapin, Assistant Surgeon, H.M. Deeble Acting Assistant Surgeon, Lieutenant P.G. Wood, Post Quartermaster, now Brigadier General retired and myself, the body of Sitting Bull, wrapped in canvas and placed in a coffin, was lowered into the grave.