Dull Knife said that Medicine Man was at Bear Lodge making medicine. He had with him 130 lodges. Whatever Medicine Man decides on his band would follow.

The interpretation in the above interview was carried on through "Cheyenne Bob," a full-blood Indian, who interpreted the Cheyenne dialect into the Sioux tongue to Leon Pallarday, the Sioux and English interpreter temporarily employed for the occasion.

FORT LARAMIE, September 24, 1870.

Most of Cheyennes, with the exception of the chiefs and the leading men, left this morning for the neighborhood of Fort Caspar, above the Platte Bridge, to hunt Buffalo, which were reported to be quite plenty. They took along the three days' rations furnished them by General Flint, the commandant of the post. Red Leaf had left for the same point the day before.

SEPTEMBER 25.

John Richards, the interpreter who accompanied Red Cloud to Washington, came in from the camp of the latter this evening. He reported that Red Cloud had arrived at Dry Fork and would be to-morrow at Lance Creek, where was camped Man-afraid-ofhis-horses.

Living Bear, who came in on the 27th, reported the same state of facts, and that Red Cloud would be in on Saturday or Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1870.

About 200 Minneconjou Sioux, of Roman Nose's band, came in this afternoon and camped on the Platte. Among the chiefs, besides Roman Nose, who had arrived several days before, were Elk-that-whistles-walking, Little Bull, Little Pin, and some others. They called at the house of Colonel Flint, who gave them an order for 2,000 rations.

INTERVIEW WITH SIOUX AND CHEYENNE CHIEFS.

FORT LARAMIE, October 1, 1870. Man-afraid-of-his-horses, Ta-shun-ka-co-qui-pal reported with a number of chiefs this morning at the quarters of Colonel Flint, they having arrived here the night before. Accompanying him were Grass, Gray Bear, and the Medicine Man of the Northern Cheyennes. They desired an interview, and Colonel Flint sent for Messrs. Brunot and Campbell to come and hear what they had to say. As in the case of the previous interview with the Cheyennes, it was the intention of the commissioners to avoid the consideration of business matters until the arrival of Red Cloud, so as not to excite the jealousy of those not present. Man-afraid-of-his-horses had previously sent word that he could not talk on an empty stomach.

Man-afraid-of-his-horses said in answer to a question, that he left Red Cloud at the forks of Lane's Creek, and that he was waiting there to hear further news from the commissioners. Different reports had been received.

Mr. Brunot said: "The news that we have is that we want to see Red Cloud. We want to see you all together. We came a long way to see yon, and have been waiting a good while. We come not so much because we belong to the Government at Washington, but because we are your friends, and we think you ought not to keep us waiting."

Man-afraid-of-his-horses wanted to know the reason why they were sent for, to which Mr. Brunot replied, that when Red Cloud was in Washington he was told some things, and after the talk, he wanted to return and see his people about these matters. We now come to hear what he has to say after consulting his people. We want to see him and the other chiefs here, to give them good advice, and we think if the Indians do right, and the white men do right, there will be no further cause for trouble between them.

Man-afraid-of-his-liorses said he came three hundred or four hundred miles to see the commissioners. His stock was poor, and he traveled as fast as he could. He heard different stories, but came on to see for himself.

Mr. Brunot said they wanted to have a good understanding, so there would be no more trouble between the Indians and the whites.

Man-afraid-of-his-horses then wanted to know if they had any ammunition to give, to which Mr. Burnot answered emphatically, No; and changing the subject he said he was sorry he did not meet the chief when Red Cloud was in Washington.

In answer to a question from the commissioners whether buffalo were plenty in his country, Man-afraid-of-his-horses told John Richards, one of the interpreters, that he ought to know, as he had been all through the country scaring them away. This retort was applauded by the other chiefs in attendance. General Flint taking advantage of the opportunity told the chiefs that he had two horses belonging to Gray Head

and his son-in-law, both of whom were present. He said the horses were given to them last summer at Pine Bluffs, when returning with Red Cloud from Washington, and having strayed away he promised to return them when recovered, which he was now able to do. Gray Bear appeared highly pleased and shook General Flint by the hand in grateful recognition of the favor. The incident produced a visible effect on the assembled Indians.

Mr. Brunot told them that this was the way we wanted the stock returned belonging to the whites, to which some of them nodded approval.

Man-afraid-of-his-horses said he wanted the commissioners to open their hearts, and that as soon as he got his rations he intended to leave for Red Cloud's camp, and would come in with him. General Flint told him that two months ago messengers were sent out, telling them that the commissioners were coming, and they sent back word that they would be in by the middle of the last month; and on this he telegraphed to the commissioners to come on and meet them, He did not send out tale-bearers, but told them the truth. Red Cloud knew when they were to be here, as his own son carried the information to him.

A suppressed conversation was carried on by the Indians, and the interpreter said they were anxious to know if they could have ammunition. The interpreter was told to inform them that they could not, and Mr. Campbell tried to impress on their minds that the commissioners had been kept waiting, and they wanted no further delay. Red Cloud must be in here by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. It was then agreed that Grass should start out immediately for Red Cloud's camp, and bring him as early as Tuesday, if possible. An order was given the Indians for rations by General Flint, and the conference then broke up.

ARRIVAL OF RED CLOUD.

FORT LARAMIE, October 4, 1870.

Several days having been spent in patiently waiting for Red Cloud, information was at length received this morning that the chief, with his entire village was encamped about twelve miles out. His coming disappointed the predictions of some persons, but the commissioners had confidence in the good faith of Red Cloud, and were satisfied that his tardiness was owing to the desire he felt that all the Indians whose influence was of any importance should be present at the councils. Red Cloud doubtless thought that their presence was necessary to any agreement that should be made, and also a pledge of their future good behavior. It was conceded that, since his return from Washington, no war parties had been sent out, and no depredations had been committed by the Sioux in the Territory. The next day the Ogallallas camped on the Platte, about three miles above the post. Many persons went out to see the Indians arrive with their long train of ponies and pack animals carrying the baggage and tepees. It was expected that Red Cloud, as on former occasions, would come in to the post with his band mounted on ponies, and with a great flourish. But owing to a furious wind and dirt storm, which prevailed at the time, or from some other cause, only about two hundred of the warriors came in. Their approach was announced by shouts and the usual exultations. This party, after partaking of a feast in front of McClusky's, the interpreter, then returned to their village.

Captain Luhn, the quartermaster, at the suggestion of the commissioners, and by order of General Flint, erected a commodious double tent on the bottom prairie, a short distance below the post, for the purpose of holding the approaching councils. Red Cloud, who was very much fatigued, sent word he would come to see the commissioners next morning.

THE COUNCIL WITH RED CLOUD.

FORT LARAMIE, October 5, 1870. After a preliminary interview this morning between the commissioners and Red Cloud, it was arranged to have the council held in the porch of General Flint's house, in accordance with the wishes of Red Cloud, he having objected to a meeting in the tent, which had been expressly put up for the occasion. He objected to talking in a tent, and wanted the council where all the people could be present and hear what was said. The council was attended by a large assemblage of Indians, together with the residents and visitors at the post. Among the principal chiefs of the Ogallallas present, beside Red Cloud, were Man-afraid-of-his-horses, Red Dog, and Grass. The proceedings were opened, at the request of the commissioners, by the commandant of the post, General Flint, who, addressing the Indians, said:

"My friends: I am glad to see you here. Two months ago, by direction of the President of the United States, I sent messengers to Red Cloud, inviting him to come here and see the commissioners. In compliance with that invitation, you are all assembled here, and in behalf of the President and the officers of this post, I bid you

all welcome. When Red Cloud left this post in May last, he told me many of his people wanted to come in and hear the news. He said he wanted me to furnish them with provisions and treat them kindly. I promised to do so, provided they conducted themselves well and send out no more war parties. During the five months that have elapsed since then no blood has been shed, and I see no reason why it may not always continue so. This is what we all wish and the President is desirous of bringing about. With this view, the President has sent out Messrs. Brunot and Campbell, as commissioners, to hear what you have to say. They are men of honor, upright and good, and I earnestly wish you may follow their advice. They are your friends; they have left their homes to come and see you without compensation, and I hope they will do you good. We see many of our friends present, but we do not see the Great Spirit, who also is present. He watches over our deliberations to-day, and will judge of what we say and what we do and promise. Hoping that this council will be productive of peace and happiness to you and all, I again bid you welcome to the post."

Mr. Brunot then said: "My friends, the general has spoken to you of the Great Spirit. Nothing we do can prosper without His blessing. There being no chaplain present, I now propose asking in prayer a blessing upon our council."

Amid the most respectful attention the following prayer was then offered:

COMMISSIONER BRUNOT'S PRAYER.

"Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace and the hope of glory. And we beseech Thee to give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth Thy praise not only with our lips but in our lives. We thank Thee that Thou hast put it into the hearts of the rulers of our land to do justly and love mercy in their dealings with all people. Grant that they may both perceive and know what they ought to do, and also have grace to perform the same. We beseech Thee to bless the efforts of Thy servants who are here in their behalf to promote peace and friendship with the aborigines of this land. May our words and counsels be tempered with wisdom; may the hearts of these Indians be made sincere, and their words truthful, and may savage warfare cease. Grant that they may be led into the way of peace and civilization, and in Thy own time may these heathen be claimed for the inheritance of our Lord and Saviour. Bless, we beseech Thee, the officers and soldiers of our Army, and especially those who are here present. Give them wisdom and courage for every duty, and so incline their hearts that they may become true soldiers of Christ our Redeemer. Grant Thy blessing to every one here present, and upon all the deliberations of this council. All these things, and whatsoever Thou seest we need, we ask in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, to whom, with Thee and Thy Spirit, be all honor and glory forever. Amen." Mr. Brunot said: "When you came to Washington the President and the Secretary of the Interior told you that Mr. Campbell and myself would come to see you out here. He told you that we would not come to get money, lands, or any rewards from you. He told you we would not come for payment of any kind-that we were not paid for coming. For what, then, did we come? We came here because the Great Spirit commands us, and tells us that the white man possesses knowledge and many good things you do not, and which it is our duty to impart to you. So we don't come as officers of the Government, but as your friends. We want to know that you are beginning to do everything that is right. The Secretary told Red Cloud another thing-that we would come to hear what he had to say after seeing his people. Although we will have more to say to him, we want now to hear what Red Cloud has to say, so that we can carry his words to the Great Father at Washington."

Red Cloud then arose, and walking toward the outside group, raised his hands toward the skies, and then touched the ground. Then all the Indians rose to their feet, as with uplifted hands Red Cloud uttered the following prayer:

THE PRAYER OF RED CLOUD.

"O Great Spirit, I pray you to look at us. We are your children, and you placed us first in this land. We pray you to look down on us, so nothing but the truth will be spoken in this council. We don't ask for anything but what is right and just. When you made your red children, O Great Spirit, you made them to have mercy upon them. Now, we are before you to-day, praying you to look down on us, and take pity on your poor red children. We pray you to have nothing but the truth spoken here. We hope these things will be settled up right. You are the Protector of the people who use the bow and arrow, as well as of the people who wear hats and garments, and I hope we don't pray to you in vain. We are poor and ignorant. Our forefathers told

us we would not be in misery if we asked for your assistance. O Great Spirit, look down on your children and take pity on them."

Returning to his seat, he said: "You two (to the commissioners) are my friends; I want you to listen to what I say; I have nothing more to say now than I said to my Great Father; I want you to carry back what I say. We are all Ogallallas and friends, and that is why we are here. (At this point Red Cloud stopped, and requested that a photographer who had his instrument pointed on the assemblage should withdraw; he said the Indians objected to it. General Flint had the instrument removed, and Red Cloud continued.) When at Washington we heard the Great Father's words; we saw a great many chiefs, and talked with them; what I then said, I repeat now; I have not since changed my mind. I then promised to stop war parties from going out, and have succeeded. It has been five months since I returned from Washington, and it now makes my heart glad that there has since been peace. At the treaty of 1852 the Great Father told me he would give me annuities for fifty-five years, but I only had annuities for ten years. In 1868 he promised that white men should not pass through my country, and I told my people so; I am now ashamed of my words. Why does General Flint here, and Major Chambers at Fort Fetterman, not stop these white men going on to my lands. They know that white men pass through our country; and lately a cattle-herd passed through."

Mr. Brunot here remarked that he was told the Indians agreed to let the cattle go through. The interpreter also explained that Mr. Brunot was telegraphed to at Cheyenne on the subject, and sent word back that the matter would be arranged when the commissioners came to Fort Laramie.

Mr. Brunot said: "There is a mistake about the boundary line. We want to understand that matter with Red Cloud. The Great Father wants the old California road kept open; he don't mean that the whites shall pass north through Red Cloud's country; but this road from the Platte bridge only passes on the north side of the Platte for a few miles, and comes back again to this side."

Red Cloud said he did not understand it in this way. The Great Father, he said, wanted a railroad and two roads on each side, and when he asked him payment for the right of way for the railroad, he said it had been given to another chief.

Mr. BRUNOT. We want the Indians to fully understand about this California road, and would like to show Red Cloud from the map how the road runs. The Great Father does not intend that the road shall be closed.

RED CLOUD. I did not understand it so, and when I left Washington my Great Father said that Fort Fetterman was there to watch my interest as well as his. He has told me an untruth.

Mr. Campbell told Red Cloud it was but a short distance, if any, that the road had to go in his country, and that it did not interfere with his country at all.

Mr. Brunot said: "We would like to understand about that little piece of road. Red Cloud ought not to object to it, but we will tell the Great Father what he says about the road."

Red Cloud said: "At all the councils before they never spoke about the roads through these lands. They spoke about the roads on the Missouri. As the Great Spirit is above us, that is the way that I understood what was said in those councils. I think you ought to be satisfied and let me live in peace on the lands that belong to me. I told my Great Father that he did not need any more of these lands. The Great Father's houses in Washington are full of money stolen from the proceeds of our lands. I want you to look at this from a good heart. I am now close to where the sun sets; my people were once where the sun rises. I have a good heart and good sense, and I want my rights. That is the way the whites make their money; they cheat those who are not smart, but I have sense and a heart, and they cannot cheat me. At the beginning of the war the whites shot each other down like dogs. They got into a war among themselves. My Great Father afterward sent his soldiers out here to spill blood. did not first commence the spilling of blood. The Great Father did not look after us. That is the reason I went to Washington. I wanted the Great Father to quit the spilling of blood. When I was at the council in Washington I spoke these words, and have not since changed my mind. My friends, look all round this post, and you will see the bones of my people. I told my Great Father I wanted two traders here, to trade as they did before. I don't want my trading post across the river. I want it ten miles above here, at Mr. Ward's house. I want to know also what kind of presents you have brought me here, that you have come to see me with."

Mr. Brunot then said, in reference to the trading post, that "when the treaty was made with General Sherman and General Harney in 1868, the Sioux agreed to go on the Missouri to live. Red Cloud signed that treaty, but he told the Great Father since then that it was too far, and he did not want to go there. The Great Father did not want him to come on this side of the river with his people, as they would meet bad whites who would sell the Indians whisky, and cause trouble. The Great Father listened to Red Cloud, and then told us when we came to see him here, that if Red Cloud would prefer it to going to the Missouri, he could have a trading post north of here

where the whites would not trouble him, and that we might agree with Red Cloud about that. We were glad that the Great Father consented to let Red Cloud have his trading post near the Ogallallas' hunting country. We thought he would like to have it located at the Raw Hide Buttes, or somewhere around there."

RED CLOUD. We are all peaceable, and we intend to remain peaceable, as you may see by the way we have acted, and why can we not have our agency above here on the Platte where we want it?

Mr. BRUNOT. The Great Father has told us that bad white people may make trouble, and that is the reason why he wanted the trading post in the Indians' own country, where none but such white men could go as the Great Father may send for the Indians' benefit.

Red Cloud said: "I want my trading post on this side. The white people go on the other side of the river, and my Great Father has not done as he said. He told me that none should go on our land. A party went through with a cattle herd, and now another party is cutting hay across the river below the post."

Mr. Brunot replied that the Great Father would let no one go and live in the Indians' country, and as commissioners they could say, that is what the Great Father means, but for his own purpose he claims the right to go there.

RED CLOUD. My Great Father has deceived me. He has made me and my young men ashamed. He told me he would let no one go across the river; now there are men cutting hay on that side. I learned when in the States that when a man cut hay or wood on another's land, he had to pay for it, and why can't I get payment for the same?

Mr. Brunot said: “If you ask pay we will tell the Great Father your wants. When Red Cloud was at Washington he said he did not get the goods that were sent him. The Great Father said that he wanted the Indians to get everything intended for them, and we told him that we would take care that Red Cloud should receive all his goods this time. We don't know much about the goods, but hope that he will like them. They consist of articles to wear and use. We hope that we can go back and tell the Great Father that he likes the goods very much, and if any do not suit, the next time we will get such goods as will be sure to suit him."

Red Cloud then wanted to know of what the goods consisted, and was told by the commissioners that there were blankets, domestic calicoes, flannels, clothes, hats, butcher-knives, axes, and tobacco.

Red Cloud said he told the Great Father that he wanted ammunition to kill game. It was the only thing he bad to live upon.

Mr. Brunot told him that the Great Father did not send any ammunition by the commissioners. He thought there had been five years of war and only five months of peace. He hoped the peace would continue always. Red Cloud and Man-afraid-ofhis-horses had said so. What does Red Cloud think about it?

RED CLOUD. If the Great Father looked after my interest, and kept white men out of the country, peace would last forever; but if they disturb me there will be no peace.

Mr. BRUNOT. We want Red Cloud to be satisfied about passing on the California road, and cutting hay for the fort on their lands. We will tell the Great Father about these matters, but he must not allow a little thing like that to create trouble in his heart, or war with the Great Father's people.

RED CLOUD. I don't intend to make war about a little thing like that, but I want you to understand that the Great Father has made me ashamed before my people, because he told what was not so.

Here an explanation was made by General Flint in relation to the hay-cutting.

Mr. Brunot added that the Great Father intends that all parts of the treaty shall be carried out, but he does not understand it the same way as Red Cloud. He does not understand that he is not to send men across the river for his own purposes.

INFLUENCE OF INTERPRETERS.

1

Red Dog now rose and said, that what the Great Father had decided, he decided the same. At this stage of his remarks, he requested Mr. Pallarday, who had been an interpreter for General Harney, on the Missouri, to come forward and interpret what he had to say. Pallarday had commenced interpreting Red Dog's speech, when at this juncture Sitting Bear rushed forward, armed with a war club, and seizing the interpreter by the shoulder would not allow him to proceed, assigning as a reason that he belonged on the Missouri River. Mr. Pallarday withdrew amid considerable sensation, caused by the interruption.

Little Wound, a Brulé Sioux, then harangued the Indians present, as follows: "This young man, Sitting Bear, has a right to put him down. Pallarday, in 1868, was the cause of our going on the Missouri River, where he was the interpreter. He lied to us, and is the cause of all our trouble. Let him get out of here, and keep on the Missouri." Little Wound to Red Cloud: "You went to the States and brought the words of the