Schwatka, Frederick
to his father re: ”the Indian question”
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06913
Place Written: Camp Sheridan, Neb.
Type: Autograph letter signed
Date: 1877/02/05
Pagination: 3 p. 20.5 x 12.7 cm
Summary of Content: The letter notes that Sitting Bull, ”is a myth. The[re] are about 75 to 100 chiefs who rank him,” and that Crazy Horse is ”the only war chief of importance.” Also mentions Spotted Tail and Red Cloud.
Full Transcript: [1], , Camp Sheridan Nebr.,, Febr 5th 1877, , Dear Father:, , I have just received your last letter of the 21st of Jan. and in reply I would state that I have already got two or three copies of the Oregonian sent- by you and I think they will come along regularly now. I am ever so much obliged for them and have been thinking several times of subscribing for some Oregon paper, but have been too unsettled the past two or three years., , The Indian Question is not any nearer definitely settled, but I think the Indians will come [2]in, in the spring. Spotted tail had a talk here to day[sic] and I think will start out to bring in Crazy Horse and the hostile Sioux, who are anxious to come in if they will not be imprisoned, and who are willing to give up their ponies and arms if they can be under Spotted Tail and not Red Cloud., , The fights you mention were fought by Col. Miles (not Mills) with Sitting Bull who has about 25 or 30 lodges (about 75 warriors), and who never has had any greater number during the whole war. He is a myth, they are from 75 to 100 Chiefs who rank him. Most of the Indians here know nothing about him, and Col. Miles of the 5th Infantry seems to have been the great ”I am” because he has met him once or twice. Col Miles has had only two men wounded, while we have had from [3]thirty to forty killed and about one hundred wounded (leaving out the Custer Massacre) in fights with Crazy Horse who is the only war Chief of importance. He has from 2000 to 3500 warriors when together, as they were at Rosebud and the Little Big Horn and he is theone that Spotted Tail will go out to induce to come in. If anything comes of it I will let you know, I know no news of importance, My love to all at home, Your affectionate Son, Fred
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