Prelude to the Great Sioux War of 1876-77 Spotted Tail

spotted tail s delegation washington

in 1874, george armstrong custer led reconnaissance mission sioux territory reported gold in black hills, area held sacred local indians. formerly, army tried keep miners out did not succeed; threat of violence grew. in may 1875, delegations headed spotted tail, red cloud, , lone horn traveled washington, d.c. in last-ditch attempt persuade president grant honor existing treaties , stem flow of miners territories. indians met grant, secretary of interior delano, , commissioner of indian affairs smith, informed them congress wanted resolve matter giving tribes $25,000 land , resettling them indian territory. indians rejected such treaty, spotted tail’s reply proposition being follows:

“my father, have considered great father told me, , have come here give answer.... when here before, president gave me country, , put stake down in place, , there want stay.... respect treaty (doubtless referring 1868 treaty of fort laramie) white men come in our country not. speak of country, not country; not concern me, , want nothing it. not born there.... if such country, ought send white men in our country there , let alone....”

spotted tail, henry farny