The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1878-10-11
Original Story.
FRONTIER SKETCHES
NUMBER TWEETY-NINE.
By JOHN J. HEALY.
NUMBER TWENTY NINE.
By JOHN J. HEALY.
Sleeping Thunder.

It would not be safe to assert that In
dams are natural physiognomists or that
they ever acquire knowledge of mans
peculiarities from the expression Of his
countenance or the shape Of his skull, al
though their weIl-known custom Ofrobbing
an enemy's head Of its natural covering
no doubt affords them excellent opportun-
tiles to improve their minds in the science
ofphrenology, Certain tits, however, they
are quick to discover acquired habits or
natural traits Of character in all persons
with whom they came in contact; whether
as friends or enemies, and the appropriet-
ness of the terms and comparisons en-
nIoyed to define orillustrate their opinions
of individuals shows the keeness Of their
observations and the correctness of their
conclusions. Yet the names given, to
mark tse pecuIiarities Of men are fre-
quently vaguer for the reason that but one
characteristic Of an object, animate or in.
animate, is used to illustrate correspond
ing peculiarly in the individual named.
They will, for example, call man "The
Running Rabbit" because, may be, he
has long ears, or is a coward, always run
ming from an enemy, or is swift Of foot,
or is long winded, long in the body or
short in the legs, or has peculiar faculty
for running up hills, or perhaps the man
takes his name merely from the fact that
he was once pursued by an enemy and es-
capped. The most unnodceable traits will
serve the Indian to draw comparisons, but
his titles will invariably be found appro
pirate when his reasons for giving then
are explained.
In the year 1868 there was tall, long
haired, slim looking, but powerfully bull
young man, employed as clerk BY tht
American Fur Company, called by the II
dians "Sloeping Thunder" What pecu
liar habit, trait of character, or circum
stance in life caused him to be favored
with this high-sounding title am no
prepared to say. He was usually quiet
unassuming young man, yet brave as
lion when aroused, and with natura
courage possessed the skillan experience
ola trained Indian fighter and hunter
Sleeping Thunder seems appropriate fo
these qualities, but the word thunde
is also common term With Indians fo
expressing greatness, strength quaint
ity or something uncommon, and in thi
instance may have implied that the subjec
was great sleeper, or that he slept Ions
and sound; or it may have referred onl
to the musical powers Of bis nasa
organ, to indicate that when ht
slept he suorad like thunder. But, how
ever, the name came, il was douatless vel
chosen, and if meant to denote 4 true her
it was worthily bestowed, for Sleeping
Thunder was fearless in the hour ofdangel
and his unerring rife and fine horsemar
ship made him a dangerous foe Of the rec
men; yet he was generous to q fault
genial companion, and a true friend.
The adventure which will form TIL
principal subject of this sketch, occurred
ia the summer Of 1863, The only yea
within the history Of navigation % the Up
per Missouri that steamboats, failed to as
cend the river as high..as Fort Benton. Th'
Company's boats we're daily expected ans
the supplies they were to bring were muel
needed by the inhabitants Of the Fort
But, as week after week passed by .withoo
boat in sight, It was finally decided Y
send party down as far As Cow Islan'
to see if any of the expected steamers has
reached that point. Sleeping Thande
was entrusted with this mission, and h
chose for his companions the weli-knowI
balfbreed Jerry Potts, nov Interpreter fo
the Mounted Police, aud q pilgrim name'
Davis. The latter was not wanting i