Warren sheaf., 1881-07-30
SITTING BULL.
Surrender at Fort BufOM-His Rife Given Up
A Characteristic Speech,


"A Characteristic Speech.
Sitting Bull formally surrendered to Major
Brotherton at Fort Buford on the 2OSh He,
entered the council room, seated himself at the
left hand of Major Brotherton, placed his riff Q,
which he had not yet been required to give up,
between his feet, and with a sullen, bull dog
expression upon his continuance, relapsed
into perfect silence. His dress con-
sisted Of cheap calico shirt, con-
siderably worn in appearance, from dirt and
long use, pair of black ]eggings, a blanket
dirty and worn, and calico handkerchief was
tied turban-like aroundh his head SO as to partly
conceal his eyes, which were quite sore, from
few words informed Sitting Bull
that he was to be treated the same as those
of their people who had surrendered during
the winter, and so long as they behave proper
ly. Sitting Bull remained silent for five min
utes, and then turned to Lis little son, eight
years old, and directed him to take up his
rifle and present it to Major Brothertop.
This being done, the chief said: t. S
81 surrender this rifle to you through my
young son, whom now desire to teach in this
manner that he has become friend of the
Americans. I wish him to learn tine habits of
the whites and to be educated SIS their sons are
educated. wish it to be remembered that I
was the last man of my tribe to surrender my
rifle. This boy has given it to you, and he now
wants to know how he is going to make iv
ing Whatever you have to give or whatever
you have to say would like to receive or hear
now, for don't wish to be kept in darkness
longer. L have sent several messengers in here
from time to time, but none Of them have re-
turned with news. The other chiefs, Grow King
and Gall have not wanted me to come. and
now wish to be allowed to live this side of the
line or the other, as l see fit. [ wish to
continue my old life of hunting, but would
like to be allowed to trade on both sides
Of the line. This is my country, and I don't
wish to be compelled to give it up. My heart
was very sad at having to leave the great moth
ers country. She has boen q friend to me, but
want my children TO grow up in our native
country, and I also wish to teel that can visit
Two OF my friends on the other side of the line,
viz: Maj. Walsh and Capt Mcdonald when
ever wish, and would like to trade with Louis
iegare, as he has always been d friend to me.
wish to have all my people live together upor
one reserva tion Of our own on the little Mis-
souri,. l left several families at Wood Noun
tain and between there and Qu'Appelie. /
have many people among the YankJonais at
Poplar creek, and wish all them and those
who have gone to Standing Rock to be collect
ed together upon one reservation My people
have many of them been bad. All are good
now, that their arms and ponies have been taken
from them. Speaking to Maj. Brothertonl:
You own this ground with mo and we must
try and help each other. I do not wish to leave
here until 7 get all the people left behind
and the Upcapsras now at Poplar creek. ]
would like to have my daugher, who is now at
Fort Yates, sent up here to visit me, as also
eight men now there mentioning their names),
and would like to know that Louis Legare il
to be rewarded for his services in bringing me
and my people in here.
After he had finished, some of the othe,
chiefs made few remarks, simply in echo OF
what he had said, and Major Brotherton, after
assuring them that the government was dealing
with them III the best manner for their in
terests, but without making any specific prom.
ises which could not be easily fulfilled, dismiss
| ed the council.