The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-07-28
SITTING BULL,

Surrender at Fort Buford-His Rifle Given TN
A Characteristic Speech.
Sitting Bull formally surrendered to Major
R1ptherton at Fort Buford on the 10Th He
entered the council room, seated himself at the
left hand of Major Brotherton, placed his rifle,
which he had not yet been required to give up,
between his feet, and with 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 ind
long use, a pair of black leggings a blanket
dirty and worn, and q calico handkerchief was
conceal his eyes, which were quite sore, from
the view of spectators. Major Brotherton in
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 80 long as they behave proper
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:
II surrender this rifle to yot, through my
young son, whom nov desire to teach In this
Americans. I wish him to learn the habits OF
the whites and to be educated as their sons are
educated. I wish it to be remembered thatI
was the last man of my tribe to Surrender my
rife: This boy has given it to you, and he now
wants to know how he is going to make liv-
ing; Whatever You have to give or whatever
now, for don't wish to be kept in sarkness
longer. have sent several messengers in here
from time to time, but none of them have re-
turned with news. The ether 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 see fit. 1 wish to
continue my old life Of hunting, but wonld
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
er's country. She has been friend to me, but
/ want my children to grow up in our native
country, and I also wish to feel 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
Legarc, as he has always been a friend to me-
| wish to have all my people live together upon
souri, l left several families at Wood Noun
tain and between there and Qu'Appelie. 1
have many people among the Yanktonais 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. Brotherton):
You own this ground with me and we must
try and help each other. do not wish to leave
here Rntil l get all the people left behind
and the UpcapapaA now ct Poplar creek. l
you'd like to have my daughter, who is now at
Fort Yates, sent up here to visit mo, as also
eight men now there mentioning their names),
and would like to know that Louis Legare is
to be rewarded for his services in bringing me
and my people in here
After he had finished, some of the other
chiefs made q few remarks, simply in echo of
what he had said, and Major Brotherton, after
assuring them that the government was dealing
with them in the best manner for their in
forests, but without making any specific prom
ises which could not be easily fulfilled dismiss
cd the council.