River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-12-18

on, despite the desires and orders OF the
authorities. As he was indifferent TO adj
vice General Miles concluded it would
be a good move to arrest him and $50
late him for time from the scene Of
his pernicious activity. 1t was while
enforcing this order of arrest. which
was given by General Ruger, that Sit
ting Bull WAS killed
Sitting Bulls camp was on the Grand
river forty miles southwest from the
Standing Rock agency. in a section of
country outside of the line of travel,
only visited by those connected with
the Indian service, and is, therefore.
secluded and fit place for the religious
scenes and war-dances which Sitting
Bull fostered.
UNRELENTING FOE OF THE WHITES.
Sitting Bun. Of all the Indians was the most
unre' enting the most hostile, the most saga
cious. the most cruel and the most desperate
foe Of the whites Of any chief Of modern times.
He never assented TO the control Of the
United States Government over his people,
but persistently fought the troops when
ever they came in his way. He claimed
that the country belonged to the Indians. that
they had right to hunt or flsb wherever they
pleased; that the white man had wronged
them, and thus, appealing TO the feelings Of
the younger porter OF his race, induced
large number 10 follow him. and for twenty
years carried on his war OF murder and rapine,
until he finally surrendered 10 the United
States forces on the 10Th OF July 1881.
Sitting Bull began lite ''mcdine man"
lie is the son OF -Four rms, one OF the four
supreme chiefs elected By the Sioux nation
more than a century ago The Custer episode
marked the zenith OF Sitting Bulls fame
and the beginning OF his downfall Sit
ting Bull was undoubtedly the most willy
and astute Indian in the Sioux nation. With
no reputation a warrior TO aid him. he
gained ascendency as a medicine mana
prophet. a preacher teacher. a politician.
He divided the chieftainship with Gall. Ever
since the Little Big Horn fight there has been
a bitter rivalry between the men. Gan com
manded the Indians on that occasion, Sitting
Bull remaining in his tent performing mean
tations, distilling medicines" and indulging
in the foolery that was supposed 10 exercise
great influence over the fortunes Of battle
These successes on the part of Sitting Bull
inspired the Indian heart, so that many who
were living on the bounty of the Government
at the various agencies left and joined his
forces, and hence he was constant source
Of disturbance, even outside Of his own imme-
diate command. Indians who were peacefully
inclined hocked to has ranks, and for
time ne put at defiance that portion Of the
army Of the United States then operating on
the frontier. His influence had become so
great anu WAS NothlAs ottCh NtAt tAEttS
among the agency Indians that finally the
Department AT Washington was obliged to
take prompt measures 10 prevent general
outbreak among the friendly Indian tribes;
and To this end. Sitting Bull and his followers
were ordered TO come in to the reservation, or
they would fall under the control of the mill
tary power. Sitting Bull laughed al these
commands Of the Indian Department and
still continued his raids; and then followed
the campaign of 1876 inaugurated by
General Sheridan, wherein three powerful
columns Of troops were to move simultaneous
~ upon the enemy and force them either into
civilization or determination. In the attempt
To carry out this movement. which was wise
one, it will be remembered Genera! Crook was
repulsed, and General Custer in his
eagerness TO make attack, with
out proper support. which could have
been obtained brought on a fight in which he
and his men all killed leaving Sitting
Bun and his warriors complete masters Of the
held. No such Indian battle was ever known
before in this country, and so complete an In
dian massacre has no parallel in his
tory After this battle the savages
crossed into Canada, and notwithstand-
ing there were several Indian fights on this
side of the boundary line subsequently Sitting
Bull took no part in them for a year. Then
the old chieftain began again TO commit depre-
dations among the Americans, and finally
commission was appointed by the United States
Government to cross the line and Try to effect
by diplomacy what had failed By force
of arms. Sitting Bull rejected every
overture OF peace and after matters had con
tinued quiet for year and half, in 1879 he
broke out a gain and commenced depredationS
upon the settlers. He was met by General
Miles AMI battle ensued. Bull being in com
mand in person but fearing that the whites
, " ould be reinforced he wisely withdrew his
warriors and retreated TO the British pos
sessions Then followed the surrender
or Rain-in-the- Face. Crow Wing Chief Gall
and many thousand Indians. Sitting Bah re-
manned in Canada until he heard news Of his
favorte daughters elopement with worth
less Indian This almost broke his heart, and
he decided TO surrender. For endeavoring TO
stir up the Indians at Standing Rock agency
against his rival, Gall, Sitting Bull, with his
relatives were made prisoners and confined at
Fort Randall. He was afterward released, and
has since ma lie his home in Grand River val
ley, remaining in sulIen quietude until he
started the ghost-dancing craze, which has
I ,111 in hi 4. safh