The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-20
AN ATROC|OUS MURDER.
Sitting Bull Not Killed in War, but
Shot Down by a Police
-. man.
In the Very Instant of Death
He Fatally Shoots His
E Assassin.
Indignities Committed on the Body by
the Frenzied Indians-uis Body
Not Buried.

y
tragedy which differs widely from any re-
ports yet sent ont. He was with the troops
that were dispatched to relieve Indian po-
lice. The press reports sent out from TT.
Yates are thought to have been "fixed.' In
the first place, the troops we're not ordered
to follow the Indian police to be in readi-
ness in case the latter were surprised by the
enemy. At nine o'clock in the evening the
police started for Grand river, the troops
following three hours later, headed for Oak
creek, where they were instructed to receive
news by couriers from the police, posting
them as to the latter's movements. Not
receiving any news, Captain Fechet ordered
his men on to Grand river, fearing some
thing was wrong. Before they had galloped
two miles they were met by Red Tomahawk,
one Of the police, who was greatly excited
and brought the news that Sitting Bull and
four of the police were killed. He was rid
ing Sitting Bulls horse. Capt. Fechet
doubted his story, but was treasured when
Tomahawk implored him to go on. saying:
Hurry up, quick. or they will all be
killed.
When the riders arrived at the scene ev-
erything was quiet Thirteen dead bodies
were lying on the ground, nine of the hos
tiles, including Sitting Bull. and four In
dian police. The police had taken refuge
in Sitting Bulls house and the hostiles
were ambushed in the thick willows near
bv Every pane of glass in the house was
shot out. Capt. Fechet formed a skirmish
line around the thicket and poured in shot.
Cries and whoops could be heard. great
MANY mora hoSti1ao a l,oliovaI 4<, ho L;llaJ
than reported.
The story of Sitting Bulls death. says
Corporal Gum, was told him by IN intelli-
gent half-breed.
"Bullhead. lieutenant of Indian police,
came to Sitting Bulls house with warrant
for his arrest. No one aut the old chief
and two sons were there. Sitting Bull
opened the door and his son, seeing the
house surrounded with police, gave a cry
of alarm. Without hesitatiIg "a moment
Bullhead fred at Sitting Bull, the ball
striking his breast over the left nipple,
killing him instantly. While reeling Sit
ting Bull managed to draw revolver
which exploded just as he fell, the bullet
entering Bullhead's thigh. Bullhead died
two days later from the effects. terrific
ouAN w AAuAN AkAb CuSuous so1tUluk
Bulls followers swarmed around the po-
lice in great numbers and guns were
dubbed. The ground was strewn with
broken stocks and bent barrels. The
police, numbering thirty, were getting the
worst of it and -retreated into BuNs house.
The hostiles retired to ambush, having
learned of the soldiers approach. The
dead and wounded were carried back to the
post. The bodies we're frightfully mu-
tilated. One Indian policeman lifted Sit
ting Bulls scalp. The old chiefs body was
sickening sight. An Indian battered his
face into jelly after death with plank.
After tiring of this devilish sport he bal
anced the plank on his nose and left it thers
with maniacal glee. The few remaining
hairs in his head were clipped off. His
moocasins and most of his clothing was
carried away for relics. Among his per-
sonal effects were found letters from Mrs.
Weldon, of New York, warning him to fee
from the agency as the government was
about to have him killed. Sitting Bull was
prepared to depart when surprised by the
Indian police.''