Montana oil and mining journal., 1940-08-10

/ pot-hunters, had sought out the Vi
cinity of the reservation that he might
at his end fulfill his mission and die
to provide walls for the tepee, robes
for the couch, sinews for the bow, and
meat for the store of the Sons of
! Lakodia.
Agent Suggests Big Hunt
For the buffalo had ever filled the
storehouSe Of all that the Sioux need
ed, except for ponies to ride to the
hunt.
Mclaughlin knew he could trust the
Indians and he took the initiative in
suggesting one last great hunt For
days there was great business about
the agency. Guns were cleaned. Am
munition was issued by Mclaughlin.
Men and women were busy with prep
arations for the hunt and for the
butchering.
Ponies were surprised by the care
they received. after the hardshipS of
the recent winter. Finery was brought
out and the women Wed In the decora-
ton of the brave hunters Of their
lodges.
The vanguard Of the expedition left
at dawn on June 10, and It was hours
later that the last straggler had dis
appeared across the prairie. McLaugh-
lin and his 14-year-old son, with other
whites and members Of the Indian po-
lice force followed on June is to over
take the hunters, whose camp was at
Cedar creek, SO miles from the agency.
Camp had been made according to
hunting tradition and ceremonial rite.
Mclaughlin was ushered through the
almost deserted camp to come upon
the ceremony of obligating the eight
scouts who were to go forth TO locate
the buffalo.
Il was hardly prepared" said Nc /
Laughlin in his book, MY Friend, the |
for the change that came /
over the multitude when the ceremony |
was concluded Instantly every man |
owning a horse was on his feet, shout
ing and gesticulating and congratulate
ing the scouts on their good fortune.
The horses were brought up. John Eagle
Man my Indian policeman, explained
hat the scouts must now be escorted
rom the circle and taken some distance
IN their way, then the escort must race
pack and ride into and between the
lorns of the crescent, following a line
Upon which three freshly cut green
pushes had been set up, about 10 yards
Lpart, and within few feet of the
ront rank of the Indians.
IF, in passing the bushes, the lead
r of the race failed to knock any of
hem down, the hunt might as wen be
Should he knock one down,
t would augur but Indifferent success.
f two were knocked over the chase
7ould be fairly successful. And If, by a
lappy chance, the rider should upset
II three of the bushes, then there
yould be a great amount Of game killed
nd the people would be rich beyond
he telling"
Mclaughlin Leads Race 4
Mclaughlin decided to lead that race. Y
MY knowledge of the Indian" he I
ays, "had already taught me that
othing impresSes him so much as the
eputation of being lucky or bringing
ood luck. had an excellent horse, a
resent from Crow King, and for sew
raj weeks the animal had been fed
18th grain and well exercised, and /
ould depend on his speed. made up
~ mind 1 would try for the reputa-
ion of having good medicine as
rophet by knocking down the bushes.
"a bowling, shouting. joyous mob OF
bout 300 men started out with the
coutS They dashed reckleSsly
bout touching the scouts with lucky
harms, shouting out encouragement
nd advice, and joking them on their
we affairs.
'For about two miles the escort con-
nued with the scouts; then whoop
ang out that was taken up by some
undreds of mounted men, and scream
lg a goodbye to the scouting party,
ne escort wheeled and dashed back
oward the camp. was hardly ready
1r the beginning Of the race, but re-
Overed soon enough to be well up with
ne leaders. had something of an ad-
antage over the Indians by having
bserVed the lay Of the land, and that
slight deviation from the direct course
-ould avoid some rough ground and
tony ridges Furthermore, my