Back to Index

Cherokee Advocate

GROUND COUNCIL OF INDIANS

What the Indians Say

Memorial of the Grand Council of Nations of the

INDIAN TERRITORY

The President, Congress and People of the United States”

June 18, 1870--Cherokee Advocate--The undersigned, representing the several Indians inhabiting the Indian Territory, whose names are hereto appended in view of the perils which surround their people, deem it  a solemn duty to make this declaration of their views and wishes in regard to their situation.

In the beginning we take occasion to publicly affirm our earnest determination to preserve the relations of amity towards the government of United States, now existing.--our interest all Center in peace, peace with the government and the people of the United States, peace with our neighboring breathen, and peace among the members of each individual Tribe and Nation, and as the best means of maintaining those relations unimpaired, we deem a just and fair observance of existing Treaty stipulations with the government of United States as indispensable.  We therefore hereby publicly renew our adherence to said Treaties, or to such as may be here after duly negotiated, and our purpose to comply faithfully with their stipulations, whether originally favorable or otherwise.  And we confidently express our conviction that like a spirit of justice and fidelity will mark the conduct of the government towards the owners and inhabitants of the Indian Territory.

The people of this territory were uprooted from their ancient homes and placed where they now are, through the policy and by the power of the government for the benefit and inconveniences of the whites with a assurance and guarantees of ownership in the soil and protection from interferences with their privileges of self-government, and from upon them was strong and solemn as language could make them.  If the lapse of time, the increase of the white population and the march of events has removed us from the wilderness in which we were then plunged unwillingly, and placed us in the way of our neighbors, the fault is not ours, nor do they invalidate any existing obligations.  We asked nothing from the people and authorities of United States, aside from their respect and good fellowship, but what they have promised, and observance of their treaties.  Despite all the vicissitudes of our history, and the terrible ordeal of war by which we have been discouraged with fire and sword, through no fault of ours, but weakness and inability to sustained ourselves, we feel that we are even now progressing in knowledge and improvement and the arts and customs of civilization.  We desired no change for the purpose of experiment in the policy of the Government’s dealings towards our people in the territory.  We have no fault with their policy as provided by our Treaties.  All that we crave is a simple and honest administration of that policy by competent honest means.

We have been charged with opposition to progress and improvement; but in refutation of that charge, however humble they may seem, we confidently appeal to our houses, our farms, our stocks of horses and cattle, our schools, our churches, and our regularly organized the Governments.  We are not opposed to progress--we are not opposed to improvement--we are not opposed to civilization--we are not opposed to the Christian religion.  On the contrary, we acknowledge the conviction that rests upon our minds that our highest interest and self-preservation it self depends upon progress and improvement.  We feel that we cannot safely step backward, but must press forward-- inspired by the spirit of the age in which we live--in the arts, pursuits, and achievements of the surrounding civilization.  We desire only not to be overwhelmed by the influences brought to bear upon us through the ambition of aspiring man, the cupidity of scullery corporations and combinations of what ever name, or the mistaken philanthropy of the uninformed.  Our forms of Government are those of our own choice, modeled after your own, and such as are adapted to our conditions; under them we have prospered when allowed quiet and rest.  The tenure by which we hold our lands is such as we prefer, and such as we believe to be for the best of the majority of our people; observation and reflection lead as to believe that no change can be made in this respect that will not be fraught with mischief and ruin.  We wish no change in regard to either an confidently appeal to you to arrest all attempts to enforce them upon us except to the extent and in the manner authorized by our Treaties now in force, or that may be hereafter concluded; by them we are bound, upon them we rely, and we appeal to you as the stronger and more enlightened party to those compacts, to honestly and firmly observe their stipulations.  We do not wish any material changes in our relations to the Government, but we do wish quiet and security.  The constant education of questions which widely affect our welfare, our full of evil influences upon our progress; we want a consciousness of protection and security; it is in your power to give both; you have promised them.  Grant these and we shall fear no evil, we shall apprehend for our race, neither extension nor degradation, but progress and civilization will follow, and a brighter page on Indian affairs will be found in the history of the United States than has yet been recorded.

Adopted and signed in International Council at Okmulgee in Muskogee Nation on Saturday, the fourth day of June, 1870.

William P.  Ross, President.

S. H. Benge, and others, Cherokee Delegation.

Pleasant Porter, and others, Creek Delegation

ADDRESS OF SAMUEL CHICOTE,

MUSKOGEE CHIEF

Executive Department,

Ok-mul-gee, M. Nation,

June 2^nd, 1870

Friends and Brothers:

Not long since I sent a communication to the authorities of the several Indian Nations resident in the Indian Territory, suggesting the convention of an international Council at this place.  I am pleased to think that my views are accorded with those of the authorities of the other Nations of this Territory, as is proven by their prompt response to the aforesaid suggestion.

Being convened at my suggestion, you naturally expect of me a communication of my views.  It seems to me, at this time, that there are great reasons why such a counsel should be convened among the several Nations, and in view of these, the present counsel is assembled; and we may consider ourselves particularly favored by a kind Providence, when we see so many Brothers of the red race, assembled together.  It is well known to us that our fathers before us often met in councils of this kind, for consultation on matters having for their object the general good of the red man.  One of the good results of such meetings was that each nation understood perfectly the relations existing between all of the Brother Nations.

The Government of the United States in solemn treaties promised every protection to the Indians in their new homes west of the Mississippi-- guaranteeing to them and their descendents forever the undisturbed possession of the lands, to which they were removed.  The Indian, taught by experience and suspecting the intentions of the white man was careful to have expressly understood, (in which the white man accorded) that the white man should never annexed the Indian lands to any State, nor erect them into territories--nor to extend over them any laws peculiar to any of the states of the Union or her territories.

Indirect contrariety with the solemn promises and the established policy of the Government we see the authorities of the United States, striving to ignore all of her former acts and change her policy, as indicated in the Bills introduced into the Congress proposing a Territorial form of Government for the Indian country.  We are sensible of the fact, that a territorial form of Government will at this time in no wise benefit the Indians, but work their certain ruin.  A great majority of the Indians are those termed full-bloods, who have no education, nor can they even speak English language, and no such race of people can take upon themselves the laws made the white man--a people different in language, and customs--and prosper under them.  In view of this fact the Indian delegates at Washington have protested time and again, and made every effort to stay the impending danger.  Now in view of this state of affairs, I would suggest the expediency of the passage by this council of resolutions of request that the United States Government may not adopt a policy toward the Indians that is so subversive of our relations to that Government as is foreshadowed in the Bills so often introduced in the Congress of that Government.  The United States in former times acted magnanimously towards the Indian and matters of treaty and public policy, and in a manner characteristic of a great and Christian Nation, we cannot but still repose implicit confidence in her continued sympathy for the helpless Indians.  If the United States will continue to pursue the policy practice that thus far, we are convinced that is the most speedy way to Christianize and civilized the Indians.  In conclusion I would state that I sincerely trust that a beneficent Providence will so direct, that you were present mutual consultation, will result in much good to of spent those to come after us.  

Very Respectively, &c.

Samuel Chicote

Chief M. Nation

OUR CHEROKEE READERS

Unconnected as they are with the great world outside, and what slender communication may have in barest as it is by differences in language, our naturally prone to entertain some erroneous notions of the general disposition and wishes of their white neighbors regarding their condition, and rights, and prospects.  These notions are mostly based on their experience in other times, under different circumstances, and with, we hopeand sincerely believe, a different class of people from those who live at present in the neighboring states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.  Those times, circumstances and people, are associated in their memory with purity, outrage and humiliation.  They know, and no well that the Red man suffered and the White man inflicted unprovoked ignominy and wrong.  And in the course of that bad business, but colors were never mixed.  The Red was indiscriminately mistreated.  The imposition and injury was always the work of the White; and the outrage continued until the whole Nation was compelled to take refuge in flight to which they had been invited by a faithless Government.

We disclaim that feeling any satisfaction and the misfortune's of the descendents of our old enemy; but, if such an emotion could be justifiable at all, it might have been fully exercised when General Sherman, the Federal Nebuchadnezzar, after laying waste, with fire and sword, the country from which the Cherokee or so ruthlessly driven, sat down before the Georgia Jerusalem, a seeming instrument of divine vengeance.  All that is over, as everything else will be over but the truth and goodness, and which we may reckon forgiveness of wrong.  The times, the circumstances, and the people have changed; our notions should change also.  The kind reception which is given to this unpretending Jobbery Brothers of the press, shows the natural spirits of fair play to be as active and strong in the American breast as ever.

When we were driven West there was a shadow of an adverse claim to our lands.  There is not a shadow now.  To take from is now the land we have purchased, and to which we have as good a moral and legal right as have any persons are people in the world to theirs, will be nothing but downright, disgraceful, outrage is, contemptible robbery, of the worst sort conceivable--and then blushing robbery and daylight, for which weakness is the occasion, and nothing the excuse--in which the victim may hope neither for restitution or regress.--that a Christian People should do such a thing, or suffer it to be done, is simply on conceivable.

BOUNTY

Good News for Cherokees!

The following letter was received last night from Fort Gibson, and speaks for itself.

                                                                          Fort Gibson, C. N.,

June 18, 1870--Ed. Cherokee Advocate:-- Will you please notify the persons interested, that two hundred and nine checks for additional bounty, due for service in second and third Regiments Indian Home Guards, have been placed in my hands to be paid to claimants, and that I shall be ready to make the payments on and after Monday, June 20.

Very respectfully,

John W. Craig

Brevet Major, U. S. A.

Agent for Cherokees

FORT GIBSON ITEMS

Major Craig, the popular and efficient US Agent for the Cherokee, returned from Washington Sunday last, and has entered upon the discharge of his duties.  At the time of his departure from Washington where he had been detained for some time, at the earnest solicitation of the Cherokee Delegation, to aid them in their business, the condition of our affairs was regarded as far more favorable than it was at the time of his arrival they are we understand that those Bounties which have been allowed, and remained unpaid, will be paid by the Agent in the future.

Captain Olmstead, U.S.A., A. Agent for the Choctaws and Chickasaws, and his clerk, Captain Thomas Drennon, an old and well-known citizen of Van Buren, Arkansas and of the Indian Territory, after spending a few days at this place, left yesterday morning for their Agency at Boggy Depot.

The four horse Coach, which left here Tuesday morning, for the terminus of the Railroad, at Baxter Springs, when about two miles out, was run away with and upset.  The Coach was crowded with passengers at the time, and we are gratified that the injury to them was not more serious than it was.  The driver and a lady were slightly injured.

We understand that Major Field, U. S. A. Agent for the Muskogee has an order from the Department of the Interior, two calls all the Indians under his charge to be vaccinated.  The Major is humane and timely, but the job will not be a light one, when it is remembered how sparse and widely spread the people are over the whole extent of their country.

Harvesting of Wheat began in this vicinity this week.  There was not a great deal of ground seeded with this grain last fall, but the present crop is a good one.  With a Flouring Mill going up at this place, under the energetic hands of O .W. Lipe & Son, those who have Wheat will find a good market at their door.  Another year we hope to see a material increase in the cultivation of this important cereal in our country.  The flour annually brought in and sold to us, from bordering Arkansas, has been a mine of wealth to its toiling farmers and a source of poverty to the Indians.

Indian Agents

The appointment by President Grant, of army officers to Indian Agencies within this territory, has worked well up to the present time area the improvement in the character of these officials, is both marked and salutary.  We shall much regret any legislation by Congress that will deprive us of their services and commit us again to the tender mercies of fossil politicians, religious demagogues and seedy and needy adventurers.

Messrs. D. W. Lipe and George O. Sanders, who have been appointed to take the Census of this District, will begin their duties next week.

Freights

From Baxter Springs, terminus of Missouri River, Fort Scott and Gulf railroad to this place, are now delivered at a $1.25 per hundred pounds.  Goodbye Fort Smith on Arkansas River to the business of the Indian Territory!

Railroads

General Hazen and Friend Hoag, super independence of the southern and central Indian Superintendencies, Commissioners appointed by the president to determine which, if either, of the Railroad Companies that have reached the Indian Territory, from the North, with their Roads, has the right to enter and constructed their Road through the Territory, are now discharging the duties assigned them, at Chetopa, in Kansas.

Des Moines County, Iowa, has a Sheriffess.  Her name is Mrs. Latty.  She asked as the deputy for her husband.

INDIAN NEWS

The Advocate being the sole publication of the Indian Territory, a broad field for the collection of news is out our command, if friends of us, of the Advocate, of its readers and this country, will only be good enough to send as accounts of local occurrences, similar to those which appear in this issue, which have been kindly furnished us by a friend in Fort Gibson.  They may be shorter or longer, according to the necessity of the narrative and clothed in such a garb of words as soon the means, time and convenience, of the source from which they come; if any change in the latter respect to adapted to the prevailing fashion, we will undertake to make it.  But, at all events, give us the facts.  We can only report correctly what comes to our ear from this place and its vicinity; if the hundred and one incidents of equal or greater interest occurring in other neighborhoods are told, they must be first told by someone else.  And what we have said before, we repeat now.

United States is full of fair, true, and impartial men and women, who will not knowingly suffer us to be crushed either representatives, by means of Territorial or Railroad Bills, or Judicial and Department decisions, provided, they themselves know what should or should not be done, when a question affecting our condition and rights is made a subject of discussion and any branch of the Government.  It is nonsense to say that it matters not what they labor, the mechanic, the farmer, and in short, the working man, think or know of our affairs--that everything depends upon those in power--the Congressmen, the Secretaries, the Judges, etc. the United States government is a government of public opinion, upon such matters of official action as the people fully understand and entertain and an opinion.  What the highest and the most candid, and the best of them all, has said, cannot be name nine by any of his fellow servants in authority.  “The will of the people is the law of the land."  So it is.

Now, what is the public opinion of the people of the United States in regard to the Indians of this Territory and their claims and rights?  Did you say, none?  Well, we believe you, in part.  But bear in constant mind one thing; if the people of United States do not form their opinions of us and our affairs, from what we and our friends tell them, they will form from what our enemies tell them; and the latter are now, and for some time have been at work with their poisonous representatives, to convert that which should be our safety to our destruction.  The American people should know the truth.  We must tell them the truth.  The truth once known, and settled in the public mind, it cannot afterwards be misled.  It may and will be continually missed and its conclusion, while it has false facts for premises, from which to draw them.

Forgive the boast --we promise not to repeat it--this unostentatious little Indian Newspaper can do something--a very little--towards this important subject.  Such is partly its intention.  Within their narrow bounds, it can do something, with the help of miscellaneous contributions from friends.  Our contemporaries of greater pretensions, and larger circulation, into whose grand and current of information we in the our little rill of "Indian News," must do the rest.  "Every little bit helps," is a simple saying, old and origin, but forever new in practice and will be our encouragement and consolation, though we may never see the results of our humble labors.

Office of U. S. Pension Agent,

Ft. Gibson, Indian, Territory,

January 1, 1871

            Notice is hereby given, to all persons who have made applications for or have received pension or bounty, in the Indian Territory, that the undesigned, having been a specially disputed to examine such claims, are engaged in such duty at this place.

            All such claimants are requested to come to this office, with witnesses who can make affidavit as to the time, place and circumstances of the death of the soldier on account of to serve as pension or bounty has been claimed, and who testify as to identity of the claimants and their relationship to the soldier; also in Widow’s cases, witnesses who testify to the marriage of the widow to the soldier, giving date, place, and by whom, or in what manner, and if such widow has been married again the same evidence as to said to remarriage, and  witnesses as to birth of children of said widow by said soldier and of any children of said soldier by any other marriage, if there are any of either class; also, in cases of minors, legal  evidence of authority of the guardian, established by the bona fide signature of the Judge or Clerk issuing the  "letters of guardianship," with genuine attestation, by the Clerk of the Court, of the signature of the Judge, who, if he cannot write his name, should make a mark.

            All claimants, who can not speak English, should before coming to this office, inquire at the house of Mr. Benge, the U. S.  interpreter, at Ft. Gibson, who will come with them and interpret for them.

F. E. Foster--special agent

              George W. Webster--special agent

United States pension office

A MISREPRESENTATION

January 14, 1871

            A correspondent of the St. Louis Republican, writing from Ft. Gibson, about Indians and their affairs, takes occasion to say a very bad thing about the whole Cherokee people.  He says, in substance, that it issued usual with us for a man guilty of murder to first scout a while, and after arranging everything through his friends, to deliver himself up to the authorities, and go through a mock trial invariably at resulting in the acquittal of the accused.  The writer illustrates by giving eight handling account of the personal difficulty which preceded and led to the killing of Henry Reese by Richard Half-breed in this place some weeks since.

                                                           For the sake of our character as a people abroad, upon which much depends, we could wish that those who take the trouble to write or say anything about Indians to a public ignorant of them would take the trouble to ascertain and tell the truth.  But it is partly our own fault that they have not in this case.  We should have known that if those who know the circumstances attending an event of interest neglect to represent them, other who do not know may be expected to misrepresent them.  We have not the space to spare for a detailed account of the facts of this affair this week but we declare the statement of the writer referred to both as regards the custom of this people in such cases and in relation to the cause and origin of this affair, are unqualifiedly false.  It by no means follows that the error was intentional though we cannot pronounce it excusable.  No doubt, the writer wrote the version of the affair as he heard it, and his fault lay in affirming to be true without qualification the careless perhaps ill nature gossip of his appointments, who should have more regard for their utter rents if they cared a straw and for this people are for the truth.

A CITIZEN ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO FT. SMITH IN IRONS FOR BEING A CHEROKEE JUROR

June 1,1872--Cherokee Advocate--The Treaty between the United States and the Cherokee, guarantees to the latter of the ancient right of trying their own native citizens according to such forms as they may have adopted.  It was in the exercise of this right that honorable Arch Scraper was in attendance at the Going Snake Court House as Juror in the trial of Ezekiel Proctor, when the United States deputy marshals attempted, without giving the Court notice of their business, or even telling who they were, to take the prisoner from the Cherokee authorities by force of arms.  Deputy Marshall Peavy knows that perfectly well.  Yet Mr. Scraper has been seized with every exhibition a brutality, as though he was the worst of criminals, and taken to Ft. Smith to answer we know not what false and outrageous charge in connection with the butchery caused by the unlawful conduct of the officers of United States Court at that place.  If Scraper is guilty of any crime against United States for being a Juror on that occasion, the other eleven are also equally criminals and equally liable to prosecution.  Mr. Scraper was listing to the remarks of Mr. Johnson one of the attorneys in the case, when the first shot was fired by the Marshal's company.  He laid under a seat for personal safety till the shooting was over, and after the attacking party had fled, he made himself honorably conspicuous by a generous effort to stop further disturbance, and by bestowing care up on the wounded and dead.  These are the facts in relation to the part Mr. Scraper took in that dreadful occurrence, and any evil and malicious charge to the contrary owes its origin either to devilish malice, or to some greedy scheme hatched by rascals connected with the Court at Ft. Smith, to compel him to spend his hard means and answering a false accusation.

The Cherokee Nation is bound to protect its citizens in such a case as this.  A citizen had rather pay his fine and stay away from Court, then run the risk of being ignominiously dragged to Ft. Smith in irons for simply obeying one of our Court processes.  If ever the National honor, dignity and interest were concerned, it is concerned now, and in this instance.

REMOVAL OF THE U. S. DISTRICT COURT FROM FORT SMITH

            Fort Smith is a good deal exercised just now, (she always has something to disturb her equilibrium) over the fact that Mr. Pomeroy, of Kansas, has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate, to attach the Indian country to the Kansas District, and making Arkansas one district as in olden times.  Senator Pomeroy urges, it is reported, as a reason for each removal from Fort Smith, that they have not Court accommodations and that the “Hotels are entirely inadequate" for the accommodations of so large and distinguished a Court and read extracts from one of the Fort Smith newspapers to show that the moral surrounding of the Court are extremely bad.  A sympathetic meeting was held at Ft. Smith the other night, in which a great deal of characteristic balderdash was indulged in for the purpose of creating ill feeling toward their neighbors, and influencing the people of the District to rally to prevent this outrage upon their rights.  Except for the few pensioners that attend Court twice a year, as attaches, the people cared little or nothing about the Court--have no interest in it, and as soon as the Indian District would be detached at from the Western District of Arkansas as not.  Senator Pomeroy should have credit for one thing, if for no more, that all of acting boldly and above board, in asking for the detachment of the Indian Country, and stands out in bowl contrast to the low, sneaking manner of the removal of the Court from Van Buren was accomplished.  We have not seen the bill and feel but very little interest in the subject one way or the other.

            Mayor Brooks of Fort Smith, passed down Saturday, on the Gibson, and after assisting at the “Brindle-tail” Convention at Little Rock, will proceed to Washington City, to use his influence to try and kill the Pomeroy bill.  We expect he will be felt about as much as a fly on elephants back and retarding its passage and the detachment of the Indian Territory from the Arkansas District.

            Our neighbors will permit us to caution them to husband their home supply of tears and lamentations, over each removal, for they will not together much of a crop outside of the town of Fort Smith.--Van Buren Press

U. S. CAVALRY

July 20, 1872—The Cherokee Advocate—The Arkansas City Traveler says that a portion of the 10^th U. S. Cavalry have been stationed long the State line to keep out intruders and to removal all who have settled therein.  One company under the command of Capt. Vandervills, have camped on the Canadian and will patrol the line from the east side of the Big Beaver to the Neosho River.  Another company with Capt. Walsh in command has camped on Deer Creek and will operate from the west side of the Beaver to the 100^th Meridian.  It is the intention of the Government to remove all people and to keep them out.  For this purposed Major Martin has been sent along the line, with a proper escort and authority to enforce the law.  Mr. Martin is a kind-hearted, whole souled gentleman and has done everything in his power to accommodate the trespassers in removing.  So far, he has had no trouble whatever and we hope the settlers will have respect enough for the gentleman to do as he has suggested.  His duty is an unpleasant one, but the order must be enforced.  On several occasions where the settlers were too poor to move, he has furnished them with flour and bacon enough to last them until they could reach the settlement. Most of these trespassers settled below the state line not knowing where the line was and inasmuch as the treaty of 1866 specified that the state line should established within that year, we deem it no more than just that the Government should pay all damage done to the settlers by their removal.  If the government had fulfilled its contract, there would have been no trespassing. 

July 20, 1872—Cherokee Advocate—Wichita City Eagle—“An Indian raid was made upon Sewell’s ranch, twenty-five miles below Caldwell, one day last week.  Sewell’s ranch is on Pond Cree, where the Osage sometimes come to trade.  There were five hundred Osage there on this business, when thirty Kiowa rode into the corral and ran off Sewell’s stock, killing Tommy Best, the herder.  The Osage went out and met them and tried to persuade them to return the stock but “no come goodie.”  The next day after the above narrated, they went for a party of Mexicans returning to Texas, had a fight with them and finally got away with all their tock, but without killing anyone

GENERAL CUSTER'S FIRST OFFICIAL REPORT ON HIS BLACK HILLS EXPEDITION

Assistant Adjutant General Department Of Dakota, St. Paul, Minnesota:

August 8, 1874--the Cherokee Advocate--Sir: this expedition reached this point yesterday, having marched since leaving Fort Lincoln, 227 mi.  We are now 170 mi. in a direct line from Lincoln, and within 5 mi. of the Little Missouri, and within about 12 mi. of the Montana boundary.

            After the second day from Lincoln we marched over a beautiful country.

            The grazing was excellent and abundant.  Wood sufficient for our wants, and water in great abundance.  When we struck the tributaries of Grand River, we entered a less desirable portion of the country, nearly all the streams flowing into Grand River being more or less impregnated with alkali, rendering the crossings difficult.  We found a plentiful supply of grass, wood, and water, however, even along this portion of our route.  As an evidence of the character of the country, we have marched, since leaving Fort Lincoln, on an average, over 17 miles per day--1 day making 32 miles.--yet our mules and beef cattle have constantly improved in condition, the beef cattle depending entirely upon the excellent grazing we have marched over.  The health of my command is something remarkable--not a man being on the sick report.

            Between the forks of Grand River was discovered a cave to which the Indians attach great importance.  The cave extends about 400 ft. under ground, beyond which point it was not practicable to explore it.  Its walls and roof or covered with rude carvings and drawings cut into the solid rock, apparently the work of Indians, although probably by a different tribe than either of those now roaming in this region.  Near the cave was found a white man's skull, apparently perforated by a bullet.  It had been exposed to the atmosphere for several years, as no white men, except those belonging to the expedition, are known to have passed anywhere near the locality.  The discovery of the skull was regarded with unusual interest.  The cave contains numerous articles of Indian equipments, which had been thrown into the cave by the Indians, as offerings of the Great Spirit.  

            Our march thus far has been made without molestation upon the part of the Indians.  We discovered no signs indicating the recent presence of Indians, until Day before yesterday, when Captain McDougal Seventh Cavalry, who was on the flying, discovered a small body of about 20 Indians watching our movements.  The Indians scampered off as soon as discovered.  Soon after several signals of smoke were sent up, which are Indian guards interpret as conveying information to the main body of our presence and movement.  As I sent a practice message to all the tribes in testing the region, before the expedition move, and expressed A. desire to maintain friendly relations with them, the signals observed by us may have simply been made to enable the villages to avoid us.  Our Indian guides think differently, however, and believe the Indians mean war.  Should this be the case, they will be the party to fire the first shot.

ORIGIN AND TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF THE WYANDOTTE

            "It may seem very strange to you," said the resuscitated Indian, "my friends when I tell you that from the moment I first saw the bald eagle here, in advance of the other birds, he seem to have signaled me out from the rest of our slain friends, and from what I heard him say to the other birds, he had often seen me in the forests, and seemed to know that I left deer r carcasses purposely for his own and other kinds of flesh eaters of the flying species.  It is wonderful to me," he continued, "when I think of the wanderings of my Spirit during the last few days.  I thought I followed and saw the Hawks snatch off my scalp from a tall poll over our enemy's camp; it commenced from a great heights, sailing round and round, down gradually over the open camp of the Cherokee, who were watching the strange maneuvering of the hawk.  Suddenly it swept by the poll over their camp, with the keen sound of whistling wind, and snatched off one of the scalps.  In a moment the hawk was high up in the air again, with my scalp dangling from its talons, then flew northward, leaving the group of Indians at the camp, with upturned faces and utterly county founded."  Putting his hand on his head, "Who!"  He exclaimed, "What is that?  That is not my scalp!"  A roar of laughter preceded the response from his friends, when he was told that they had stuck a piece of raw water skin on his head in the place of his original and missing scalp, and that they went to work as soon as they concluded he was in a trance, instead of burying him, and brought him back to life with medicines.

            "I thought one time," he continued, "that the bald eagle and his companions had brought me back to life, and that I returned home, but my mother would not noticed me.  I told her repeatedly I was her son, and that I had come home, but she would not listen to me.  I then thought I pushed her elbow, which caused her to thrust her hand into a cattle of boiling corn and venison, over which he was leaning, giving her great pain from the scald.  I thought too, that I left home in sorrow for not being noticed by my mother.  All seems like a dream to me now."

            The now five surviving Wyandotte warriors commenced their journey homeward.  In the close of the third quarter of the 18th-century the Wyandotte and other Indians about Detroit were still annoyed by the savages of the West, and who continue to make hostile intrusions against them in the forests of Michigan, occasionally attacking their habitations on their hunting ground.

             In 1727, or thereabouts, a party of 12 Wyandotte the scouts ventured to the haunts of the enemy in the wilds of Illinois, and before reaching their hunting grounds, they sojourned on the banks of a stream until sometime in the month of February, when they broke up camp and resumed their journey westward bearing a little to the south.

            During their third day's march they discovered the tracks of an Indian in the snow.  On the morning of the fourth day they found a fresh footpath that led them down a stream on the ice.  Presently a scattering smoke appeared before them like that of a large encampment on a bluff of the stream which they were following.  On their near approach, they perceived that the sojourners had just broken up camp and had gone down on the ice.  Their broad trail in the snow was followed by the Wyandotte, who soon overtook them.

            They were a party of Fox Indians who yet depended on their bows and arrows to kill game and fight their enemies with.  The Wyandotte Scouts were provided with a fire arms.  One of the enemy who was some distance behind his party fixing his pack, was shot down and scalped.  The gun firing startled the Fox Indians and caused them to look back with dismay.  The men on preceiving but a small party of Wyandotte, sent their women and children on down the stream, then turned on the scouts and attacked them with bows and arrows.  The Wyandotte retreated upstream keeping their enemies at a gunshot distance, and reserving their fire until reaching the camping ground which the latter were followed from.  Here the Wyandotte warriors felled trees and hastily erected some kind of fortification, firing at the enemy at the same time.

            Being the securely posted, and having the advance in fire arms over the besiegers, they killed and wounded several of them that came within gunshot.

            Their camp fires, at nightfall, indicated their intention to continue the siege the next day.  A shower of arrows and the yells of the enemy at dawn of day, aroused up the Wyandotte to a sense of their precarious situation; for they found that they could be starved out if not all slain within their fort.  One of the Wyandotte was killed during the second day's conflict.

            Near the close of the third day the besiegers proposed to make peace.  An Indian approached within speaking distance of the fort, having a large, round red spot painted on his naked body, holding up one hey and a painted staff decorated with feathers, equivalent to a flag of truce.  A Wyandotte boy, who had been taken prisoner by the Fox Indians in Michigan, stood by him as his interpreter.

            And while the besieged party was holding a consultation over the proposed peace, one of the Scouting party, who doubt of the sincerity of the besiegers, fired at the flag of truce Indian, and both boy and man disappeared in the jiffy.  This outrage or aroused up the savage host, and they renewed their attack on the fort with the vindictiveness of demons, and night closed the conflict of the third day.

            During the fourth day the besiegers appeared to be rapidly increasing in numbers, and continue to make furious attacks on the open fort with bows and arrows.

            During the night they encircled the fort, at some distance, with bark ropes suspended two or 3 ft. from the ground.  To the ropes were tied a great number of goard shells containing loose, hard substance, to make a rattling sound when the besieged party came in contact with the ropes, should they make an attempted fight in the night, and does give the besieged party warning.

            The evening shades of the fourth night were now closing around the Wyandotte warriors, and starvation staring them in the face!  They found their stock of provisions reduced down to a few morsels of dried venison.

            Of gloomy silence had succeeded the shouts and yells of the assailants, who were now gathering around their camp fires in the distance.  The silence around the fort continued until the sharp screech of a night Bird broke the monotony, as if giving the besieged party warning of the advancing enemy to the midnight attack.  Presently the ill-fated Scouting party heard the tramping of many feet on the frozen snow.  The Wyandotte war Chief Ta-yatt-na-hoo-shar, now being conscious of the dreadful calamity that awaited them, started off two of his men to take the News home of what befell their friends in the West.  The ropes around the fort having been observed by the Wyandotte at nightfall, the two messengers cautiously crept out from under them.

            The rest of the party now began to talk of flight, except the war Chief, who declared that he would not leave his slain bosom friend; and on perceiving that his men were determined to leave the fort, he took hold of the rope and shook a defiantly, making a rattling sound of the gourd shells all around the fort.  In an instant, the enemies or upon them; but the Wyandotte shows rather being cut to pieces fighting them to be taken alive and tortured by the enemy.  They thought and Slade all within reach, as they were cut down one by one.

            Their War Chief Was Alone, Fighting over the Body of a Slain Friend--Finding Himself Alone, "Here!” he ex Is claimed, holding his head down, told the enemy to "Strike!”  -- down came the tomahawk and thus fell the Chief of the two scouts!

            In this fallen Chief the French commandant at Detroit had always found a true friend and faithful, and the news of his fate stirred up the ire of the commandant, who vowed vengeance on the fox Indians and their allies, the Wears, Pe-Ya-keeshawas, and other tribes of Illinois and during the spring following, sent an expedition into their country from Fort Detroit; and sent some of his troops with cannon, in barges around by Michilimackinac to “Little Fort,” some eight or ten miles beyond Chicago, on the lake shore.  In the meantime a war party, composed of Wyandotte, Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawatomie, journeyed across the country to where they met (according to appointment) the French and some Pottawatomie Indians, (of the northern Illinois, and Indiana territories) on the Illinois River some eight miles form Chicago. From there the whole French and Indian army marched to the village of the enemies, who were driven from their habitations, down the south bank of the river for several miles, or until reaching the brow of a high rocky hill, up which they were driven from the valley, but the low and scattering evergreen trees on the summit afforded the refugees a scanty cover.

            The rapid current of the river sweeps the base of the high perpendicular rock of this hill or bluff, on the north side; at the south-west side, in a dell, was a grove of timber and among the tops of the trees some of the besieged Indians had come themselves, to keep clear of the grape-shot which the French were firing among them, from the valley.

            Some of the women and children were found lodged among the tree tops, after the siege, still alive, and who were helped down by the friend after their pursuers had left.

             A large portion of the savages, however, had made their escape soon after they were driven from the village.  There was but one winding way up to the craggy height by which their covert could be reached in the besiegers being aware that the refugees could roll down boulders or start some of the loosed shelving rocks upon them, concluded  not to venture up, but adopted  the plan of starving the enemy out, by close siege.  The French had stopped firing grape-shot among them.

September 19, 1874--Cherokee Advocate— We published today and account of the unlawful and barbarous treatment of some families by Deputy United States Marshall Hawkins, which it seems occurred in the neighborhood of Boggy Depot, Choctaw Nation.  There is no language in which to sufficiently execrate such a creature--we will not disgrace the name of man, by applying it to him, for such acts.  Deputy marshals are proper enough officers, when they confine themselves to the law and their duties, but when they prostitute the privileges of their position to the purpose of robbery and oppression, as has been too often the case in the country, we shall take pleasure in holding them up to the scorn and contempt which is do their action.

            We are not in favor of mob law, or violence in retaliation, but we must say if the charges in the article referred to are correct, that a little quick hanging would be but justice to this Hawkins, and rid the country of the worst than scoundrel.   

NEW FERRY

November 14, 1874—Cherokee Advocate—Mr. “W. J. Watts has opened a road over a high and dry country, leading fro Fort Smith to Fort Gibson and Muskogee and crossing the Arkansas River at Watts Ferry, where you will find a good boat and careful hands to manage it.  Persons traveling or freighting fro Muskogee to Fort Smith will find it to their advantage in road and the distance saved by crossing at this ferry.

            This ferry is likewise on the most direct route from Cane Hill to Scullyville, Choctaw Nation and all the country south and west of that place.

A Resolute Criminal

June 3, 1876—Cherokee Advocate—Sam Osage who was tried and acquitted in Illinois District on Monday the 22nd May, was immediately arrested on a charge of stealing a cow from Henry Starr.  His trial was held on the 29th and resulted in a verdict of guilty.  Judge George Sanders then sentenced the prisoner to 39 lashes on the bareback.  The blows were administered as heartily as a strongman could well lay them on, the culprit being tied after the usual fashion with his hands around a tree.  Osage did not flinch, or show the slightest sign.  The Sheriff unloosed him after 29 lashes were given, having misunderstood the sentence.  Osage whooped after being freed, but when the discussion arose about the sheriff's error, cut the matter short by saying " ten more" and gave himself promptly up to be lashed again, with the same exhibition of indifference during the ordeal as before.

Mrs. Mary Eliza kept couch, was born May 19, 1845, was united in marriage to Peter Couch November 25, 1863.  Died at her home near Cody's Bluff, May 27, 1876.  For some months she had been declining under the slow wasting disease, consumption.  She earnestly sought pardon at the hands of God and died expressing her willingness to depart.  She leaves a husband and five small children and many kind friends to born her loss.  Cody's Bluff, May 27, 1876.

January 6, 1877—Cherokee Advocate—Lovely Rogers, the Sheriff of Illinois District, died at Fort Smith, of pneumonia.  He had been for some time in attendance upon the United States Court at that place and contracted the disease of which he died from the exposure to which every one who is summoned there is more or less subjected.

THE NEW INDIAN WAR

JULY 4, 1877-- THE CHEROKEE ADVOCATE-- Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory (Editorial of the New York Sun)

We enter up on the summer with the usual Indian war.  At just about this date last year the massacre of Custer and his men took place on the Little Big Horn and from that time forward there was a lively chasing of the Redskins and the Government was put at great expense to keep its troops in the field.  As the next result of their work they got some Indians on reservations and Sitting Bull at his leisure led his band into Canada, where, strangely enough, he seems to be an entirely inoffensive person, though he is such a terror when he gets on this side of the line.

            The present Indian troubles, like all our Indian wars, grow out of the dissatisfaction of the Nez Perce tribe, regarding their reservation.  The ill feeling has been of long-standing and now the Nez Perce thinking there is no other way of getting their rights have started on the war path and all are falling on the white settlers where ever they can find them.  What makes the uprising the worse is that these Indians have been wronged and have grievances which anger even white men.  Young Joseph, the Nez Perce chief, claims that the whites have entered into his lands and refuses to go upon the reservation at the command of the army.  By a treaty with the Government in 1855 and one made in 1863 the Nez Perce Indians, practically by force, gave up a large part of their reservation.  The tribe was a Confederacy of numerous bands and no one felt itself bound by the acts of the others.  Young Joseph and other chiefs, with their fall worse, were not parties to the treaty of 1863, they have refused to accept its benefits and have haughty repudiated it.  Another treaty was made in 1863, which granted certain privileges on the reduced reservation to those of the tribe who lived outside its bounds.  Young Joseph refused to avail himself of them, declaring that he had taken no part in contracting the treaty and that he utterly disavowed it.  He says he wishes only what is his and that he will take no less.  Moreover, even the treaty Indians were at liberty to renounce the treaties of 1855 and 1863, for the Government grossly violated its obligation.  It is plain to see that the non-treaty Nez Perce are not bound by treaty of 1863 and in so far as it attempts to deprive them of a right to the occupancy of any land, its provisions are null and void.  Yet the Government would force Young Joseph to obey its stipulations and the consequence is the present Indian war, in which, as usual, we are on the wrong side.

            The Nez Perce are not a little order of Indians.  They are noted for their superior intelligence, their power, their wealth in cattle and horses and their fine physical development.  They have long been faithful friends of the whites and it is reported of them by Major Wood of the army that no Nez Perce of the full blood ever killed a white men.  These are the Indians we have now driven and to war by perfidy and wrong.

SHOOTING AFFAIR

June 13, 1877—Cherokee Advocate—Two horse thieves pursued Smith and Cunningham them as the approached the mules, their reply was a shot at him, of course you know he returned the compliment with a double barrel shotgun, one thief received nine buck shot in the feet and legs, the other eight or ten small hot in the face and head, the buckshot man I likely to die.

            Smith and Cunning left Ft. Gibson the 9^th of May 1877.

THE NEW INDIAN OUTBREAK

JULY 4, 1877-- THE CHEROKEE ADVOCATE-- Tahlequah Washington, June 20--Indian Commissioner Smith today received a dispatch from the Nez Perce Agency, dated June 17, which says: "The non-treaty Indians commenced hostilities on the 14^th inst.  Up to the date twenty-nine settlers are reported murdered in for Indians killed.  General Howard is here to command.  The hostile czar about 100 strong and are reported to have gone to Salmon River country and are making the Veiser, in Southern Idaho.  Troops are in pursuit and are about 12 hours behind.  The reservation Indians are true to the Government.  A company is formed under the head chief and are protecting Karmiah, one of the Indians settlements and the employees.  There is no news from the Indians north of here."

            A dispatch from General McDowell, at San Francisco, received at the war Department today says: "The steamer California reached Fort Townsend this morning with all the troops from Alaska.  I have ordered them to go to Lewiston Friday morning.  General Sully will go to Lewiston by that boat."

            War Department has also received through General McDowell, the following from General Howard, at Lapwai, to his staff officers at Department headquarters;

            "There is rather gloomy news from the front by stragglers.  Captain Perry overtook the enemy about 200 strong in a deep ravine, well posted and was fighting there when the last messenger left.  I am expecting a message from him every minute.  The Indians are very active and are gradually increasing its strength, drawing recruits from other tribes.  The movement indicates a combination, uniting nearly all the disaffected Indians.  They probably number 1000 or 1500 when united.  The two companies of infantry and 25 Calvary men reached the Lewiston this morning.  Order to Lewiston every available man in the department, except the forces at Fort Harney and Boise.  Start all the troops at Harney for Boise, except a small guard.  They may receive orders on route turning them in this is, (Lapwai) direction.  Lewiston will be the field depot for the present.  The quartermaster, commissary, ordinance and medical staff will act accordingly and I wish these movements perfected in the shortest possible time.  Please inform General McDowell and ask him to send a staff officer to me.  His California troops, should, in my judgment, be made to move, but just when will depend on my success against Joseph's band, 75 mi. eastward from here.  I shall proceed against the Indians collecting or threatening on Hangsman Creek, near the Spokane.  About 30 citizens have been murdered thus far.  I shall not feed the intimate with criblets, but I had to start the two companies to stop the murder of men and women and keep the attention of Joseph's band while I concentrated my troops."

            Captain Major Wood of General Howard staff telegraphs to General McDowell that Miller's company from Ft. Stevens and Miles Company from Ft. Vancouver are now at Cellilo en route to Lewiston.  General McDowell says: "I have ordered a Rodney from Ft. Canby.  We go from here Friday morning.  Burton, at Fort Townsend, is under orders to come around by the steamer California.  I have ordered all the cavalry to the Department of California to proceed, subject to General Howard's orders.  Sumner goes by rail to Reading; Major Janford, with a company from Camp Halleck, to Winnemucca.  Company I of the Twelfth Infantry goes hands to McDermott to relieve Company C. of the first cavalry."             

 THE INDIAN OUTBREAK

Indians Reported Quiet, But Whites Apprehensive

JULY 4, 1877-- THE CHEROKEE ADVOCATE-- Tahlequah Washington, D. C. June 28-- The following telegram has been received by the Commissioner of Indian affairs from Ft. L Lapwai June 27: " Messengers from Spokane, Coeur, Datens and other tribes in the North report the Indian quiet, but the whites are apprehensive.  Columbia River renegades have not joined Joseph.  The Umatilla are quiet.  Troops on Salmon River anticipate an engagement soon.  General Howard is commanding person.

            “(Signed) E. C Watkins Inspector.”

OUT THROUGH SAFELY

JULY 4, 1877-- THE CHEROKEE ADVOCATE-- Tahlequah San Francisco, June 28--Press dispatch; A Portland special correspondent sends the following from out Idaho, under date of 25th instant: "Got through safely to General Howard's headquarters, on the Cottonwood, at six o'clock this morning.  The command has since marched 15 mi. to this point, were it has been joined by the balance of the detachment commanded by Col. Perry.  Officers and men are in excellent health and spirits.  We move this afternoon to Johnson's ranch, 10 mi. beyond here.  Troops from Ft. Lapwai are expected tomorrow evening, which will place the total force under General Howard of troops and volunteers at about 600.  Latest intelligence at headquarters from the Indians is to the effect that

Joseph and Followers

are in camped near Salmon River, at the mouth of the White Bird Creek, about 6 mi. from the scene of the late fight with the troops under Col. Perry and 18 mi. from out Idaho.  There are said to number all the way from ninety nine to 400 warriors, accounts differing.

            A great number of renegade Indians from different bands have joined Joseph on Salmon River.  Lieutenant Tremble, with his company and a volunteer detachment will tonight be at Slate Creek, were about 50 citizens have fortified and held the place.  General Howard intends to reconnoiter and keep Joseph and check till the balance of his troops from the forts arrive to help.

BATTLE MAY BE EXPECTED

            No further murders have been reported, though the latest information is that the Indians all on Hangman’s Creek are getting very restless and a portion have refused to accept any part of the reservation and left with one of their peaceful chiefs.  It is reported that Joseph is anxious to have a fight with the troops and he will probably have an opportunity within a few days.

            The agent at Lapwai is confident that a few of the treaty Indians will joined Joseph and parties claiming to be well-informed claim that the Indians north of Snake and Clearwater Rivers will not assist him, as the Nez Perce declined to help them in the war of 55-6.  Umatilla will be prevented from joined the hostile Indians with much of a force and from Boise section there are no Indians to come.  388

DEAD OR ALIVE

Bill Posey Was To Be Taken Either Way

How An Outlaw Kept His Word and Died Game

July 18, 1877—Cherokee Advocate—Eufaula, I. T.—June 22-- "Killed him while resisting arrest," is the return to be made by Sunthlar-pee of Uchee town, Captain of the Creek Light Horse, in the case of Bill Posey, one of the most notorious and reckless daredevils of the gang of Texas, Indian Territory and Kansas desperadoes; horses and cattle thieves, that have been tested this country for years.  Death to all who stood in their way, and robbing from all but their friends, had been their motto.  With headquarters in Kansas and Texas, their trail has led through the Indian Territory from Coffeyville South through the wilderness of that Osage Reservation, crossing the Arkansas River near Childer’s Ferry, the through the Creek and Chickasaw Nations to Denison or Fort Worth, Texas.  Tens and of thousands of dollars, worth of stock have been stolen from Texas driven north through the Territory, always in charge of some outlaw along the route, driven by hidden and unused trails through a country so apparently settled that often days would elapse with out a human being insight to identify either the stock are thieves.  Picking up cattle feeding on the range belonging to the Indians, their droves were always increasing; the loss to the citizens of the Creek Nation became unbearable.  Among this band Bill Posey,

An Escaped Convict from the Texas penitentiary was a skilled, daring an influential leader.  A Spanish Mexican with a claim to Indian blood in his veins, Posey has made his headquarters on Cane at Creek, Polecat and Arkansas River's, drifting back and forth as occasion required, always armed to the teeth.  With a long Spanish knife and 3 six- shooting revolvers in his belt and a 16 loading Henry rifle loaded with buckshot and a disposition to use them at every opportunity, he was an unpleasant person to meet and the terror of the road.  For several years he had been a member of the gang in Texas.  No less than 29 criminal indictments had been found against him in various counties in Texas, the charges ranging from petty larceny to highway robbery and from assault and battery to the hanging of his brother-in-law in the front yard of his residence, in the presence of his agonized family.  Bill Posey had wealthy and influential relatives living in Limestone and other counties in that State, who had managed to screen him until about four years ago, when he was arrested, tried and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.  He had served out 20 months of his sentence, but so turbulent had he been that he inspired a feeling of terror even among the prison officials.  Bucking and gagging, flogging, or showering failed to subdue him and he was put in the chain gang and set to work on the streets in charge of guards.  All working one day with a twelve pound ball attached to his leg he watched his chance, struck down one of his guards with a stone, snatched his gun and “Stood Off” four of the guard.

            He called on the prison authorities with oaths to come out and re-arrest him and he would kill them all for their cruel treatment.  Holding all the duty officers at bay he slowly retreated towards some horses feeding near.  Getting a horse between himself and the guard, he coolly picked up the ball, slung over the horse, mounted and rode off in safety to his father's house, where he up security his own gun, revolver and a good horse and again crossed the line into the Indian Territory.  While at his temporary home on Cane Creek, two Deputy United States Marshals attempted his arrest; to this he asserted and asked them into the house to dinner before leaving for Ft. Smith.  With four revolvers pointing at his head he coolly walked into the house with them, placed chairs and ordered dinner quick for the three and went about making preparations to leave.  Suddenly he reached under his low couch, brought out his six shooter, sent one ball through the thigh of one Deputy and another through the eye of the other and drove them from the house.  He ordered them to throw up their hands and then coolly ask for the warrant.  This he destroyed, compelled the tout witted conquered officers to go in and partake of the meal prepared for them and let them go back to report their failure.  He vowed never to be taken alive, and

He Kept His Vow

            He lived for a part of the time on Cane Creek, midway between Muskogee and Okmulgee, built a block house, surrounded himself with a set of desperate criminals and bid the defiance to all the marshals of Texas or the Territory.  Here for 15 months, he had been on the scout.  During the day, he never, for a moment, laid down his arms.  He slept always with his belt of arms on the bed before him and a sixteen shooting Henry rifle in his hands a fresh horse was always saddled near the door and no man was ever permitted to approach him unless he was covered by the in veritable rifle.  Stimulated by the heavy reward offered by the State of Texas, many attempts were made to arrest and numberless traps laid to catch him off guard.  Nearly every Deputy Marshal in the Territory had tried his best to get the "a drop on him," but failed.  He defied them all.  They have often met him in the streets of Muskogee and Okmulgee when they were the three to one, but were afraid to attempt his arrest.  His reckless bravado led him, out a pure cussedness to put in an appearance of amid a crowd of men, visiting stores, whenever supplies were needed, or taking a set in church amid the worshipers, armed, and taking care to keep the saints always to the front.  So great was The Fear He Inspired, that when he appeared at any cabin in a hurry, the best horse afforded was always placed before him, and no questions asked.  His name was not spoken above a whisper, and when the Indian Journal, dared to connect his name with the robbery of 80 head of cattle up the river, the office was visited by a armed Lieutenant (and shot to death in Texas), bearing orders from his chief to demand an apology and containing a threat to visit the office in person, if not complied with.  An audacious invitation to visit, The Journal office in offering him the freedom of the sanctum, amused him until other events raised the siege.  The United States Marshal and deputies had given up all hope of taking him and gave him a wide berth in their rides through the Territory for criminals.  A few weeks since the governor of Texas made a requisition on the Chief of the Creek Nation, through the United States Indian Agent, for his arrest and return to the Texas the officials.  Chief Ward Coachman placed the necessary papers at once in the hands of Captain Sunthlar-pee, of Uchee town, with orders to bring in.

“Bill Posey, Alive or Dead”

            On Friday last and the Captain learned that Posey had visited Okmulgee that day and had a wounded finger amputated and had left, going toward the Arkansas River.  All that night with a posse of two picked men, they followed on his trail, and Saturday evening they came up on him near Concharte town, on Pulled Creek, driving some stray horses ahead of him.  He was well mounted as usual and disdained to run from three Indians.  The Captain ordered him to surrender and throw up his hands.  The fight commenced.  Posey reached for his ever present rifle, but his lost finger was in the way and before he could bring it to bear a load of buckshot went crashing through his right arm, breaking it above the elbow.  As the limb at his side dropped he drop the rifle, drew his revolver with his left and emptied two of the chambers, when another mass of buckshot broke his left arm.  Spurring his well, trained horse, he charged full speed at the Captain, knocking him and his horse over the bluff into the Creek below.  Posey then wheeled upon the posse, who stood their ground, firing at him with their revolvers.  The orders to take him dead or alive must be obeyed.  The fight was now at close quarters.  Riddled with bullets and shot, the flesh torn from his hips, both arms broken, he continued the fight trying to ride down the officers.  Captain Sunthlar-pee had again joined his posse, this time on foot.  A well aimed shot from his revolver tore off Posey’s nose completely. 

It seemed Impossible To Kill Him

             Still he refused to surrender.  Their revolvers and nearly empty, it looked as though he would again escape, but the last shot from the Captain's revolver struck him in the Chen, breaking history all and went crashing up through the his brains.  Mangled almost beyond recognition, game to the last, he fell dead from his horse, making good his oft repeated boast, "that he would die but would never be taken prisoner."  On Sunday last the citizens buried Bill Posey and doubtless the balance of the gang of thieves will be driven out of the Territory.  To much praise cannot be awarded the Creek authorities, Chief Ward Coachman and Sunthlar-pee with his brave posse, for ridding the world of one whose crimes are seldom equaled and whose daring bravery, if directed in another cause, would have been worthy of admiration.

SIX HUNDRED MORE

August 8, 1877—Cherokee Advocate—A band of Indians, six hundred in number, of the Tribe of Poncas (so said) have lately arrived a their new home in the Indian Territory west of Arkansas.  We do not know how true the report is, but it is said also that they will occupy a portion of the Cherokee country.  We hope if so it will be that portion, or part of it lying west of 96 °, for the Cherokees have no more country to spare east of that line.

            Let us distinctly understand this.

            To give any more foreigners the picked portions of our country for the pittance of the dollar and a quarter an acre, while we claim it is covered by a title in fee and say that it is worth $10 an acre to the Railroads is a kind of generosity that would do us honor perhaps if we could afford it.  But we cannot afford it.  According to our arrangement made with the Shawnee and Delaware there are 250,000 acres of the 600,000 of choice agricultural land within the Cherokee limits already gone from the Cherokee and their children forever for which it is customary to boast that we have received one dollar and a quarter an acre.  It is true but a fraction of the amount of land traded away thus it is yet under cultivation and our reservation does not seem much diminished.  But it is gone nevertheless under the contract we have made, which contract provides that when the time shall come, each individual Shawnee and Delaware shall have choice of our whole domain to the number of 160 acres to include the place selected for residents, the whole of it being already paid for by these tribes at the price mentioned.  When this arrangement was made, we were contending for something that should most certainly have enhanced their value of the lands so sold, which was, that they were not held by what is called an  to Indian Title merely but a title in fee from the United States.  And under such a title and no better we also contended that at that same time that the land, thus let go for a dollar and a quarter an acre was worth $10 to the railroad who hankered for and claimed it and were thus so greatly interested in supporting a territorial Bill in Congress.  At all events let us understand that the land we have left is or ought to be worth as much to us as to anyone else not with a view of letting any more of it go, but of retaining and holding it firmly and permanently to the last quarter of an acre.

INDIAN CHIEFS AND BRITISH LORDS

August 22, 1877—Cherokee Advocate-- As long as Sitting Bull was known simply as the head of a tribe of savages whom the United States had conquered and assigned to a reservation, he was an Indian with an outlandish name--no more--a "pushing, roaring and not by any means a Sitting Bull," as the New York Tribune said of him when he commenced hostilities.  After the battle of the Rose Bud for the famous and favorite hero and Indian fighter, General Crook, got pretty severely gored, there began to be double expressed whether Sitting Bull was Sitting Bull at all.  It became quite clear that he was not an Indian but a White man, perhaps a smart frontiersman who had fled from justice.

            But after the gallant Custer with his entire command was massacred and used up by Sitting Bull and his warriors, when the latter objected to allowing themselves to be killed by the chivalrous Custer for his own glory, it became positively certain not only that General S. Bull was not only not an Indian, but that he belonged to one of the "first families" of the whites--in fact was of high descent and the fine cultivation.  How else could it be otherwise when another member of one of the "first families," though American and of excellent education, had been beaten in a fight with all the advantages of fighting or not as he chose?  Of course the Bull could be no scrub.  He must be of good blood with a known pedigree and--(what makes the difference between men and cattle) he was not red.

            Having reached the conclusion it is no matter of surprise that inquiry has led to the natural discovery that Sitting Bull is in fact a blooded English or French men (there being a little doubt which) but certainly one or the other.  He might have turned out to be an American, but unfortunately for the country there are no titles of nobility on this side of the water and the exploits of S. B. gave him claim to be a Lord at least.  Lord accordingly late he has turned out to be-Lord George Gordon-who had been cheated out of his rights in the old country and had fled to the Sioux,  among whom his native talents--nothing less than Lordly--has won him the first place of honor and influence.

            It now seems that the Sioux is not the only Indian Tribe which has a white man of "high degree" for chief.  The Nez Perce has either a Lord, or Knight of the shoestring, or some other title, in Chief Joseph.  The blood of the American Howard's, a family of distinguished name, has not been found adequate to the task of extinguishing Indian Joseph.  Indian Joseph must therefore be somebody whose blood or race is superior to that of General Howard.  We think there is enough evidence in the late fight in Montana, between General Gibbons and the command of Chief Joseph, to prove the latter to be a Count of one of the old French families--a Monpmortency or De Couci perhaps--at all events a family which is able to clean out the Howard's.

But these are not the only scions of noble houses to pretend to be Indians but cannot help discovering themselves by their genius.

There is an unknown gentlemen of a Noble House who lives away down about the Staked Plains  and has quite lately shown his whereabouts by beating a force of United States Troops in that remote region.  Twenty-seven white men were killed.  Of course it took white men, or a white man's genius to kill them in fair fight, which this no doubt was.  The English have a plenty of Lords to run off from their families and wealth, paint their faces and wear flaps, after graduating with honor from Oxford and this unknown Indian Chief of the Staked Plains must be one the Brood; but, in order to do equal justice to the leading white races, we are inclined to opine he is a German Baron.

            It is not singular perhaps that English and French Noblemen should run away from their castles a château's and civilized friends to become Chief of Savage half naked Tribes of North American Indians.  But we confess that to us it is a little curious that these runaways should show themselves so superior to their brothers left behind.  If history tells truly the American Army led by its gallant officer's has proved on many a hard fought field its superiority to the best fighting stock of Europe, including officers of the highest military and taken from the highest civil rights there.

“LEAF BY LEAF THE ROSES FALL”

August 22, 1877—Cherokee Advocate-- We are informed on good authority that certain persons, non-citizens are cutting and rafting walnut timber from the Nation opposite Fort Smith and vicinity to Van Buren.  They make a pretense of working for some of our estimable citizens there to cover the depredation.

            The same thing is and has been going on for years close to the Kansas line.  Thus the wealth of the Nation, carefully guarded from themselves, falls into the pockets of outside rouges--no less.

            What can be done with non-citizens by our laws?  Nothing.  They may do anything they please and our laws must permit it.  The United States is not interested in protecting our public domain--no one is interested in it but Cherokee's and they cannot, except in their own collective capacity, by complaint made to their Agent.  The remedy is too slow and ineffectual at best.  Non-Citizens cut valuable timber, as they are doing now.  Some citizens must take the trouble upon himself of reporting the case, which is a much the business of 20,000 others as it is his, and he knows it and feels it.  The Solicitor to whom the trespass is reported gets no more for complaining on behalf of the Nation than if he does not and his personal interest is also divided among 20,000 others of course, he will not be in a hurry in every case to do his duty in the promises and if he does, it is only to report quarterly the intrusion complained of with other cases, to the Principal Chief.  It takes a more time for the Chief to complain to the Agent and when the Agent gets ready to act, it will be after inquiry and investigation, lest injustice may be done through misrepresentation.  By the time the order to stop reaches the depredator he has had time to make his pile and in this manner our country has been stripped of a great amount of valuable timber along the Kansas line and now the same thing has commenced on the Arkansas River.

            This valuable timber (walnut) generally grows upon the best of our lands, the high rich bottoms of streams.  Had the law, proffered with the rest of the New Code, been adopted which allowed citizens to choose for themselves and children tracts of land to improve under our laws, when they could--each tract being well defined and described in from the central small improvement required to be made and the tracts so registered in the District Clerk's office--there is no doubt that all of the land including the most valuable and tempting timber would have been selected and registered, and placed thus under the immediate care and charge of citizens, for themselves or children are wards.  They would have seen to it that any trespass of the sort complained of was stoopped without delay and no timber removed at least; and thus the timber of the Nation would have been securely saved to the Nation and its citizens.  By some such means alone may we expect to put a final stop to such stealing--for it is no less.  But until what is everybody's business becomes anybody's business--until it ceases to be nobody's business--can we expect to see the common property in timber preserved as it should be--especially that which grows at points easy of access by land or water, to those who are ready to buy it outside of our limits.

WHERE CUSTER MET DEATH

September 5, 1877—Cherokee Advocate—Custer’s Battlefield, Little Big Horn River, M. T. July 25—The ignorance of army officers, scouts, and guides is demonstrated in their pretended knowledge of this historical battle ground, which knowledge, from my own experience and investigation I find to be greatly at variance with the facts.  In nothing were they further at sea than concerning its locality.  Some held that the distance from Tongue river, near the mountains, did not exceed twenty-five miles; other estimated it a thirty, and none exceeded thirty-five; but we, after two long days ride from the hand of the Little Horn in the mountains (a point much nearer than the tongue River at the present cantonment of the Fifth Cavalry), Carefully compute the distance to be at least forty-five miles.

            From an eminence which we reached on the second day, a scene or rarest beauty was beheld.  Beginning with the noble table upon which we stood the ground fell gently away toward the river, straightening out into a bottom as level as a floor and with sides clearly defined by the shaded stream and the bluffs.  Beyond the water appeared the rugged embankment, extending from Reno’s position to on the south to the limit of vision on the north, standing perpendicular save as occasional gap through the general volume of the Little Horn, or through which entrance to fords are made.  Still further back, toward the Rosebud, the silent timberless, sand Wolf Mountain loomed high casting a mild and pleasing shadows over the landscape, which at either extremity of the valley gradually divides, rich with vendure and bright hued with full blown flowers, completed the scenic display.

            At last we entered the old village, in attacking which Custer and his men fell.  This temporary Indian camp was about four miles long, a half mile wide and located by the river side, upon a depressed tableland, considerably lower than the valley proper.  Its borders are fringed with a thin growth of timber, which at one time extended all over the bottom, but the felling of trees by Indians to secure bark food for their ponies, left the central portion of the strip almost barren.  At the southern side, we passed through a dense copse covering three or four acres, where, the squaws and papooses were concealed when Custer approached and until the cavalry were securely entrapped in the canon of death.  Beyond this, the ground presented a curious spectacle, tepee and medicine poles were a thick as they could stand, while camp equipage of every kind was scattered all around.  One noticeable feature consisted of the great quantity of leggings lying about and is explainable only by the presumption (amounting to almost positive knowledge) that the Indians discarded them for clothing taken from the soldiery. Further own we saw six burial scaffolds and beneath them (where they had fallen), the bones of as many Indians—the skull of one punctured by and containing a bullet.

             It was nearly dark when we reached the lower ford, about half way through the village; we encamped for the night, wet, cold, hungry and greatly fatigued.  A hasty supper was speedily devoured, our soaking blankets were spread out upon the ground and all hands turned in for a good night’s sleep; but all hands were grievously disappointed, for scarcely had Jack Healy dropped his head upon his saddle pillow when a “something cold, slimy and wiggly” passed over his face.  With a bound that carried him at least ten feet and a yell of “Snakes!” fiercer than ever Sioux uttered, he aroused the camp in a jiffy.  The boys grabbed and pulled on their pants and boots, stirred up the dying fire, and by its light instituted a careful search with sticks for the loathsome reptiles.  No snake was found, but lizards by the dozen—great green slimy things—were upturned everywhere.  The ground fairly swarmed with them and a slaughter resulted that did no cease until every lizard found was s killed. Then we tired our beds again, but with a lurking fear of a second attack. And it soon came. Bob Snodgrass being the first victim, your correspondent the second.  Camp was again stirred; another battle followed, another slaughter and for the third time we sought rest, but with an experience as before, save it culminated in our remaining up and awake the remainder to the night.

            I have just finished a ride over the battlefield and have beheld a condition of things that must make the judicious grieve.  Thirteen months today, General George A. Custer and over three hundred brave followers, while in the nation’s service, were mercilessly massacred by savages, not one of whom has ever been called to account for the crime.  Worse than this, the very chiefs--the head and front of the butchery, are today the pets and protégés of those who comrades were here killed and their bodies horribly mutilated; are fed, clothed, and in the paid employ of the people and the forces associates of the remnant of the gallant Seventh.  Is not this as pitiable as it well could be?  No, for while these murderers, arrayed in army blue, are enjoying the protection and generous hospitality of the country, or as scouts and guides are conducing Sherman, Sheridan, Crook and others to the massacre ground and pointing out the various points of interest, the bones of the martyred three hundred lie bleaching in the sun, or soaking in the rain that here falls so often in torrents!

            The remains have never been buried.  Thirteen months have passed, yet the little band, whose deed of heroism will ever occupy a place in history, have not received the insignificant recognition that a decent burial would accord. Their bones, divested of clothing by brutal savages and of flesh by famished wolves and howling coyotes, fingered by every curiosity hunter, or kicked by ever hostile who may chance over the field.  I write the truth and nothing but the truth and challenge Sherman, Sheridan, or Crook all of whom have recently visited the ground with force sufficient to have gathered and properly interred the poor remains, to contradict my statement. As they may insist that the bodies were buried, I will present the facts in the case. Two days after the massacre a force—a company, I think--was sent with two picks and shovel to bury the bodies. Wild animals had caused great havoc with the dead, tearing bodies asunder and scattering fragments over the ground, but these were collected as best they could, placed in piles upon the surface and so thinly covered with dirt that the first rain washed it all away.

            No further attention was given the matter until the first of this month, when Mike Sheridan and two companies of the Seventh Cavalry were sent in to secure the remains of all officers for removal to Leavenworth.  This officer did manifest a little feeling by covering the bodies again with dirt, but that night’s rain again undid the work and the fragments were once more scattered over the ground. A few days ago Generals Sheridan and Crook, escorted by four companies of the Fifth Cavalry and several Indian scouts (last year’s hostiles) came over the mountains on a pleasure trip, buffalo hunt, etc., and as they were obliged to pass near here on their way out, they naturally “took in” the battlefield, and with sufficiently detail to go through the ceremony of again recovering the bones.  The work was so shabbily preformed that scarily a single “grave” could be found, through which the contents did not protrude.  Today we had another terrific storm and at the present moment there is not a particle of earth upon a single bone of the entire three hundred skeletons, nor is it probable that there ever wild be unless placed there by the elements, or through the sympathetic efforts of some part of hunters.

            Five companies of cavalry have picnicked in this vicinity of week’s totally unemployed save in guarding themselves yet they have made no effort to cover up the bones of their dead comrades.  And now, as I write, Sheridan’s escort of four  companies, commanded by Major Hart, are encamping on the plain at my feet having shipped the Generals at the mouth of this river and are now on their return to comfort and full rations after their arduous four days march, and I am confident that they will neglect to offer even a shovel full of dirt as a tribute to the bravery of the dead.

            Great indignation is expressed by the citizens (prospectors) who are visiting the field in large numbers, and a Christian burial service would have been held today, with a few humanitarian miners officiating, had not Sheridan’s escort, of two hundred m

            Crossing Little Big Horn, or Custer River, to the east side, a well defined trail leads up a gradual slope a quarter of a mile in length.  The ground is covered with sage brush, prickly pears, and sparse, coarse grass and destitute of the rocks an timber that the uninformed fancy here and there upon the historic field.  The sun shone with full powe