860 THE GHOST-DANCE RELIGION [bth.akn.14 



can not too strongly commend their splendid courage and ability in 

 tbe action, and in another letter says: "The details of the battle show 

 that the Indian police behaved nobly and exhibited the best of judg- 

 ment and bravery, and a recognition by the government for their serv- 

 ices on this occasion is richly deserved. ... I respectfully urge 

 that the Interior Department cooperate with the War Department in 

 obtaining Congressional action which will secure to these brave sur- 

 vivors and to the families of the dead a full and generous reward." 

 Colonel Drum, under whose orders the arrest was made, after stating 

 that Sitting Bull was not hurt until he began struggling to escape and 

 until one of the police had been shot, adds: " It is also remarkable that 

 no squaws or children were hurt. The police appear to have constantly 

 warned the other Indians to keep away, until they were forced to fight 

 in self-defense. It is hardly possible to praise their conduct too highly." 

 Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Commissioner of Indian 

 Affairs, Congress has taken no action in recognition of their services 

 on this occasion. 



Before the action orders had been sent to the police to have with 

 them a wagon, in order to convey Sitting Bull quickly away from the 

 camp, so as to avoid trouble, but in the excitement of preparation 

 this was overlooked. The police returned to the agency late in the 

 afternoon, bringing with them their dead and wounded, together with 

 two prisoners and the body of Sitting Bull, which was turned over to 

 the military authorities at Fort Yates. The four dead policemen were 

 btuied at the agency next day with military honors. Bull Head and 

 Shave Dead died in the hospital soon afterward, with the consolation 

 of having their friends around them in their last moments. The agent 

 states that the large majority of the Indians were loyal to the govern- 

 ment, and expressed satisfaction at what they considered the termina- 

 tion of the disturbance. Couriers were again sent after the lleeing 

 Indians by McLaughlin, warning them to return to the agency, where 

 they would be safe, or suffer the consequences if found outside the res- 

 ervation. Within a few days nearly 250 had come in and surrendered, 

 leaving only about one-third still out. Most of these soon afterward 

 surrendered with Hump on Cherry creek, while the remainder, about 

 50, joined Big Foot or went on to Bine Ridge. {(!. />.. 36; War, 8.) 



Thus died Tata'nka I'yota'nke, Sitting Bull, the great medicine-man of 

 the Sioux, on the morning of December 15, 1890, aged about 50 years. 

 He belonged to the Oncpapa division of the Teton Sioux. Although a 

 priest rather than a chief, he had gained a reputation in his early years 

 by organizing and leading war parties, and became prominent by his 

 participation in the battle of Little Bighorn, in Montana, on June 25, 

 187G, by which Custer's command was wiped out of existence. Being 

 pursued by General Terry, Sitting Hull ami his band made their escape 

 northward into Canada, where they remained until 1881, when he 

 surrendered, through the mediation of the Canadian authorities, on a 



