moonev] A GHOST-DANCE BALLAD 883 



The Indian Ghost Dance and War 



The Red Skins left their Agency, the Soldiers left their Post, 



All .hi the strength of an Indian tale about Messiah's ghost 



Got up by savage chieftains to lead their tribes astray; 



Bui Uncle Sam wouldn't have it so, for he ain't built that way. 



They swore that this Messiah came to them in visions sleep, 



And promised to restore their game and Buffalos a heap, 



So they must start a big ghost dance, then all would join their Land, 



And may be so we lead the way into the great Bad Land. 



Chorus .' 



They claimed the shirt Messiah gave, no bullet could go through, 

 But when the Soldiers fired at them they saw this was not true. 

 The Medicine man supplied them with their great Messiah's grace, 

 And he, too, pulled his freight and swore the 7th hard to face. 



About their tents the Soldiers stood, awaiting one and all, 

 That they might hear the trumpet clear when sounding General call 

 ( >r Moots and Saddles in a rush, that each and every man 

 Might mount in haste, ride soon and fast to stop this devilish band 

 But Generals great like Miles and Brooke don't do things up that way, 

 For they know an Indian like a book, and let him have his sway 

 Until they thiukhiui far enough and then to John they'll say, 

 •• You had better stop your fooling or we'll bring our guns to play." 

 Chorus. — They claimed the shirt, etc. 



The 9th marched out with splendid cheer the Had Lands to explo'e— 

 With Col. Heury at their head they never fear the foe; 

 So on they rode from Xmas eve 'till dawn of Xmas day ; 

 The Red Skins heard the'Jth was near and tied in great dismay ; 

 The 7th is of courage bold both officers and men. 

 But bad luck seems to follow them and twice has took them in; 

 They came in contact with Big Foot's warriors in their tierce might 



This chief made sure he had a chance of vantage in the fight. 

 Chorus. — They claimed the shirt, etc. 



A tight took place, 'twas hand to hand, unwarned by trumpet call. 

 While the Sioux were dropping man by man— the 7th killed them all. 

 And to that regiment be said " Ye noble braves, well done, 

 Although you lost some gallant men a glorious fight you've won." 



The 8th was there, the sixth rode miles to swell that great command 

 And waited orders night and day to round up Short Bull's baud. 



Ph.- Infantry marched up in mass the Cavalry's support, 

 And while the latter rounded up, the former held the fort. 

 Chora*. — They claimed the shirt, etc. 



E battery of the 1st stood by ami did their duty well, 

 For every time the Hotchkiss barked they say a hostile fell. 

 Some Indian soldiers chipped in too and helped to quell the fray, 

 And now the campaign's ended and the soldiers marched away. 

 S., all have done their share, you see, whether it was thick or thin, 

 And all helped break the ghost dance up and drive the hostiles in. 

 The settlers iu that region now can breathe witli better grace; 

 They only ask and pray to God to make John hold his base. 

 Chorus. — Thev claimed the shirt, etc. 



(W. H. Pratber, I, 9th Cavalry). 



