The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse

The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse is a story of envy, greed, and treachery. In the year after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, the great Oglala Sioux chief Crazy Horse and his half-starved followers finally surrendered to the U.S. Army near Camp Robinson, Nebraska. Chiefs who had already surrendered resented the favors he received in doing so. When the army asked for his help rounding up the the Nez Percés, Crazy Horse's reply was allegedly mistranslated by Frank Grouard, a scout for General George Crook. By August rumors had spread that Crazy Horse was planning another uprising. Tension continued to mount, and Crazy Horse was arrested at Fort Robinson on September 5. During a scuffle Crazy Horse was fatally wounded by a bayonet in front of several witnesses.



Here the killing of Crazy Horse is viewed from three widely differing perspectives--that of Chief He Dog, the victim's friend and lifelong companion; that of William Garnett, the guide and interpreter for Lieutenant William P. Clark, on special assignment to General Crook; and that of Valentine McGillycuddy, the medical officer who attended Crazy Horse in his last hours. Their eyewitness accounts, edited and introduced by Robert A. Clark, combine to give The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse all the starkness and horror of classical tragedy.

ISBN-13: 9781496200570

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: UNP - Bison Books

Publication Date: 08-01-2018

Pages: 150

Product Dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Series: Bison Classics (Bison Books)

Robert A. Clark is the editor in chief of Washington State University Press and the former publisher of the Arthur H. Clark Co. imprint. Carroll Friswold (1897–1969) was a collector and historian of the Plains Indian wars and edited Elwood F. Nye’s Marching with Custer. He helped develop and contribute to other books in the Custer bibliography.

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CHAPTER 1

Portrait of Chief Crazy Horse

Carroll Friswold

Herein is an enlargement of what I believe is an authentic picture of Crazy Horse. The original is a small tintype, 21/2 × 31/2 inches, in excellent condition. Its first owner was Baptiste Garnier (Little Bat) the famous scout and frontiersman. When Bat was murdered in 1900 it went to his wife; on her death it was inherited by her daughter, Ellen Howard, from whom Mr. Hackett obtained it, after which it came to me, so the line of ownership is quite clear. I have a certificate from Mrs. Howard attesting that the tintype belonged to her father, and that it had been in the family since it had been made. She also says that her father told his family it was truly a picture of Crazy Horse.

First publication was by J. W. Vaughn in his excellent With Crook at the Rosebud (Stackpole, 1956). The account tells of finding the picture in an old trunk, which is probably true, but after that point my investigations do not agree with the information supplied to Mr. Vaughn. The account said the picture was taken about 1870 at Fort Laramie. There were two other pictures, one of Little Bat and his wife, and the other of Bat and Frank Grouard. We do not know if they were part of the same series but if they were, they were not taken in 1870 for the following reasons: Grouard tells in his biography, Life and Adventures of Frank Grouard, by Joe DeBarthe (1894, p. 117), that he met Crazy Horse for the first time just a few days after the battle between the Sioux and the Stanley Expedition on the Yellowstone River — this took place August 4th, 1873. Another point, in 1870 Bat was 15 or 16 years old; I do not believe a war chief of the Oglalas was hanging around with a teen-ager. Crazy Horse had been made a chief only a little more than a year previous — he was out in the hinterlands with his bands of warriors and their families; he was not hanging around the fort for the white man's handouts as did Red Cloud and Spotted Tail. At this time and for several more years probably his only contact with the white man was across the sights of his Winchester.

Following their surrender in May 1877, Crazy Horse and his chief warriors were signed up as Indian Scouts ostensibly to keep tab on the Nez Percé, but with Lieutenant Clark on the job you may be sure they were under his eagle eye both day and night. The whites were afraid of this man and kept close track of his every move, so he was not let out on any scouting trips. Time was very heavy on his hands, the tiny details of every day living were a nuisance to him, begging for supplies and food, or settling a quarrel between the women, so one day when Little Bat rode past the camp on his way to Fort Robinson he easily persuaded Crazy Horse to come along just to see what they could see. Crazy Horse liked Bat, and Mrs. Bat was a cousin of his, so he was at ease and relaxed, being with his friends. While at the Fort, with everyone in high good humor Bat dared Crazy Horse to have his picture taken, and he finally consented. According to the story he even borrowed the moccasins to make a good appearance. I know all previous picture requests had been refused; these had all been made by white men, and the white man had been trying for years to kill Crazy Horse and his people, so why should he do even the slightest favor for them. Also, on this last summer of his life he did a number of things he had never done before. On this one time he let down his guard for his good friend Bat. We also know there was a photographer at the Fort in the summer of 1877 as I have another photo stamped Fort Robinson in the mounting and this was taken in 1877.

The picture shows an Indian of medium stature, lighter-haired than the average Indian, with a rounded face rather than one with high, wide cheekbones. His hair is in braids to his waist, and he wears two feathers which was customary with Crazy Horse. Mr. Hackett has a set of feathers given him by an old chief and they are exactly similar to those shown in the photo. Also the picture shows clearly the scar in the left corner of his mouth where he was shot some years before by No Water, after he had ridden away with No Water's wife.

It is most unfortunate that the secretive nature of the old-time Indians dealing with whites caused this picture to be so long hidden. We know of trunks and bags which still hold relics of the Custer battle. Even thirty years ago would have been sufficient for proper identification, as He Dog lived until 1936, and Doctor McGilly cuddy who knew and liked Crazy Horse, lived until June of 1939. Either man could have said yes or no at first glimpse, but neither saw it and now it is too late. From the people involved and my searches I firmly believe this is an authentic likeness of Crazy Horse.

History of Chief Crazy Horse

by Chief He Dog as written down by his son Rev. Eagle Hawk, Oglala, S. Dak.

In order to be made a chief of this tribe of Indians, a man must observe and keep these four rules:

1. He must be brave and out-spoken.

2. He must be ambitious.

3. He must be honest at all times.

4. He must be kind to all creatures.

Any Indian wishing to be made a chief must observe and strictly obey these main four rules.

After a person has become a chief, he receives the following:

1. A beaded buckskin outfit.

2. An eagle fether to wear in his hair.

3. A pipe and tobacco bags.

After being given these things he is given a lecture on the subject of the responsibilities he will acquire as a chief. This lecture is given by one of the wise old men of the tribe. After he is made a chief and he later fails to obey the four rules stated above or commits a crime against his people, he is made to drink the oil taken from a dog. This is administered by a sort of policeman of the tribe. By doing this, it is hoped that the evil things will be washed out of him. It is an Indian custom. If he does anything seriously wrong again, he is deprived of his chief's clothing and ordered out of the tribe for five years.

After the five years he is given another chance to become a chief. The five years is given as a punishment and time to acquire experience. If, after being made a chief the second time, he still insists on being bad, he is not only ordered out of the tribe for good; but, as the saying goes, his ears and tail are cut off and he has to live as a wolf without its ears and tail. This is another custom of the Oglala Sioux.

Anyone who is made a chief, may be a chief for as long as he may live and conduct himself as he should.

When a man is made a chief, he is lectured, also, on these different points:

1. He should remember that there are a lot of wasps and flies that sting, and beware lest they sting and confuse him.

2. He should remember that there are a lot of dogs that will bark and defile his tent or place of dwelling, but he shouldn't pay any attention to the dogs.

3. If one of his close kin is killed in battle, he must not stop to look, lest he feel the need to retaliate. It is considered disgraceful for him to lose his temper.

4. He must not be stingy with his food. He must feed everyone that may visit him.

5. He must offer tobacco to whomever visits him. Long ago, the tribe was his responsibility.

The men listed below were made chiefs and were the best:

1. Chief Red Cloud

2. Chief Afraid of Horse

3. Chief Red Dog

4. Chief Little Wound

5. Chief Spotted Face

6. Chief Smoke

7. Chief Wounded Face

8. Chief Fast Whirlwind

9. Chief Bushy Hair

10. Chief Fire Thunder

These were all old chiefs of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. There were many, but these were the main leaders.

These old chiefs held a council and decided to elect new and younger men to be chiefs. The men selected were to be out of the committee men or committee workers. There were five young men selected to replace the old chiefs. They were as follows:

1. Crazy Horse

2. He Dog

3. Young Man Afraid of His Horses

4. American Horse

5. Carries Sword

Chief's clothing, pipes, and tobacco pouches were made for them. One day a big council was held to make these men chiefs. These men pledged the chief's oath, and were given the chief's clothing, pipes, and tobacco pouches. They were made to smoke the pipes to show their good faith.

After these men were made chiefs, the Oglala Sioux Tribe broke up into two groups as a result of discord among the leaders or chiefs. Most of the old chiefs left with Chief Red Cloud and moved from place to place, finally going to Fort Robinson in the state of Nebraska. Crazy Horse and his group stayed up north.

After settling at Fort Robinson, Chiefs Red Cloud, He Dog, and others went to try to bring Crazy Horse and his group to Fort Robinson, to live among the white men in peace. They took gifts of tobacco, food, blankets, etc., to Chief Crazy Horse. He agreed to go back with them to Fort Robinson. Chief Red Cloud and his group were living in peace with the white men, learning their language and ways of life. Chief Red Cloud's group asked the rest of the Sioux people to live with them in peace, too. This was after the fight with General George Custer's forces. The United States wanted the Indians put on reservations. Therefore, Red Cloud's group was sent out from Fort Robinson to attempt to make peace with Chief Crazy Horse, while he was camped at what is known as Powder Creek, somewhere in Montana.

After the arrival of Chief Red Cloud and his band, a lot of tents were pitched together. One large tent was pitched in the middle of the village. A big council was to be held in that one. After the council got under way, a lot of people were there. Chief Crazy Horse stood up and asked Chief Red Cloud the purpose of his call or visit. One of the leaders of Red Cloud's group stood up to answer. He said, "Before we tell you the reason why we come to you from such a long way, we wish to present to you some gifts that we have brought with us. We have horses, blankets, tobacco, food, sugar, and candy for Chief Crazy Horse and Chief He Dog, who are the leaders of their groups. To each we present a horse, pack of food, blanket and clothing."

After the gifts were presented, the man said that Chief Red Cloud and the President of the United States talked together. Red Cloud was sent by the President of the United States to try and get Chiefs Crazy Horse and He Dog to lay down their arms and come back to a reservation that had been set aside for them, to live in peace and shed no more blood.

Crazy Horse and He Dog stood up to speak. They said, "It is a long way from where you came and we know how hard it must have been on you to make that journey. But we are very glad that you have come and so we extend to you and your group a hearty welcome and we shall answer you."

He Dog spoke and he said, "We and other Indians were born and raised on this land. The Great Spirit of God gave us this land. He created animals which we catch and make clothing and shelter for our people, and also the sweets that grow on trees. God gave us this land to live on and protect as our own. You know what the Great White Father and his soldiers do to us? They make war, burn our homes, our tents, wherever we may be and kill our people. It is only right that we protect ourselves, our people, and our country. The only thing we can do is protect ourselves and fight with the soldiers. We do not fight because we want to, but because we have to, to stay alive. We do not want to spill blood, either ours or the white man's. Therefore, we agree with you. We will go back with you to live in peace with the white men, and learn their ways."

After Chief Crazy Horse and Chief He Dog sat down, there was clapping of hands and grunts of approval from the old men of the tribe.

Chief Crazy Horse and Chief He Dog stood up again to speak further. They said, "We agree to go back with you, but you, Red Cloud, with your group, will leave first; and when you get back to Fort Robinson, tell the Great White Father's soldiers' leader that we are coming back but that it will be a slow journey, because of the old people and children. There are so many in our group." Chief Red Cloud said that he would do that.

So the journey back to Fort Robinson started. Chief Red Cloud's group left first and then Crazy Horse and He Dog's groups left later. They camped at night along the way. It was a long and slow journey.

Somewhere along the way, they were camped in a valley, when Chief He Dog walked up a hill and sat down, looking down at the camp where Chief Crazy Horse was. After a while, Crazy Horse came up to him and said, "I just came up to talk with you about something. Tomorrow, Lame Deer and his band plan to go back the way we came. They are going to hunt for buffalo once more and I plan to go back with them."

Chief He Dog answered, saying, "You think like a child. You smoked the pipe of peace the same as I. You promised to go back with Chief Red Cloud and to live in peace with the white men. Don't run away from our grandfathers. Do not do it. It is not good." But Crazy Horse said nothing.

The next morning, Chief Crazy Horse left with Chief Lame Deer's band to go back north to hunt for buffalo. But the rest of the group left in the direction of Fort Robinson. After traveling many days, Chief He Dog's group made camp. Then he was informed that Chief Crazy Horse had returned again to his group, so they traveled on.

One day they met Chief Red Cloud's band with a detachment of cavalry from Fort Robinson coming back to meet them. The Indians made their camp in a circle to talk. Chief Crazy Horse made his camp opposite to that of Chief He Dog. The detachment of soldiers rode around the camp and stopped in front of Chief He Dog's tent. The officer in charge of the soldiers and the interpreter got off their horses. The officer was known as White Hat to the Indians and the interpreter was called Blaila. They greeted Chief He Dog and shook hands with him. The soldiers had stopped at Chief Crazy Horse's tent before they came to He Dog's tent, but Chief Crazy Horse did not greet them. The officer said to Chief He Dog, "We stopped at Chief Crazy Horse's tent, but he didn't greet us, not even as much as to nod to us. You have greeted us warmly and for that I am happy. I have heard about you two chiefs up north, you and Crazy Horse. They say you were like two fires in the night. Now that I have seen you, you are both small in stature and big in name. I am happy that I have met you both. No matter how fierce or brave a person thinks he is, if he learns to humble himself once in a while, he will be well liked, and good things will happen to him. Also, think about this, Chief He Dog. The Great White Father's soldiers want two or four things from you."

Chief He Dog then asked the interpreter what the officer meant by two or four things they wanted from him. The officer and the interpreter would not tell him. They told him to think, and try to figure it out. Chief He Dog could not, so he felt bad. He talked with Chief Crazy Horse, and they thought together, but couldn't figure what it was. Chief Crazy Horse asked Chief He Dog to arrange a council with Chief Red Cloud, ask Spoon Woman's permission, and ask Chief Deer Antler to be there also.

At the meeting, Chiefs Crazy Horse and He Dog asked Chief Red Cloud if he knew what the officer meant when he said that they wanted two or four things from them. Chief Red Cloud said that he did not know either. Then the meeting broke up.

The next morning the group resumed the journey toward Fort Robinson. Chiefs Crazy Horse and He Dog stayed behind, after everyone had left, still trying to figure out what the army officer meant when he said that he wanted two or four things from them. Failing in that, they took out the pipe and prayed to the Holy Spirit to tell them what it was that the soldiers wanted from them. They had two saddle horses that they were going to ride back to join the group. But the horses wandered away, leaving them afoot. They had to walk to the next camp.

When White Hat first greeted Chief He Dog, he gave him a square piece of white cloth, saying, "The next time we come I will be in the lead. When we stop at your tepee, you will pin this white piece of cloth to my left shoulder."

The next morning, as the journey was resumed, they met a detachment of cavalry with White Hat in the lead. Chief He Dog remembered what he was supposed to do with the piece of white cloth that the officer had given him. So when they met, he got off his horse and walked up to the officer, who had also dismounted, and tied the piece of white cloth to the officer's left shoulder. White Hat said to He Dog, "You have done what I asked you to do. For that, I am very happy. We have brought you some food and fresh beef. It is coming in the wagons."

"I will tell you what we will do tomorrow. Tomorrow, before we reach Fort Robinson, we will stop and make camp. We will hold a big council to make peace. This will be for my people and yours. After I leave, inform your people what I have said. There will be a lot of soldiers there for the big council meeting." Then White Hat left with his soldiers. Chief He Dog informed his people what White Hat had said.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse"
by .
Copyright © 1976 The Arthur H. Clark Company.
Excerpted by permission of UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PRESS.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Introduction to the Bison Classic Edition
Preface to the First Bison Books Edition
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Portrait of Chief Crazy Horse
History of Chief Crazy Horse
Obituary of Five Oglala Sioux Chiefs
Introductory Note to William Garnett’s Account
William Garnett’s Account of the Chief’s Death
Introductory Note to Correspondence
The Correspondence of Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy and William Garnett
Lieutenant William Philo Clark, Second Cavalry
Baptiste “Little Bat” Garnier
William Gentles
Bibliography
Index Show More