The entire view of the Spotted Tail camp near the White River was a pleasant scene of primitive life on the Dakota plains in the 1870’s.  Here was a community ruled by chiefs and sub-chiefs who had gained their positions by their bravery in battle and discretion in their council of others.  Their positions were maintained partly by their prowess and partly by a certain acquiescence in the wishes of the majority.

As he was riding through the camp, Agent Poole privately asked himself this question:  “If simple contentment be the aim of life, why should they be made to sweat and groan under a heavy load?”

The camp was conveniently located for both wood and water.  Being a new camp, it was clean and the white canvas contrasted perfectly with the fresh unbroken green grassland of the prairie.  For a summer camp it was ideally situated.  Their previous camp, from which they had just moved, had been differently located in a secluded valley.

It was sheltered from the biting winter wind by the surrounding bluffs, and with plenty of dry wood at hand for fires.  There were also green cottonwood limbs, whose succulent bark formed the only food for their ponies when deep snows covered the ground.

After Poole and his party had reviewed the entire village, they proceeded to the council lodge which had floating from its peak an empty flour sack.  Upon inquiry Poole found out that this was intended for the Stars and Stripes, and was referred to as such by the speakers in the talk which followed.

Upon entering the lodge, they found the chiefs and warriors awaiting them.  The most noted of them were Spotted Tail, Two Strike and Red Leaf of the Brules, and Black Bear, Whistler, and Pawnee Killer all of the Oglalas.

They had made a little more than the usual feast, and in Poole’s honor had killed the fatted calf and prepared a dainty dish much relished by themselves.   One of their customs requires that a guest must eat of each dish that is set before him, and the entire amount to which he is helped, otherwise an implied slight is cast upon the meal, and a present must be given to the host.

The morning ride in the refreshing aid had fortunately fortified him with a good appetite and keen relish for almost anything in the shape of wholesome food.  The coffee was served, and a big kettle brought in and placed where all could see when its fragrant contents were revealed.

The interesting moment had arrived and one of the warriors, using a stout stick for a fork, ran it into the steaming kettle and drew forth – a good sized dog!  It had been denuded of its hair, and parts of its legs were gone.  However, they was no doubt that it was a dog.  The head and tail had been left on the body.

Poole took his share and with countless doubts tried to eat some of it.  It really tasted about the same as young pig to Poole, but he did not recognize the scent which was hard for him to tolerate.  He willing only took a very small amount and the nearby warriors quickly claimed the caucus.  The Indians all partook with the utmost gusto and relish.

The talk which followed between the Indians and Poole did not elicit much conversation that was new.  While they were satisfied with the last distribution of annuity goods, they still indicated their uneasiness for want of assurances, which he could not give them that they would remain undisturbed at their present location.

The Indians at the Whetstone Agency had two issues which were on their mind and they were troubled that nothing had been done to resolve them.  Number one was their desire to hunt buffalo on the Republican River in Nebraska and Kansas.  The other was they had not been allowed to seek revenge on the Pawnee with whom they had earlier had a dispute.  Although Spotted Tail brought these matters up, he announced, in the presence of all, his intention to remain at peace, and urged his young men to do the same.

Two Strike, an active leader among the warriors, intimated that as every effort had been made to gain permission to hunt in the Republican River country, and without success, it was possible they might go without it.  He again referred to the killing of their friends there, and spoke in no complimentary terms of the Pawnee Scouts of the Government which employed them.

The other chiefs contented themselves with applauding such parts of Spotted Tail’s and Two Strike’s remarks as coincided with their views.  The council over, Poole was invited to visit the tepees of the other chiefs.

Upon entering each one, food was offered, but, after the dog feast, Poole constantly made himself liable to the customary penalty for not eating what was set before him.

The visits were over, and after the usual greetings, Poole remounted his horse and with his interpreter rode briskly back to the agency at Whetstone.  He enjoyed the visit, affording, as it did, the opportunity to see the Indians at home and undisturbed by the presence of white men, whose customs and manners were so widely at conflict with their own.

 

Author Author Clarence Shoemaker, originally published in the Gregory Times-Advocate on December 18, 2024