ing
next morning, the earnest persuasion of the interpreter, agent, and
traders having induced them to do so. They stated that their refusal to
attend might result to their injury. The night before Red Shirt was so
much depressed in spirits that he wanted to commit suicide, saying that
he might as well die here as elsewhere, as they had been swindled.

_Further Explanations._

Commissioner Parker opened the proceedings by saying the Indians were
asked to come up because it was thought they ought to have something to
say before they went home. Secretary Cox said to them he was very sorry
to find out that Red Cloud and his people have not understood what was
in the treaty of 1868; therefore he wanted him to come here, so that
all mistakes might be explained and be dismissed. It was important to
know exactly how matters stood. This government did not want to drive
them. The Secretary then explained, at some length, the provisions of
the treaty, the limits of the hunting-grounds, the reservation, etc. He
understood that Red Cloud and his band were unwilling to go on the
reservation, but wanted to live on the head-waters of the Big Cheyenne
River, northeast of Fort Fetterman. This was outside of the permanent
reservation, but inside the part reserved for hunting-ground. The
Secretary was willing to say, if that would please them, he would make
it so, and have their business agents there; this would still keep
white people off the hunting-ground. The government would give them
cattle and food and clothing, so as to make them happy in their new
home. The Secretary said he would write down the names of the men in
whom the Indians have confidence, and want for their agent and traders.
He desired to find out whether they were good men, and could be trusted
by the government. He was sorry the Indians felt bad on finding out
what was in the treaty; but the best way was to tell it all, so there
might not be any misunderstanding.

Red Cloud, having shaken hands with the Secretary and Commissioner
Parker, seated himself on the floor, and said:

"What I said to the Great Father, the President, is now in my mind.
I have only a few words to add this morning. I have become tired of
speaking. Yesterday, when I saw the treaty, and all the false
things in it, I was mad. I suppose it made you the same. The
Secretary explained it this morning, and now I am pleased. As to
the goods you talked about, I want what is