University of Virginia Library

STATEMENT.

"At an interview had with Little Robe, Minnimic, or Bald Eagle, Red Moon, Grey Eyes, and other chiefs of the Cheyennes, held in the Head-Quarters tent of Major-General Grierson, they gave the following account of their interview with General Custer on the 8th or 9th of March, 1869.

"The Indians were on their way to Camp Supply, and this interview with him turned them back and delayed their progress there.

"The first notice they, the Cheyennes, had of the approach of Major-General Custer and his regiment, was from a Cheyenne woman who had been captured by General Custer in the fight against Black Kettle, on the Washita. She had been turned loose, or ran away, from General Custer some days before. The chiefs went out to see, and met General Custer coming in with two men. He went into Medicine Arrow's tent, and shook hands, and a young man came in and told them that there were a great many troops coming on the war-path, which frightened the women, and they immediately began to saddle up their ponies; but the chiefs went out and quieted them down.

"Thirty of the chiefs and warriors then went over to visit General Custer and his camp. He surrounded them with his soldiers, and told them he was going to keep them. They immediately drew their revolvers, and said that if they were to die, they would die in trying to escape; and they made a rush, and all but three broke through the guard. They were desperate and determined and brave about it, so they were allowed to go unguarded. General

Custer told the chiefs to go and bring in two white women, who were in their camp, or he would hang the three young men. They brought him the two white women, and then expected that he would release the three young men; but he would not do so. Sometimes he would talk good and sometimes bad to them; they could not understand him. He staid near them only a little while, and started for Camp Supply. He told them he wanted them to follow him on to Camp Supply; but he talked so strangely to them, they would not trust him. This over, seventy lodges started for this post. They left the others, about one hundred and twenty lodges, on the headwaters of the Washita; but the interview with Custer was on the North Fork, or a small branch of the Red River. They say that there were thirteen men, sixteen women, and nine children killed at the Washita fight. Eagle Head, or Minnimic, then said that he wanted to speak. He first shook hands with us, and then said that he wanted to speak good only. That three of their men came down to see us, and returning, reported that we had treated them kindly, and wished to see the others, and that they had now come to see us. He said that they were hungry, and wanted some food for themselves and for their people. That they were willing to go up to their Reservation with Little Raven and the Arapahoes, if he and they were willing. Little Raven being present, was asked, and he said he was willing, and would be glad to have them go with them, if the Cheyennes were willing.

"So it was agreed upon that they should go up to the Reservation together.