Sunday, February 26, 2006
Frames of reference
Wasichus [white men]...were determined to find out which redskin had killed their hero [Custer], so they asked and they asked. The Indians got tired of this and at a 1909 council they resolved to end the matter.
They themselves had no idea who killed him, but after discussing possible candidates they elected Chief Brave Bear of the Southern Cheyennes. He had been with Black Kettle at the Washita, he had been in the lodge when somebody dumped ashes on the general's boots, he had done his part at the Little Bighorn. Therefore he was as well qualified as any....
Philadelphia millionaire Rodman Wanamaker had offered a reward for this nugget of information, the money to be distributed among those present at the council....
It is said that Brave Bear was not anxious to acknowledge this honor...because he thought Mr. Wanamaker was planning to shoot him, but he gathered up his courage on behalf of his hungry people and stepped forward, thus solving the mystery.
They themselves had no idea who killed him, but after discussing possible candidates they elected Chief Brave Bear of the Southern Cheyennes. He had been with Black Kettle at the Washita, he had been in the lodge when somebody dumped ashes on the general's boots, he had done his part at the Little Bighorn. Therefore he was as well qualified as any....
Philadelphia millionaire Rodman Wanamaker had offered a reward for this nugget of information, the money to be distributed among those present at the council....
It is said that Brave Bear was not anxious to acknowledge this honor...because he thought Mr. Wanamaker was planning to shoot him, but he gathered up his courage on behalf of his hungry people and stepped forward, thus solving the mystery.
Evan S. Connell, Son of the Morning Star
