n the 24th appeared on the north bank of Platte, opposite Fort
Fetterman. With him were some warriors, squaws, and children. They
marched down to the ferry in state, singing their song of welcome, and
shouted across that they were in a hurry! They were halted there till
next day, and the warriors allowed to come over unarmed.

Colonel Chambers, commanding, received them at headquarters. A long
smoke all round followed, and then Red Cloud rose up and in a loud
voice invoked the countenance and favor of the Great Spirit on his
mission, shook hands with all the officers present, and went up to the
council-table to have a long talk, as he had come a long way, and
wanted to trade.

He said, "I have been treating with you since 1851, and no good has
come of it. Our treaties do not last, and now I want to go and see the
Great Father, and make a treaty that will last. Tell the Great Father I
am here and desire to see him, and take fifty of my people with me to
see him. I will wait for his reply at my camp beyond the river."

Colonel Chambers said he would "_blow the Great Father a message on his
hollow wire_, and repeat all the chief had said to him," which quite
pleased Red Cloud. He said, "I have waited for the soldiers to leave my
country, and I want things settled."

The colonel intimated that the Father was at that time very far away at
the East, and it might be many "sleeps" before he could hear from him,
and as soon as the Father blew back words by the telegraph, he would
send word to the chief's camp and let him know. He then asked to trade,
and was allowed to buy tobacco and flour for robes left with the
commissary, but nothing else.

He then spoke of his prisoner, John Richaud, and his wish to take him
to Washington for a pardon. Also, that Richaud had some property in the
fort locked up, which he wanted a chief to take care of. Colonel C----
said he would not do that without orders from his chief (General Augur)
at Omaha. This was satisfactory, and the chief sat down.

Speeches then were made by Man-afraid-of-his-Horses and Red Horse, and
the council broke up.

Soon as it was known at Washington, and a consultation was had with
General Sherman and Secretary of War Belknap, the President sent word
that he would be glad to see the chief, and would send a guide to show
him the way to the Great Father's wigwam. This message came the 12th
May, and the Indians started on the 14th. A great dance was celebrated
among