came, the passages of the department were
filled with a crowd of anxious persons, to inspect the red men as they
passed along, and this, besides being unpleasant to them, interfered
with their passage into the council-chamber. But soon they all got in,
Spotted Tail looking very dignified, with his three companions on one
side of the room, while seated in two rows across were Red Cloud and
his larger number of chiefs and head-men, and the squaws that came with
them.

General John E. Smith, who came with Red Cloud, Colonel Beauvais, of
St. Louis, Colonel Bullock, post-trader at Fort Laramie, and others,
were present.

After the Indians had got comfortably seated and had passed the pipe
around among them a few times, Commissioner Parker, with Secretary Cox,
entered the council-room, and were introduced to each Indian of Red
Cloud's band, having previously seen Spotted Tail and party. As Indians
never speak first, but will sit for hours, Commissioner Parker opened
the meeting, saying:

"I am glad to see you to-day. I know that you have come a long way
to see your Great Father, the President of the United States. You
have had no accident, have arrived here all well, and should be
very thankful to the Great Spirit who has kept you safe.

"The Great Father got Red Cloud's message that he wanted to come to
Washington and see him, and the President said he might come. We
will be ready at any time to hear what Red Cloud has to say for
himself and his people, but want him first to hear the Secretary of
the Interior, who belongs to the President's council."

The Commissioner stepped aside, and Secretary Cox said:

"When we heard that the chief of the Sioux nation wanted to come to
Washington to see the President and the officers of the government,
we were glad. We were glad that they themselves said they wanted to
come. We know that when people are so far apart as we are from the
Sioux, it is very hard to see each other, and to know what each one
wants. But when we see each other face to face, we can understand
better what is really right, and what we ought to do. The
President, General Parker, and myself, and all the officers of the
government, want to do what is right."

[Here Red Cloud gave a significant look at Spotted Tail across the
room.]

"While you are here, therefore, we shall want you to tell us what
is in your own hearts, all you f