The book of the American Indian

by Hamlin Garland

THE SILENT EATERS

THE SILENT EATERS

I
THE BEGINNINGS OF POWER

I was born a soldier.

I have lived thus long.

In despite of all, I have lived thus long.

——Sioux War Song.

One day in 1854, while the Uncapappas, a branch of my father’s people, were camped in pursuit of buffalo on a tributary of the Platte River, a half-breed scout came into the circle from the south, bearing a strange message. He said: “The great war chief of the whites is coming with beads and cloth and many good things. He desires all the red men to meet him in a council of peace. He is sorry that we are at war. Therefore, he is inviting all your chieftains to his lodge to receive presents and to smoke.”