HOW SITTING BULL DIED

Photograph of Sitting Bull, 1885, photographer David Frances Barry.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, December 26, 1890.

How Sitting Bull Died.

Graphic History of Sitting Bull's Last Moments.

   STANDING ROCK AGENCY, S. D., Dec. 17, 1890 —The expedition which started from this agency for Sitting Bull's lonely camp forty miles distant, to take him dead or alive, with chances ten to one of his death, was no haphazard force of semi-savage Indian police and ill-advised army subordinates. There is every reason to believe that the whole affair was a carefully planned military maneuver originating with no less a person than General Miles himself, sanctioned by the War Department and authorized by the President's Cabinet. Before Sitting Bull’s dazed adherents had a chance to realize the situation the police had pulled their panting animals up short on all sides of the chief's abode. No time was wasted in ceremony. The proud old medicine man was hustled out, hoisted on a waiting pony, and in a trice faced toward civilization. He raged and sputtered in a fury of rage for a moment, then straightening up, shouted hoarsely, not for help, but a command to his followers. Despite the threatening of the police, Winchesters alternately directed at his head and those of his kinsmen, the old medicine man retained his presence of mind, and, with powerful voice, continued to direct his own rescue.

   Suddenly there was a puff of smoke beside the tepee, and the sharp crack of a Winchester. The policeman at Sitting Bull's right, grasping the chief’s bridle, reeled in the saddle, and toppling over, was trampled under the hooves of the ponies, now all in the mad helter-shelter of retreat from the village.

   The shot was instantly answered by the police at the blanketed tribesmen, many of whom were already mounted and in frenzied pursuit. The police volley told with deadly effect, and the firing in a moment was general on both sides. Sitting Bull could be heard in the confusion, still attempting, though captive, to direct the fight. Raising his form he was beckoning his sons and warriors on, when without warning his body straightened out rigidly, then dropped limp on the hard ground.

   The police halted round the corpse, not knowing for a moment but that it was a trick of the wily old chief. The sudden movement and the fall of Sitting Bull disconcerted the pursuers who, remaining at a distance, sullenly fired at intervals toward the police. The latter held their ground, knowing the cavalry under Captain Fouchet would soon be at hand.

   To the surprise of all, however, the hostiles, who had been consulting among themselves, began a movement to close in from all sides. The rattle of Winchesters was now redoubled from both parties, the police using their ponies as protection. It was at this critical juncture that Captain Fouchet's men dashed up, and the machine guns which had been put in position opened up on the redskins. The latter were too dismayed at this unexpected onslaught to stand even for a moment, and all bolted for the river. The cavalry followed only a short distance, deeming it better policy not to drive to desperation the leaderless mob.

   There are already evidences that the killing of Sitting Bull is likely to settle the war without further bloodshed. Large numbers of Indians are coming into the agency, professing loyalty and offering their services to bring in the fleeing hostiles. The acknowledged leaders of the Sioux—Chief Gall and John Grass—stand firmly by the government and expressed no regret in the taking off of Sitting Bull. The bringing in of the bodies of Sitting Bull and his son caused a good deal of excitement at the agency.

HERE AND THERE.

   Christmas greeting to all.

   John E. Steele, of Truxton, has taken out letters patent on an improved running gear for vehicles.

   The DEMOCRAT is issued one day earlier this week in order that our employes [sic] may enjoy Christmas Day.

   The C. L. S. C. will meet with Mrs. Reed, 128 South Main street, Monday evening, Dec. 29th. A full attendance desired.

   The Earlville Standard, one of our liveliest exchanges, has passed its third birthday and gives every evidence of prosperity.

    Much enterprise was displayed by Cortland's market men in tasty arranging of their stock and liberal holiday decorations this week.

   The public schools of Cortland will reopen on Monday next, after the holiday vacation of one week, instead of two, as heretofore.

   Mr. Harrison Wells received and shipped over 18,000 pounds of Christmas poultry this year. He shipped a like quantity for Thanksgiving.

   Two tasty sleighs have just been purchased by John B. Morris for use in his livery business. One is an open surrey body, the other a covered hack.

   The outlying roads were in poor condition for travel the first of the week, owing to the heavy rain on Sunday. The cold wave of Monday night improved them, however.

   Head boiler-maker Joseph Adams sustained a severe sprain of the ankle and had his foot badly bruised at the E. C. & N. railroad shops, Saturday. A large sheet of iron fell upon his leg, but no bones were broken.

   The E. C. & N. road was blockaded by the heavy fall of snow near Swartwood, last Thursday, and the train that left Elmira that morning did not reach Cortland until Friday morning, after which trains ran regularly.

   Mr. A. D. Wallace, of the firm of Wallace Brothers, proprietors of Hotel Brunswick, in this village, was the recipient last Saturday of a finely bred Irish setter about eighteen months old. The donor is none other than the genial Dr. Reed, of Marathon. The gift is duly appreciated by the donee, who is kept busy exhibiting the same to his friends.

   The patrons of Miss Eliza Austin's private school were exceedingly well pleased with the entertainment given at the close of the fall term, last Friday. The exercises consisted of recitations, music, drills and other pleasant features. "Milkmaids' drill," "Windmill," and "Sitting up for Santa Claus," were well rendered and pleased the audience. The next term opens January 5th, 1891.

   The funeral of Mr. John P. Bunn was attended from his late residence on River street, in Homer, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Bunn will be remembered as one of the oldest residents of our sister village, and for many years an active machinist in Messrs. Stone Brothers' foundry and machine works. Deceased was father to Mr. W. O. Bunn, for many years proprietor of the Homer Republican.

   Loyal Temperance Legion, Co. A and Co. B, will give a New Year's entertainment on New Year's Eve. The little ones of Co. A. assisted by the older members of Co. B, have been carefully preparing to make this an interesting and profitable occasion. Don't turn the little ones away when they call with their tickets, and if you are missed by the little canvassers, remember the place—W. C. T. U. rooms, over Collins' store,—and the time, New Year's Eve.

   Buck & Hubbard and F. D. Smith will close their hardware stores at 7 P. M. after January 1st. 1891.

   Mr. William Bacon took possession of the restaurant lately conducted by Mr. Seamans, on Railroad street, Wednesday afternoon.

   Landlord Vincent, of the Cuyler hotel, has a Christmas party and another on January 1st. Gibbons' orchestra furnishes the music. Bill, $1.25.

   A New Year's Eve hop will be held at the Virgil hotel, on Wednesday evening, December 31st. Music by Cooper & Livingston's orchestra. Bill, 50 cents.

   Mr. A. R. Peck, dealer in boots and shoes, has a big advertisement in this issue of the DEMOCRAT. The prices quoted ought to fill his store with customers.

   Superintendent L. V. Smith gave the juvenile classes of the Universalist Sunday school a grand sleigh ride, Tuesday afternoon, which was greatly enjoyed by the little folks.

   Mr. H. C. Beebe, proprietor of the Model market, North Main-st., will not close his market before 10 A. M. the 25st inst. He will continue to deal in the same select stock as is now on exhibition. Leave your orders.

   Mr. James Corcoran died at the residence of his mother, on East Court street, last Saturday, after an illness of nearly five months. Mr. Corcoran had a wide circle of friends, as was attested at the funeral services held Tuesday morning. Deceased was for a number of years clerk at the Vanderbilt hotel, Syracuse, and later proprietor of a fashionable restaurant at Forty-first street and Broadway, New York city, retiring from the latter in August last. His age was 29 years.