1885 Delegations
Presidents:
Chester A. Arthur (to March 4, 1885)
Grover Cleveland (March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889)
Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1885:
Hiram Price (May 6, 1881 – March 27, 1885)
John D. C. Atkins (March 21, 1885 – June 13, 1888)
Jan. 10, 1885: Daily Register [Rockford, Ill.]: [Comanche, Kiowa]
Washington City, Jan. 10.—A delegation of Comanche and Kiowa Indians had an interview with Commissioner of Indian Affairs Price, Friday [Jan. 9], in regard to the lease of grazing lands on their respective reservations to cattle men. The Indians represented that a majority of their tribes were opposed to leasing their lands, but that the cattle men, despite their protests, had taken possession of the lands and were now on them. The commissioner said that if he was sure that such was the case he would eject the cattle men by force, if necessary.
Jan. 16, 1885: Evening Star: [Cheyenne, Creek, Potowatomi]
Red Men and Their Friends.—A number of Indian chiefs and some of their white friends met in friendly council last night in the parlors of Dr. Bland. Hon. G. Ballou, of Montana, read a paper on Indian civilization. Speeches were made by Chiefs Navarr, of the Potowatamis and Stidham of the Creeks, Prof. Dorsey, of the Smithsonian, George Yoakam, of Montana, farmer in charge of the Cheyennes, who were with Sitting Bull, and Dr. Bland. The prevailing sentiment was in favor of industrial education for Indians, and opposed to allotting lands in severalty until the red men are educated.
March 13, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Visit.
Its Character Explained by Agent M’Gillycuddy.
Red Cloud, an Indian from the Pine Ridge agency, Dakota, arrived in this city last evening. He is accompanied by Todd Randall, an interpreter, and will call upon Secretary Lamar. Commissioner Price has received the following letter from Indian Agent McGillycuddy, dated at the Pine Ridge agency, February 27th:
“I have the honor to report the departure of Red Cloud from this agency to-day for the purpose of visiting the city of Washington, D. C. In this connection the Indians generally request me to inform you that Red Cloud does not proceed to Washington under the authority of any general council, or to in any way represent the officers of the agency of Indians. They also request that no dependence be placed on any statement which may be made by one Todd Randall, a squaw man, who, it is reported, accompanies Red Cloud as interpreter, whether such statements be made on Randall’s own account or purporting to be interpretation of statements by Red Cloud, as they consider Randall as unreliable.”
March 14, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red cloud’s Reply.
He Contradicts The Statements of Indian Agent M’Gillycuddy.
Red Cloud, the Indian chief from the Pine Ridge agency, with an interpreter, Todd Randall, is staying with Dr. Bland on G Street, and his morning he had a talk with a Star reporter relative to the objects of his visit. Red Cloud wears American clothes, but has not mastered to any great extent the English language, and when he smiles and talks and gesticulates to the visitor, his words have to be rendered into English by the interpreter. In this way Red Cloud said to the reporter:
“I was sent here by a council of my people to tell the great father what they want. They asked me to come and I came in a great hurry, because the business is urgent. The letter of Agent McGillycuddy about me published in the papers is not true. I speak from my heart. There were more than 300 of my people at the council, and they asked me to come to Washington, because they were starving. They want a new agent. They don’t like the agent, McGillycuddy, because he does not treat them fair. I propose to see the new President and tell him about our condition, and see if he won’t help us.
Red Cloud then produced a printed form, which had been filled in and bore Agent McGillycuddy’s signature, granting red Cloud permission to be absent from the agency for an indefinite time for the purpose of visiting this city.
“This shows,” said the interpreter, “that Red Cloud has complied with the requirements of the department, and in fact he has always done so in spite of statements to the contrary.”
Dr. Bland, who was present, said that the statement of the agent that Interpreter Randall was unreliable was not sustained by the opinion of the leading men in that country, who had expressed to him (Bland) confidence in the good character of Randall. Red Cloud will call upon Secretary Lamar on Monday [March 16], and will urge the dismissal of the present agent, and the appointment of a more satisfactory person.
March 14, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Visit.
Why He Wants Agent McGillicuddy Removed.
Agent McGillicuddy has excited the wrath of Red Cloud, who is now in the city, by writing a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, stating that he (Red Cloud) was away from the agency without authority from the general council.
To a reporter of the Critic Red Cloud said, through Interpreter Todd Randall: “When I decided to come to Washington to see the Great Father I called my people together. We held a council, three hundred headmen being present. They told me to come to Washington and tell the Great Father that we wanted a new agent—that the present one (McGillicuddy) is not liked.
“My people,” continued Red Cloud, “are suffering for food. They have not received any coffee, sugar or flour for three months.”
Red Cloud also said that McGillicuddy was surrounded by a few Indians, whom he calls his friends, and these he bribes for their so-called influence. They receive the rations belonging to his (Red Cloud’s) friends. These men he designated as “Hard Bread Chiefs.”
Red Cloud was rather severe on Agent McGillicuddy, and says he is going to tell the President all about him. The old chief said he had learned of McGillicuddy’s letter to Commissioner Price, and he branded him as a prevaricator for stating that he left the agency without authority from the council. He produced a pass, signed by McGillicuddy himself, giving him an indefinite leave to visit Washington.
March 16, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud is not in Washington seeking an office for himself. Not to be too far behind his white brethren in this respect, he also is after a removal and an appointment. Indian agent McGillycuddy is the individual whose scalp is in danger.
March 16, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud at the Interior Department.
Red Cloud, the Indian chief from the Pine Ridge agency, Dakota, in company with Dr. Bland and Todd Randall, the interpreter, called on Secretary Lamar this morning. Red Cloud asked for the removal of the Indian agent, McGillycuddy, and the Secretary told him that the matter would receive his attention. The interview then came to an end.
March 17, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Grievances.
Red Cloud, accompanied by his interpreter, Todd Randall, has called upon Secretary Lamar, and asked immediate aid for the Sioux Indians. He also asked that Agent McGillycuddy be removed. The Secretary said he would examine into the matter and take such action as he might think necessary. He also told Red Cloud that it was no necessary for him to stay here.
March 17, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
The President’s Callers.
Some of Those Who Visited the White House To-day.
…Red Cloud called while the cabinet was in session and failed to secure an audience.
March 18, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
A Talk With Red Cloud.
Red Cloud, accompanied by his interpreter, Todd Randall, had another talk with Secretary Lamar to-day. He renewed his appeal for the relief of his people and his request that Agent McGillycuddy be removed. As at the first interview, the Secretary told him that he would consider the matter presented to him.
March 19, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
The Administration’s Attitude Toward the Indians.
Dr. Bland states that the impression which obtains in some circles that Secretary Lamar desired Red Cloud to return is incorrect. Red Cloud has an unlimited leave. He called on the President yesterday and was much pleased with his reception. He says that he will go back to his people and tell them that “the new Great Father has a good heart” for them. Dr. Bland says that his interview with the President in regard to Indian affairs was very satisfactory.
March 20, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
One Lucky Man.
Red Cloud Secures a Postoffice For His Interpreter.
The crowds that call upon Postmaster General Vilas and Secretary Lamar fell off considerably to-day, but enough came to permit either of them from feeling lone some. General Vilas had, as usual, many more visitors than Secretary Lamar.
Among them were Hon. Samuel J. Randall…..
But as yet one of the applicants get any real satisfaction—except one. He is Red Cloud, the Indian chief. Red Cloud evidently knows the ropes. He came to the Department and wanted a postoffice established at his agency, the Pine Ridge Agency, in Nebraska. He got what he wanted.
When asked what he wanted the postoffice to be named, he said: “Randall.” (Randall is the name of his interpreter.) He was told that there were already many postoffices bearing that name.
“Well,” he said “call it Broken Knee. I broke my knee there once.” And the new office was named Broken-Knee. …
March 21, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud Happy.
Red Cloud has been made happy in several ways. He got a postoffice and then struck the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for a brand new suit of store clothes. He got a suit of broadcloth, with the accessories of a boiled shirt, plug hat and an assortment of lurid handkerchiefs.
March 23, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Reception.—A reception was given to Red Cloud, the Indian chief, by Dr. T. A. Bland at his residence Saturday evening. Addresses were made by Dr. Bland, Red Cloud, Mrs. Fanny Kelly Gordon, Rev. Dr. Naylor, Mr. Willard, Col. Bell and Agent Snider, of Fort Peck, Montana. Dr. N. Frank White gave a recitation.
March 23, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s New Suit. The commissioner of Indian affairs on Saturday, with the consent of the Secretary of the Interior, gave Red Cloud a $35 suit of clothes, as his garments were getting dilapidated.
April 10, 1885: Critic Record: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud Entertained.
Mrs. Fannie Kelley, who was once a captive of a band of Red Cloud’s people, and who is a great friend of the Chief, gave him a reception last night at her residents, 922 Eighth street. Red Cloud is very fond of music, and knowing this fact Mrs. Kelley invited Professor O’Rourke, Mr. Lawson and Miss Lula McCrury to be present and entertain him. Miss McCrury presided at the piano, Professor O’Rourke played the violin, and Mr. Larson the banjo. The chief was delighted, especially with the songs “I’m Going Back to Dixie” and “Old Folks at Home.” At the close of each he exclaimed: “Lela wachta” (Very good.)
April 17, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
McGillycuddy and Red Cloud.—Indian Agent McGillycuddy, of the Pine Ridge agency, Dakota, is on his way to this city with several of the Indians, whom he has brought for the purpose of having their testimony in the answer which he proposes to make to the charges preferred against him by Red Cloud. The latter is now in the city, and the opportunity will be given for the two men to meet each other before the Secretary.
April 24, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Agent McGillycuddy’s Hearing.—Indian Agent McGillycuddy, of the Pine Ridge agency, Dakota, with four of the Indians from that agency, appeared to-day before the commissioner of Indian affairs, and Red Cloud was also present, and his counsel, Mr. Willard, presented charges, accusing the agent with mismanagement, and also that the Indians wanted a new agent. Statements were heard from both parties, and the further hearing was postponed until to-morrow.
April 25, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
The Indian Office Investigation.—the commissioner of Indian affairs to-day continued the hearing in the case of Indian Agent McGillycuddy, against whom charges have been preferred by Red Cloud. A number of witnesses were heard, and each charge was taken up separately. It is doubtful whether the hearing will be concluded to-day.
April 27, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Charges. –The Commissioner of Indian Affairs concluded, on Saturday [April 25], the hearing of the charges which Red Cloud had to bring against Agent McGillycuddy, and whatever action he may deem best to take in the premises he will announce hereafter.
May 14, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Oglala]
Red Cloud’s Support Leaving Him.—The understanding among the troublesome Indians was that on Red Cloud’s return a new agent was to accompany him, and in case a new agent did not come the Indians would no longer sustain Red Cloud in his opposition to the schools, the government and progress. A private dispatch says that Red Shirt, Torn Belly and Calico are sub-chiefs hitherto prominent in upholding Red Cloud in his insubordination, and the fact that Red Shirt did not attend Red Cloud’s local council, and was consequently “thrown away” or deposed as sub-chief, and that Calico and Torn Belly made “splendid speeches”—i.e., speeches in favor of the government—indicates that Red Cloud’s support is leaving him, and he will rapidly take his proper place among the minority as a relic of former barbarism and non-progressiveness.
May 16, 1885: Evening Star: [Ponca]
A Delegation of Ponca Indians had an interview to-day with Secretary Lamar and laid before him their claim for payment of their reservation in Nebraska, from which they were moved in 1880 to the Indian Territory. They said that they signed a treaty ceding their land under a misapprehension.
May 21, 1885: Evening Star: [Oto]
A Delegation of Otoe Indians, from the Indian Territory, are in the city for the purpose of seeing the Secretary of the Interior in regard to their annuities and the proceeds of the recent sale of their lands in Kansas and Nebraska.
May 22, 1885: Critic Record: [Oto]
A delegation of Otoe Indians, from Indian Territory, to-day had a conference with Secretary Lamar about their annuities and their lands, which they left in Nebraska when they moved to the Territory.
May 22, 1885: Critic Record: [Oto]
The Kind They Prefer.
The delegation of the Otoe Indians from the Ponca Agency, Indian Territory, waited upon the Indian Commissioner to-day and urged that they be supplied with Tharp’s whisky. They prefer it to blankets. There’s health in it. Tharp 818 F Street northwest.
June 6, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Hunkpapa]
NOTE: Not a delegation story, or in DC, but interesting.
Sitting Bull’s Present to the Pope.—On May 20 Bishop Martin, of Dakota, presented to Pope Leo XIII., on behalf of Sitting Bull, a magnificent buffalo robe, the inside of which was decorated with paintings by the great Sioux chief’s nephew. One of the pictures represented the fight in which Custer fell.
June 17, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Hunkpapa]
The Wild West Combination.—Commencing on next Monday [June 22] buffalo Bill’s Wild West will give two exhibitions daily of real western border life at the Athletic part, rain or shine. The company, it is said, has been enlarged since its last appearance here. Its latest acquisition is the world renowned Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, and his entire staff, who will make their first appearance. The entertainment is very instructive and amusing, and far different from a circus, and as decorous as a Sunday school.
[NOTE: there are several ads and stories about the Wild West show – most not copied as not delegations]
June 23, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Hunkpapa]
Buffalo Bill, accompanied by Major Burke, Sitting Bull and fifteen other Indians, visited some of the departments to-day.
June 24, 1885: Evening Star: [Dakota: Hunkpapa; Oglala]
Chief Sitting Bull.
His Interview With Secretary Lamar—Why the Chief is Allowed to Travel—Accessions to the Roving Band Suggested.
Secretary Lamar yesterday gave an audience to Sitting Bull and his suite. After talking with the chief the Secretary issued a formal order permitting Buffalo Bill to take Sitting Bull and the Indians accompanying him from the reservation and travel with them through the country. The Secretary took this action in the belief that it would have a salutary effect upon Sitting Bull and his warriors to go over this country and see its vast population and resources. Through his interpreter Sitting Bull expressed gratification at the kindness shown him by the white people everywhere, and he was, he said, especially grateful for the attention and consideration he had received at the hands of the Indian Commissioner. Secretary Lamar, after talking with the chief, concluded that the more he could see of the whites and their resources, and the more he could learn of their pacific intention toward the Indians the better.
A Star reporter was told that when Buffalo Bill made formal application for leave to take Sitting Bull the Secretary not only gave it, but intimated that he would be pleased if the showman would also take Red Cloud and Dr. Bland, and it was said that he was inclined to add Agent McGillycuddy, but he feared the latter and Dr. Bland would not agree in the same company.
The Indians of the Wild West combination, dressed in their full native costumes, and looking as if ready to start on the warpath, visited the War department yesterday. Their faces were streaked with red and yellow paint, and huge eagle feathers towered above their heads. They visited the library, but were apparently not much interested in their surroundings. At the War department they called upon General Sheridan and General Drum. In General Sheridan’s office there was but little conversation. Sitting Bull was taciturn, and replied to remarks of his companions only by an occasional grunt. The other Indians were much interested in pictures of army and Indian life which hung on the walls. A buffalo scene especially attracted their attention, and caused them much pleasure.
Sept. 19, 1885: Evening Star: [Pueblo]
American Citizenshp at a Discount.
The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico Object to Becoming Citizens.
A delegation of Pueblo Indians from the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico, called on the commissioner of Indian affairs to-day for the purpose of protesting against their recent assessment for taxes as citizens of the territory. It seems that these Indians were citizens of Mexico, and in the treaty with the United States, by which New Mexico became a part of the United States, the inhabitants of the ceded territory were not to be deprived of their rights of citizenship. …[detailed history and current status]
Sept. 22, 1885: Critic Record: [Pueblo]
Indians Protesting Against Taxation.—The Pueblo Indian delegation called upon Commissioner Atkins to-day and will leave for their home in new Mexico to-night. The commissioner promised them that he would request the authorities of New Mexico to suspend the tax levy until their status can be determined. These Indians hold that they are not taxable, and came here to protest against the action of the New Mexico authorities in that particular.
Sept. 23, 1885: Daily Illinois State Journal: [Pueblo]
The pueblo Indians.
A Feeling in Washington that They Are Unjustly Taxes.
Washington, D.., Sept. 22, 1885. The Pueblo Indian delegation called again upon the commissioner of Indian affairs this morning, and will leave for their home in Nex Mexico tonight. They have been partially successful in their mission for the commissioner [has?] requested the authorities of New Mexico to suspend the tax by levy until the exact legal status of these Indians can be determined. The Commissioner seems to be of the opinion that these Indians should not be taxes….[more details in re rationale of suspending tax]
[NOTE: This exact story is carried by many newspapers around the US.]
Nov. 11, 1885: Bridgeton Evening News [Bridgeton, NJ]: [unid., perhaps not Indian]
[Methodists holding missionary meeting] … It is just possible that General Fisk will also be present at the meeting, although Washington advices yesterday report him at the capitol heading an Indian delegation before the president. A full report of the meeting will appear in to morrow’s News.
Dec. 18, 1885: Critic Record: [Sac & Fox]
Callers at the White House.—The President was unusually busy this morning receiving callers, giving much time to Congressmen…..Mine gorgeously dressed Indians of the Sac and Fox tribe of Iowa were also received by the President this morning. An interpreter was with them, but it was not absolutely necessary as some of the red men can speak “United States” very intelligently. They were in the President’s private office for more than a half-hour. They are here on business for the tribe, and at the same time have been taking in the sights. They take a lively interest in all that is going on around them, and on account of their own gaudy habiliments [sic], paint, feathers and toggery [sic] generally they are attracting much attention on the streets. The visitors at the White House eyes them intently, and the Indians made as imposing a procession when they filed out as nine braves possibly could.
Dec. 18, 1885: Evening Star: [Sac and Fox]
Indians At The Interior Department.—
The delegation of nine Indians of the Sac and Fox tribes, Iowa, who were at the White House to-day, called on Indian Commissioner Atkins later to present their grievances in regard to their lands, which they claim white men have unjustly taken from them. They will call on the commissioner again to-morrow.