Photographing the Plains Indians: 
Ridgway Glover at forts Laramie and Phil Kearny, 1866, Part II
 Paula Fleming

 

By its very nature, this paper is not the format of a standard scholarly essay. It does, however, honor and remember Colin Taylor by bringing forth scholarship on a subject that greatly interested both of us. The on-going mystery of whether Ridgway Glover ever took photographs at Ft. Phil Keamy before he was murdered and the fate of his negatives taken at the Ft. Laramie Peace Commission in 1866 consumed many hours of friendly discussion.

This topic also greatly interested Dr. Jack Ewers, my mentor at the Smithsonian. As such, Colin and I agreed that a report on the current status of my work would be a fitting paper for the festschrift he and Hugh Dempsey were publishing in honor of Dr. Ewers. The preliminary list of authors was small enough to allow rather lengthy, fully-referenced papers in one volume, however, such was the impact of Dr. Ewers that a wonderful outpouring of essays resulted from the call for papers, extending the publication to two volumes. As a result, Colin and I agreed that unfortunately the transcription of the preliminary documents in my Glover research had to be omitted from the Ewers festschrift to make room for more authors.

Colin's untimely passing before the final edit of the paper meant that yet one more twist would occur in our search for Glover's photographs. Such is the nature of fate, life and research. I can think of no finer tribute to my friend Colin Taylor, than to complete the work we started together by updating the status of my research and, in particular, publishing the primary documents we had planned to include in our last work together. As such, this paper consists of two sections. The first is an expanded discussion of a photograph hastily "uncredited to Glover in the Ewers paper, and the second is devoted to the transcription of major primary documents. There is little doubt that further papers on Glover will be necessary as the work continues to unfold.

Ridgway Glover, was a Philadelphia photographer with an overwhelming desire to go West. His skills as a photographer frequently left something to be desired. Not uncommonly he had problems making wet-plate negatives and produced slightly out-of-focus or damaged prints. His drive, however, was not reduced by these short comings. In 1865 Glover first contacted the Smithsonian Institution to inquire whether there were any expeditions he could accompany. Eventually he was sent as the Smithsonian's photographer with the Ft. Laramie Peace Commission of 1866. Upon its conclusion in July, instead of retuming East, he went with the military under Gen. Carrington to the newly built Fort Phil Keamy where he was murdered in September, a few months before the Fetterman Massacre.
On July 2, Glover notes that one of the people he photographed at the commission was Standing Elk. The hunt for his images took a step forward when an out of focus portrait of Standing Elk was found in the William Henry Blackmore collection now at the British Museum. Besides being of mediocre quality, the portrait was half of a stereo pair, a format favored by Glover. Further, attached to this was a note in Blackmore's hand, "Dahcotahs Fort Phil Keamey (sic) Massacre-Standing Elk (illeg...) Gen Carrington." Blackmore, a wealthy English solicitor with a deep interest in the American West, frequently traveled to the US collecting photographs of Native Americans. His collections were exhibited in his own museum, now in the British Museum, and formed the core collection of Native American photographs in the Smithsonian Institution. Blackmore was also friends with Carrington. They traveled together in the West and Carrington later visited him in England. Blackmore also contracted photographers, his favorite being Alexander Gardner, who was also the official photographer of the more famous 1868 Ft. Laramie Peace Commission.

 

Fig. 1: Portrait of Ridgway Glover at a young age, by an unidentified photographer. This modem copy print was made in March 1967 in Indianapolis, probably for a relative. Notations on the back not only identify Glover but also provide brief genealogical and biographical information. The portrait was part of an estate sale in Pendleton, Indiana where Glover had relatives. (Author's collection)

Stereo prints of the 1868 Ft. Laramie treaty events demonstrate a wide variance of skills, and while both photographers struggled under difficult conditions to produce their plates, other elements such as focus and posing suggest two different photographer's work. It is my belief that Glover's negatives were acquired by Gardner, and have suffered whatever befell that series. Taking these clues into consideration, I suggested in my paper that the associated portrait of Standing Elk was by Glover. As the publication was going to press, my colleague Ephriam Dickson III of the Utah State Museum alerted me to a carte de visite of this same portrait. Associated with this card was a second one of four Anglo men posed on exactly the same stack of logs as Standing Elk's portrait. Three of the men were connected to the Union Pacific roundhouse and mechanic shops in North Platte, Nebraska. The views had to have been taken between 1867 and 1872, and thus could not have been taken by Glover. The photographer is unidentified. As Blackmore traveled on the Union Pacific in September of 1868, that is likely when he acquired the image.

 

 

Fig. 2: Half of an uncredited stereo portrait of Standing Elk. The image was collected by William Henry Blackmore, who identified it as. "Dahcotah's. Fort Phil Kearney Massacre. Standing Elk (illeg.) Carrington." Tentatively attributed to Glover as he mentions photographing Standing Elk, and the references to the fort and Carrington; however further research indicates this was taken between 1867 and 1872, after Glover died. (British Museum Am/ B33/1)

 

 

 

 

So the search for the fate of Glover's negatives continues. Fortunately with the advent of the internet, research can uncover clues at a much easier and faster pace. While we have since learned that the photograph of Standing Elk was not by Glover, contact has been made with his relatives. They provided a second portrait of Ridgway and additional data.
Besides being the Smithsonian's photographer in the field, Glover was also a correspondent for several magazine including, most importantly, The Philadelphia Photographer. Virtually nothing would be known of Glover's work out West if not for his letters to that journal. He provided greatly detailed letters of his activities including photographing the Brule and Oglala Sioux at the commission. What follows are transcriptions of correspondence between Glover and the Smithsonian, his letters to the Philadelphia Photographer, and a few miscellaneous references. Several newspapers reprinted the notice of his death. These have not been included. 19th-century letterpress copies of handwritten correspondence using broad-nibbed pens is frequently difficult to read, and even more difficult for archives to index. Further, until the advent of

Fig. 3. Carte de visite portrait of Ridgway Glover with ms. identification. "Ridgway Glover Sterio (sic) Photographr [sic] 1860 ad. Killed by the Indians out west". This portrait bears similarities to the other identified Glover portrait, but also differences such as the hair style and mouth shape. This could be the result of ageing and fashion, or perhaps they are two different men in the Glover family. Neither, however, has shaggy or long hair as noted by contemporary writers. Clearly the sitter has prepared for his portrait in both cases. By 1866, his long hair would likely have been the result of wilderness life. (June Sampson)
computer generated indexes, researchers had to read massive amounts of original material in order to uncover relevant documents. Indeed, clues in the correspondence indicates there are more letters in the Department of Interior records, but unfortunately not every primary document could be located and transcribed. The internal evidence of letters already transcribed, however, strongly suggests that the known missing letters probably do not contain new information. Likewise, military letters or reports have largely not been included, as so far, material directly relating to Glover consists of his being included in a body count of civilians killed at Ft. Phil Kearney. I have no doubt there are more Glover related letters still to be discovered and thus this should not be considered a complete listing.

CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION:
These letters have been numbered under the various series by the author for easy reference. Incorrect and nineteenth century spellings as well as cross-outs have been preserved, thus "sic" has only been used when absolutely necessary. Brackets indicate my suggestions for wording of illegible portions, or comments: [...] is used to indicate illegible portions for which logical words can not be supplied. Letters are in chronological order. Those with illegible or incomplete dates have been entered either in relevant order using internal evidence, or else before dated letters in the same month. ABBREVIATIONS:

SI = Smithsonian Institution
SIA= Smithsonian Institution Archives
RU = Record Unit
Ltr = letter
Rec'd = received

RIDGWAY GLOVER LETTERS/PRIMARY DOCUMENTS

CORRESPONDENCE WITH SMITHSONIAN:

LETTER 1a: November 27, 1865 (rec'd Nov. 28, 1865) Ridgway GLOVER to Spencer F. BAIRD. Under Secretary, Smithsonian Institution, SI Archives, RU 52, box 22, ltr. 22 SUMMARY: Glover introduces himself and sends his request; lists references.

"Phila. Nov. 27ch 1861 (correct date is 1865) "Dear Friend,

Through Mr. H. W. Smith of the Herold I have been in formed that an expedition through Utah and Teritorys North of Salt Lake City intends to start next Apriel. I am very much interested in getting up a set of photographic negatives illustrating the Geology of the U.S. and wish to have an oportunity of traveling through that country and as my means are very limited I would like to go with the expedition if a photographer is needed. I consider myself competent-to give satisfaction in my line of business and if I go can make myself useful I hope in other ways as I am used to taking care of and driving horses. For Rifference as a photographer I can give you Mr. Wilson of the Photographic Journal, L Moran of this City, Jay Cook, Alexander Henry (Major) Charles L. Sharpless, Proff. Alfred L. Kennedy of the Polytechnic College, Proff. Leidy and as many more as you desire and if there is any prospect I will send you samples of my work. I have aporatus for making pictures from steroscope size to 18 x 24s and think I can fare as roughly and stand as much hardship as most men. Any aid you can give me will I believe be to the forwarding of the object for which The Smithsonian Institute was established. I am respectfully your Friend /s/ Ridgway Glover Address 818 Arch St. Phila."

LETTER 16: November 30, 1865
BAIRD to GLOVER
SIA RU53, vol. 34, Itr. 172
SUMMARY: No expedition currently planned.

"[...] Washington Nov. 30, 1865
Dear Sir

In reply to your letter of the 27th ult. I hasten to say that I am not aware that any expedition like that referred to by you [or? about? having? filled?] Nothing of this kind is contemplated by this Institution [at?..illeg.]

Should I hear of such an expedition and [if?/it?] be feasible to (illeg.] I will take much [pleasure?] in forwarding this silleg.) the consideration of the silleg.) in authority of the party.

Truly yours,
/s/ Spencer F. Baird
Ass't. Sec.
Ridgway Glover
[818] Arch St. [Phila.]"

LETTER 2a: [January?] 1866 (rec'd Jan. 4, 1866)
GLOVER to BAIRD
SIA RU 52, Box 24, Ltr. 365
SUMMARY: Has sent samples of his photography.

"Phila. Nov. 2nd,, January, 1866 [sic]
Dear Sir

I take the liberty of tending my sincere thanks for the kind interest manifested by yours of the 30th Nov. I have since sent you a roll of pictures by Adams Express and to day I sent you another by the same Co. And a photograph on wood to Dr. Gill. Should you have the opportunity of exerting your influence in my favour I shall feel under much obligation and endeavour to do my duty to the utmost. My Address should you have occasion to write to me will be Pendleton P.O. Madison Co. Ind. Care of J. B. Lewis.

Yours Respectfully /s/Ridgway Glover"194

 

LETTER 2b: January 4, 1866 BAIRD to GLOVER
SIARU 53, vol. 34, Itr. 332
SUMMARY: Photos received; still no expeditions.
"Washington Jan 4, 1866

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 2d uto (ulto.) and the coll of photographs were duly received today* and I hasten to thank you for these beautiful specimens as already mentioned. I know of no expeditions under way for the West but should any come to my knowledge I will with great pleasure do what I can to meet your wishes.
Resp. Yours
/s/Spencer F. Baird
Asst. Sec. Ridgway Glover
Care J.B. Lewis
Pendleton, P.O.
Madison Co. [Indiana)"
[*NOTE: These photographs have not yet been located]

LETTER 3: January 27, 1866
G.W. FAHNESTOCK to BAIRD
SIA RU 52, box 34, vol. 32, ltr. 318
SUMMARY: Letter of reference for bearer.
"Pendleton, Madison Co. Ind.
Philadelphia January 27th 1866
My dear Sir
The bearer Ridgway Glover, is personally known to me, as a successful and competent photographer. I have seen many specimens of his skill, have myself employed him in outdoor work, which he has accomplished to my entire satisfaction, and from my knowledge of his cast of mind and habits of thought, I have no doubt that his contemplated overland journey to California will, if successful, prove of great benefit to Nat. Science.
Commending him to your kind consideration, I am, dear Sir
Yours very truly
/S/G.W. Fahnestock

Prof. S. F. Baird
Smithsonian Institution"
LETTER 4: February 6, 1866
GLOVER to Joseph HENRY, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution,
SIARU 26, Box 6, ltr. # unknown
SUMMARY: Unsuccessful visit to Office of Interior for interview; wishes Henry's backing

"Phila. Feb. 6th 1866
Dear Friend,
I went over to the Office of the Interior but could not get an interview with the Sec. I saw the Chief Clerk and his opinion was that the War and not the Interior Department was the place to apply. I left my letters and a note to the Secy with the Chief clerk and when I called the Office was closed so I could not get them. Proff. Baird has kindly offered to take charge of my interests in Washington, but I would like to have thy influence too to back him up. James S. Lippencott is interested in mymaking metorological observations. I expect to undertake it, if you will furnish Schedules and whatever else you can afford to the rest I will try to supply.

Yours Truly
/s/Ridgway Glover
818 Arch St. Phila."
LETTER 5: March 1, 1866
James S. LIPPINCOTT to Joseph HENRY
SIA RU 26, box 9, folder 10, letter #315
SUMMARY: Meteorological tables needed by Glover for expedition.

"Haddonfield N. Jersey March 1s 1866

Joseph Henry L.L.D.
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

Respected friend,
My friend R. Glover whom I had the pleasure of introducing to your notice still cherishes the intention of proceeding to the Rocky Mts. & Pacific Territories accompanied by his Camera and has procured a few Meteorological instruments which he hopes to make useful. In order that his observations may not be valueless I have proposed to solicit from you copies of Psychometrical & Hypsometrical Tables and with your permission would suggest that he be supplied with No. VII of your collection of [?]. [Here follows list of technical publications] These would probably answer all his requirements and should I doubt but be [appreciatively??] bestowed upon my friend.
 

[Letter continues with other matters Lippincott has to discuss not related to Glover]
Very respectfully
Your friend,
/s/James S. Lippincott"

LETTER 6a: March 5, 1866 (rec'd Mar. 8, 1866)
GLOVER to BAIRD
SIA RU 52, box 24, ltr. 366
SUMMARY: Still dedicated to going West; will be in Indiana; finished negatives will go to Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown of Phila.

"Col. Simpson
Pendleton March 5th 1866
Dear Friend,

I do not wish to bore thee any more than I can help but I thought I would keep thee in mind of my expected expedition. I shall be in Indiana untile the first of April and if the Dr. thee told me of expects still to go to Dacota I would like to know about him as soon as I can. If he does not go get me liberty to go with Government teams and I will send you pictures as fast as I can get my negatives back to Philadelphia. Wenderoth Taylor and Brown No 914 Chestnut St. will do my printing. I would like to hear from thee the later part of this month if it ain't too much trouble. If thee cannot get me transportation please send all the introductions possable for I have turned my face westward and shall not back out untile I get through if it takes my lifetime.

Respectfully they Friend
/s/Ridgway Glover
Pendleton Madison Co. Ind."
LETTER 6b: March 15, 1866
BAIRD to GLOVER
SIA, RU 53, vol. 35, letter 3
SUMMARY: Two expedition opportunities offered.

"Washington March 15, 1866

Dear Sir,
There are several opportunities now available [perhaps?] for your excusion to the West, one in connection with the Pacific Rail Road, and one on a wagon Road expedition from [illeg.] to Virginia City in Montana, the latter the best. This starts May 1. There is also to be an expedition to Fort Laramie and to the upper Missouri to treat with the Indians to which you might be attracted? This [would?] give you more [views?] the other more [mountains?] Which will you prefer.
Resp. yours, /s/S. F. Baird

Ridgway Glover Pendleton, Madison Co."

LETTER 7: March (15-26?] 1866
BAIRD to [James Harlan], Sec. of Interior
SIA, RU 53, vol. 35, Itr. 4 (There is also a duplicate copy of this letter, nearly as illegible.)
SUMMARY: Letter of recommendation for Glover.

"Hon James Harlan
Sec. Interior
Dear Sir,

A correspondent of this Institution Mr. Ridgway Glover of Pendleton, Madison Co. Indiana, a photographer by profession, silleg.) taking views in the field is desirous of accompanying [illeg.and [illeg.) the Rocky Mountains (illeg.] photographs (illeg.) the geology (illeg.) of the country. He asks no pay but simply his subsistence and transportation (illeg.] capacity that will secure [illeg.] [Institution?] If [he?][could?] be allowed the [illeg.] full [illeg.] of his silleg.] Department besides forwarding a similar set to the Institution of the explorations [by the Department][illeg.] of the Wagon Road party from [illeg.) to Virginia City would probably best furnish the desired opportunities and I there ["and I ther" has been crossed-out] I therefore wish to enquire whether this gentleman can be silleg.) to accompany the party above [mentioned?] as photographer. [illeg.] & all the [regulations?] and [rules?] [assures? that?] his labors will [illeg.] to the benefit of science."

LETTER 8: March 21, 1866
BAIRD to GLOVER
SIA, RU 53, vol. 35, Itr. 33
SUMMARY: Send letters of reference he was shown before, likely during an unrecorded visit.

"Washington March 21, 66
Dear Sir

Please send me at once those testyamonials from members Phila. Acad. you showed me last winter.

Sincerely
/s/S.F. Baird
Ridgway Glover
Pendleton
Madison Co.
Ind."

LETTER 9: March [?], 1866 (rec.'d March 28, 1866) GLOVER to BAIRD SIA, RU 52, box 24, ltr. 367 SUMMARY: Glover chooses Indian Commission expedition.
"Muncytown Delaware Co. Ind.

"Dear Friend,

I received thine of 15th very opportunely just as I was leaving Pendleton for 10 days. Many thanks for thy promptness, "beggers should not be choosers" they say but if I have my choice I prefer the Indian mission North the next best is the road to Verginia City Montana but I will accept either of the other routs just as thee thinks best and am very gratefully thy Friend,

/s/Ridgway Glover
Pendleton, Madison Co. Ind.
Box No. 66"

LETTER 10: April [?] 1866 (rec'd Apr. 5, 1866) GLOVER to BAIRD; SIA, RU 52, box 24, Itr. 368 SUMMARY: Has already left his letters of reference with Baird.
"Dear Friend,
I received thine of the 21st today the papers thy wishes I gave thee excepting a letter of introduction to Prof. Henry which I had to leave with thee Secretary of the Interior they must be among they papers. Thee will recollect my handing them to thee in the afternoon and [leaving?] them I wished thee to be well [backed?] up. [Letters not yet located] I have only my sertificate as a photographer signed by my customers. The Academy will back me if thee has mislaid them.

Thy Friend
/s/Ridgway Glover
Address Pendleton
Madison Co.
Ind."

LETTER 11: April [?] 1866 (rec'd Apr. 12, 1866)
GLOVER to BAIRD SIA, RU 52, box 24, Itr. 369
SUMMARY: Has equipment and is ready to go West.

"Wabash City, Wabash Co. Ind.

Dear Friend,
I have now I balieve all the aporatus for meterorological observations and request that the proper schedules be sent to Pendleton as soon as possable. I am now nearly ready to perced west and hope you have been able to secure me the privilege of transportation. I care not on which rout I commence for I anticipate visiting all the most important localitys before I am through. I hope you have found those testamonials Dr. Gill was present when I handed them to you.

They Friend
/s/Ridgway Glover"

*NOTE: If any meteorological observations were recorded, they have not been located

LETTER 12: April 2, 1866
James LIPPINCOTT to Joseph HENRY
SIA RU 26, box 9, folder 10, letter 316
SUMMARY: Lippincott again asks for meteorological tables for Glover.
"Haddonfield N.J.
April 2nd 1866

Joseph Henry L.L.D.
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

Respected friend,
Although I have received no reply to several letters addressed to the Institution I cannot refrain from again addressing you [imagining?] my inquiries ..... sent have been seen by the Secretary. Were myself only concerned I should have remained silent for the future convinced that my communications of every character were not regarded. But it is not for myself I write. My friend Ridgway Glover is about to proceed to the Rocky Mountains & has purchased at a heavy expense a set of Meteorological instruments under the impression that he could obtain the necessary tables from the Smithsonian. [Per?] these I wrote ....weeks ago but they have not come to hand. Without these tables his instruments will of course be of no value & his expenditure have been of upwards of $50 thrown away. The tables desired are [list of publications follows]
As Glover has supplied himself with an excellent aneroid & psychrometer [...] it seems that he ought to be furnished with tables to render his observations instructive & valuable. He has already made one stage on his journey & unless the tables could be forwarded to me this week or the week after they could not probably reach him this side of the Mississippi.
[Letters continues on other matters not related to Glover]
I am very respectfully
Your friend /s/James S. Lippincott"

LETTER 13a: April 19, 1866
HENRY to James HARLAN, Secretary of the Interior,
SIA, RU 33, vol. 3, pp. 436-437
SUMMARY: Glover is seeking to accompany a government expedition.

"Smithsonian Institution
Washington Apl. 19, 1866.

Hon. James Harlan
Secretary of the Interior
Dear Sir:
Mr. Ridgway Glover of Pendleton, Madison Co. Indiana, a photographer by profession and expert in taking views in the field is desirous of accompanying some government expedition to and among the Rocky Mountains, with the object of securing a series of illustrations of the Indians and of the geology and physical character of the country. He desires no pay but simply his subsistence and transportation in some nominal capacity that will secure him from molestation. If he can be allowed the desired privilege he will place a full series of his pictures at the command of the Department, besides presenting a similar set to this Institution.
Of the expeditions in contemplation by the Department of the Interior that of the party to treat with the Indians would probably best furnish the desired opportunities. I therefore respectfully write to inquire whether this gentleman can be authorized to accompany the commission above mentioned, as photographer subject, of course to all the regulations and rules of the Commission feeling assured that his labors will [re dound..?] to the benefit of science.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obed't serv't
/s/ Joseph Henry

LETTER 13b: April 23, 1866
D.N. COOLEY to HARLAN
SIA, RU 26, box 10, folder 15, letter 170
SUMMARY: Glover accepted as photographer on Ft. Laramie Treaty Commission expedition.

"Department of the Interior,
Office Indian Affairs,
Washington, D.C., April 23rd, 1866.

Copy
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by reference from your Dept. of a letter from Prof. Henry, Secy of the Smithsonian Institution stating that Mr. Ridgway Glover of Pendleton Indiana, desires to accompany, as photographer a Government expedition to the Western Country without pay, but to have his subsistence and transportation furnished, and that he will furnish for the use of the Department a series of his sketches in the field.
I recommend that Mr. Glover be allowed to accompany the Treaty Commission, which proceeds next month to Fort Laramie, and that his subsistence and transportation from Omaha to Laramie and return be furnished by the Department. If he should decide to accompany the expedition, he should report to Sept. Taylor at Omaha by the 12th of May prox.
Very respy.
Your obt. servt.
/s/D.N. Cooley,
Commissioner
Hon. Jas. Harlan,
Secy. Interior."

LETTER 13c: April 24, 1866
HARLAN to HENRY,
SIA, RU 26, box 15, folder 10, letter 168
SUMMARY: Glover can go with Commission to Ft. Laramie.

"Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C. April 24th 1866.

Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 19th instant, in relation to Mr. Ridgeway Glover of Pendleton Indiana, a photographer, who desires to accompany some government expedition to the Western Country, for the purpose of securing a series of illustrations of the Indians &c.; and who proposes if furnished with subsistence and transportation to place a series of his pictures at the command of this Department—I enclose herewith a copy of a communication, upon the subject, of the 23d inst. From the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to whom your letter was referred, and have to state that the recommendation of the Commissioner, that Mr. Glover be permitted to accompany the Commission, which proceeds next month to Fort Laramie, on the conditions mentioned, is approved by this Department; and if Mr. Glover should desire to visit that part of the country he will so signify to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, who will furnish him with the necessary letter to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs at Omaha.
If Mr. Glover should prefer to accompany the Commission about to visit the upper Missouri, following the river up to Fort Union, instead of the expedition above mentioned, doubtless, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs would furnish him transportation in that route.
I am, sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obt. servant,
/s/Jas. Harlan
Secretary
Professor Joseph Henry,
Smithsonian Institution

LETTER 14: April 30, 1866
HENRY to GLOVER
SIA, RU 53, vol. 35, Itr 247 [A duplicate of this letters also exists in the SIA]
SUMMARY: Has received word from Sec. Interior that Glover can accompany Indian Commission to Fort Laramie; sends details.

"Smithsonian Institution
Washington. Ap'l 30, 1866.
Dear Sir:
In accordance with your request we made application to the Secretary of the Interior in your behalf for permission to accompany the commissioners who are about to proceed to the west for the purpose of treating with the Indians and with the understanding that you are to receive subsistence and transportation but no pay, and that a full series of all your photographic pictures is to be presented to the Interior Department and another to the Smithsonian Institution.
We are now advised by the Secretary of the Interior, of his assent to our request, and are informed that if you are still desirous of accompanying the expedition and will write to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Hon. D. M. Cooley, to that effect, the latter officer will furnish you with the necessary letter to Mr. Taylor, Superintendent of Indian Affairs at Omaha, Nebraska to whom it will be necessary that you report by the 12th of May next.
Two parties will be sent out by the Indian Department, one to proceed by land to Fort Laramie, the other by water to Fort Union at the mouth of the Yellowstone. It is probable that you can accompany either party as you may prefer.
In view of the destruction of the gallery of Indian portraits of the Institution by fire, we would suggest that you lose no opportunity to obtain likenesses of distinguished chiefs and such representations of Indian life as may tend to illustrate their manners and customs.
Yours respectfully,
/s/Joseph Henry
Sec. Sm. Instn.

Ridgway Glover, Esq.
Pendleton, Indiana"

LETTER 15: May 2, 1866
GLOVER to BAIRD
SIA, RU 52, box 24, Itr. 370
SUMMARY: Any prospect of an expedition; send meteorological schedules.

"Pendleton May 2d
Dear Friend,
I shall leave Indiana in a few days in there any prospect of my getting with any of those expeditions? And can I have the schedule for Meteorological observation? Letters will be remailed for me if sent to Box No. 66 Pendleton, P.O. Madison Co. Ind.

Thy Friend
/s/R. Glover
S.F. Baird"

LETTER 16: May 2, 1866 (rec'd May 5, 1866)
GLOVER to BAIRD,
SIA, RU 52, box 24, ltr. 371
SUMMARY: Letter received; will go with Indian expedition.

"May second
Dear Friend
I received thy letter and am glad to go and will comply with they request with regard to the Indians and have no doubt that I will be able to sucede. I always have in every undertaking so far the time is short. I shall write to the partys immediately.

Yours Truly
/s/Ridgway Glover"
 

LETTER 17: May [?], 1866 (rec'd May 9, 1866)
GLOVER to BAIRD
SIA, RU 52, box 24, ltr. 372
SUMMARY: Is pleased to go on Indian expedition; different than planned; thanks.
"Dear Friend,

I was much rejoiced in receiving Professor Henrys letter of the thirtieth [Letter 11] ult [ultimo) and shall make no delay in at once availing myself of the privilege conferred upon me by the Interior department and I am also glad that Prof. Henry mentioned your desire of obtaining pictures illustrating Indian life and of obtaining portraits of distinguished chieftens. It is a little out of the line I had marked out but gratitude commands the first claim I shall therefore make solars so as to enable me to furnish life size portraits for a set for your museum of oil, if you can afford to pay for the finishing I will take such notes as retoucher require. If you have any other suggestions to make that will enable me by of use to Science I will receive them thankfully and now allow me to tender to you and to Mr. Henry my heartfelt thanks.
Your Friend
/s/Ridgway Glover
Omaha Nebraska"

[NOTE: This is the last correspondence located from Glover.]

HERNDON HOUSE REGISTER: Omaha, Nebraska, Tuesday May 15, 1866, on the way to Ft. Laramie. Glover registers as photographer of the Smithsonian. According to an unidentified local newspaper, '[Glover] arrived in this city last night. He accompanies the Fort Laramie Indian Commission for the purpose of taking solar and stereoscopic pictures of the various Indian chiefs who participate in the Treaty of Fort Laramie. He brings with him a complete apparatus for that purpose. [No mention is made of meteorological equipment - perhaps too late to take?] Mr. Glover is also engaged upon the pictorial staff of Frank Leslie's Illustrated newspaper and we understand that he proposes to take several views in and about this city, with a view of forwarding them to New York for publication in that widely circulated journal."2

PUBLISHED LETTERS FROM GLOVER TO "THE PHILADELPHIA PHOTOGRAPHER"

PUB. LETTER #1: June 30, 1866, Philadelphia Photographer, vol. 3, #32, Aug. 1866, pp. 239-240
"Photography Among the Indians.
Fort Laramie, June 30, 1866.
Dear Journal: I have been in this wild region nearly a month, taking scenes in connection with the Treaty that has just been made with the Sioux, Arapahoes, and Cheyennes, and have secured twenty-two good negatives to send our friends, Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown, that will illustrate the life and character of the wild men of the prairie. I did what I could for the Journal in Indiana, Omaha, and Nebraska, and hope I obtained some subscribers. Here I can do but little, as but few people know much about the art. There was a Mr. and Mrs. Laramie who used to take a mean style of ambrotypes here, but he died, and she was captured by the Indians, and, after suffering many hardships, escaped and returned to the States. Excepting the Indian life, the scenery here away is nothing to boast of, but it is more imposing as we go toward the Rocky Mountains. They are in sight, but so distant and blue that they defy my skill. I had much difficulty in making pictures of the Indians at first, but now I am able to talk to them, yet I get pretty much all I want. The water is muddy, and out of fifty negatives I have taken, I shall only publish prints from twenty-two. They will come in with the Commissioners. They return on the 2nd of July. I have succeeded very well with Indian ponies as you will see. I expect to leave here next week, and go on to Fort Reno with Colonel Carrington's Expedition. He, with the Eighteenth Regiment, is establishing posts along the Powder River round to the Yellowstone River. My next move (one hundred and eighty miles) will take me to the Mountains where I shall revel in a superabundance of magnificence and grandeur. With Major Brigers, the pioneer of the Northwest, I expect to travel, and trap this fall, and spend the winter in Virginia City, Montana, and to secure some winter Rocky Mountains scenery. My prospects for visiting all the Territories are at present very favorable, and I hope to make my talents for making negatives available to science. When I get to Virginia City, I hope to forward some whole size negatives to you for publication; but as I am situated at present, mut confine myself to making only stereoscopes. I have found that a little oxalid acid will enable one to use hard water for the silver bath, if added carefully until all the lime is precipitated as oxalate, and then the water is filtered, and does not interefere, if in a little excess, with the working of the bath. This country is sandy, and we have a spring of excellent water near the Fort. Both the Platte and Laramie River water are pure enough, but full of sand as the currents are very rapid. As I cannot carry spring-water far to wash the negatives with, I have difficulty in making perfectly clean work, but have made some that are all I could desire.

Some of the Sioux think photography is "pazuta zupa' (bad medicine). Today I was over trying to take the Wahcopomony at the great Brulie Sioux village. The wind blew so hard I could not make but one passable negative, though I had some of the most interesting scenes imaginable. Here the division of the presents from the Government, was made and some 1200 Sioux were arranged, squatting around the Commissioners in a large circle, three rows deep. The village embraces more than 200 tribes (lodges) led by Spotted Tail,' 'Standing Elk,' and 'Running Bear.' "The Man that walks under the ground' is a good friend of mine. He and the 'Running Bear' have had their pictures taken. I have been introduced to the other two, and they are friendly. So I took all I chose, or rather all I could after the wind subsided towards evening. The camp presented a lively scene. They have just moved it up to the junction of the Platte and Laramie on the north side of the Platte, and arranged it so as to inclose a half mile inside their tents to secure their horses, which they herd in the daytime, and drive in at night. Some 500 ponies were pasturing around, and the scene was novel and beautiful, with the river on the south. They are in the middle of a valley, two miles wide, closed in by swells of sand and gravel, 200 feet above the river. The valley is sandy, yellow with the bloom of a dwarf species of sun-flower interspersed with white moss flowers, yellow cactus, and a white variegated thistle, that bears a large white flower. The river is fringed with cotton woods, and the hills bare and bleak. I did at least get a tolerably good negative after working hard nearly all the afternoon. Towards night, about 100 Indians came out on horseback, and I witnessed three match races of about as fast horse travelling as I wish to see, and the riders far wilder than the horses. Some of the Indians think they will die in three days, if they get their pictures taken. At the ferry to-day I pointed the instrument at one of that opinion. The poor fellow fell on the sand, and rolled himself in his blanket. The most of them know better though, and some I have made understand that the light comes from the sun, strikes them, and then goes into the machine. I explained it to one yesterday, by means of his looking-glass, and showed him an image on the ground glass. When he caught the idea, he brightened up, and was willing to stand for me. I make them Ferrotypes, and put brass around them, and they think they are 'wash-tale-poka'. (Their superlative for good.) I anticipate making a picture from the hills tomorrow, taking in the whole camp (a solar, if I can). They are to come in to-morrow to bid the Commissioners good bye. I expect, then, to take the Fort from across the Laramie. Truly, your friend, Ridgway Glover. P.S. July 2d. I got a good picture of the Fort this morning, and this afternoon I happened to be present when Colonels McLean and Thomas Wistar were distributing the goods to the Chiefs, and although the interpreters were discouraged, and the Indians seemed unwilling, Thomas and McLean at leat persuaded them to sit, and I got a stereoscopic group of six Ogholalla, and eight Brulie Sioux. The wind was blowing, and the sand flying. The negative is, therefore, not quite clean, but all the likenesses are good, and they can be readily recognized. They are,
BRULIES.
'Spotted Tail,'   Swift Bear,
'Dog Hawk,           "Thunder Hawk,       
Standing Elk,'    Tall Mandan,
Brave Heart,      White Tail,

Oghalollahs (they pronounce it).
"The Man that walks under the ground,
The Black War Bonnet,
'Standing Cloud,   Blue Horse,'
'Big Mouth,   'Big Head
The Signers of the Treaty. I will try to send you a letter every month now. Yours, truly, R.G.

As will be seen by his letter, and as we announced some months ago, our correspondent, Mr. Glover, is on a photographic expedition through the great West and Northwest. It is his intention to take pictures of the most interesting scenes and localities along the route. His negatives will be sent to Messrs. Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown, of our city, who will print from them, and have copies for sale.

We hope Mr. Glover will secure something excellent and interesting to illustrate our Journal. We commend him to the good will and fraternal courtesies of the craft wherever he may meet them, and hope we shall have a frequent letter from him as he journeys along. We are glad to know that his success is no longer a matter of solicitation. Ed."

PUB. LETTER #2, Philadelphia Photographer, vol. 3, #35, Nov., 1866, p. 339

"Photography Among the Indians.* (*Mr. Glover's letter was too late for our last issue.-Ed.)
No. 2.
Fort Philip Kearney,
Montana Terr., July 29, 1866.

No doubt, dear Journal, you received my last, dated at Fort Laramie. As I told you, I there saw the lazy, sleepy red man treating for peace and friendship. He has since appeared to me as the active, wide-awake savage in the war-path, and made me think of two lines of an old song:

'Then you have Indian allies-you styled them by that name
Until they turned the tomahawk, and savages became.'

For it is when the Indian scents blood that he becomes really and truly a savage, or, rather, the savage gets on the outside of him, and becomes visible to the naked eye. I left Fort Laramie on the 18th of July, and joined one of Col. Carrington's trains, under command of Lieut. Templeton, and composed of six other officers, the post-chaplain, Mr. White, ten privates, nine drivers, three women, five children, and 'the photographer', of course.
We had very little scenery worth photographing until we crossed the Platte at Buyer's Ferry, fifty-three miles from Fort Laramie. Eighteen miles further up, I made a stereoscope view of the river, and bade it farewell. After three day's travel over a barren and loamy section, we reached Fort Reno]. The next day we travelled twenty-five miles further to Crazy Woman's Fork, where our commander and Lieut. Daniels were surprised by Indians while hunting a camping-ground. Lieut. Templeton came in without his hat, with a string of Indians on ponies after him, while poor Daniels was killed. Our men with their rifles held the Indians at bay until we reached a better position on a hill, where we kept them off until night, when Capt. Burroughs, formerly of Philadelphia, coming up with a train, caused the red-skins to retreat. They looked very wild and savage-like while galloping around us, and I desired to make some instantaneous views, but our commander ordered me not to, as he expected an attack at any time.
Capt. Burroughs took us back to Fort Reno, where we buried Lieut. Daniels, loaded stores, and, being joined by two other trains, started again. We reached Clear Creek, twenty miles beyond Crazy Woman's Fork, unmolested. I made a picture of the battle-ground. At Clear Creek the Cheyennes came into camp; but my collodion was too hot, and my bath too full of alcohol, to get any pictures of them, though I tried hard. They attacked our train in the rear, killed two of the privates, and lost two of their number.
The next day we arrived here, at the base of a mountain whose summit is surrounded perpetually with a wreath of purest snow. I am surrounded by beautiful scenery, and hemmed in by yelling savages, who are surprising and killing some one every day. I expect to get some good pictures here, and hope that before Christmas you will see how these mountains look in July. I hope my next letter will be more interesting photographically. Until then, Photographically yours, Ridgway Glover.
PUB. LETTER #2A, Philadelphia Photographer, Editorial notices, vol. 3, #35, Nov., 1866, p. 358
Death of Mr. Glover. We learn from an uncertain source that Mr. Ridgway Glover had met a violent death at the hands of the Indians, and been scalped. We trust we shall be enabled to deny the report in our next.
PUB. LETTER 3. Philadelphia Photographer, vol. III, #36, Dec. 1866, p. 367-369. "Photography Among the Indians. III. Dear Journal:I am still in the vicinity of Fort Phil. Kearney, having been established in a log house with a detail of wood-choppers, just at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. The block-house is built of pine logs in a circular valley strewn with gray boulders, and covered with a heavy growth of pine timber. The Piney Fork comes down through a rough romantic gorge in the mountains, and rushes by it with a ceaseless roar, scattering its foam and spray over the rocks that fill its channel. Here I have been waiting for the medical supply train to come up, to get some chemicals, being at present in a 'stick;' but, though unable to make negatives, I have been enjoying the climate and scenery, both being delightful. Last week I took two days rations, and climbed the mountain, just after sunrise. It had rained the day before, and clouds of mist were rising over the plain below me, an ocean of brilliantly illuminated clouds, with now and then a dark island where a hill-top stuck up above them, stretching away until it blended with the sky in the smoky distance. The cool breeze from the mountains rolled it back from their bases, and the valley of the Piney stuck out with its dark forest like a cape. Passing over the first range, on the opposite side of which, from the block-house, the stratified rocks have been upheaved, and stand at an angle of 85Y, being broken off square, and present a precipitous surface of 500 feet, sloping each way toward the gorge. The precipices on each side of the Piney stand up purpendicularly over 1000 feet, and, through this opening, the Piney valley, the plains, the distant fort, and De Smale's [De Smets] lake, give a long and picturesque distance, while below, the Piney foams through piles of immense blocks of stone, that have become detached from the cliffs above. These interspaces are filled with pine, fir, and aspen trees, which also clothe the sides of the mountains below the cliffs, and make them contract finely with the bare plain beyond. Beyond the first range the rocks are primary and igneous. My path lying on a ridge above the stream, I had to climb up and down hill, each eminence being crowned by an outcrop of trap, that sometimes stuck up perpendicularly thirty or forty feet. The sides of the ridge next the stream were covered with loose rocks, that seemed to have been upheaved, and then shaken down again. The ground is covered with burnt pines that had been prostrated by the wind; over these I had to scramble for five or six miles. As I came around a pile of rocks I surprised a flock of ten mountain sheep; they are, to all appearances, much like domestic sheep, only their horns are three times as large: they soon let me see their tails. As they rattled over the dead trees, they frightened three large elk does, who joined them in the race. About ten miles from the block-house I came to the live timber, and before entering it I had a fine view down the gorge, looking right over the tops of the first mountains I had climbed. After entering the timber, I followed a game-trail, and soon passed down into a valley where there was an open glade, with a stream of clear water running through it. The grass was tender and young, the spring flowers in bloom, and I regaled myself with a mess of fine ripe strawberries. There were many deer and elk tracks about. After resting a while I started on again. Just as I entered the woods, I saw three large buck elks lying under a tree, and had time to take a good look at them before they saw me. They were as large as mules, a reddish Durham color, and their horns, with many antlers, were more than three feet long, and were at least six feet from tip to tip. They saw me, and all springing at once, cracking their horns together, tore away through the bushes. Going on, I followed a well-beaten path through a magnificent pine forest, seeing many deer and hearing them snort all around me. Some of the bucks (red deer) were twice the size of the specimen in your Academy of Natural Sciences. The woods were full of whortleberry bushes, and I enjoyed my fill of them; they were red and small, and tasted like whortleberries and ripe apples. Coming to the end of the timber, I found myself on a rolling prairie, two miles wide and three miles long; it was rather barren, but grew some buffalo grass. Crossing it, I passed down into a valley, and found a stream of water twenty feet wide, in a narrow valley. Looking down stream I saw something large behind a small pine, and stepping to one side I found myself face to face with a huge buffalo bull, who seemed to be regarding me with as much curiosity as I was him. We stared at each other with mutual surprise and wonder, when, as if he meant to satisfy my curiosity, he first turned broadside to me and then showed me his tail as he galloped off. I was now at the base of the snow-clad Mountain, Big Horn, himself. Here I ate my dinner, rested awhile, and then started for the snow through a small growth of pine for three or four miles, when I came to a jumble of large angular rocks, over which I climbed all the rest of the day up [a] moderately steep slope. At sunset I stood on the wintry summit, and saw the last rays of light illuminate another snowy range further on. I had been in snow in August, and could see down over all the mountains I had climbed, and away, away for hundreds of miles over the plain. I then turned to look for a place to sleep, but could find none level and large enough to lie down upon, so I turned and went back by moonlight til I found a rock sufficiently large and level for a bed, when I ate my supper, and wrapping myself in a buffalo robe, slept soundly until sunrise. Feeling comfortable, I laid still, and waited until it got warm, and then getting up I had a splendid view of the mountain-side, with its jumble of rocks; the prairie below, with two beautiful little lakes, by one of which a herd of thirty elks were feeding, while six buffaloes were pasturing to the left of them, then down over the mountains below, with their pine forests, and then the vast plain with the Piney foaming down from the snow through its long gorge, and then winding off with its fringe of green trees far away by the fort, and De Smales Lake to the right, glittering in the morning sun. Up and down to the right and left the ranges of mountains stretched away, peak upon peak, for a hundred miles or more. I found but one kind of animal in this high range, and they were a little larger than rats. They were gray, with short ears and tails, and bleated like young lambs; they live in the crevices of the rocks, and make nests of grass and flowers. They jumped over me while I was lying on the rocks, before going to sleep. I returned by nearly the same road I travelled out, excepting that I kept nearer the creek, and had a rougher road of it. Found plenty of raspberries among the rocks, some equal to the finest Antwerps I ever saw in a garden; and in a valley, in the afternoon, I saw a large black bear picking berries; he was as glossy and handsome as a Newfoundland dog, and quite as large. When he saw me he quietly walked away, and made no show of fighting, though I was within twenty feet of him. I got home after sunset, tired and hungry, having travelled fifty miles in two days over anything but a smooth road.
A few days afterwards, one of the choppers, Mr. Wilson, went with me back to the same country, hunting. We saw some elk, but they were too far off to shoot, and as Wilson made so much noise, I parted company with him; but he had not been gone long, before I came across a large grissly bear. I was about firing a ball into his rump, but, fortunately, thought what he was in time; had I fired, you would have received no more letters from me. He showed fight, but at least concluded to let me alone, and I had no disposition to attack him; he was as tall as an elk, and I guess, would weight fifteen hundred at least. One lick with his paw would have settled my coffee for me instantly.
I hope next month to tell you I have made some magnificent views. To-day I found out that charcoal, from soft wood, if well pulverized, will put a better found on glass than the finest emery. I broke my ground glass, and had to make another. After trying to get sand fine enough, by running water, I pulverized some coal, and with the bottom of a bottle I got a fine ground surface, and recommend prepared carbon, when it is necessary to draw a fine focus. I now have a good climate and good scenery, and expect to turn out something fine. Expecting to have to remain here all winter, I shall be able to do justice to this interesting locality.

Yours truly,
Ridgway Glover August 29th

 

OBITUARIES:

Philadelphia Photographer, Dec. 1866, vol. III, #36, p. 371 [same issue as his last letter]

"Obituary.
Our apprehensions concerning our Indian correspondent, Mr. Ridgway Glover, have proven too true. On the 14th of September, he left Fort Philip Kearney, with a private as a companion, for the purpose of making some views. It was known that the hostile Sioux were lurking around, but, knowing no fear, and being ardent in the pursuit of his beloved profession, he risked everything, and alas! The result was that he was scalped, killed, and horribly mutilated. In another column our readers will find the last letter they will ever read from him. It was received by us some time after his death, as letters from that direction come slowly. We regret exceedingly that his career should have ended so suddenly, and that his mission should remain unfulfilled.

Ridgway Glover was born in this city, and belonged to the Society of Friends. He was a man of some means, but, loving the photographic art, took it up and became a very successful animal and landscape photographer. He was rather eccentric in his ways. We have often been amused at his odd-looking wagon as it passed our office window, and as frequently wondered that he secured as good results as he did. But he had his own way of thinking, and cared very little whether any one else agreed with him or not. He would never use a tripod, prefering a couple of heavy step-ladders. The Roettger triplet was his special pet, and nothing could induce him to try anything else. We shall not soon forget our first acquaintance with him. A rough, shaggy-looking fellow entered our office with two foolscap sheets full of writing hanging in one hand, and with very little ceremony threw them down before us, remarking that there was an article for the Journal, and walked out. We promised to examine it; we did so, and next day it was our painful duty to inform him that his paper was of no use to us. This brought us another foolscap sheet full of abuse and condemnation of ourselves and the poor innocent Philadelphia Photographer. We used about six lines in replying to that, and were again favored with a fourth sheet crowded with apologies. That was his nature. Impulsive, generous, and goodhearted, to a fault. No one suffered if he could help them. The study of the red man was a favorite one with him. He was possessed of a good education and considerable poetical genius, displays of which we have been privileged to see. It was his desire and aim to make views of the entire route across and beyond the Rocky Mountains, but his untimely end has frustrated that purpose. Poor Glover!' say those who knew him. Would that he had met a better fate, but we hope and trust that he is in a better land."

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, vol, 23 # 578, Oct. 27, 1866, p. 94
"The Fate of a Frank Leslie 'Special."
As is well known, Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper has made one of its attractive specialities the scenery and incident of the great West; and scarcely any of our readers need be told that, while the sketches which we have published have been invariably authentic and prepared with care, the pursuit of the data from which they have been prepared has been by no means free from danger as well as persistent toil. The career of a special' attached to an illustrated publication, intending and determined to keep up with the times, is no child's play, as it is no sinecure; and sometimes-alas! That we should be compelled to say so-sometimes life is periled in the pursuit, quite as seriously as in the more deadly occupation of war. The following two letters explain themselves, in the record of the sad fate of one of our specials in Dacotah Territory, in September, and they at the same time vividly illustrate the truth of which we have been speaking-that human life as well as human comfort is the price sometimes paid for that luxury of illustration of current events and peculiar scenery which has now become an absolute necessity with the American people. Incidentally, it may be mentioned, the first of the two appended letters conveys a graphic but rather threatening picture of the situation of the Plains, with reference to our present and future relations with the more warlike and predatory Indian tribes: Fort Philip Kearney, D.T., Sept. 18, 1866. Publishers of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper:
Sir-I take this method of informing you of the death of a Mr. Ridgeway Glover, said to be under your and the Smithsonian's patronage.
I became acquainted with him in the fore part of July last, at Fort Laramie, traveled with him from that place here. He was in an engagement with the Sioux Indians on the 20th of July, on Crazy Woman Fork of Powder River, and behaved with great coolness and bravery for a non-combatant.
He was very careless of life, traveling frequently by himself-one time to the snow range of Big Horn mountains-with nothing but a butcher-knife, though the country abounds with wolves, black, grizzly and cinnaman bears, and ferocious savages.
Yesterday morning he was coming from a cabin, some six miles from this place, by himself, when he was killed by Arapahoe Indians (supposed to be) and scalped. His body was recovered and brought in, and will be buried in the Post buryingground. He was shot with a ball and instantly killed the ball passing near his heart. I mention this fact that his friends may be relieved of the horrors of savage torture. I do not know his address, and so the publication of this seems the more necessary for the information of any relatives or near friends. We are in a state of Indian war, and have been since about the middle of July. They appeared in number, as near as I could guess 200, dashed up close to the fort, and made a bold dash to cut off one or two of our outposts yesterday, but we opened on them with a twelve-pound brass piece, and an introduction to two or three shells seemed very distasteful. The[y] left, with no loss to us but the loss of glory.
I learned from the commanding officer of this place that they had captured near 500 head of horses, mules and oxen, and, as near as I can judge, have killed forty soldiers and civilians.
I have but little doubt that we are doomed to a formidable Indian war.
Yours,
David White,
Post Chaplain.

Fort Laramie, D.T.,
September 25th, 1866.

Publisher Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper:
It devolved upon me to convey to you the sad intelligence that Mr. Rengaild or Ridgeway Glover, your special artist' for these plains, was murdered on Monday last, the 17th inst. He was out sketching for you-his long absence occasioned no little anxiety-and a party went out (members of the 18th Infantry), and found his body. The head was found a few yards off, completely severed from the trunk, scalped. The body was disemboweled, and then fire placed in the cavity. His remains, horribly mutilated, were decently interred, and search made for his apparatus, but it could not be found. Mr. Glover, though an eccentric and peculiar being, was generally respected by all who knew him. He requested me, as a parting injunction, in July, in case he was killed, to notify you. I do so sorrowfully; this occurred near Fort Philip Kearney.
 Very respectfully yours,
Samuel L. Peters, 18th U.S. Infantry."

Philadelphia Photographer, vol. IV, pp. 287 & 313, C. R. Savage's account of photo trip: "...The sad fate of your former correspondent, Mr. Glovers, [sic] shows how uncertain is life in such a place, and the wisdom of keeping a good lookout. The necessary conditions for success under such circumstances are, that you must have plenty of time at your disposal, a strong party well armed with Henry rifles, and good animals."

New York Times, September 27, 1866, p. 5
"Indian Outrages. More Depredations in Nebraska- - a Herd of Government Mules Stolen-One of Frank Leslie's Artists Killed-The Pickets at Fort Kearney Attacked -- Six Hundred Lodges of Hostile Sioux in Dakotah.

Fort Laramie, Wednesday, Sept. 26
Advices received to-day from Fort Philip Kearney states that the Indians were very troublesome, stealing stock and attacking small parties.
On the 13th they captured a Government herd of mules and wounded two of the guard. On the 14th Private Johnson and Ridgeway Glover, an artist for Frank Leslie's Paper, were killed and badly mutilated. They attempted the capture of the pickers near the fort, but were driven off with a loss of two killed. Two men of Bailey's mining party, while hunting, were killed, after a severe loss to the Indians.
Reports received from Fort Smith, Dakota, state there are 500 lodges of Sioux Indians in Tongue River Valley, all hostile. They are determined that the new road to Montano (sic) shall not be traveled.
Government stock was stolen at Platt Bridge, Dakota, to-day."

SELECTION OF MISCELLANEOUS EARLY REFERENCES TO GLOVER:

Cyrus Townsend Brady, 1904 Indian Fights and Fighters: The Soldier and the Sioux (New York: McClure, Phillips & Co.), page unknown. Quotes correspondence between Major Carrington to Major Litchfield, Sept. 17, 1866: "This morning Mr. Ridgway Glover, citizen artist, who went out on a geological tour Saturday, without permission, and unarmed, was found two miles from the fort, naked, scalped, and his back cleft with a tomahawk."

National Archives and Record Administration, microfilm series 617 Dept. of War: Returns from U.S. Military Posts 1800-1916, roll 910, Post Returns from Fort Phil Kearny. Report of Oct. 1, 1866 for September. Tells of building fort, defending it and notes:
"Three (3) enlisted men of the 2nd Batt. 18th Inf. and five (5) citizens in government employ have been killed & mutilated during the month and two (2) enlisted men and one citizen wounded." The military staff are named, but the civilians are unlisted. Glover was one of the five civilians killed.

Endnotes

1 Paula Richardson Fleming, 2005, Photographing the Plains Indians: Ridgway Glover at Forts Laramie and Phil Kearny, 1866, in The People of the Buffalo: Essays in Honor of John C. Ewers, The Plains Indians of North America, The Silent Memorials: Artifacts as Cultural and Historical Documents. Vol. 2, C.F. Taylor and H.A. Dempsey, eds, Wyk auf Foehr, Germany:Tatanka Press.

2 Herndon House Register, 1865-1866, Nebraska History 48(1), 1967: 42-43.

3 Published reply not yet located.

4 The original letter from Carrington to Litchfield has not yet been located.