Date Created:
Year Created: 1890
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Description:
This letter was written by James McLaughlin, Indian Agent at Standing Rock, instructing members of the Indian Police to arrest Sitting Bull, the famed Lakota chief. Dated December 14, 1890, this letter set off a chain of events that resulted in the death of Sitting Bull.
McLaughlin gave this order in response to perceptions of a growing threat of conflict connected to the Ghost Dance, a Native American spiritual movement. It was incorrectly believed that Sitting Bull was the cause of the rise in popularity of the Ghost Dance. Misreading the situation, McLaughlin wrote in his letter that “the time has arrived for the arrest of Sitting Bull and that it can be made by the Indian Police without much risk.” A crowd gathered when the Indian Police arrived at Sitting Bull’s cabin to follow this order, and in the commotion a shot was fired. The ensuing retaliatory fire claimed the lives of Sitting Bull and a dozen other Native Americans.
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4:30 P.M.
United States Indian Service, Standing Rock Agency
December 14, 1890
Leiut. Bull Head or Shave Head, Grand River, From report brought by Scout "Hawk Man" I believe that the time has arrived for the arrest of Sitting Bull and that it can be made by the Indian Police without much risk, - I therefore want you to make the arrest before daylight tomorrow morning and try and get back to the Sitting Bull road crossing of Oak Creek by daylight tomorrow morning or as soon after as possible, The Cavalry will leave here tonight and, will reach the Sitting Bull crossing on Oak Creek before daylight tomorrow (Monday) morning, where they will remain until they will leave here tonight and will reach the Sitting Bull crossing
hear from you. Louis Primeau will go with the Cavalry Command as guide and I want you to send a messen ger to the Cavalry Command as soon as you can after you arrest him so that they may be able to know how to act in aiding you or preventing any attempt at his reserve. I have ordered all the police at Oak Creek to proceed to Carignans School to await your orders, this gives your a force of 42 Policemen for to use in the arrest. Very Respectfully James McLaughlin U.S. Indian Agent
P.S. You must not let him escape under any circumstances.
Source:
National Archives at Kansas City
Kansas City, MO, 64108
National Archives Identifier: 2641545
Citation: “Sitting Bull Arrest Letter.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/kansas-city/highlights/sitting-bull-arrest?_ga=2.76783445.1171741691.1744930478-498238483.1737955158. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.