Large Original Photograph Of Indian Police At Standing Rock Agency Days After Killing Of Sitting Bull.

UNIDENTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHER

Other works by UNIDENTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHER

Publication: 1890, NP

Original Photograph of 42 uniformed Indian Police, in 3 lines, in front of the Standing Rock Agency, with Indian Agent, James McLaughlin, taken 5 days after the killing of Sitting Bull by these Indian Police. Boudoir Card. Image:7.875"x5.5". Mount: 8.375"x6.5". Fearing Sitting Bull's expected support of the Ghost Dance Craze, currently rapidly growing among many groups of Sioux Indians, Indian Agent James McLaughlin issued instructions to the Indian Police to go to Sitting Bull's cabin at dawn on December 15, 1890, arrest him and bring him in to the Agency. Thirty-nine Indian Police followed McLaughlin's order and went to arrest Sitting Bull. With the Indian Police surrounding Sitting Bull's cabin, the 3 officers of the Indian police, Lieut. Bull Head, 1st Sergt. Shave Head, and 2nd Sergt. Red Tomahawk knocked on the door and entered. They informed Sitting Bull of their intent to arrest him and after some discussion went outside. By this time many of Sitting Bull's supporters had come to his aid. When the officers attempted to force Sitting Bull to mount a horse to leave with them, one of Sitting Bull's supporters shot Bull Head, who in-turn shot Sitting Bull in the side. In the immediate melee, Red Tomahawk shot Sitting Bull in the head. Within minutes, Sitting Bull's supporters had killed or mortally wounded 6 policeman, including Lieut. Bull Head and 1st Sergt. Shave Head. The police killed Sitting Bull and 7 of his supporters. 2nd Sergeant Red Tomahawk, who shot Sitting Bull in the head is the only Indian Police officer to survive the fight, and he is front and center in this rare and important photograph. Indian Agent, James McLaughlin appears on horseback near left edge of the photograph. Stamped in the blank margin across the bottom of the mount is printed:"Indian Police" and "Standing Rock Agency N. Dak.". On verso is neatly written in pencil the following: "Standing Rock Indian Police-- Photo taken the day after Sitting Bull was shot--#1 Ind. Act. McLaughlin, at left on horse #2 Sergt. Red Tomahawk--who shot Sitting Bull, in foreground. (Corresponding #1 and #2 are lightly noted in pencil in blank margin near subject). This rare and important image appears at page 220 in McLaughlin's very scarce biographical account of these events and his experiences as an Indian Agent, with the caption stating the photograph was "taken five days after the death of Sitting Bull". Image is clear and sharp, in fine condition.

Inventory Number: 53397