Eee-Hah-Kaa-Kow, A Lakota Chief, 1837

My Father: I have something to say, and I wish you to believe that what I shall say is the truth.

We have made peace, and have a good understanding with all the tribes here present; but a part of these are always the first to undo what is done.  When we address our great father, we like to speak the truth; we wish to be at peace, but these people are the first to commence war.  If you will stop them, my father, all will be well.

We live at a great distance from you on the plains: there they create the difficulties of which you hear; they killed twenty-seven of my people; but we did not go to war immediately, but listened to the words of our great father, and have kept peace so long.

We have always listened to the counsel of our great father, and have had no part in the fighting; it has all been done by a small party of our people; had we commenced in earnest, affairs might have changed long ago.

I am pleased with the talk you have made to us; our people will remember it: but we would not like to be troubled too much when we have returned home.

My Father: We have but one word when we make a promise, we go by it.

The people, who live near me, have been struck four times (here he placed four sticks on the table) without our striking back: it has made me ashamed.