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Powe-Sheek, Shedding Bear, 1837
Speech Context
This speech was given in Washington, D.C. in 1837 at a treaty signing with the Sauks, Ioways, and Lakota.
Speech
(Addressing the Sioux) Yon have heard our chief.
(Here he was told ne must speak to the commissioner.)
We have all listened to you, (the commissioner.) We have never been the aggressors, though they (the Sioux) say we have. When I killed a Sioux, I revenged myself on my own land, not on theirs. These men are like I was when a little boy; there is a great deal of mischief in their heads.
Just before I left home we had a skirmish with these people. There was a dispute as to the place where it occurred. We sent men to see and examine the ground. To listen to them, (Sioux) it would be supposed we always went on their land to fight; but this man (pointing to Mr. Burtis, one of them sent,) and others went to the battle ground. From them you may learn where it was, if you will inquire.
(Here he was told ne must speak to the commissioner.)
We have all listened to you, (the commissioner.) We have never been the aggressors, though they (the Sioux) say we have. When I killed a Sioux, I revenged myself on my own land, not on theirs. These men are like I was when a little boy; there is a great deal of mischief in their heads.
Just before I left home we had a skirmish with these people. There was a dispute as to the place where it occurred. We sent men to see and examine the ground. To listen to them, (Sioux) it would be supposed we always went on their land to fight; but this man (pointing to Mr. Burtis, one of them sent,) and others went to the battle ground. From them you may learn where it was, if you will inquire.
Years
Location