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My father: I have heard the few remarks yon have made to your children.  You have heard the words of those sitting around you, and you now know the way in which the hearts of the Sioux are placed.

You will now hear how my heart, and the hearts of my chiefs and braves, standing around me, are placed.

I should like to know who can make these people, who have brought that bunch of sticks, speak so as to be believed.  If I were to count up every thing that has taken place, on their purl, it would take several days to cut sticks.

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.

Black Kettle, chief of the Cheyennes, after shaking hands with the commissioners, said: The Great Father above hears us, and the Great Father at Washington will hear what we say.  Is it true that you came here from Washington, and is it true what you say here today?  The Big Chief he give his words to me to come and meet here, and I take hold and retain what he says.  I believe all to be true, and think it is all true.

"Head-men, Chiefs, Braves and Warriors of the Sauks: I have heard and considered your demand to be led forth upon the war-path against the palefaces, to avenge the many wrongs, persecutions, outrages and murders committed by them upon our people.  I deeply sympathise with you in your sense and construction of these terrible wrongs.  Few, indeed, are our people who do not mourn the death of some near and loved one at the hands of the Long Guns*, who are becoming very numerous.