Hunting for Big Foot, part 4: 26 December 1890.

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Sam Russell

It is very important to secure the men with Big Foot with as little delay as possible.
–Maj. Gen. N. A. Miles

This day 125 years ago… as the hunt for Big Foot entered the third day, General Brooke committed another battalion of cavalry to the search.  (click to open Hunting for Big Foot homepage)

The time displayed, e.g. (9:30 a.m.), at the beginning of each message reflects when that information was sent from or received at General Brooke’s headquarters, unless otherwise indicated.  Most of the messages were transmitted via telegraph. Those messages that were delivered by other means such as couriers or heliograph are so annotated in parenthesis at the end of each respective message.  Hover the mouse over the names displayed in Red to display the full identity of the individual mentioned.  Bold Red will also indicate location of the individual.  Blue underlined texts are hyperlinks to other pages or cites.  Click on photos of individuals to see an enlarged version of the source photograph in a new tab.  Similarly, clicking on maps will open a new tab with an enlarged view of each map that can be zoomed in for greater detail.

Friday, Dec. 26, 1890.

(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Maj. Henry and Col. Carr, and the Brule Lakota under Kicking Bear and Short Bull on White River after abandoning their stronghold on the morning of 26 Dec. 1890.

(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Maj. Henry and Col. Carr, and the Brule Lakota under Short Bull and Kicking Bear on White River after abandoning their stronghold the previous evening.

Brig. Gen. John R. BrookeBrooke to Miles (8:45 a.m.): A messenger from Bad Land Indians says they all camped on White river last night and will be on White Clay creek, about sixteen miles from here, to-night. He says they have all started, leaving none behind. I will direct Henry to examine the table at once and would suggest that Wells be sent there also. {554} Continue reading →

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Hunting for Big Foot, part 3: 25 December 1890.

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Sam Russell

Big Foot has had time enough to reach the Bad Lands, but was not there this morning nor had his trail been found by Henry.
–Brig. Gen. J. R. Brooke

This day 125 years ago… as Christmas Day dawned over the Dakotas the hunt for Big Foot continued. (click to open Hunting for Big Foot homepage)

The time displayed, e.g. (9:30 a.m.), at the beginning of each message reflects when that information was sent from or received at General Brooke’s headquarters, unless otherwise indicated.  Most of the messages were transmitted via telegraph. Those messages that were delivered by other means such as couriers or heliograph are so annotated in parenthesis at the end of each respective message.  Hover the mouse over the names displayed in Red to display the full identity of the individual mentioned.  Bold Red will also indicate location of the individual.  Blue underlined texts are hyperlinks to other pages or cites.  Click on photos of individuals to see an enlarged version of the source photograph in a new tab.  Similarly, clicking on maps will open a new tab with an enlarged view of each map that can be zoomed in for greater detail.

Thursday, Dec. 25, 1890.

(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Maj. Henry and Col. Carr on the morning of 25 Dec. 1890.

(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Maj. Henry and Col. Carr on the morning of 25 Dec. 1890.

Maj Guy V. HenryHenry to Asst Adj Gen Dept Platte: I arrived here about midnight last night, found no water, and but little wood, not enough for a day’s camp. This place is about three (3) miles north of the upper trail into the Bad Lands. The first trail into Bad Water scatters over a distance of about two (2) miles at its outlet, to cover which I have left two scouts near the Cheyenne [White] river, who can overlook the whole country. In order to get water for my men’s breakfast I am moving now, at 7 a.m., to Harney Springs, four (4) miles from here. From there I will feel out toward the Bad Lands or Indian location, and also east, a trail running south, I understand, about ten (10) or twelve (12) miles east of this point. I shall go no further north because that country is supposed to be covered by Colonel Sumner. I shall remain in this vicinity as long as wood is obtainable and then go back to the Cheyenne [White] river, watching the two trails referred to. (by heliograph) {536} Continue reading →

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Hunting for Big Foot, part 2: 24 December 1890.

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Sam Russell

I fear to leave this vicinity in pursuit of Big Foot as he might turn north and commit depredations.
–Maj. Gen. N. A. Miles

This day 125 years ago… the hunt for Big Foot began in earnest as forces were directed to block or intercept the Miniconjou band. (click to open Hunting for Big Foot homepage)

The time displayed, e.g. (9:30 a.m.), at the beginning of each message reflects when that information was sent from or received at General Brooke’s headquarters, unless otherwise indicated.  Most of the messages were transmitted via telegraph. Those messages that were delivered by other means such as couriers or heliograph are so annotated in parenthesis at the end of each respective message.  Hover the mouse over the names displayed in Red to display the full identity of the individual mentioned.  Bold Red will also indicate location of the individual.  Blue underlined texts are hyperlinks to other pages or cites.  Click on photos of individuals to see an enlarged version of the source photograph in a new tab.  Similarly, clicking on maps will open a new tab with an enlarged view of each map that can be zoomed in for greater detail.

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 1890.

(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Lt. Col. Sumner and Col. Carr on the morning of 24 Dec. 1890.
(Click to enlarge) Inset depicting approximate location of Lt. Col. Sumner and Col. Carr on the morning of 24 Dec. 1890.
e-a-carr

Carr to Miles (sent 10 a.m.): Respectfully forwarded [Sumner’s message regarding Big Foot’s escape] to General Miles.  I am starting with all troops here to cut the trail.  One troop out patrolling and four troops go with me. {1061}

Thomas_H__Ruger

Ruger to Brooke: Colonel Sumner, who reported on the twenty-first the surrender of Big Foot with all his people and others, at this village, some thirty young men from Cherry creek and thirty-eight Sitting Bull refugees, latter mostly women and children, reports, dated yesterday, that Big Foot had slipped off and moved south with ponies and lodge poles, no wagons; that he has notified Colonel Carr, the date not stated, number going with Big Foot, nor whether any women and children. I directed Sumner to pursue, but, of course, much time is lost. {497} Continue reading →

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