Army at Wounded Knee

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.

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}

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 →