Manuscript copy of a deposition by three Sioux chiefs, one page both sides, 8 x 12.5, April 15, 1881. Manuscript copy of a deposition by the Sioux chiefs in relation to potential efforts to undermine the authority of the Indian agent, Father Joseph A. Stephan—known as the 'fighting priest'—at Standing Rock, marked "duplicate." In part: "Two Bears, Big Head and Thunder Hawk Head chiefs of the Lower and Upper Yanktomais and Uncapapas bands of Sioux Indians located at Standing Rock agency D.T. who under oath depose and say: That hearing J. A. Stephan agent was going to leave them, they went to the house of Louis Primeau…and requested the said Louis Primeau to write a letter for them to the Hon: Commissioner of Indian Affairs, requesting that J. A. Stephan be retained as their agent and that eight chiefs be allowed to go to Washington to see the President. The Deponents state that they apprised John Grass, Head Chief of the Blackfeet band of their intentions of having this letter written, he fully approving of same. They being all of the same mind. The deponents state they had the letter written without the solicitation of any whomsoever and without the knowledge of J. A. Stephan agent." In fine condition.
