Archive of four manuscript copies of testimony taken against Chief John Grass, five pages on four sheets, 8 x 12.5, circa April 1881, charging him with conspiring with General W. P. Carlin to undermine the authority of the Indian agent, Father Joseph A. Stephan—known as the 'fighting priest'—at Standing Rock. The first, in part: "Thunder Hawk, Head Chief of the Uncapapa band of Sioux Indians located at Standing Rock, D.T….under oath deposes and says that on or about April 11th A.D. 1881, Crazy Walking, Bear's Rib and John Grass were at his lodge, at this meeting he heard John Grass state that he had signed a certain letter written by Louis Primeau relative to the retention of J. A. Stephan as agent at Standing Rock and the visit of eight chiefs to Washington."
In another, Mrs. Mathilda Galpin testifies that she "had a conversation with John Grass (a chief of the Blackfoot band of Sioux Indians located at Standing Rock Agency)…John Grass stated to Deponent that General Wm. P. Carlin sent for him four times to have a council with him. At the fourth summons John Grass stated he went to see Gen. Carlin and that he John Grass made damaging statements against the agent J. A. Stephan…Carlin assured him of his protection and informed him that the Agent J. A. Stephan could not depose him as chief."
In the third, "'White Bear,' a Lower Yanktonnai Indian of the Standing Rock Agency" attests that he was part of a group that went "to see General Carlin about the horses and guns which had been taken away…When we arrived at General Carlin's Headquarters the General said something has been done and that is the reason I sent for you; all things that an done by the Indian Agent, are done scantily, and that is why you are now so poor…when you get another agent I will see that you are paid for the horses and guns taken from you."
In the last, Chief Drag the Wood, Chief Running Walk, and Walking Eagle, "Indians belonging to the Standing Rock Indian Agency" attest that a "statement made by White Bear is correct." In overall fine condition. A fascinating archive, documenting some of the strife and politicking at Standing Rock in the spring 1881.
