Letter from Buffalo Bill to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs about Sitting Bull

Commissoner Indian Affairs,
Department of the Interior,
Washington D.C.

Sir,

I am in receipt of a communication from Sitting Bull dated Fort Yates, Dakota in which
he expresses a strong desire to travel through the East with me during the summer.

As I am not acquainted with the routine of procedure in such affairs, I address you in the
hope that you will further his desire in the matter. I have had a long experience in the
management and care of Indians and will guarantee that he shall receive the kindest treatment
and safe return to Fort Yates. Major McLaughlin, Agent at Standing Rock knows me well, and
will cheerfully endorse your permission to allow Sitting Bull to leave the Agency in my care.

I take pride in referring you further to Genl. Sherman or any officer of Frontier
experience as to my character and ability to fulfill all the conditions or restrictions you may
impose upon me.

Hoping that you will grant the petition thus set forth, I remain,

W.F. Cody

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St Louis Mo. May 14, 1885. I take very great pleasure in endorsing the within request of Mr
Cody – I have known him long and most favorably as a generous manly fellow, universally
respected by the Old Army officers with whom he was thrown in his early most adventurous
career. He now has a band of Pawnee Indians who are well pd. Well clothed and seem perfectly
happy in the new life which Cody has opened to them. The Indian problem is to avail [illegible]
of every means which will enable the Indians of the Reserves to earn an honest living and cease
to be absolute paupers dependant on the charity of the General Government. Surely there is no
more harm in Sitting Bull travelling with Cody’s most excellent company, then lying about idle
at his Agency. Sitting Bull is a humbug but has a popular fame on which has a natural right to
“bank”

W.T. Sherman
General

Hd. Qrs. Cavalry Recruiting Service
Saint Louis Mo May 14 1885

I have known Hon W.F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)
for over sixteen years. He is a truly

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honorable man and will fulfill all his engagements.

He always did his best to subdue Indians when was told and will do his best by them
when friendly

Very Respectfully submitted
Eugene H. Carr
Colonel 6 th Cavalry
Bvt. Maj. Gen’l U.S. Army