Dreams of a Kitten by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Dreams of a Kitten

Page 384

But we know. It is not a story of great valor. It is one of

over-estimation, although certain moments of extraordinary

bravery shine through. Benteen and Reno spent the rest of their

lives defending their leadership and action; or lack of action,

that day. An examination of the known facts reveals that they

had a lot to defend.

Opposing the Native Nomadic Lifestyle

The growing presence and power of the white man, backed by

overwhelming military strength, had gradually forced many of the

Plains tribes onto reservations. However, some militant Indians,

led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, still defied the United

States government and chose to continue their nomadic lifestyle

in the Unceded Territory. That huge expanse stretched from the

Bighorn and Rocky Mountains on the west to the Great Sioux

Reservation along the Missouri River to the east. It was there

that the final battles of the Indian wars were fought.

On November 3, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant and a few

carefully selected cabinet members and Army generals met in

secret session. The decision was made to launch a decisive war

against the Indians and cripple their ability to further disrupt