Walker Array - Campaigns of General Custer in the North-west, and the final surrender of Sitting Bull

Since the last administration came into power in 1877, there has been a decided improvement in Indian affairs, and the Indians themselves report progress among their respective tribes in a measure beyond their anticipation.

One cause of this marked change for the better is attributable to the non-interference of the President with the Secretary of the Interior. Another is found in the fact that Secretary Schurz, while faithful to all the several divisions of his department, gave to the Indian service his special attention. His eminent services in the West, and throughout the Indian country are highly appreciated by the best class of citizens, and also by those highly competent judges of human nature, the Indians themselves, some of whom were on the war-path only a few years ago, and some but a few months ago. It is to be hoped the present administration will adopt the same line of policy and continue it on the same plan as that laid down by the one just closed. It is the general belief in the circle of business men who are more or less interested in Indian matters, that Secretary Schurz has proved himself a most admirable statesman, and is entitled to great credit from all parties, as well as to the hearty thanks of the nation at large for his efficient administration of the most difficult department of the government. In 1872 it was this same Carl Schurz who had the " audacity and impudence," as it was then called, to break ranks from the administrative party then in power, and take the stump throughout the country, to state the facts in regard to the frauds and mismanagements that then generally prevailed throughout the different departments of the government.

He was bitterly denounced for so doing by certain officials who still clung to the Belknap idea of " Rule or Ruin," and was hissed at as a backslider from the Republican party, and a demoralizer of good government; but, four years later, the truth of his accusations stood revealed, and a Republican President placed him in charge of one of the most important departments of our government, " The Department of the Interior." His official career closed on the 4th of March, 1881, with honor to himself and great credit to the administration, whose schemes of reform he had so largely aided. The Indians especially regarded him with favor. In their own language they styled him, " The-heap-good-white-Chief," and were often heard to say, that they wished he could remain longer in charge of their affairs. It it true that Secretary Schurz did not at all times move harmoniously with the military officials, but the author believes he is correct in saying that the general management of the government business and operations by both the Military and Interior Departments on the frontier has been, in general, satisfactory in its final results. The small army assigned to the protection of the frontier is mostly composed of veterans, and commanded by skilled and conscientious officers, as the country is well aware. Well-advised border men are unanimously of the opinion that by the discreet and thoughtful management of the latter, settlers and immigrants are now quite safe from attacks by marauding bands of hostile Indians.

From the first origin of the government the Indian problem has puzzled the wisest heads of the nation, nor has a correct solution of the difficult question been yet arrived at. It is doubtful if it can be settled in the present generation, although the efforts of philanthropists and humanitarians throughout the country, in conjunction with the powerful machinery of the United States government, are put forth constantly to that end.

The author has not presumed to propose a remedy for existing ills, but if he has in these pages thrown any light upon the vexed question, if, from the impressions made upon his mind during long residence among this " peculiar people," and thoughtful observation of their habits and character, as recorded in this unpretending volume, or if he has added anything to the popular knowledge of these " nomads of the plains," or shed any light upon their feelings and situation, by which to indicate a more enlightened treatment of these unhappy people in the future, then is his mission as an author accomplished.

In closing this work, we must express bur kind thanks to Professor O. S. Goff, at Bismarck, D. T., for his promptness in placing in our hands the photo of " Chief Sitting Bull" in time for this edition, as it not only enables the writer to keep his promise made elsewhere, but the readers get full as good a likeness, and the features and general expression Are even better than we expected to get, on account of the sullenness of the old chief since his surrender. But we are Teally entitled to the best that could be taken, as he charged an even one hundred dollars for the negative. So it appears that the chief intends to make his face pay him dollars, as well as his words and big talk. He charges two dollars apiece for writing his autograph for men and boys, but writes it free of charge for the ladies. Little did the old chief think while in the hands of Professor Goff at " Standing Rock Agency," that his photo would be in the hands of an engraver in New York City within the space of four days.

The author now begs leave to call special attention to the contents of his next book, as appears on the following pages, entitled, " The "Western Blue Book; or, Scenes of Savage Life," which will be ready about the first of October. 44 The Blue Book " will give a panoramic and dramatic view of our military operating against the hostiles, all the way from the wild Apache camps in Old Mexico to the fastnesses in the woody mountains in the North ; and it is our aim to give a faithful portrayal of actual scenes of our modern Indian warfare, as has been carried on against the various tribes all along our Western frontier ; also in regard to the treatment and management of the leading war-chiefs, after they have either been captured by our forces or themselves surrendered.

The author has had fourteen years of continuous experience among the military and untamed savages on the frontier, and feels quite competent to do even justice to both subjects and readers, and very confidently claims in advance of publication that " Fanatanza " and " Col. La Raine " will be two of the best productions of the kind that have ever been placed before the American people. The author most respectfully asks you to read the " Blue Book," and give your opinion without fear or favor. Nicely bound in blue cloth, 16mo, $1.50, and will be for sale by wholesale booksellers generally; also news-agents and canvassers throughout the country. For particulars address " The Author," P. O. Box 87, Brooklyn, N. T.