of sale, the commissioners decided not to ask the Indians to sell their lands at all, but to sell the right to mine gold and other metals in the Black Hills. Senator Allison, in opening the treaty council, said, "We have now to ask you if you are willing to give our people the right to mine in the Black Hills, as long as gold or other valuable metals are found, for a fair and just sum. When the gold or other valuable minerals are taken away, the country will again be yours to dispose of in any manner you may wish."
After nearly three weeks of counciling and bargaining and speechmaking the commissioners found it impossible to make any treaty whatever, upon what were deemed reasonable terms by the government. The Indians, too, had scattered until much less than the necessary three fourths remained at the council. Therefore, the council was broken up without accomplishing anything.
Immediately thereafter the army withdrew all opposition to the miners entering the Black Hills, and within a few months at least fifteen thousand men were hunting for gold upon the Indian lands. The Indians were alarmed and indignant. They believed their lands were to be taken from them without any payment whatever, and they resolved to organize a grand army and drive the invaders away. No one may say that theirs was not a brave and patriotic undertaking. They were to fight for their homes, their lands, and the graves of their kindred.
At once the young men began to slip away from the agencies and to assemble in great camps, near the Big
