Famous Indian Chiefs I Have Known

by Oliver Otis Howard, Bruce J. Dinges (Introduction)

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant sent O.O. Howard, widely known as the "Christian general", as an ambassador of peace to the western Indian tribes. Famous Indians Chiefs I Have Known is Howard's account of his journey. He tells of his peace agreement with the great Apache chief Cochise; describes his pursuit of Joseph and the surrender of the Nez Perce chief, who became his friend; and provides a poignant glimpse of the defeated Apache war leader Geronimo, selling canes and autographs. Equally impressive are his portraits of Winnemucca of the Piutes, the Sioux chiefs Red Cloud and Sitting Bull, and his descriptions of meetings with Washakie of the Shoshones, Pasqual of the Yumas, Antonio of the Pimas, Santos and Pedros of the Apaches, Manuelito of the Navajos, three Indians women--Sarah Winnemucca, granddaughter of the Piute chief, and Mattie, her sister-in-law—both of them powerful peacemakes in their own right. Included are chapters on the Seminole chief Osceola and the Modoc chief Captain Jack, famed for their resistance to white domination. In the introduction, Bruce J. Dinges, editor of publications at the Arizona Historical Society, discusses Howard's career and sets his book in historical context.

364 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1989

About the author

Oliver Otis Howard (November 8, 1830 – October 26, 1909) was a career United States Army officer and a Union general in the American Civil War. As a brigade commander in the Army of the Potomac, Howard lost his right arm while leading his men against Confederate forces at the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines in June 1862, an action which later earned him the Medal of Honor. As a corps commander, he suffered two humiliating defeats at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg in May and July 1863, but recovered from the setbacks as a successful corps and later army commander in the Western Theater.

Known as the "Christian general" because he tried to base his policy decisions on his deep religious piety, he was given charge of the Freedmen's Bureau in mid-1865, with the mission of integrating the former slaves into Southern society and politics during the second phase of the Reconstruction Era. Howard took charge of labor policy, setting up a system that required freed people to work on former plantation land under pay scales fixed by the Bureau, on terms negotiated by the Bureau with white land owners. Howard's Bureau was primarily responsible for the legal affairs of the freedmen. He attempted to protect freed blacks from hostile conditions, but lacked adequate power, and was repeatedly frustrated by President Andrew Johnson.

Howard's allies, the Radical Republicans, won control of Congress in the 1866 elections and imposed Radical Reconstruction, with the result that freedmen were given the vote. With the help and advice of the Bureau, freedmen joined Republican coalitions and won at the ballot boxes of most of the southern states. Howard was also a leader in promoting higher education for freedmen, most notably in founding Howard University in Washington and serving as its president 1867–73.

After 1874, Howard commanded troops in the West, conducting a famous campaign against the Nez Perce tribe. Utley (1987) concludes that his leadership against the Apaches in 1872, against the Nez Perce in 1877, the Bannocks and Paiutes in 1878, and against the Sheepeaters in 1879 all add up to a lengthy record, although he did not fight as much as George Custer and Nelson Miles.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially written and published in a series of newspaper articles in 1908 and aimed at a young adult audience, this book is a valuable primary source…a unique look at some of the revered indigenous leaders of the past, from the perspective of someone who actually interacted with each of them. 

That someone was known as “Arm-Cut-Off” or the “One-Armed Soldier-Chief” by various tribes. Better known as General Howard, the Christian General of the Civil War, who, when he retired in 1895, was the second highest ranking officer in the army. Today he’s most likely remembered as being one of the founders and first president of the HBCU, Howard University.

A note of caution. While he was considered an liberal reformist regarding the “Indian issue”, he was also a lifelong proponent of the residential school system. You will undoubtedly come across many cringe-inducing comments throughout the text. Bruce Dinges writes the introduction and puts it in context, noting that Howard’s published writings were his attempt to educate people back East about the injustices facing the native populations of the West. 

Back to the book. Just remember to expect many comments that would today be viewed as bigoted, and move past it. You’ll have to overlook the condescending manner in which he describes many tribes he comes across. I get the impression he certainly respected everyone, but in a “I know what’s best for you people” type of way. 

You’ll learn a bit about the tribes of the northwest, from the Bannocks of Idaho, to the Nez Perces, the Pauites, the Shoshone, the Klamath, Modocs, Spokane, Walla Wallas and many more. Some of these are tribes I may not have learned about had I not read their stories here…like the tale of Pasqual, an old Yuma Chief, who led many battles against the U.S. army in 1848. In the preceding years, his tribe of Yumas grew poor and destitute on reservations. It was then, while in his 80s, that he met General Howard and told him his story. I smiled when Howard described the old Chief’s joy when riding up and down the streets of San Francisco in the cable cars. 

Howard on Pasqual: “Without Christian teaching, without reading a book, only once visiting a large town, this dignified hero studied the wants of his people, fought their battles, behaved nobly under defeat, and was too noble ever to be completely crushed, though he lived for many years in neglect and extreme poverty.”

I’m grateful to have learned about Chief Pasqual of the Yuma. That’s the true value that I received from reading this book… the small anecdotes and little interactions that add just a bit of color to our images of these men and women that he describes.  

For example, the story of how he met Sitka Jack, the biggest chief in the lands around southern Alaska, who arrived in a long canoe filled with 18 men, with eagle feathers in his hat and a belt crammed full of pistols around his waist. The image brought a smile to my face. The audacity of a local chieftain rolling up to one of the highest ranking military officers in the U.S. army, fully strapped. 

Or the anecdote of Howard traveling with Apache Chiefs. He notes “I happened to speak of the earth as round, and when the Indians heard me they begged that I would not say so, for people would think I was troubled with bad spirits; no one with sense could think the earth was round. They hardly knew what to say when I told them I knew a white man once who sailed in a ship all the way around it.” Those pesky flat-earthers! 

Mattie, the 20 year-old daughter of Chief Shenkah of the Paiutes, met General Howard and grew to be friendly with him. She had learned to read, write and speak English. Her lecture to him was amazing: “I learned about wars at school in Oregon, and, as you know, I was again and again in war myself, and it is horrid! I am no coward-girl, and I am not afraid even when the guns fire; but I do not want war. Men who are so wise as to make so many wonderful things should find a way to settle their troubles without causing so much wretchedness and sorrow and tears”. 

Ok, one last anecdote. General Howard escorts a few Apache Chiefs on a tour of eastern cities. He brings them to Philadelphia. He writes, “I took the Indians through the large prison, and they saw the warden shut all the cells and close the bolts from a central station. They went along the halls and looked through the gratings. At last Miguel took me aside and said: “Do you think there is one innocent man in here?” - “Why?” I asked - “Because I was once in prison at Santa Fe for a whole year, and I had done no wrong. If there is one man here who is innocent, I want to speak to him”. At the risk of sounding obtuse… that shit is deep! 

Aside from those many stories, there are a few great quotes and interactions:

“I told him I wished his Indians would all build houses and take up land like white men. But Spokane Gary stopped me and said that white men’s ways were not Indians’ ways”. 

Chief Joseph, on a 40-mile horse ride with Howard asked: “if we come and live here what will you give us - schools, teachers, houses, churches, and gardens? I said, “Yes.” - “Well!” said Joseph, “those are just the things we do not want!” 

In terms of criticism (other than the expected bigoted remarks), I would just note that Howard’s portrayal of each person will depend on whether that chief remained friendly or hostile to American power and authority. Many chiefs who accepted American power, he writes in a shining light, whereas you can feel the dislike he carries towards Red Cloud and Sitting Bull … He calls Sitting Bull a known-coward amongst his people and characterizes Red Cloud as a trouble-marker who was war hungry and who always hated whites. 

Overall, I think we can be sure that General Oliver Otis Howard had many genuine friends amongst various native tribes. He would travel from place to place resolving local disputes between whites and natives. One time, upon hearing of his departure, Lot, a Spokane Chief, well over 6 foot tall, “big giant that he was, took me in his arms as if I were a small boy, saying, “No, No! You not go! You stay here and we have peace!” It seems like Howard really was one of the good Generals. I’ll take him anyday over Generals Sherman, Sheridan and even Cook. But I’ll hold my final opinion on him until after I read more about the Nez Perce war which he prosecuted. I’m looking at you ‘The Dying Grass’...that monster novel which awaits me. 

A solid three stars. Why only three stars after all that praise? I suppose because there’s no real analysis in the book … It's very one-sided in the depictions. And too many cringey comments to really rate this higher. But I’m glad I read it and will likely revisit a few passages in the future. 

[Vanessa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. General Oliver Otis Howard, American Civil War commander, founder of Howard University, leader of the Freedmen's Bureau in 1865, negotiator in Native American affairs, and superintendent of USMA from 1881-1882, is a man I most certainly want to read more about. I'm unsure if my print-on-demand copy is an abridgment, held typographical errors; or if the original text lacked a certain ebb and flow. General Howard featured highlights and mostly positive anecdotes from meeting many different tribes people and their chiefs and leaders. It was enjoyable, nice...but just alright. Not enough details to completely satisfy me. It's an older work, appearing to be originally published in 1908. Upon looking at bibliographic records for the older publication, the pagination is 364 pages, whereas my reprint is barely 100 pages. Methinks I need to lay hands on the older copy.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to find this in my study of Arizona history. It's so unusual to find primary source material geared toward children.

The best parts are General Howard's tales of his own experience. His story of Cochise--and the personal risks both men took to bring an end to the Apache wars--is riveting and touching.

It's clear that General Howard had such success negotiating with the tribes he was sent to due to his personal trustworthiness and genuine respect for all people. But it may require a bit of discussion or editing for young readers. While the author doesn't have racist intent, he does use some terms (like "half-breed" or "red men") that are no longer appropriate.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book which helps to give a more first person account of a horrible time in our nation's history.

In this book, General O. O. Howard shares his experiences as an ambassador to First Nations chieftains during the 1800s. His perspective is clearly in favor of the U. S. government and those who complied peacefully with it (and of course the language is horribly dated), but he still spends time voicing the complaints of First Nations peoples and makes a point not to lump any groups together. He also acknowledges that almost all of the conflicts began when the government failed to make promised payments, forced multiple tribes into the same reservation with insufficient resources, or otherwise left First Nations chieftains with no other choice but to fight back.

[jj Grilliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late elementary or early middle school reading level. I still enjoyed reading about these chiefs from a man who met them.