Chief Bigfoot's Band was intercepted by the 7th Calvary on this day in 1890

[hfojvt]

30. of course, it simply MUST be mis-remembered every year

this account gives a slightly different version, from an eye-witness.

http://www.historynet.com/philip-wells-wounded-at-wounded-knee.htm

"As interpreter Philip Wells listened carefully, the Sioux medicine man's incantations took on a darker tone."

...

"Men leaped to their feet. Younger warriors were throwing off their blankets, bringing their rifles to their shoulders. One brandished his rifle in the air, vowing to keep his gun forever. Another fired into the soldiers."

So, if the soldiers were shot at first, should they NOT return fire? I guess if several hundred cavalry had been killed instead on this day, it would be just as forgotten every year as the Battle at the Little Bighorn or the attack on New Ulm, Minnesota or the River Raisin Massacre.

"When the last gun was silenced on December 29, a hastily set up field hospital doled out initial treatment to 37 wounded soldiers, Father Kraft, Philip Wells and 51 Indians who were too maimed to escape the battlefield."

Wait? What? 51 wounded Indians were captured/rescued? First time I have heard that. According to your account, they were all hunted down and treacherously slaughtered.

And how could I NOT have heard of this hero? Especially considering that that is MY name too!!

"The Reverend Thomas Cook, rector of the Holy Cross Episcopal Mission and himself half Sioux, came on the rest of the shivering but silent huddled Indian wounded much later that evening. Too stunned and fearful to utter a sound, they had been left lying in a horseless wagon — forgotten as more urgent matters took precedence. The horrified pastor took things into his own hands."

So, in this account there were at least 51 Indian survivors that the US Army took care of. In your account, almost all of them were mercilessly hunted down and slaughtered.

Which account is true? Perhaps some combination of both. Some, perhaps more than a few, were hunted down and slaughtered. But, surely, the story of 51 wounded being taken care of could not be a complete fabrication.

And there should be records of THIS, official inquiry as well.

"Colonel Forsyth, subject to two courts of inquiry for his deployment of troops and the deaths of noncombatants, was cleared of deliberate misdeeds and restored to his command. "