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Sweetwater Creek was essential to millions of southern buffalo In a region known as the Comancheria. Plains Indians camped along this freshwater stream to seek shelter from harsh winters. As Anglos continued to settle the southern plains, the incompatible cultures fought for survival. On two separate occasions in 1868, members of the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes kidnapped two Anglo women from Kansas, Sarah White and Anna Brewster Morgan. George Armstrong Custer, who earned a reputation for flamboyant and fearless leadership during the Civil War, led the 7th Cavalry and the 19th Kansas Volunteers in an Indian removal winter campaign of 1868-69. During this campaign, Custer rescued Morgan and White. On March 15, 1869, Custer's chief scout, Hard Rope, viewed a large herd of Indian ponies grazing. The Cheyenne village of 260 lodges lay below them on the banks of the Sweetwater. Hard Rope raced back to tell Custer. Aware that a fired shot would signal the execution of the two captured women, Custer proceeded ahead of his troops hoping to make a truce. The Cheyenne led Custer to a meeting with Rock Forehead (Medicine Arrows), the Cheyenne chief, and other head men of the tribe. When a dozen Cheyenne arrived at Custer's camp to entertain and serenade the officers and chiefs, Custer ordered the detention of the principal chiefs present. Custer released one hostage to relay his demand of the unconditional surrender of the two women. On the third day, after intense negotiations, Custer gave an ultimatum that if the women were not released by sunset the following day, hostile activities would commence. Peace was achieved, and on March 19, 1869, Morgan and White were returned. (2017) |
