This transcription was created by the Harvard-Diggins Library
from original document held by MHS (#SC 1274)

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Lame Deer, Montana
via Rosebud Montana
September 21, 1897

My own true loving little wife,

Just arrived here which was the hardest trip that I had yet. It takes two long days to get here on account of the hills and they (wagons) always have a heavy load. I had to sleep last night in a sheep herder’s house there were 7 men slept in the same room with me. Cowboys and sheep herders and I had to sleep with (2) a cowboy and didn’t sleep at all. I didn’t take off my underwear or stockings the beds are so dirty. I knew some of the fellows would snore and they did.

My dear you ought to see these Cheyenne Indians. they are the wildest and most treacherous & meanest Indians in America. They have always been against the white’s and nearly their whole tribe was in the Custer fight. When they go in the Indian store here they cover their faces all up, except one eye, with a blanket. You (3) know here is where the trouble was 3 or 4 months ago. All the white people flew for their lives, they were so scared. The Cheyenne know of me, as now & then they invited the Crows 60 miles from here, and the Crows told them of me.

I have already seen Chief American Horse the principle chief of the Cheyenne. He is to sit for me tomorrow in war paint. He is a big fellow, and I tell you, he has a typical Indian face alright and is a savage looking fellow.

For more than half the way here we followed (4) Custer’s trailed, where he came through their country at the time of his fight. There have been several fights here. General Miles had a fight here with the Cheyenne & Sioux at the time Chief Lame Deer was killed. A good many soldiers are located here now.

When is it time for you to be unwell my dear? Expect to be in Chicago sometime before the middle of Oct.

The mail comes here three times a week by stage. I saw a Cheyenne kittie xxxx xxx he looked (5) a little savage and he was stuck up a little. He said he could lick any Crow kittie, as in fact, any Indian kittie living. He said the Cheyenne kittie didn’t allow any white kitties to come on this reservation.

The Cheyenne expect to give a war dance this week. They give them at night in a big long building with a big hole cut in the roof and a big fire in center of building. Their dances are different from the Crows. More like business.

Well my dear I must close. Good night darling. Your own true (6) loving husband.

Lots of love, hugs & kisses,

Elbridge
PS haven’t received any mail since was in Spokane last week.