--The Washington
Star, of a recent date, contains an account of the death and burial of "Yellow
Wolf," who was sent to that city as one of the delegates to see
President Lincoln.
The
Star says:
‘
The Government furnished the coffin, which was a very fine one.
About half an hour before the breath left the deceased his companions commenced to paint his face, hands, and feet with red paint, and then securing new clothing and new blankets they arrayed the dying chief in them.
A few moments before expiring, Yellow
Wolf sent to
Major S. G. Colley, the
Indian Advent for that and other tribes, and taking the agent's hands, said to him: "We have come a great way to see our Great Father and make peace.
I have seen the big Father, and am at peace with every one--with the Great Spirit and with the Great Father — and I am now going to lie down and sleep with him here."
As soon as the chief expired, his companions took his bow and arrows and broke them in half.
They were then made up in a bundle, together with his other effects, and will be buried with him, as also will his
buffalo robes and blankets, and all that he owned at the time of his death.
A large silver medal, a present from
President Jefferson to Yellow Wolfs successors, will be buried with him also.
This appears almost ridiculous, as it has been handed down from father to son since the days of
President J., and is a connecting link between the present and the past which should be placed in charge of the
Government.
But the Indians insist upon its interment with Yellow
Wolf, and the agents do not desire to offend them by a refusal.
Yellow
Wolf was nearly fifty years of age, and
Maj. Colley, the agent of the tribe, and of the Indians in their section, says he is a serious loss, as he was always disposed to peace, and ruled his people justly but firmly.
Another strange fact connected with his death is, that when the delegation was about leaving their Western homes, the family of Yellow
Wolf implored him not to leave, and were so persistent in their efforts to induce him to remain as to follow the delegation for miles, and, with tears and lamentations; vainly endeavored to dissuade him from going.
’
