Lincoln Meets the Natives
In 1863, a delegation of Native Americans came to Washington to meet with Lincoln. Called Indians by newcomers to the continent, and commonly referred to as savages, their status as original inhabitants was not acknowledged. But Lincoln needed their allegiance in the civil war then raging, telling the group he would "try" to honor treaties the United States had made. He also told them, ironically, that the white man was less violent than the red race. This claim would be specifically refuted by the death of one member of the delegation, Lean Bear. He was killed by a Colorado troops who had been ordered to shoot Indians on sight. In his pocket was found a note from A. Lincoln himself, testifying to his friendship with whites.
One of the delegation, Yellow Wolf, died in Washington a few days after the summit. He was buried with a silver medal from President Jefferson. Called Peace Medals, these tokens began as gestures of peace important to the tribal leaders who received them, but became less valued as the natives lost power.
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