Friday in Washington, 1873, by Alexander Gardner

The photograph was taken by Alexander Gardner in November 1873 in Washington, D.C. That year, a delegation of Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho from the Red Cloud Agency went to the capitol with their agent, Dr. John J. Saville, to discuss their hunting rights as well as their future home (they were concerned about being political marginalized when placed at an agency with the powerful Lakota). They met with a delegation of Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho in Washington and attended meetings together. They appear to have gone to Gardner’s studio together, who produced a whole series of great Cheyenne and Arapaho portraits.

By the mid-1870s, Friday’s role as an Arapaho leader had been largely overshadowed by the rise of several younger men, specifically Black Coal and Sharp Nose. Generally in the documents of this period, Friday is listed as the Arapaho interpreter.

— Ephriam Dickson

Big Cow

The man with the upside-down rifle is an Arapaho named Big Cow or “Small Cow Heap”. I think this is a Chamberlain or Duhem Brothers photograph, but he was also photographed by Will Soule. Big Cow was reportedly the slayer of Major Elliot at the Washita. Here’s a comparison:

Big Cow

— Bob/Buffaloman