Of all the Indians I encountered in my years on the Plains the most resourceful and intelligent, as well as the most dangerous, were the Sioux.

They had the courage of dare-devils combined with real strategy.
They mastered the white man's tactics as soon as they had an opportunity to observe them.

Incidentally they supplied all thinking and observing white commanders with a great deal that was well worth learning in the art of warfare.

The Sioux fought to win, and in a desperate encounter were absolutely reckless of life.
But they also fought wisely, and up to the minute of closing in they conserved their own lives with a vast amount of cleverness.

The maxim put into words by the old Confederate fox, Forrest: "Get there fastest with the mostest," was always a fighting principle with the Sioux.
They were a strong race of men, the braves tall, with finely shaped heads and handsome features.