Lean Bear - Early Life

Early Life

In, June 1851, an Indian agent named Thomas Fitzpatrick had sent out runners to the tribes of the plains to meet at Fort Atkinson. Fitzpatrick had the goal in mind to convince the tribes to go to a peace council that was going to take place at Fort Laramie. While at the meeting at Fort Atkinson, the tribes in attendance were able to use the camp while trading with the troops. Lean Bear saw a ring on a white woman's hand, and having a fascination with jewelry, he grabbed her hand to get a better look. Her husband hit Lean Bear with his luggage and insisted that Fitzpatrick give him a beating. This enraged Lean Bear and he, being a young warrior, rode through the Cheyenne camp demanding for an assault on the whites. The Cheyennes went to Agent Fitzpatrick and asked for something to make up for this insult, he refused, but was later approached by the other tribes informing him that the Cheyenne were planning an attack. So, Fitzpatrick had the General on location station dragoons near the Cheyenne side of the camp. This worried the Cheyennes, later the whites presented a blanket prepared for Lean Bear, and the situation was resolved.