Dohasan II, a figure of paramount importance in Kiowa history, stands as a testament to leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering dedication to his people. Ascending to the position of Principal Chief in 1833, he inherited a tribe reeling from internal strife and external threats. This article delves into the life and legacy of Dohasan II, focusing particularly on his infamous 1862 speech, a bold declaration that challenged the authority and perceived cowardice of the white man. The "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech" remains a powerful symbol of resistance in the face of encroaching colonialism.
The Rise of Dohasan II: A Legacy of Peace and Power
Dohasan II, whose name translates to "Top Man," inherited a complex and challenging situation. His predecessor, A’date, had been removed from power following a devastating Osage attack on the Kiowa in 1833. This massacre left the tribe vulnerable and fractured, demanding a leader capable of restoring unity and security.
Dohasan II proved to be that leader. His most significant early achievement was the establishment of a lasting peace with the Osage tribe. Through careful negotiation and a commitment to mutual respect, Dohasan II managed to heal the wounds of the past and forge a durable alliance. This peace, a testament to his diplomatic skills, remained unbroken throughout his reign, solidifying his reputation as a wise and effective leader. His rise marked a turning point for the Kiowa, ushering in an era of relative stability and renewed strength.
Dohasan II’s leadership was characterized by a strong sense of justice and a fierce determination to protect his people’s interests. He understood the importance of maintaining Kiowa traditions and culture while navigating the increasingly complex political landscape of the American West. He was a skilled warrior, a respected diplomat, and a revered spiritual leader, embodying the qualities most valued by his tribe.
The Gathering on the Arkansas River: Seeds of Discontent
The year 1862 found the Kiowa, along with other Plains tribes – the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, and Kiowa Apache – gathered on the banks of the Arkansas River. This assembly was ostensibly for the purpose of receiving annuities, payments promised by the U.S. government in exchange for land and the cessation of hostilities. However, these gatherings were often fraught with tension. The promises made by the government were frequently broken, and the supplies provided were often inadequate or of poor quality.
Adding to the simmering resentment was the growing encroachment of white settlers onto tribal lands. The westward expansion of the United States was placing increasing pressure on the Plains tribes, disrupting their traditional way of life and threatening their very survival. The buffalo, the cornerstone of their economy and culture, were being hunted to near extinction by white hunters.
The agent representing the U.S. government at this gathering, likely under pressure from his superiors, delivered a stern warning to the assembled tribes. He threatened them with punishment if they did not cease their raids on white settlements. These raids, often carried out by young warriors seeking to provide for their families in the face of dwindling resources, were a symptom of the deeper problems plaguing the relationship between the tribes and the U.S. government.
The Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech: A Defiant Rebuttal
Dohasan II listened patiently to the agent’s threats, his silence conveying a simmering anger. When the agent finished speaking, Dohasan II rose to his feet, his imposing figure commanding attention. He gestured towards the hundreds of tipis that dotted the valley below, a visual representation of the strength and resilience of his people. Then, in a speech that would echo through history, he delivered his scathing rebuke, now known as the "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech."
His words, translated and recorded, were blunt and uncompromising. He declared the white chief a fool and a coward, his heart "small, not larger than a pebble stone." He contrasted the white chief’s weakness with the strength of his own warriors, whom he described as being far superior in number and skill.
Dohasan II then drew a comparison between the white chief, the Spanish chief, and himself. He acknowledged that he and the Spanish chief engaged in conflict, raiding each other’s territories and taking scalps. However, he argued that these conflicts were conducted with a certain degree of respect and understanding. The white chief, on the other hand, was portrayed as being childish and prone to irrational anger.
The core of Dohasan II’s grievance lay in the hypocrisy of the white man’s actions. He pointed out that when his young men, driven by desperation to feed their families, took a "cup of sugar or coffee" from white settlers passing through their lands, the white chief became enraged and threatened military retaliation. Yet, the white man continued to decimate the buffalo herds, depriving the Kiowa of their primary source of sustenance.
Dohasan II concluded his speech with a final challenge, accusing the white chief of cowardice and questioning his ability to follow through on his threats. He declared that he had been waiting for the soldiers to arrive, but they had not come. His final words were a direct message to the "great chief," a defiant assertion of Kiowa sovereignty and a refusal to be intimidated. The "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech" was a clear message: the Kiowa would not be bullied or subjugated.
Legacy and Interpretation
The "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech" is a powerful and complex document that offers valuable insights into the perspectives of Native American leaders during a period of immense upheaval. It is a testament to Dohasan II’s courage and his unwavering commitment to protecting his people’s rights.
The speech can be interpreted on multiple levels. On one level, it is a direct response to the specific threats and grievances faced by the Kiowa at that time. It is a protest against the broken promises, the encroachment on tribal lands, and the destruction of the buffalo.
On a deeper level, the speech is a broader critique of the colonial mindset and the power dynamics that characterized the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. It challenges the notion of white superiority and exposes the hypocrisy of the government’s policies.
The speech also reveals Dohasan II’s understanding of diplomacy and negotiation. While his words are harsh and uncompromising, they are also strategically calculated to convey a message of strength and resolve. He understood that he was dealing with a powerful adversary, and he sought to assert Kiowa sovereignty in the face of overwhelming odds.
Dohasan II’s legacy extends far beyond the "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech." He is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in Kiowa history, a man who guided his people through a period of profound change and preserved their culture and traditions. His leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to his people continue to inspire generations of Native Americans.
The "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech" remains a vital piece of American history, a reminder of the injustices faced by Native Americans and the enduring spirit of resistance that continues to this day. It serves as a powerful indictment of colonialism and a call for a more just and equitable relationship between nations. It underscores the importance of understanding different perspectives and acknowledging the complexities of the past. The "Dohasan II 1862 Cowardly White Man Speech" is not just a historical artifact; it is a living testament to the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and self-determination.