RAIN IN THE FACE - BROADSIDE SIGNED - HFSID 350573

RAIN IN THE FACE
4x8 broadside containing Longfellow's famous poem, "The Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face," signed by the Sioux warrior at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893
Broadside signed in pencil: "Rain in the Face", 1 page, 4x8, Affixed with clear tape to 5¾ x 9¾ book paper. Printed text of "The Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face," an 8-stanza poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Additional printed text at bottom: "'Rain-In-The-Face' is now on exhibition at the Sitting Bull Log Cabin Exhibit on Midway Plaisance next to Military Camp, World's Fair Grounds."  Lakota Sioux war chieftain Rain in the Face (1835-1905) was already a veteran warrior of battles with other Native American nations, including the Cheyenne when he battled US troops for the first time in a raid against Fort Totten, in what is now North Dakota, in 1866. Arrested by Captain Thomas Custer in 1874 on the orders of General George Armstrong Custer (Thomas' brother) on murder charges, Rain in the Face escaped, and joined Sitting Bull's war band before the Battle of the Little Big Horn (June 25, 1876). Surviving details of that battle, which annihilated Custer's 7th Cavalry troopers, are conflicting. However, Rain in the Face played a key role, killing Thomas Custer, against whom he had vowed revenge for what he considered false imprisonment. Some accounts say that Rain in the Face also slew General Custer himself, but he himself denied it. With their lands confiscated and communities destroyed, many Native American leaders were forced to ply the show circuit, appearing as "exhibits" and selling autographs. Typed text on mounting page states that the autograph was given at the World's Columbian Exhibit in Chicago in 1893, the event publicized by the broadside. Autographs of Rain-in-the-Face appear much less frequently that those of similarly famed leaders like Geronimo. Toned and creased. Signed in pencil signature light but legible. Multiple notches around edges. Otherwise, fine condition. Left presentation plaque slightly skewed. Framed to an overall size of 40x23½.