The Western Odyssey of John Simpson Smith: Frontiersman and Indian Interpreter

Well known to his contemporaries but largely forgotten today John Simpson Smith (1810-1871) counted among his acquaintances Indian chiefs and United States presidents. During his long and varied career Smith was a fur trapper a trader for Charles Bent and a recognized spokesman for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians with whom he lived much of his life. Smith served as interpreter for major treaty negotiations and accompanied three delegations of chiefs to Washington D.C. to visit Presidents Fillmore Lincoln and Grant. Eyewitness to several major conflicts Smith was in Black Kettles camp when it was attacked by troops under Col. John M. Chivington at Sand Creek Colorado. Smiths mixed-blood son was murdered by U.S. troops but Smith survived and his affidavit later was used as evidence in congressional and U.S. army hearings.