7 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. photograph on cardstock mount with Barry's Bismarck, Dakota imprint and manuscript notation in lower margin below image, "Sioux Council Sitting Bull Talking."

In Thomas M. Heski's book, The Little Shadow Catcher, which illustrates the works of D.F. Barry, this photograph is described as documenting Sitting Bull's 1886 trial at Standing Rock Agency for instigating the Crows to go on the war path. Sitting Bull is shown front and center, and three men are seated at the table at left, including (from left to right): Colonel Townsend, 12th Infantry; Colonel Barrister; and Indian Commissioner James McLaughlin. Chester A. Arthur appointed James McLaughlin to run Standing Rock Agency in October 1881. McLaughlin first met Sitting Bull in September 1881 and developed a rift between the Hunkpapa Lakota leader and other chiefs. Heski notes that McLaughlin "was willing to use any Indian he could to effectively combat the influence of Sitting Bull," and blamed Sitting Bull personally if anything went wrong at Standing Rock. (See p. 67).