In the late 1930s, Sharp wrote the following note to Frank Phillips about this portrait: "Red Cloud band when he was with old Chief Red Cloud before the Custer battles. I am not sure of his position in these battles but he visited there several times after and was much interested (my cabin and studio were near the battlefield). He had his winter Hudson’s Bay blanket on and a red handkerchief on h is head. He wouldn’t remove either and the bag in his hands contained his medicine and a few valuables. He was proud of his bravery medal from Washington." (Woolaroc archives)