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An Eloquent Visitor from the Great Plains; White House History (Number 34) - Photo 1

An Eloquent Visitor from the Great Plains; White House History (Number 34) - Photo 1

Petalesharro (Generous Chief) Pawnee by Charles Bird King, c. 1822, is one of many portraits made by King at the request of Thomas L. McKenney, the first director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The chief wears the warbonnet in which he appeared at President James Monroe’s New Year’s Day reception, as well as necklaces of trade beads and the Monroe peace medal. It hangs in the White House Library today.

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