Meaning: The quote provided refers to the military actions taken against the Native American leader Sitting Bull and his followers by the United States Army. The context of this quote is the late 19th century, a time marked by conflict and tension as the U.S. government sought to expand its territory and dominance over the indigenous peoples of North America.

Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who played a significant role in the resistance against the encroachment of white settlers and the U.S. government onto Native American lands. He is perhaps best known for his leadership in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, where the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes defeated the U.S. Army under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. This battle, also known as Custer's Last Stand, was a significant and humiliating defeat for the U.S. forces.

Following the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Sitting Bull and his followers sought refuge in Canada, beyond the reach of the U.S. Army. However, the U.S. government continued to view Sitting Bull as a threat and sought to bring him and his followers under their control. This led to the quote's mention of the troops pursuing scattered bands going north or south, indicating the efforts of the U.S. military to track down and engage with Sitting Bull's forces.

The quote also mentions Sitting Bull's large camp venturing south of the Canadian border on three occasions, prompting important expeditions to be sent against them. This highlights the determination of the U.S. Army to confront Sitting Bull and his followers, even across international borders. The U.S. government saw Sitting Bull's presence as a challenge to their authority and sought to assert control over the region and its inhabitants.

One of the key figures in the U.S. Army's efforts against Sitting Bull was General Nelson Miles, who is referenced in the quote. Miles was a prominent military leader during this period and played a significant role in the campaigns against Native American resistance. His involvement in the expeditions against Sitting Bull's camp underscores the gravity with which the U.S. government viewed the situation.

The conflict between Sitting Bull and the U.S. government ultimately culminated in the events of December 1890, when Sitting Bull was killed during an attempt by Indian agency police to arrest him. This tragic event marked the end of Sitting Bull's resistance and further solidified the U.S. government's control over the indigenous peoples of the region.

The quote provides a glimpse into the historical complexities and power dynamics at play during this tumultuous period in the American West. It reflects the ongoing struggle between the U.S. government and indigenous leaders like Sitting Bull, as well as the military efforts to assert dominance and expand territorial control. The legacy of these conflicts continues to resonate in the collective memory of Native American communities and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of colonial expansion and resistance in North American history.

In conclusion, the quote captures a moment in the history of U.S. military actions against Sitting Bull and his followers, shedding light on the power dynamics, conflicts, and historical significance of this period. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic interactions between the U.S. government and indigenous peoples during the westward expansion of the United States.