"That put him on the edge of Navajo country, and Henry L. Dodge found his true love � the Navajo people.

In rapidly learning their difficult language, he did something few other whites ever accomplished. That led the government to appoint him agent for the tribe in 1853 at an annual salary of $1,500.

The Indians developed a great liking for Dodge and respectfully called him Bi�ee lichii, meaning Red Shirt, because he always wore a bright blouse of that color.

He further won their confidence when he married the niece of a celebrated Navajo peace chief, Zarcillos Largo. From his agency at Fort Defiance (now in eastern Arizona, but then in New Mexico), he saw that his charges were treated fairly."

Get the Story:
Marc Simmons: Slain Indian agent's Navajo son ascended to wealth, status (The Santa Fe New Mexican 10/29)
pwpwd