chief big mouth was the elder son and became head chief in 1864 upon the death of old chief smoke. big mouth opposed chief spotted tail's leadership and criticized his negotiations with washington politicians. on october 29, 1869, spotted tail called at the door of big mouth's lodge, and asked to speak with him. on his appearance, he was seized by two warriors, who held him fast, while spotted tail drew a pistol, placed it against his body, and shot chief big mouth dead.