Sacred Trails
First Encounter of Horse Nation
First Encounter of Horse Nation
Native American have always believed that animal creatures were part of the living community. When Native Americans first encountered the horse they called them Horse Nation and they found an ally, inspiration and a tool that would transform their world. By the 1800’s Natives had used the horse nation as survival and sustaining their culture. Native Americans honored the horse and invited the horse into their spiritual lives. The horse continued to have a close relationship with the Native Americans.
Horse Dominates North America
In the 1500’s Spanish Conquistadors used the horse as a powerful weapon to take over the new lands in North American. Some of the horse were captured or ran away and the Native American tamed, trained and blessed the horses into their everyday lives. The horses moved across the entire North American continent and become a powerful tool against invaders. By the 1700’s many native tribes had their own horse nation. The horse nation strengthened the native tribes by becoming an integral part of their community and spiritual life.
The Walla Walla Council of 1855 was held on the banks of Mill Creek a tributary of the Walla Walla River. Governor Stevens the Governor of Washington and the Superintendent of Indian Affairs devoted much of his time to setting up councils between the tribes of Washington Territory. Hal-hal-tlos-sot or Lawyer was the head chief and negotiator. Hal-hal-tls-sort trusted the government and positioned his people toward peace and civilization. The tribes; Cayuses, Yakimas, Umatillas, and the Walla Wallas living in the Washington Territory were all present for the council. Governor Stevens party was in danger from a possible attack from the Cayuse Tribe who did not agree with actions taken earlier by Stevens. Chief Lawyer then moved his lodge to government camp for solidarity. The deliberations included discussions about the development of three reservations totalling three million acres. These reservations would then belong to the tribes where no white were allowed unless permitted by the councils. An agency which included school teachers, mechanics and farmers would take charge of the reservations. The final treaty was signed by fifty-six chiefs with their reservations of five thousand square miles, plus promised $60,000 for initial improvements and $200,000 in usual annuities. The treaty would benefit some thirty-six hundred people. Due to the ratification of the Senate the payments and annuities were not received until 1960. Miners, fur-trappers and settlers however felt they could work the lands that were part of the reservations. Many of these settlers were veterans of historic battle of the United States therefore they felt entitled to the amenities of the land. Tension from the Indians as well as the miners, fur-trappers and settlers quickly became hostile.
Treaty of 1863 and 1868
With so much tension among the people of the west especially the Washington Territory a military garrison was established in Lapwai. Many of the chiefs wanted a new council to address some of the violence and hostility between tribes and settlers. A new council met after many postponements and delays. In the council it was proposed that the original square footage of five thousand square feet for each reservation be reduced to six hundred and $75,000 for the changes. This treaty became known as the “thief treaty” as the Upper Nimiipuu felt opposed as it was not possible with the amount of people in the tribe. There were too many people and too much livestock to move. The treaty was signed and seemed justified by the missionaries as it kept with the interests of the church and government.
With so much tension among the people of the west especially the Washington Territory a military garrison was established in Lapwai. Many of the chiefs wanted a new council to address some of the violence and hostility between tribes and settlers. A new council met after many postponements and delays. In the council it was proposed that the original square footage of five thousand square feet for each reservation be reduced to six hundred and $75,000 for the changes. This treaty became known as the “thief treaty” as the Upper Nimiipuu felt opposed as it was not possible with the amount of people in the tribe. There were too many people and too much livestock to move. The treaty was signed and seemed justified by the missionaries as it kept with the interests of the church and government.
Racial Tension Nontreaty clans still lived on the land and tried to prosper with more pressures from the settlers. In many situations the settlers wanted the land and the Non Treaty Nimi'ipuu would not give up so quarrels would begin. Another meeting was held in Wallowa in August 1872. In this meeting it was recommended that the upper Wallowa Valley, the lake and the adjacent mountains be set aside for a hunting reserve for the whole Nimiipuu Tribe. White settlers would be compensated for improvements and moved at the government’s expense. This compromise was approved by the Indian Bureau of Affairs and sent to Washington, D.C. An executive order was signed by President Ulysses Grant on June 16, 1873. The new reservations was much smaller only 1,425 square miles and did not include the recommendations for the hunting reserve, in fact the land was small in the less productive part of the territory. All parties involved were not satisfied with the results. The settlers were given rights to occupy the bottom lands on the Wallowa River.and Young Chief Joseph requested many times to take the case to Washington, but was denied. Military troops were stationed at Wallowa area to keep the peace. The military troops also created a market for the settlers.
Thirteen Years of Controversy
The Upper Nimiipuu Chiefs signed the treaties which each time took more away from the tribes and gave more rights to the settlers. The Non Treaty Nimiipuu was now established under Young Chief Joseph and he unlike his ancestors would not sit back rather he was active, persistant and articulate with the government and felt confident to reject their orders. Folks, like A.L. Lindsley and Major Wood legally helped the Nimiipuu Cause by compiling reports and sending them to General Howard. Most of the reports gave legal and moral reasons why the Nimiipuu should not be bound to the Treaty of 1863.
The Upper Nimiipuu Chiefs signed the treaties which each time took more away from the tribes and gave more rights to the settlers. The Non Treaty Nimiipuu was now established under Young Chief Joseph and he unlike his ancestors would not sit back rather he was active, persistant and articulate with the government and felt confident to reject their orders. Folks, like A.L. Lindsley and Major Wood legally helped the Nimiipuu Cause by compiling reports and sending them to General Howard. Most of the reports gave legal and moral reasons why the Nimiipuu should not be bound to the Treaty of 1863.
Agressive Settlers In 1876 in April two settlers; McNall and Findley, assumed that the Nimiipuu people had stolen their horses, so they approached the hunting camp and accused Wahlit’its of stealing their horses. Wahlit’its denied the charges but was shot by one of the Settlers. Later the settlers did find their horses. This acts of violence alerted the tribe to be vigilant. Young Chief Joseph mobilized his people and occupied a bluff where he waited for a resolution. Finally Washington responded by appointing a commission to visit the Nimi’ipuus.
Commission of 1855
General Oliver O. Howard and Major Wood were certainly aware of the Nimi’ipuu’s problems and both were in favor of the Nimiipuu claim to Wallowa. Major Wood reports were all documented and well known at the time. General Howard felt the rescinding of the presidential order of 1873 had been unfair and he tried to convince Congress that the Nimiipuu should have the land at valley. Of course Old Joseph’s original acceptance of the treaty gave the government more power to push ahead with Young Joseph and the reservation in Wallowa valley. Young Joseph was not in favor of one reservation and it was too small for all five bands of different tribes. The Comission had five recommendations as following; 1. The religion that the Nimiipuu should be only exercised in Indian Territory. 2. Military occupation of Wallowa should move to vacant land. 3. If Nimiipuu were willing to settle peacefully within a reasonable time no force would be taken.4. Any Indian depredations, disturbance or overat acts of hostility would warrant the use of force. 5. Other nontreaty indians should be treated similarly treated by the various Indian agencies in the area.
General Oliver O. Howard and Major Wood were certainly aware of the Nimi’ipuu’s problems and both were in favor of the Nimiipuu claim to Wallowa. Major Wood reports were all documented and well known at the time. General Howard felt the rescinding of the presidential order of 1873 had been unfair and he tried to convince Congress that the Nimiipuu should have the land at valley. Of course Old Joseph’s original acceptance of the treaty gave the government more power to push ahead with Young Joseph and the reservation in Wallowa valley. Young Joseph was not in favor of one reservation and it was too small for all five bands of different tribes. The Comission had five recommendations as following; 1. The religion that the Nimiipuu should be only exercised in Indian Territory. 2. Military occupation of Wallowa should move to vacant land. 3. If Nimiipuu were willing to settle peacefully within a reasonable time no force would be taken.4. Any Indian depredations, disturbance or overat acts of hostility would warrant the use of force. 5. Other nontreaty indians should be treated similarly treated by the various Indian agencies in the area.
Year of the Decision
On January 6, 1877 Agent Monteith received the necessary authority for the Indian Commissioner to implement the recommendations outlined in the commission. This meant the Nimiipuu would have to surrender a million acres of land and return to the Wallowa reservation by April 1, 1877. The chieftains once again were persistent and demanded more land to be reserved as the acreage was too small for the amount of people and livestock to thrive as a culture. On January 13, General Howard was ordered to occupy the Wallowa country. Ollokot, Joseph’s brother met with General Howard on April 21 to convince him that the Nimiipuu were peaceful and then he immediately requested another meeting in May in Lapwai with all the nontreaty chiefs. The final council took place on May 3 in Lapwai where the chiefs requested a repeat of the November hearings due to improper proceedings. Chief Joseph once again expressed his grievances that the reservations designated was too small. The final interview at the agency with all the chiefs met and the agree to the move to Wallowa Valley.
On January 6, 1877 Agent Monteith received the necessary authority for the Indian Commissioner to implement the recommendations outlined in the commission. This meant the Nimiipuu would have to surrender a million acres of land and return to the Wallowa reservation by April 1, 1877. The chieftains once again were persistent and demanded more land to be reserved as the acreage was too small for the amount of people and livestock to thrive as a culture. On January 13, General Howard was ordered to occupy the Wallowa country. Ollokot, Joseph’s brother met with General Howard on April 21 to convince him that the Nimiipuu were peaceful and then he immediately requested another meeting in May in Lapwai with all the nontreaty chiefs. The final council took place on May 3 in Lapwai where the chiefs requested a repeat of the November hearings due to improper proceedings. Chief Joseph once again expressed his grievances that the reservations designated was too small. The final interview at the agency with all the chiefs met and the agree to the move to Wallowa Valley.
Round-up
The Nimiipuu packed up what belonging they could get on a travois and had to leave everything behind to travel to Lapwai Reservation. No government exists within the tribes so tribal members were not forced to leave to Lapwai every tribal member had the option to stay or go with the tribe. The Snake River was flooding and difficult to travel through which caused several horses to flee. The Salmon River was navigable and allowed many tribes to pass. Early June all the clans and tribes met at an ancient gathering place called Tempah Lewam, at the head of Rocky Canyon near Tolo Lake. The people used the time to prepare for the move with elder discussions and spiritual guidance. Children were dancing and horses were tended to and people gathering roots. There seems to be a rush about the preparations.
The Nimiipuu packed up what belonging they could get on a travois and had to leave everything behind to travel to Lapwai Reservation. No government exists within the tribes so tribal members were not forced to leave to Lapwai every tribal member had the option to stay or go with the tribe. The Snake River was flooding and difficult to travel through which caused several horses to flee. The Salmon River was navigable and allowed many tribes to pass. Early June all the clans and tribes met at an ancient gathering place called Tempah Lewam, at the head of Rocky Canyon near Tolo Lake. The people used the time to prepare for the move with elder discussions and spiritual guidance. Children were dancing and horses were tended to and people gathering roots. There seems to be a rush about the preparations.
Self-Restraint Altered
On June 12, several young horsemen riding wildly and acting careless knocked over a woman’s drying bulbs and the father scolded the boys by shouting out for all to hear, “See what you do! Playing brave, you ride over my woman’s hard worked food! If you are so brave, why you not go kill the white man who killed your father, Eagle Robe?” This single statement caused white blood to be shed, when none had been for fourteen years.The actions of Wahlitits became an obession and a goal that came to him in an altered state. The elders had an informal council regarding the killings, many of the leaders were hunting for the final trip to the reservation, it seemed since white people were killed the Nimiipuu were forced to go to war. The elders were upset that the General had brought a rifle to the last council meeting and took their spiritual leader as a prisoner. Chief Joseph was not present in the council to reason and strategize with the elders he was ashamed of his people for the careless, selfish, revengeful acts of killing. He knew these actions violated the latest contract the Nimiipuu had with the government and would result in force from the government. The night of killings the Nimiipuu camp was attacked at night.
On June 12, several young horsemen riding wildly and acting careless knocked over a woman’s drying bulbs and the father scolded the boys by shouting out for all to hear, “See what you do! Playing brave, you ride over my woman’s hard worked food! If you are so brave, why you not go kill the white man who killed your father, Eagle Robe?” This single statement caused white blood to be shed, when none had been for fourteen years.The actions of Wahlitits became an obession and a goal that came to him in an altered state. The elders had an informal council regarding the killings, many of the leaders were hunting for the final trip to the reservation, it seemed since white people were killed the Nimiipuu were forced to go to war. The elders were upset that the General had brought a rifle to the last council meeting and took their spiritual leader as a prisoner. Chief Joseph was not present in the council to reason and strategize with the elders he was ashamed of his people for the careless, selfish, revengeful acts of killing. He knew these actions violated the latest contract the Nimiipuu had with the government and would result in force from the government. The night of killings the Nimiipuu camp was attacked at night.
Whitebird Canyon
On June 14 General Howard waited at Lapwai for the non treaty Nimiipuu to arrive. The recent move of the Nimiipuu and the Whitebird settlers became evident that peace was not an option. General Howard commanded two companies to prepare to travel to Whitebird Canyon. Chief Joseph moved the entire Nimiipuu tribe to the Whitebird homeland as the landscape offered high bluffs and deep canyons to view the oncoming enemies.
On June 14 General Howard waited at Lapwai for the non treaty Nimiipuu to arrive. The recent move of the Nimiipuu and the Whitebird settlers became evident that peace was not an option. General Howard commanded two companies to prepare to travel to Whitebird Canyon. Chief Joseph moved the entire Nimiipuu tribe to the Whitebird homeland as the landscape offered high bluffs and deep canyons to view the oncoming enemies.
Battle of Whitebird
At daybreak on June 17, 1877 scouts for the Nimiipuu discovered Captain Perry and his column moving deep in the canyon. Captain Perry sent Lieutenant Edward Teller and eight men to scout ahead of the column. The Nimiipuu sent a peace party waving a white flag, to meet Lt Teller with strict instruction NOT to FIRE unless fired upon. Peace. For some reason a volunteer opened fire on the peace party started what is known today as the Nez Perce War. Captain Perry heard the shout and formed a skirmish line and moved forward. The volunteers led by George Shearer also heard the shot and headed for the village, where they received heavy fire from the Nimiipuu which sent them back toward the knoll running out of control. These actions sent Captain Perry’s men into a frenzy causing them to flee. Since the trumpeter was dead, Captain Perry had no way to communicate with his troops. The terrain offered a huge disadvantage to Company H and Company F, they could not form a solid line. The Nimiipuu used the terrain to give them an advantage and sent horses stampeding up the hill to both companies. Company H and F now suffered many wounded and killed soldiers and were forced to retreat. Captain Perry had lost thirty-four men and two volunteer wounded. None of the the dead soldiers were scalped mutilated or disrespected. The Nimi’ipuu had only three wounded which resulted in their victory.
At daybreak on June 17, 1877 scouts for the Nimiipuu discovered Captain Perry and his column moving deep in the canyon. Captain Perry sent Lieutenant Edward Teller and eight men to scout ahead of the column. The Nimiipuu sent a peace party waving a white flag, to meet Lt Teller with strict instruction NOT to FIRE unless fired upon. Peace. For some reason a volunteer opened fire on the peace party started what is known today as the Nez Perce War. Captain Perry heard the shout and formed a skirmish line and moved forward. The volunteers led by George Shearer also heard the shot and headed for the village, where they received heavy fire from the Nimiipuu which sent them back toward the knoll running out of control. These actions sent Captain Perry’s men into a frenzy causing them to flee. Since the trumpeter was dead, Captain Perry had no way to communicate with his troops. The terrain offered a huge disadvantage to Company H and Company F, they could not form a solid line. The Nimiipuu used the terrain to give them an advantage and sent horses stampeding up the hill to both companies. Company H and F now suffered many wounded and killed soldiers and were forced to retreat. Captain Perry had lost thirty-four men and two volunteer wounded. None of the the dead soldiers were scalped mutilated or disrespected. The Nimi’ipuu had only three wounded which resulted in their victory.
War Chief Chief Joseph was the guardian of the tribe because he was a dominant leader and a symbol of unity the man of character and prestige, the superlative representative of their cause. Since the council determines the war chief, Chief Joseph naturally became the war chief at this point. The management of the tribes is very different than management of white military campaigns. The Nimiipuu way of gaining a war chief is an extremely democratic way to select the war chief as the council of elders and warriors decide and when the leader is doing what is right, they earn the right to stay the guardian or war chief.
Battle of Clearwater
The Nimi’ipuu was heading north away from Wallowa but in the direction of Lapwai into Looking Glass band area and there they joined forces with about 250 warriors and 700 tribal members. Many volunteer white folks were joining the U.S. Cavalry to fight the Nimi’ipuu. General Howard was close behind the Nimi’ipuu and would cross the Clearwater in a quarter approach to surprise the Nimi’ipuu. The Nimi’ipuu warriors fanned out to meet the troops now amounting to about 500 soldiers made up of troops and volunteers and packers. On July 11 Howard deployed his forces along an arc line making the descent. The Nimi’ipuu with their mobility and stealthy gaits dodged between rocks and trees. The troops were hoping to reach the barren plateau. Ammunition was running out for both sides and forced more direct firing. The fighting continued into the night. The Nimi’ipuu were at an advantage in this battle because there were five leaders with different directives unlike U. S. Calvary where one leader controls the entire battle. Many of the Nimi’ipuu warrior defected that evening. The second day of battle brought increasing more gunfire and with the howitzer the troops were able to clear the Nimi’ipuu village along the river. Howard came into the Nimi’ipuu’s warrior at an angle attack. Although no Nimi’ipuu were captured the battle was won for the U.S. Cavalry as they drove the field. The chiefs were indecisive on whether to keep fighting or give up. On the third day of battle, July 13, the Nimi’ipuu crossed the Clearwater River and set up camp. Howard then made the move to send a column to block the Lolo Trail and the Chiefs observed this move they then produced a flag of truce. The following day the Nimi’ipuu traveled sixteen miles to Weippe Prairie to meet Chief Red Heart who was returning from a buffalo hunt. Chief Red Heart, unlike Chief Looking Glass, did not join forces with the Nimi’ipuu. Several Nimi’ipuu at this time went with Chief Red Heart to return to Kamiah. When the arrived in Kamiah, General Howard took both groups of forty captive. The U.S. Cavalry had a victory as the Nimi’ipuu surrendered a flag of truce.
The Nimi’ipuu was heading north away from Wallowa but in the direction of Lapwai into Looking Glass band area and there they joined forces with about 250 warriors and 700 tribal members. Many volunteer white folks were joining the U.S. Cavalry to fight the Nimi’ipuu. General Howard was close behind the Nimi’ipuu and would cross the Clearwater in a quarter approach to surprise the Nimi’ipuu. The Nimi’ipuu warriors fanned out to meet the troops now amounting to about 500 soldiers made up of troops and volunteers and packers. On July 11 Howard deployed his forces along an arc line making the descent. The Nimi’ipuu with their mobility and stealthy gaits dodged between rocks and trees. The troops were hoping to reach the barren plateau. Ammunition was running out for both sides and forced more direct firing. The fighting continued into the night. The Nimi’ipuu were at an advantage in this battle because there were five leaders with different directives unlike U. S. Calvary where one leader controls the entire battle. Many of the Nimi’ipuu warrior defected that evening. The second day of battle brought increasing more gunfire and with the howitzer the troops were able to clear the Nimi’ipuu village along the river. Howard came into the Nimi’ipuu’s warrior at an angle attack. Although no Nimi’ipuu were captured the battle was won for the U.S. Cavalry as they drove the field. The chiefs were indecisive on whether to keep fighting or give up. On the third day of battle, July 13, the Nimi’ipuu crossed the Clearwater River and set up camp. Howard then made the move to send a column to block the Lolo Trail and the Chiefs observed this move they then produced a flag of truce. The following day the Nimi’ipuu traveled sixteen miles to Weippe Prairie to meet Chief Red Heart who was returning from a buffalo hunt. Chief Red Heart, unlike Chief Looking Glass, did not join forces with the Nimi’ipuu. Several Nimi’ipuu at this time went with Chief Red Heart to return to Kamiah. When the arrived in Kamiah, General Howard took both groups of forty captive. The U.S. Cavalry had a victory as the Nimi’ipuu surrendered a flag of truce.
Chiefs Hold Council in Weippe CampThe council was forced to a make long range plan for their tribes. The decided to cross the Lolo Trail and go into Montana, in Old Woman’s Country (Yellowstone Basin) where they would meet up with the Crow Tribe who are their brothers. They felt the combined strength would be mutually beneficial for all the tribes. Chief Joseph was not in favor of leaving his homeland territory because he felt they were fighting for their sacred land, not the land of the Crows who are strangers. Chief Looking Glass then becomes the war leader and guides the Nimi’ipuu east to the Lolo Trail.
Crossing the Lolo Trail The Nimi’ipuu traveled into Montana where they believe the Montana people were not their enemy but rather the people of Idaho. As the travelled five warriors served as rear guards. The rear guard ambushed the scouts sending them back to the Kamiah. Two warriors were wounded and one warrior dead. Joseph’s braves secretly followed the troops back to the Clearwater Camp where ponies were escaping and following the trail to Lolo Trail.
History of Lolo Trail
The Lolo Trail crosses the Bitterroot Mountains which divides two rivers; Bitterroot on the East side of the Mountains and the Clearwater River on the west side of the the mountain range. The Bitterroot Mountains are known for their elevation and difficult terrain. The length of the Lolo Trail is 250 miles are twists and turn and narrow passages. The trail was used by the many tribes for hunting. During the Lewis and Clark Expedition several horses fell from the trail with it steep narrow passages.
The Lolo Trail crosses the Bitterroot Mountains which divides two rivers; Bitterroot on the East side of the Mountains and the Clearwater River on the west side of the the mountain range. The Bitterroot Mountains are known for their elevation and difficult terrain. The length of the Lolo Trail is 250 miles are twists and turn and narrow passages. The trail was used by the many tribes for hunting. During the Lewis and Clark Expedition several horses fell from the trail with it steep narrow passages.
Fort Fizzle (Missoula)
Route decisions were being made as the Nez Perce passed on the trail, whether they would go north with the Flathead Tribe or north east, east or south east. The chiefs felt it was important to avoid forts which at this times were also Indian Agencies and missions. The Flathead Tribe were very peaceful and would not take the side with the Nimi’ipuu Tribe; probably as it meant hostility. The route was decided when Captain Rawn stationed in Fort Missoula was alerted of the Nimi’ipuu Tribe was approaching and he took it as a threat. Captain Rawn recruited volunteers from Missoula, Butte and Deer Lodge to barricade the Nimi’ipuu Tribe at Fort Fizzle the opening to the valley. The Nimi’ipuu in the meantime sent a messenger to Captain Rawn requesting a meeting. The parley or meeting took place and Captain Rawn demanded the Nimi’ipuu’s weapons and surrender. The Flatheads wearing white turbines were supporting Captain Rawn. At this moment hundreds of the volunteers left and the Nimi’ipuu people were travelling south through the Bitterroot Mountains.
Route decisions were being made as the Nez Perce passed on the trail, whether they would go north with the Flathead Tribe or north east, east or south east. The chiefs felt it was important to avoid forts which at this times were also Indian Agencies and missions. The Flathead Tribe were very peaceful and would not take the side with the Nimi’ipuu Tribe; probably as it meant hostility. The route was decided when Captain Rawn stationed in Fort Missoula was alerted of the Nimi’ipuu Tribe was approaching and he took it as a threat. Captain Rawn recruited volunteers from Missoula, Butte and Deer Lodge to barricade the Nimi’ipuu Tribe at Fort Fizzle the opening to the valley. The Nimi’ipuu in the meantime sent a messenger to Captain Rawn requesting a meeting. The parley or meeting took place and Captain Rawn demanded the Nimi’ipuu’s weapons and surrender. The Flatheads wearing white turbines were supporting Captain Rawn. At this moment hundreds of the volunteers left and the Nimi’ipuu people were travelling south through the Bitterroot Mountains.
Battle of the Big Hole (Chapter 10) The area surrounding the Big Hole Valley is like an oasis, lots of ravines and the rivers wines through the valley which is great for grazing. The area has few settlers as it is known as the Valley of Big Snows. The elevation is 6,800 ft. Looking Glass did not have rear guards to keep an eye on their last paths and their strong code of ethics convinced them that nobody would attack a hungry and unprotected village. The daytime was used to collect wood for travois and hunting. They had 98 lodges set up in a V- shape near the river. The surrounding of the camp had willow patches and sloughs. Lt. Bradley sent out scouts and formulate a plan of attack for the early morning hours when the Nimi’ipuu were sleeping. Lt Gibbon along with Lt. Bradley flanked the village and waited to surprise attack. At dawn the troops rode into the camp and open fired on helpless Nimi’ipuu warriors sleeping with their families. Many Nimi’ipuu woke and attacked with what means they could. An synergy with the Nimi’ipuu allowed them to continue the fight with equal force. Many of the Nimi’ipuu raced for cover in the willows, brush and trees and continued to fight. Some climbed into trees managed to aloft the troops. The fighting continued throughout the day and into the evening. So many Nimi’ipuu dead and the people were crying, wailing and horrified at the massacre before them. Lt. Gibbon retreated into the wood where the Nimi’ipuu followed and opened continuous fire. The Nimi’ipuu managed to acquire a great arsenal of weapons but challenged with the howitzer they dismantled it and buried it. Within 24 hours with the arrival of more troops with Sutherland the Nimi’ipuu felt fighting was a futile attempt so on August 10, the Nimi’ipuu fired a two-volley salvo and withdrew from the battle to meet up with their tribe.
Birch Creek Massacre
Lean Elk (Poker Joe) is in charge of the the war plan. He sends the women & families ahead of the entire fighting force as they head into Bannock City. Lean Elk also uses a circuitous route, which is having a circular or winding course, as to offset General Howard who is about one day behind the Nimi’ipuu Tribe. Lean Elk positioned scouts in front and in behind the main group. As the scouts travel through Horse Prairie they attack and kill ranchers and steal their horses. The Lemhi area sees the Nimi’ipuu Tribe as a threat and put defense plans into place. When the Nimi’ipuu reach Lemhi the hold a parley which results in peace and the Lemhi people trusting the Nimi’ipuu to continue moving. The scouts move ahead to Birch Creek where they encountered a caravan of wagon freight. Th Nimi’ipuu scouts demand their weapons. Barrels of whiskey are discovered and the Nimi’ipuu drink to their hearts content thus impairing their temperaments. The freight wagon refused to turn over their weapons and as a result were killed and the wagons burned. Five men were killed and not with the permission of the Chiefs, who were disgusted in such undisciplined means of scouting. At this time Chief Tendoy with the Lemhi band of Shoshonis turned against the Nimi’ipuu Tribe and joined forces with the U.S. Cavalry. The Nimi’ipuu Tribe continues south to Kamisnim Tukin “Camas Meadows. General Howard is now gaining forces from Fort Ellis- Bozeman, Virginia City and other Bannack Indians and the more Shoshonis with Chief Wasakie. On the night of August 19th Black Hair a Nimi’ipuu warrior has a disturbed dream which causes Ollokot to take the lead on a new war plan.
Lean Elk (Poker Joe) is in charge of the the war plan. He sends the women & families ahead of the entire fighting force as they head into Bannock City. Lean Elk also uses a circuitous route, which is having a circular or winding course, as to offset General Howard who is about one day behind the Nimi’ipuu Tribe. Lean Elk positioned scouts in front and in behind the main group. As the scouts travel through Horse Prairie they attack and kill ranchers and steal their horses. The Lemhi area sees the Nimi’ipuu Tribe as a threat and put defense plans into place. When the Nimi’ipuu reach Lemhi the hold a parley which results in peace and the Lemhi people trusting the Nimi’ipuu to continue moving. The scouts move ahead to Birch Creek where they encountered a caravan of wagon freight. Th Nimi’ipuu scouts demand their weapons. Barrels of whiskey are discovered and the Nimi’ipuu drink to their hearts content thus impairing their temperaments. The freight wagon refused to turn over their weapons and as a result were killed and the wagons burned. Five men were killed and not with the permission of the Chiefs, who were disgusted in such undisciplined means of scouting. At this time Chief Tendoy with the Lemhi band of Shoshonis turned against the Nimi’ipuu Tribe and joined forces with the U.S. Cavalry. The Nimi’ipuu Tribe continues south to Kamisnim Tukin “Camas Meadows. General Howard is now gaining forces from Fort Ellis- Bozeman, Virginia City and other Bannack Indians and the more Shoshonis with Chief Wasakie. On the night of August 19th Black Hair a Nimi’ipuu warrior has a disturbed dream which causes Ollokot to take the lead on a new war plan.
Battle of Camas Meadows August 20
The eastern valley plain was a mix of desert and intermittent wetland . On the Montana side there were forms of basalt - lava outcroppings left from the volcanic activity one-half million years earlier. Camas Meadows named after the bluish flower was low and lush grassy green scatteredb throughout the basalt fields. Camas meadows is watered by a network of streams which include Camas Creek and Spring Creek. The present day location of , Kilgore Idaho, is close to where the two creek runs parallel to each other.General Howard used the area to rest the men of three companies and wait for Norwood and his troops. Howard carefully set up camp to outsmart the enemy. The Howard's head quarters would be on an elevated ground that overlooks the meadows towards the west and the lava-beds towards the north east. The other cavalry would be lower with the horses and the volunteer below the horses, The horses and mules were caged, tied to picket ropes with legs tied together, all behind wagons for protection. Twenty- one pickets were set up around camp. The soldiers felt secure and slept well that evening as the rain fell. On August 19th, Black Hair and Grizzly Bear Youth had a vision experience in a dream which causes Ollokot to take the lead on a new war plan.# Looking Glass orchestrates a plan to raid General Howard’s troops of their horses leaving them on foot and unable to efficiently fight with stampeding horses. He did not emphasize fighting, but more taking of their horses. # At 3:30 am on August 20, the Nimi’ipuu warriors of about 100 without Chief Joseph snuck up to the General’s camp to take the horses and kill the General. Yellow Wolf cut the horses free which ended up being mostly mules. With the commotion of mules being let loose a couple of shots were fired by the pickets and alarmed the slumbering troops and opened the command for the warriors. Soldiers were running to General Howard’s tent and to the creeks for cover. Soldiers withheld their firing as the citizens camp was nearby. The warriors goading on the stampeding horses and mules were trying to drive the animals to their camp only managed to take 150 mules. The shots fired for several hours. At daylight Major Sanford was organized to pursue the raiders and recover the stock. The Nimi’ipuu were then travelling north with the mules stampeding in the same direction. General Howard ordered three companies headed by Norwood, Carr and Jackson to follow. Stanford’s cavalry reached the end of the herd and they managed to recover a few. This type of pressure for the raiding party caused them to divert their tactics and direction. The Nimi’ipuu warriors formed a think skirmish line across the meadows. A natural landscape, a lava escarpment at least ten feet high became a barrier to Stanford’s company. Twenty five mules and horses were recovered. Jackson’s troops were getting flanked by the warriors and Private Bernard Brooks, Jackson’s trumpeter died to a bullet wound to the heart. Jackson dismounted among the skirmish and recovered Brook’s body. Within 20 minutes Carr and Jackson withdrew the position and returned to the horse holders. Norwood did NOT obey orders to withdraw otherwise he would have lost his whole company so ihe took a position on elevated ground to cover the rear. The trumpeter blew the “recall” alerting the soldiers of their position. It became a race to the thicket for the soldiers. It was the close position, that allowed the warriors to draw near with deadly fire. Volunteer soldiers came and relieved Norwood and he returned back to camp. By 9:30 seven hours later the fighting was over. Howard was reluctant to send any more soldiers to retrieve the livestock, but he continued with the Bannock scouts watching the movement of the bands of tribes. Howard moved northeast along the Henry’s Fork or the north fork of the Snake River entering into Targhee Pass where he rested him men and sent numerous telegrams to watch for the Nimi’ipuu and other bands as they were travelling in buffalo country. To Sherman Howard’s superior he wrote in the telegram that: “ His command is so much worn by over fatique and jaded animals that I cannot push it much farther. Sherman responded: “ If you are tired, give the command to some young officer.!”Howard responded to what he felt was a reprimand: “You misunderstood me. I never flag. It was the command including the most energetic young officers , that were worn out and weary by a most extraordinary march. You need not fear for the campaign. Neither you nor General McDowell can doubt my pluck and energy...... We move in the morning and will continue to the end.#The Nimi’ipuu proved a victory as no Nimi’ipuu was badly hurt only one or two grazed by bullet. Bugler Bernard Brooks was killed and about five soldiers suffered wounds including Lt. Benson and 100 head of mules and volunteer horses were taken. #
Yellowstone Park The Nimi’ipuu kept on the move under council by the chiefs and were hopeful that as they approached The Old Ladies Area, Yellowstone Area, the Crow Tribe and the Sioux Tribes would join their fight. The Nimi’ipuu reached Henry’s Lake and camped and discussed their possible routes to divert General Howard and his troops. With the many rivers north in the Yellowstone area there would many options and instead of crossing the Gallatin River, the Nimi’ipuu Tribe would travel the Madison River. At the Madison River the Nimi’ipuu scouts ran into a prospector named Shively, whom willingly joined their fight as a scout. At this point General Howard and entire command consisting of 200 cavalry, 300 infantry and 50 Shoshoni scouts and 50 Montana volunteers reached Henry’s Lake and was in much need of horses, food, rest and supplies. Chief Buffalo Horn proposed a dance to revitalize and energize the men. General Howard went into Virginia City to get supplies and telegraphed General Sherman in Fort Shaw, Montana to request supplies and possible interceptions with Sturgis’s and Miles’s troops as they were on the Yellowstone River. General Howard predicted that the Nimi’ipuu were heading into Crow and Sioux Territory seeking their assistance. General Sherman sends message back to Howard to remain with force and pursue the Nimi’ipuu and he should run into Sturgis at the Clark Fork River and Sheridan at Tongue River. General Howard sends Fisher and his troops to pursue the Nimi’ipuu, he sends Spurgin troops to get bring Howard pack trains and wagons from the Clearwater River to Fort Ellis. Saving about a hundred miles Howard heads north on the Yellowstone River to ascend at the Lamar River.
Montana’s Toughest Terrain and Highest Elevations – Absaroka Range (eastern boundary of Yellowstone Park)
The Absaroka Range which consists of granite including 30 peaks represents one of the most rugged ranges in Montana. The elevation of the entire range is well above the 10,000 feet high and home to the highest elevation point in Montana, Granite Peak. The tributaries formed in the mountain range consist of the Shoshone River (Stinking Water) and Clark Fork and the Yellowstone which over time have eroded into trails only expert hunters and horsemen can traverse. Absaroka Range became a war tactic, a blockade, for the General Howard and his command to seize the Nimi’ipuu aggressive flight. The plan to trap the Nimi’ipuu was long overdue and well thought out. Sturgis guarded the The Clark Fork River, Major Hart was watching the Shoshone River, Col Merritt was scouting the Wind River and Captain Cushing was near the Crow Agency while Fischer with The Bannack Tribe were scouting all areas. General Howard with Gilbert and Doan’s company were pressing at the rear. On September 8th, United States troops were surrounding the area where the Nimi’ipuu were traveling. It seemed impossible for the Nimi’ipuu to escape and some suggest it was the supernatural intervention that allowed the Nimi’ipuu chiefs to allude their enemies now on all sides of them . The Nimi’ipuu Tribe was so deft with horses and terrain it became an advantage over the soldiers. The Nimi’ipuu simply deceived their enemy with skills, scouting skills, landscape skills, horseman skills, and vigilance and endurance with a 40 mile hide and seek game. General Howard attempted to get messages to Sturgis without success. It seems everyone in the valley was the Nimi’ipuu’s enemy. On September 11, Howard finally meets up with Sturgis and they realized the enemy has passed. Two messages are sent to Miles on the Tonque River to prepare to capture Nimi’ipuu. Sturgis takes the orders to pursue the Nimi’ipuu because his horses were fresh and he was fast and always early. Looking Glass travels into the Crow Agency to meet with the Mountain Chief to gain their support in their flight. The Crow however want to remain neutral and refused to join the Nimi’ipuu Tribe which shocks the entire tribe as the Nimi’ipuu fought to protect the Crow from the Sioux not so long ago. The Yellowstone River Valley is very populated and the Nimi’ipuu decide to have fun in the saloons and the sawmill by raiding and burning them. The Nimi’puu earn more enemies and some of the victims of the saloon raid like Cochran amd George Houston create their own posse call Yellowstone Scouts and take on the pursuit to kill the Nimi’ipuu Tribe.
The Absaroka Range which consists of granite including 30 peaks represents one of the most rugged ranges in Montana. The elevation of the entire range is well above the 10,000 feet high and home to the highest elevation point in Montana, Granite Peak. The tributaries formed in the mountain range consist of the Shoshone River (Stinking Water) and Clark Fork and the Yellowstone which over time have eroded into trails only expert hunters and horsemen can traverse. Absaroka Range became a war tactic, a blockade, for the General Howard and his command to seize the Nimi’ipuu aggressive flight. The plan to trap the Nimi’ipuu was long overdue and well thought out. Sturgis guarded the The Clark Fork River, Major Hart was watching the Shoshone River, Col Merritt was scouting the Wind River and Captain Cushing was near the Crow Agency while Fischer with The Bannack Tribe were scouting all areas. General Howard with Gilbert and Doan’s company were pressing at the rear. On September 8th, United States troops were surrounding the area where the Nimi’ipuu were traveling. It seemed impossible for the Nimi’ipuu to escape and some suggest it was the supernatural intervention that allowed the Nimi’ipuu chiefs to allude their enemies now on all sides of them . The Nimi’ipuu Tribe was so deft with horses and terrain it became an advantage over the soldiers. The Nimi’ipuu simply deceived their enemy with skills, scouting skills, landscape skills, horseman skills, and vigilance and endurance with a 40 mile hide and seek game. General Howard attempted to get messages to Sturgis without success. It seems everyone in the valley was the Nimi’ipuu’s enemy. On September 11, Howard finally meets up with Sturgis and they realized the enemy has passed. Two messages are sent to Miles on the Tonque River to prepare to capture Nimi’ipuu. Sturgis takes the orders to pursue the Nimi’ipuu because his horses were fresh and he was fast and always early. Looking Glass travels into the Crow Agency to meet with the Mountain Chief to gain their support in their flight. The Crow however want to remain neutral and refused to join the Nimi’ipuu Tribe which shocks the entire tribe as the Nimi’ipuu fought to protect the Crow from the Sioux not so long ago. The Yellowstone River Valley is very populated and the Nimi’ipuu decide to have fun in the saloons and the sawmill by raiding and burning them. The Nimi’puu earn more enemies and some of the victims of the saloon raid like Cochran amd George Houston create their own posse call Yellowstone Scouts and take on the pursuit to kill the Nimi’ipuu Tribe.
Cow Island and Cow Creek Canyon & Attish Pah (Place of the Cave of Red Paint)
The Nimi’ipuu were successfully able to get farther away from U.S. Troops and enabled them to reach the high plains north of the Musselshell River what is present day Molt, Montana and the Big Lake Basin. Then they traversed west on the Musselshell continuing toward the Big Snowy Mountains. This trek was not easy with their loss of horses, depleted condition and the Crow Scouts and Sturgis’s pursuit. Sturgis hit the trail to follow and about 150 Crow all dressed for war joined the pursuit to get the Nimi’ipuu. Sturgis sent Crow scouts to stop the Nimi’ipuu march. Unable to stop the Nimi’ipuu march harassed the Nimi’ipuu and managed to steal another 400 horses. The Crows then attempted to capture the families and children with no luck. Five Nimiipuu were killed in the skirmish. # Cow Island situated in the Missouri River about 120 miles downstream from the river port of Fort Benton, served as the head of navigation during low water each autumn. Fifty tons of government freight was stored there waiting for shipment by wagons. The Nimi’ipuu approached the Missouri River (Seloselo Wejanwais) and Attish Pah (Place of the Cave of the Red Paint) where they encountered Dumb Bull’s Crow encampment. The Nimi’ipuu took food and supplies and burned the rest, and travelled northwest. The warriors were becoming very aggressive and assaulted any person who did not supply or feed the Nim’ipuu People. Another train of supplies was destroyed on their route to Fort Benton. When they left Cow Island the Nimi’ipuu were only eighty miles from the United States-Canada boundry, but all the encounter with the freight holders caused another delay in their movement. The leaders were in a rift about whether to keep the pace or slow down and take care of the families, elders and horses.
The Nimi’ipuu were successfully able to get farther away from U.S. Troops and enabled them to reach the high plains north of the Musselshell River what is present day Molt, Montana and the Big Lake Basin. Then they traversed west on the Musselshell continuing toward the Big Snowy Mountains. This trek was not easy with their loss of horses, depleted condition and the Crow Scouts and Sturgis’s pursuit. Sturgis hit the trail to follow and about 150 Crow all dressed for war joined the pursuit to get the Nimi’ipuu. Sturgis sent Crow scouts to stop the Nimi’ipuu march. Unable to stop the Nimi’ipuu march harassed the Nimi’ipuu and managed to steal another 400 horses. The Crows then attempted to capture the families and children with no luck. Five Nimiipuu were killed in the skirmish. # Cow Island situated in the Missouri River about 120 miles downstream from the river port of Fort Benton, served as the head of navigation during low water each autumn. Fifty tons of government freight was stored there waiting for shipment by wagons. The Nimi’ipuu approached the Missouri River (Seloselo Wejanwais) and Attish Pah (Place of the Cave of the Red Paint) where they encountered Dumb Bull’s Crow encampment. The Nimi’ipuu took food and supplies and burned the rest, and travelled northwest. The warriors were becoming very aggressive and assaulted any person who did not supply or feed the Nim’ipuu People. Another train of supplies was destroyed on their route to Fort Benton. When they left Cow Island the Nimi’ipuu were only eighty miles from the United States-Canada boundry, but all the encounter with the freight holders caused another delay in their movement. The leaders were in a rift about whether to keep the pace or slow down and take care of the families, elders and horses.
Battle of Bear's Paw October 1-5 - September 30 - The Bear's Paw Mountains provided the Nimi’ipuu people with ample game, outlying buttes, ridges to discover the enemy and disection of ridges for concealing. It was Snake Creek where they established camp. The leaders were not sure they had time to establish camp but the grassy bottoms offered the weak animals needed food and food and rest. # The coulee at six feet deep would offer protection and conceal them from the enemies which were multiplying and getting closer in range with the Nimi’ipuu camp. Young Two Moons and Starving Elk and Hump were Cheyenne warriors scouting for the U.S. Troops and they spotted the Nimi’ipuu and reported their position to Miles’s command. Miles planned to execute the traditional army tactical strike that became classic throughout the post-Civil War Indian campaign and shock the entire camp. Two things happen in the Nim’ipuu camp that may have cost them the battle. Wottolen the warrior had a dream about an imminent attack which Looking Glass ignored. Two scouts visiting an Assiniboine warned that the saw the troops coming and the saw them stampeding the buffalo. Looking Glass felt the people had plenty of time to move even with the warning and the buffalo, but he was wrong. From the south came the noise recalled by Yellow Wolf “stampeding buffaloes.” Tyler and his troops charged directly through the camp only to realize the village was serveral miles off. Miles was right behind Tyler and his troops. General Howard was close behind Miles and his troops. Hales’s men travelled the ascended flat ridge, but the warriors stopped his advance. Beyond the precipice, Moyland commanded the troops to fall back which lead to confusion since most of his men had never seen combat. He continued with and intended on withdrawing and reforming but started his men to the rear, but Godfey was an open target which the warrior opened fire and killed his horse. Trumpeter Herwood and Welch saved Captain Godfrey by distracting the warriors until Godfrey could gain footage. Eckerson took Godfrey’s duties as he was wounded. Colonel Miles directed companies A and D to dismount and face front, (directly to the North) to join with Hale’s troops. The terrain protected the troops as the warriors over shot them. Hale’s troops advance (North) but are very much exposed to the sharp shooters, the he ordered them to dismount which involved hand to hand combat. Warriors gradually withdraw. Hale pulled back and reassembled with Moylan and Godfrey but the cross fire meant for the other companies was before them. Hale took a bullet in the thigh and just as he reloaded his revolver on the skirmish line a bullet tore and broke his neck. At this time many bodies lay on the fields and riderless horses gallop over the hills if not shot. Bugler was ordered to sound the deployment, but he could not as his was dead. The hotchkiss gun was brought in with the 5th Infantry but the muzzle could not be lowered because the sharp shooter shot the soldiers. The warriors were always aiming at the commander and they intended to hit Colonel Miles and the troops were begging him to dismount to ease the firing. With several commanders shot the leadership of the 7th Infantry. These opening assaults on the Nimi’puu were alarming and forced many Nim’ipuu to flee like (Sound of the Water) in the confusion. Yellow Wolf tried to save the herd and ran to the bluff with Ollokot. As the ran up the bluff they were getting closer to the soldiers and Ollokot was shot close range in the head and died. Yellow Wolf could see from the bluff that the entire camp was surrounded by a circle of soldiers. The herd had been driven earlier in the battle from Tyler’s battalion sweep of 400. A second rush of assault came and sent many Nimi’ipuu people fleeing for the lives with about 250 of the livestock. Tyler sent Lieutenant McClernand’s Company C to pursue the fleeing natives and livestock on a course of about 5 miles. The troops got between the horses and the Nimi’ipuu, but the men would not leave causing McClernand to withdraw. After the her had been captured Lieutenant Jerome and company H came up on the bank opposite of the village and opened a fusillade which caught many women and children. Tyler and the Second Cavalry held the hills below the north end of the camp. Woodruff and Carter the Fifth Infantry battalion made a clean sweep by charging along the whole line and drive the Nimi’ipuu from the ravines and village out into the open. Miles ordered an attack with Romeyn’s command, Mason and Carter’s troops and Company I and the Cheyenne and Lakota scouts pressed on into Joseph’s sector of the camp. The approach suddenly stopped, the warriors kept the troops in line. This went on for hours and at 5:30 Miles prepared a message to Howard, Sturgis, and Captain Brotherton of the situation: I have this day surprised the hostile Nez Perce in their camp and have had a very sharp fight. I have several officers and men wounded- about 30. About 250 Indians are still in their camp, which is protected. We captured the most of their herd, but I may have **** difficulty in moving , on account of my wounded. Please move forward with caution and rapidity. Colonel Miles determined that further strikes would not give the troops any advantage, and they he could prosecute the Nimi’ ipuu by sieging them, surrounding their line and pound and starve them into submission. The Nimi’ipuu in response dug labyrinth of tunnels, which allow them to hold entire families, move around and communicate with each other. The food was limited, but their spirits were high. Forty - one shelter were created, with fifteen rifle pits and holes and tunnel to talk through as the last line of defense. The seige lasted well into the night and the Company G managed to switch places with Company F to renew their energy. A fallen sleet of snow had made its way to the battlefield and many of the Nimi’ipuu were wailing from death, cold and their loss. The U.S.Troops had 18 dead, 29 wounded from for companies and 2 wounded native scouts. The Nimi’ipuu also suffered great losses, in the first 3 hours Ollokot, Tohoolhoolzote, Lean Elk, some killed their by their own Husis Kute and 5 others. Only 2 were wounded.
Siege at Bear's Paw
October 1 brought snow, hail, winds and frustration to all the troops and Nimi’ipuu people. In the distance a line of horses were approaching and Colonel Miles, feeling frightened, thought it was the impending Sioux. It turned out only to be travelling buffalo. The Sioux however were meeting and deciding whether to support the Nimi’ipuu and their warriors. The Sioux had been warned by the North West Mounted police stayed in Canada. Many Nimi’ipuu wanted to see a discussion between Col Miles and Joseph, however Joseph disapproved. Col Miles facilitated a discussion to aid any withdrawal or surrenders with the Nimi’ipuu. Col. Miles used the Cheyenne scouts to go to the camp and talk with Chief Joseph. The first meeting only consisted of Nimi;ipuu shaking hands with the U.S. Troops. The troops rode back to Col Miles who now wanted to meet with Chief Joseph. The U.S. Troops returned with a not for Chief Joseph from Col Miles stating that he wanted Chief Joseph to assess the situation and he did not want people killed unnecessary.Chief Joseph’s response was that he needed time to think about the situation. With the truce flag waving, both sides took the time to gather their dead and wounded from the previous day of fighting. Joseph walked over to Col Miles Tent where they Joseph explained through his interrupter Tom Hill that his brother Ollokot and many other chiefs died yesterday and that he wanted to surrender some of the people did not. Miles responded with instructing Chief Joseph to surrender and to give up their weapons, which amounts to nothing. Joseph hesitated to surrender to give up their weapons, his people required some guns for hunting game. Silence continued and then Chief Joseph decided to leave when for no apparent reason Miles took Chief Joseph prisoner which violates every concept of a truce. Chief Joseph was hobbled and covered in blanket and throw in pasture with he mules. Lieutenant Jerome was ordered to go to the Nimi’ipuu camp and report on their numbers, condition and ammunition, and fortifications. Lt. Jerome was then held by the Nimi’ipuu people where is was allowed to carry his weapon and was treated very well. As Jerome was held with the Nimi’ipuu people they were being fired on by the U.S. Troops. The Nimi’ipuu moved Lt. Jerome to keep him safe. Jerome was in awe with the Nimi’ipuu people and their buoyant cheerfulness despite their dire circumstances. During the day Lt. Jerome sent a note to Col Miles regarding his treatment and that Chief Joseph should be removed from the hobbles and treated with respect. Col Miles started planning the exchange of prisoners when the Napoleon gun arrived. On October 2, in the morning the prisoners were brought to the skirmish line where they shook hands and went with the people. The unsteady truce continued through the next day. On the 3rd the Napolen gun was fired into the Nimi’ipuu Village shocking the people and possibly a threat. A few gun fires were returned. The land explosion from the Napolean gun buried and entire native family killing a grandmother and child. On October 4 General Howard arrives and directed reinforcement ahead of his command and lets Colonel Miles resume leadership. He is shot at but Colonel Miles explains that the people are corralled down below. Colonel Miles send more native scouts to invite surrender from Chief Joseph. The chiefs of bands were counseling and wanted to come to an agreement; which they did have two separate councils. They decided to have Chief Joseph surrender and those who wished to flee should escape. As Captain John a messenger for the Nimi’ipuu, relayed Chief Joseph’s words in the note and it brought him to tears. The note very similar in his speech explained that he knows General Howard heart and that he is tired of fighting, his chiefs are dead, many people escaped. The little children are freezing and they he will fight no more forever. On October 5, 11:00 Joseph rode up gracefully with his head downto halfway between the lines, he proceeded to dismount walk ahead of the warriors to General Howard & Colonel Miles. He raised his head, started to give his weapon to General Howard who turned to Colonel Miles and then gave it to Colonel Miles.
October 1 brought snow, hail, winds and frustration to all the troops and Nimi’ipuu people. In the distance a line of horses were approaching and Colonel Miles, feeling frightened, thought it was the impending Sioux. It turned out only to be travelling buffalo. The Sioux however were meeting and deciding whether to support the Nimi’ipuu and their warriors. The Sioux had been warned by the North West Mounted police stayed in Canada. Many Nimi’ipuu wanted to see a discussion between Col Miles and Joseph, however Joseph disapproved. Col Miles facilitated a discussion to aid any withdrawal or surrenders with the Nimi’ipuu. Col. Miles used the Cheyenne scouts to go to the camp and talk with Chief Joseph. The first meeting only consisted of Nimi;ipuu shaking hands with the U.S. Troops. The troops rode back to Col Miles who now wanted to meet with Chief Joseph. The U.S. Troops returned with a not for Chief Joseph from Col Miles stating that he wanted Chief Joseph to assess the situation and he did not want people killed unnecessary.Chief Joseph’s response was that he needed time to think about the situation. With the truce flag waving, both sides took the time to gather their dead and wounded from the previous day of fighting. Joseph walked over to Col Miles Tent where they Joseph explained through his interrupter Tom Hill that his brother Ollokot and many other chiefs died yesterday and that he wanted to surrender some of the people did not. Miles responded with instructing Chief Joseph to surrender and to give up their weapons, which amounts to nothing. Joseph hesitated to surrender to give up their weapons, his people required some guns for hunting game. Silence continued and then Chief Joseph decided to leave when for no apparent reason Miles took Chief Joseph prisoner which violates every concept of a truce. Chief Joseph was hobbled and covered in blanket and throw in pasture with he mules. Lieutenant Jerome was ordered to go to the Nimi’ipuu camp and report on their numbers, condition and ammunition, and fortifications. Lt. Jerome was then held by the Nimi’ipuu people where is was allowed to carry his weapon and was treated very well. As Jerome was held with the Nimi’ipuu people they were being fired on by the U.S. Troops. The Nimi’ipuu moved Lt. Jerome to keep him safe. Jerome was in awe with the Nimi’ipuu people and their buoyant cheerfulness despite their dire circumstances. During the day Lt. Jerome sent a note to Col Miles regarding his treatment and that Chief Joseph should be removed from the hobbles and treated with respect. Col Miles started planning the exchange of prisoners when the Napoleon gun arrived. On October 2, in the morning the prisoners were brought to the skirmish line where they shook hands and went with the people. The unsteady truce continued through the next day. On the 3rd the Napolen gun was fired into the Nimi’ipuu Village shocking the people and possibly a threat. A few gun fires were returned. The land explosion from the Napolean gun buried and entire native family killing a grandmother and child. On October 4 General Howard arrives and directed reinforcement ahead of his command and lets Colonel Miles resume leadership. He is shot at but Colonel Miles explains that the people are corralled down below. Colonel Miles send more native scouts to invite surrender from Chief Joseph. The chiefs of bands were counseling and wanted to come to an agreement; which they did have two separate councils. They decided to have Chief Joseph surrender and those who wished to flee should escape. As Captain John a messenger for the Nimi’ipuu, relayed Chief Joseph’s words in the note and it brought him to tears. The note very similar in his speech explained that he knows General Howard heart and that he is tired of fighting, his chiefs are dead, many people escaped. The little children are freezing and they he will fight no more forever. On October 5, 11:00 Joseph rode up gracefully with his head downto halfway between the lines, he proceeded to dismount walk ahead of the warriors to General Howard & Colonel Miles. He raised his head, started to give his weapon to General Howard who turned to Colonel Miles and then gave it to Colonel Miles.
Chief Joseph’s Famous Words
Chief Joseph was the tribal guardian and he took his role and responsibility seriously. Since the Sioux Nation or Sitting Bull refused to help the fight, he felt the tribe’s strength and endurance could not win, yet he was not willing to quit. After Chief Joseph learned that General Howard had arrived and that he did not want fighting, Chief Joseph felt he needed to do what was best for his people. At this point many warriors were dead, many tribal members had escaped, other tribes refused to help and the remaining members were cold, hungry and weary. Chief Joseph surrendered his fight for his people. He discussed and persuaded his people that it was their only choice they had with the resources at hand. He wanted to respectfully bury the dead, collect resources and find their family members to sustain themselves. “ Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all killed. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills. And have no blankets, not food; o one knows where they are, perhaps freezing to death. I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.
Chief Joseph was the tribal guardian and he took his role and responsibility seriously. Since the Sioux Nation or Sitting Bull refused to help the fight, he felt the tribe’s strength and endurance could not win, yet he was not willing to quit. After Chief Joseph learned that General Howard had arrived and that he did not want fighting, Chief Joseph felt he needed to do what was best for his people. At this point many warriors were dead, many tribal members had escaped, other tribes refused to help and the remaining members were cold, hungry and weary. Chief Joseph surrendered his fight for his people. He discussed and persuaded his people that it was their only choice they had with the resources at hand. He wanted to respectfully bury the dead, collect resources and find their family members to sustain themselves. “ Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all killed. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills. And have no blankets, not food; o one knows where they are, perhaps freezing to death. I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.
Casualities were approximated Native American Killed 151 Wounded 88Soldiers Killed 127 Wounded 147
Material CostsNatives$ 262,500 offered to the five bands was lost.11.000 horses lost for Nez Perce & Five Bands11, 000 cattle lost for Nez Perce & Five Bandssaddles for the horse
Governor of MT and Idaho 931,329.02 for volunteers and costs beyond normal maintenance
Places Deer MountainHawk’s Peak (3 towering peaks)Snake River at LapwaiLapwai (Place fo Butterflies)Wallowa (Land of Wandering Waters)
Battles and the Chapter References & Dates
Battle of White Bird Canyon (Chapter 6 7) June 17
Battle of Clearwater (Chapter 8) July 11, 12
Battle of the Bighole (Chapter 10) August 9, 10
Battle of Camas Meadows (Chapter 12) August 20
Battle with the Crows (Chapter 15) Septempber 13
Battle of the Bear Paw (Chapter 16) October 1 – 5