Yellowstone - Quotations of the Nez Perce Flight

These quotes are from the book Following the Nez Perce Trail by Cheryl Wilfong

West Yellowstone to Cooke City, Montana

Mary Mountain Trail:

"While the boys are busy saddling up, I proposed that I ride ahead and see if I cannot see Looking Glass and White Bird, and get the party out of this scrape."

Frank Carpenter
 

Baronet's Bridge:

"The Baronet's Bridge, a slight structure, stretched across the roaring torrent of the Yellowstone, had its further [south] end so much burned by the raiders that it had fallen out of place, and was not passable; so that we were allowed to rest three hours, long enough to repair the bridge … The beams, shortened by the fire, were tied to some heavy timber that was fortunately on hand. Mr. Baronet's house, the only one we had seen since Henry Lake, stood a few hundred yards away, on Joseph's side of the river. It was appraised at three hundred dollars, and much of its lumber was brought to the river for replanking. The bridge, which was probably fifty feet above the water, extended from bank to bank, had but one intermediary support, and that fearfully near to demolition. As the first animals were started across the patched-up structure it trembled, and swung laterally very perceptibly, but by a little setting of teeth, and what a Chicago orator called "clear grit" … in the short space of half an hour the work was done; led horses, loaded pack mules, and marching men had crossed the flood."

General O.O. Howard

“I was partly awake now.  I turned my head where was a noise.  Eeh! I saw it-a big hohots (grizzly bear). My rifle was in my hand.  I sprang up as I threw back the hammer.  The hotos made for me, a bad sound coming from his mouth.  As he stood up, I held my rifle ready.  That bear came stepping to the rifle of my gun.  Just touched it when I pulled the trigger.  He fell and I finished him with my war club.’’ 

Hímiin maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf)

 

Canyon Junction: 

"On the Yellowstone the army ran out of tobacco and most everything else, and filled up on lake trout without salt. These fat fish were lazily lolling around in the river, and luckily it was no trick to catch them. Most of them were wormy, but in those hungry days everything went. After Colonel Parker and I had filled up on them and were scouting around an outpost he said to lieutenant, 'Don't you know that those trout are full of worms!' The lieutenant finished swallowing a big mouthful and replied, 'Well, if the worms can stand it, I can,' and started in on another fish."

John W. Redington

“When I heard him shoot, I shot at him, but I missed.  At the same time he makes for his gun, but the next Indian by me, shot him before he could reach his gun.  Then we go into the house and we take everything we could, especially the clothes.” 

Hímiin maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf)

“There were two other small scouting bands in the Yellowstone Park country besides mine.  One was headed by Kosooyen, the other Lakochets Kunnin (Rattle Blanket).  I do not know which of these made attack on some hunters or visitors, but I have heard they killed one man.  Each party did scouting every sun.” 

Hímiin maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf)
 

Cooke City to Laurel, Montana

 

"Chases after Indians in so vast a country where we must go with a limited quantity of supplies is but a chance in a thousand to hit the mark you are aiming at. 'Tis terribly hard on horses and men -- and but poor satisfaction at best should you gain the end."

Captain Frederick Benteen, August 11, 1877

"But every attempt to communicate with Sturgis was, as we afterward found, unsuccessful. The bodies were found of every courier sent out, of every miner or white man caught in the mountains; for at this juncture the Indians spared nobody."

Lt. C.E.S. Wood

"Every white man in those mountains could be counted our enemy."

Yellow Wolf
 

Headwaters of the Clarks Fork:

 

"While our scouting outfit was on the headwaters of the Clarks Fork, Yellowstone River effluent, we saw a solitary white man some distance away. The discovery was mutual, and we watched each other rather suspiciously from high points, but soon got together. The stranger proved to be Roque, a French Canadian, scouting for Colonel Sturgis, 7th U.S. Cavalry. He was several miles from his command … and we were about six miles ahead of General Howard's army. When we told Roque about where the main hostile trail went … he dashed back to tell Sturgis, and one of our scouts started back to carry the news of our discovery of the Seventh Cavalry whereabouts."

John W. Redington, Scout

 

Crandall Creek:

 

"The Indians' big trail, now in plain view swept down the valley, and not a soul was in sight for ten miles and more."

General Oliver Otis Howard

 

Dead Indian Campground:

"On the 10th we came to a hostile camp which had just been abandoned, at the base of the last mountain necessary to climb before reaching the buffalo plains at Heart Mountain…"

Frank Parker, Scout and War Correspondent, September 16, 1877

"Just as I halted to go into camp for the night one of my Scouts … rode past me. Went up the creek a short distance. I was about to unsaddle when I heard him raise a war whoop and three shots was fired within a few seconds. I lit into my saddle and ran my horse up there. Got there just in time to see a Nez Perce breathe his last. He had been wounded in the hip and had been left by his comrades who had evidently left here this morning … Sumner said he rode up near where he lay and the Indian threw the robe off that covered him and raised up in a setting posture. Sumner waited no longer but jerked his pistol and shot him through the chest. The Indian fell back but Sumner gave him two more shots. One of Wilbers Scouts came up and scalped the dead Indian. Madison John stretching and drying the scalp had it stuck up on a little willow stick when Gen. Howard and his aidecamp Lt. Fletcher rode up. Howard dismounted near the scalp. I didn't want Howard to see it so I winked to Jule (a Cheyenne half breed) and while I drawed Howards attention in another direction Jule stepped around and his toe against the stick with scalp down in the rye grass out of sight."

S.G. Fisher, Scout, September 9, 1877

 

Dead Indian Pass:

"From the top of this divide the Enemys trail bears off to the South East, which my Indians tell me would take them to Stinking Water [Shoshone River] to the South of Hart Mountain which is in sight from the summit we passed over this morning. After leaving the summit the Enemy followed the Stinking Water trail about two miles then they turned back north driving their horses around in every direction for the purpose of cacheing their trail which they done in good shape. The scouts scattered out in every direction to hunt their trail. I finally stumbled on it. Instead of going out of the basin on the open plain, they had turned North, passing along the steep side of the mountain through the timber for several miles … The trail led us through a rough canyon very narrow in places."

S.G. Fisher, September 10, 1877

"My command, discovering Joseph's ruse, kept the trail which Sturgis had been so near, but had not seen, and, finally, slid down the canyon, many a horse, in his weakness, falling and blocking the way. The mouth of this canyon which debouches into Clark's Valley, was not more than twenty feet across from high wall to high wall. And one may imagine the scene of cavalry, infantry and pack-mules crowding through it, and admire the quick wit of an Indian who had the hardihood to try the experiment, and break the almost impassable roadway."

General Oliver Otis Howard

 

Sturgis's Camp:

"Just before leaving the [Crow] Agency, Col. Sturgis had employed a couple of prospectors who claimed to be thoroughly familiar with the country, to make a scout over in the approaches to the Canyon, with orders to report at a certain point on a certain day … We reached the camp at which our scouts were to report and went into camp in the timber at the base of a towering mountain, said to be about five miles from the exit of the canyon, and there settled down to await a report from our scouts … "

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

 

Clarks Fork Canyon:

"Waiting a full day longer than the time agreed upon for the return of our scouts, the Colonel became anxious, and dispatched two scouting parties … with orders to penetrate into the range and try and discover traces of our overdue scouts."

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

"About 3 o'clock p.m. Lieutenant Hare returned, reporting that when about 16 miles out he had come upon the two scouts previously sent out, one of them dead and the other in a dying condition; that these scouts had been attacked by about thirty Indians (as indicated by pony tracks) who had come apparently from the direction of the Stinking [Shoshone] River. While Lieutenant Hare was making his report Lieutenant Fuller also returned, reporting that when about 18 miles out he had seen from the top of a high mountain what appeared to be the hostiles, moving on the Stinking River trail, and that they had disappeared behind a range of mountains … The guide who accompanied him (and who had also been engaged in prospecting among these mountains) assured me that from the point where the Indians had disappeared behind the mountain range, it was altogether impossible for them to cross over to Clark's Fork, and that they must necessarily debouch on the Stinking River."

Col. S.D. Sturgis

 

Descent into Clarks Fork Canyon:

"During the day we traveled up a mountain [Dead Indian Hill] and through Box Canyon. It was on this night that we heard of the incident of General Sturgis' command … He had six companies of the Seventh Cavalry and had been ordered to some point on the Clark's Fork or Stinkenwater [Shoshone River]. At the point where he had been sent was a rockslide through which if Joseph passed over that particular divide he would have to go. No man with a horse could get down that slide on his horse. It was a point where troops could pick off the Indians as they came down slowly and in single file. Here, I suppose, Howard expected that Sturgis would intercept the Nez Perces … On the 11th we broke camp early and marched all day … during that time crossing the trail of Sturgis' men. We were laying our course easterly. The Sturgis trail crossed ours at right angles and away from the rock slide mentioned above. There was much discussion in the camp that night [September 11] as to why Sturgis had left the place originally assigned to him and gone away from Joseph, especially after a detail of his own troops had located the Indian camp in close proximity to his own."

Pvt. William Connolly

 

Littlerock Creek:

"We struck Clarks Fork about two miles below where it come out of the canyon. Here the command camped for the night at 5 p.m. The Scouts went on about 6 miles to little rocky creek. Charley Rainey, Jule, and Indians found three dead bodies of white men a little off the trail on the river. They came on and overtook me, telling me about it … From the papers and letter the boys picked up near the dead men I think one of their last names was Olson and one Anderson. They were evidently Danish or at least two of them and were from the Black Hills. The bodies were not stripped nor scalped."

S.G. Fisher, September 10, 1877

 

Belfry:

"Though Sturgis and I were disappointed, we formed at once a close combination. I was delighted to observe the elastic tread of his horses, which could in a very few minutes walk away from ours."

General Oliver Otis Howard

 

Rockvale:

"Well, early on the 12th, General Howard instructed General Sturgis to make forced marches and overtake the Nez Perces. He had but one medical officer and asked for another, and Merrill said they wanted me. I told them they would have to give me a good horse, as mine was worn out, and Merrill said I should have one of his. So I was ordered out. Marched from 630 a.m. until 9 p.m. -- a long and weary ride. It rained all afternoon and my boots and everybody else's got full of water. Made a wet and disagreeable camp with but little to eat."

Dr. John FitzGerald, September 16, 1877

 

Laurel to Lewistown, Montana:

"Poor Nez Perces! There are not more than perhaps 140 or 150 of them, while we had about 400 soldiers and nearly as many Crow Indians. I am actually beginning to admire their bravery and endurance in the face of so many well equipped enemies."

Dr. John FitzGerald, September 16, 1877

"I do not understand how the Crows could think to help the soldiers. They were fighting against their best friends!"

Yellow Wolf

"Our Christian General [Howard] often forgets there should be a day of rest. One minute he is a happy man; the next he is worried, cross or pouty … He is the first Professor I have had to follow and I hope he may be the last. He says that nobody likes him and this is truer than he thinks. Too timid a pursuer; pickets, patrols and flankers spread out all over the lines of march, likes to give us talks about the hostile peril in the day and evenings when he isn't lying on a blanket on clear nights looking at and studying the stars. After four months of this tomfoolery, we know the hazards by heart. A dedicated army man, everything done by the book down to the last period. We had an inspection this morning, as useless as this eternal marching. A domineering officer. I think him a good follower of Indians, but as an Indian fighter I fear he may prove a failure. As you have guessed, I am no longer a favorite."

Capt. Robert Pollock, September 16, 1877

“We now moved three suns without anything to eat.  We hunted and hunted.  Nothing could we find. No birds to kill, no deer, no rabbits!  Nothing anywhere.  The fourth sun came and no food.” 

Hímiin maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf)

“In the small creek was water, but we could only get it at night.  In traveling we had buffalo horns for purpose of water.  With strings we could let them down while crossing streams horseback.  We carried them with us all the time.  They came in handy.” 

Anonymous Nez Perce woman October 3, 1877

“The only water in the proximity of the troops was stagnant rain water which had collected in buffalo wallows, and in spite of orders to resist drinking the sickening contents, many of the men endeavored to quench their thirst…”

Pvt. Jacob Horner​

“In one part of the Judith we found the remains of a wrecked Indian camp, and wondered how it happened.  From the way things were torn up around there, there had certainly been quite a little battle…we found by moccasin tracks that several Indians had skipped out afoot, and when we passed Reed’s Fort later in the day we found that the scout’s (George Huston)  conclusions were correct.”

John W. Redington (scout)

“The Indians are reportedly going down Clarke’s Fork and straight toward the Musselshell.  They will in all probability, cross the Yellowstone near the mouth of Clarke’s Fork, and make all haste to join a band of hostile Souix.  They will use every exertion to reach the Musselshell country, and form this junction, and as they make exceedingly long marches, it will require unusual activity to intercept or overtake them.”  

General Oliver O. Howard
 

Laurel Riverside Park:

"Early in the forenoon we forded the river, where there was ample evidence that our wily foes had crossed, apparently many hours before … The old colonel [Sturgis] … gave the order to go into camp … Captain Benteen … picked out the most desirable place possible, and we swung into line, dismounted and were just preparing to unsaddle, when one of our scouts came galloping into camp, shouting at the top of his voice: 'Injuns, Injuns! Big fight and fire down river!' One hasty glance confirmed his report, as dark clouds of smoke could be seen rolling up, and now and then came the faint, distant sound of rifle shots to our ears."

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

 

The Stolen Stagecoach:

"Although the hostile trail led down the Yellowstone, we saw Indian scouts watching us from the bluffs to the north, and soon they charged down. But our outfit sent them to charging backward, and when they had driven them over the bluffs we caught sight of what was on the other side, and there was the whole hostile outfit right under us, strung along the benches and bottoms of Canyon Creek … Half a mile in their rear was a big coach with its four horses trotting along, and on the box was an Indian driver, with nearly half a dozen other Indians squatting on the roof, with their war horses hitched behind. When these hostiles saw us they quickly unhitched the stage horses, mounted their cayuses, and dashed into skirmish line flanking their outfit, which had what looked like more than 2000 head of horses. The old stage was abandoned in the sagebrush."

John W. Redington, Scout

 

Canyon Creek Battle Monument:

"… We rode about five miles at a good gait acrost an open country. We came to the raise about 2 p.m. There the Indians opened fire on us from the top of the hill. We kept on until we made the bench. The enemy had retreated acrost the bench and was now behind the break. They were strung along for about one mile. Could only see their heads as they raised up to shoot. Here the cavalry made a halt about five hundred yards from the Indians. I kept on thinking the cavalry would charge the enemy ( which they had ought to have done) but instead of charging they were dismounted and deployed to right and left and commenced fireing rapidly which put me in rather a warm place as shots was comeing from both ways … "

S.G. Fisher, Scout, September 13, 1877

"It was about one half hour from the fight commenced until we drove them from the brake. Here we got the first view of their Camp or rather their herd which was about one mile distant and scattered for a mile on the other side of Canyon Creek … The soldiers drove the Indians slowly acrost the flat, or rather a gradual descent cut by small ravines and dry washes. Here the Indians fought entirely on horse-back, fireing mostly from their horses at long range, doing but little harm. During all this time their herd was moveing slowly acrost our front in the direction of the Canyon, evidently being driven by the Squaws and children, the warriors keeping between us and their herd, Standing us off. As soon as their herd was in the Canyon the Indians got in the rocks and cottonwood timber along the Creek, dismounted in most cases concealing their war horses near them in ravines. Here the hardest fighting was done, the Indians having a great advantage of being in the rocks and timber while we were on an open grass bottom. I don't think there were more than two hundred Soldiers actually engaged at any one time, the greater portion of them being held back on the bench as a reserve or to guard the Ammunition train."

S.G. Fisher, Scout, September 13, 1877

"A Squad of Cavalry came up the gulch opposite where we were but did not stop long as the Indians opened a real hot fire on them and they retreated down the gulch. We still tried to hold the ground, but the reds got so thick in the rocks above us that we could not raise our head to shoot without a dozen shots being fired at us. I drawed lots of shots from them by raising my hat on the muzzle of my gun above the bank, dodging it down whenever they fired a volley at it."

S.G. Fisher, Scout, September 13, 1877

"Other soldiers horseback, like cavalry, were off to one side. Away ahead of the walking soldiers. They tried to get the women and children. But some warriors, not many, were too quick. Firing from a bluff, they killed and crippled a few of them, turning them back."

Yellow Wolf

"After the battle was over and darkness had come on we had to cut steaks from the horses and mules shot during the day … It was all the food we had."

John W. Redington

"When the battle closed for the day, it developed that three men had been killed and twelve wounded … Because of the shortage of water, the wounded endured suffering beyond description. The relief train in the rear made very slow progress through the rough country and did not come up until the third day after the battle. The only water in the proximity of the troops was stagnant rain water which had collected in buffalo wallows, and in spite of order to resist drinking the sickening contents, many of the men endeavored to quench their thirst, which action later resulted in summer complaint, rendering the men unfit for service."

Pvt. Jacob Horner

"Making our wounded as comfortable as possible and posting a strong guard, the idea of making night march in pursuit of our enemy having been abandoned … we rolled up in our blankets … and we were soon sleeping soundly, but were awakened some time in the night by sharp challenges and loud talking near one of the outposts. Soon some two hundred young Crow warriors came dashing into camp, shouting and singing, and from that time on until early dawn sleep was an impossibility, as between the beating of their tom-toms, their shrill war whoops as they danced their war dances, pandemonium raged, but at the first peep of dawn they were off, vowing to overtake and annihilate the enemy."

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

 

Canyon Creek:

"The stage had just arrived, when the lookout discovered a hostile war party dashing down the river, and everybody made a run for the thick willows, with hostile bullets flying around them. There were half a dozen stage passengers, most of whom struck off afoot up the river, and eventually reached some settlement. One of the passengers was a dentist, and the hostiles scattered his gripsack full of store teeth and tools of torture all over the ground."

John W. Redington

"The damage done by the Nez Perces on the Yellowstone is as follows: Stone & Rouse's stage station, hay and corrals burnt; Ed. Forrest's hay burned and stock stolen; at Josephine Tree two men killed (Clinton Dills and W.M. Sumner), camp burned and fourteen head of horses stolen; near McAdow's mill the houses of Egestone and Ralston were burned, no damage done the mill or property of McAdow excepting the loss of three ponies."

Rocky Mountain Husbandman, October 4, 1877

 

Buffalo Trail Road:

" … Some of us stayed back to watch the enemies. I looked one way and saw strange Indians … I rode closer. Eeh ! Crows! A new tribe fighting Chief Joseph. Many snows the Crows had been our friends. But now, like the Bitterroot Salish [Flatheads ], turned enemies. My heart was just like fire."

Yellow Wolf

"When we reached the more level country at the top of the pass, our allies were nowhere to be seen, but we could hear the sound of distant firing, and passed several dead bodies along the trail, all of them those of the enemy."

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

"The approach of night found my command scattered for ten miles, and fully one-third on foot; and I was thus forced to go into camp after a weary march of 37 miles. Captain Bendire's detachment (of General Howard's command) did not arrive in camp until late at night, with every officer and man on foot. This detachment was so manifestly unable to continue further that I directed Captain Bendire to remain in camp next day to rest his animals, and afford his men an opportunity for securing some game (as they, as well as all the others, had been several days without rations) and then return to General Howard's command. With my own force I renewed the pursuit next morning."

Col. S.D. Sturgis

 

Crow Country:

"An old Indian woman and her daughter came across the trail of Joseph and his band and saw a horse tied in the brush and riding down there found a young woman had dropped out of Joseph's band and confined herself and was trying to wrap her baby up and join the band. The old woman and daughter coaxed the woman to go home with them and not try to overtake Joseph, which she did. Three or four years afterwards the government learned that there was a Nez Perce renegade Indian among the Crows and ordered her sent in exile with the others."

C.T. Stranahan, Nez Perce Agent

 

Musselshell River:

"The Musselshell where we struck it was certainly a lovely stream, with grassy meadows, shady trees and good running water. And there were millions of buffalo berries which we broke off in great clusters as we rode under the trees that bore them. The acid taste was very welcome after a long fast on fruit … And those berries are certainly the best puckerers on earth. They put on a pucker that never comes off."

John W. Redington

"On reaching the Musselshell River, I found that the distance between the Indians and my command had not been sensibly diminished. For the last seven or eight days both man and beast had been pushed to the utmost verge of physical endurance; what, with fatigue and a disease of the hoof which had suddenly broken out among my horses, most of them were unable to carry their riders, who, in turn, were growing so weak through long and weary marching without rations, as to be unable to walk and lead their horses. Under these circumstance I felt compelled to suspend further pursuit, in order that both men and animals might rest, and the troops provide themselves with game until our supplies should overtake us."

Col. S.D. Sturgis

 

Ryegate:

"After Howard's and Sturgis' commands had come together at the Musselshell river, the chase was kept up through the alkali plains and Judith Basin at comparatively slow marches. The reason being that General Howard had sent couriers ahead to Colonel Miles to look out for the Indians making towards the Upper Missouri. Miles sent back word that if eight days could be given him he would succeed in getting beyond the hostiles, and would strike them. To bring about so favorable a result our marches were "slowed," so that the Indians not finding us within a dangerous proximity, would slacken their pace too."

Thomas Sutherland, War Correspondent

 

Careless Creek:

"September 22nd. Broke Camp, traveled on prairie all day, went about 20 miles, with 7th Cav. camped on Careless Creek. Saw some antelope. Plenty of wood & water. September 23rd. In camp on Careless Creek. Saw more antelope and buffalo. Plenty of wood and water. September 24th. Broke Camp, traveled on prairie about 8 miles. Camped on creek closer to Judith Cuts. Saw some antelope and buffalo. Plenty wood and water."

Pvt. William Connolly

 

Across the Missouri to Bear's Paw:

Lewiston to Chinook, Montana:

"Another Indian war, or more strictly speaking, another cruel injustice, was to be enacted."

Col. Nelson Miles

"We could have escaped from Bear Paw Mountain if we had left our wounded, old women, and children behind. We were unwilling to do this. We had never heard of a wounded Indian recovering while in the hands of white men."

Chief Joseph

"I was too small to fight in the war, but I heard the bullets. I remember the hunger, the cold and freezing nakedness of us children."

Black Eagle

 

Lewistown and Hilger:

"In one part of the Judith we found the remains of a wrecked Indian camp, and wondered how it happened. From the way things were torn up around there, there had certainly been quite a little battle. George Huston figured out that the camp had been occupied by Dumb Bull's outfit of River Crow Indians, who were drying buffalo meat and were attacked by the Nez Perce … We found by moccasin tracks that several Indians had skipped out afoot, and when we passed Reed's Fort later in the day we found that the scout's conclusions were correct. Dumb Bull was there, and was feeling pretty sore about the way hostiles had cleaned him out of all his horses. But still he declined the invitation to come along with the scouts and get some sweet revenge."

John W. Redington, Scout

 

Carroll Trail:

"The General's own command being now rationless, like ourselves, it was decided, temporarily at least, to abandon the chase and head for the little settlement of Carroll, Montana … "

Pvt. Theodore Goldin

 

Missouri River:

"On the 23d day of September the hostile Nez Perces came from the direction of Judith Basin, arrived opposite their camp [at Cow Island], and crossed to the north side of the Missouri River. They attacked this party (which had been increased to 12 enlisted men … joined by four citizens) about 6 p.m., charged seven different times upon their rifle-pits, but were repulsed with some loss. They wounded two of the citizens (Walter and Weimar). The Indians burned about 50 tons of freight during the night of the 23d, and at about 10 a.m. on the 24th left the vicinity in the direction of the pass between the Bear's Paw and Little Rocky Mountains."

Col. John Gibbon, October 5, 1877

 

Crossing the Missouri River:

"I think it was the first week of September when the last boat came down from Fort Benton, when we received orders to make out a detail, non-commissioned officer and six privates to go down to Cow Island to guard the freight … Before we started I reported to the Capt. and the last word he said to me, 'Sergt. be careful and keep a good lookout. I was advised that the Nez Perce are coming this way.' Well, we went down the river, neither one of us being in Cow Island before didn't know exactly where it was till we came to a big bend in the river and saw some smoke coming up … We pulled down and I proceeded at once to get the rations ready … When I told the boys what the Capt had told me of course they, like all soldiers, got kidding about it and all said, 'Well, let them come, we are here first.' I walked down toward the freight pile when I heard the boys shouting, 'They are coming -- look across the river!' and sure enough there they were on the brow of the hill in single file on horseback … It wasn't long before 2 Indians came toward our camp when I stopped them and was going out to meet them when one of these civilians said to me, 'Sergt. let me go out and see what they want, I have lived among Indians for many years and understand their ways.' I said, 'All right.' He went out but hurried right back again and came back to the breastworks and said, 'They won't have anything to do with me, they want to see the man in charge of the soldiers.' I picked up my rifle to go when the civilian said, 'You don't need that now, they won't harm you now.' So I took his advice and left my gun behind and went out when to my surprise they spoke English as well as anyone could. They asked me for some of that freight; when I told them I could not give them any and walked away they went and came back the second time and I met them when they offered me money if I would sell them some of the freight as they were hungry and nothing to eat. I turned back to the breastworks and they came back the third time and pleaded with me for something to eat so then I went back to the breastworks and put a side of bacon in a sack filled about half full with hardtack, took it out to them and they very kindly thanked me for the same. Things went along for a while quietly till we saw an Indian coming between our breastworks and the foot hills stripped naked when we know this means fight … This was sundown and from that time on till daybreak we were fighting for our lives. Of course the freight we could not save as it was piled right up against the bluff."

Sgt. William Moelchert

"There was a coulee just north of the pile of freight that led back from the river and through this coulee the Indians were able to get at the pile of freight without us being able to see them. Working on the side of the freight pile furthest away from us they carried away everything they wanted and set fire to the rest."

Michael Foley, Cow Island Clerk

"We took whatever we needed, flour, sugar, coffee, bacon, and beans. Anything whoever wanted it. Some took pans and pots for the cooking. We figured it was soldier supplies, so set fire to what we did not take. We had privilege to do this. It was in the war."

Peopeo Tholekt (Bird Alighting)

"Cow Island was reached [by steamer] early the next day. With a small escort of seventeen mounted men, including the aides, I made a push along the large Indian trail, with the hope of reaching Miles, or communicating with him."

General Oliver Otis Howard

 

Cow Island and Cow Creek:

"… I went, with thirty other Benton volunteers, under command of Major Ilgis, on horseback … We then proceeded rapidly towards Cow Island, and arrived there just at night (after the Indians had left the island), and saw the goods still burning, but could at first see no men. Soon we saw a boat with three men in it. We hailed it and learned that eight men had kept the Indians at bay for forty-eight hours at that point, and finally had caused them to retreat, after firing the goods. We then sent by them, down the river, a message to Gen. Miles, who was forty miles below, and told them the directions the hostiles had gone, and what they had done at the island. We remained there that night, and, fearing the Indians might attack a train of wagons known to be on the north side of the river, early the next morning we crossed and went in pursuit. About nine miles from the crossing, we came upon the Indians just as they were stripping the canvas from the freight wagon. A half-breed along with us darted in advance of our party, and rode up to within two hundred yards of the hostiles, then suddenly wheeled his horse and ran back to us. Meantime, we had entrenched ourselves in a ravine, so that we could fire from under cover. About one hundred charged back after the half-breed, and when within range of our rifles, we opened fire upon them, and they fell back. They fought us at long range for about five hours, during which … they killed one of our men. They then left us, seeing that we were not strong enough to pursue and charge them. We returned to the crossing."

John Samples, Fort Benton volunteer

“Anyone who has traveled through Cow Creek Canyon, with its 31 crossings, its narrow bottoms, its high and precipitous sides, shutting off the traveler from the outside world, will know what a task was before the volunteers should the Indians still be in the canyon and disposed to dispute its passage.” 

Fort Benton Record October 5, 1877

“I went with thirty other Benton volunteers, under command of Major Ilges, on horseback…we then proceeded rapidly towards Cow Island, and arrived there just at night.” 

John Samples (Fort Benton Volunteer)
 

Nez Perce Slow Down:

"Looking Glass upbraided Poker Joe for his hurrying; for causing the old people weariness; told him that he was no chief, that he himself was chief and that he would be the leader. Poker Joe replied, 'All right, Looking Glass, you can lead. I am trying to save the people, doing my best to cross into Canada before the soldiers find us. You can take command, but I think we will be caught and killed.'"

Many Wounds

 

Cleveland:

"… We saw a bunch of them running buffalo, probably ten or twelve of them. They soon discovered us, as they had glasses. I soon noticed that they were the Nez Perces as they had striped blankets -- the other tribes had solid colors. I sent another Indian back to tell the General [Miles] that we had found the Nez Perces and that they had better hurry up. The Nez Perces took what meat they wanted, as we did not crowd, not getting nearer than one-half mile."

Louis Shambow, scout

 

Bears Paw Mountain:

"On the morning of September 30th, 1877, the battalion … moved from its camp near the northeast end of Bear Paw Mountain, M.T., at 2:30 o'clock a.m … The march was continued until about 8 o'clock a.m. … when the trail of the Nez Perce Indians was discovered pointing in a northerly direction; it was pronounced by the Cheyenne Indian scouts who accompanied the command, to be two days old. After a short halt on the trail the march was resumed … The command had marched about five or six miles … when information was received from the Cheyenne scouts that the Nez Perces' village was located on a creek about seven miles in front. The command was immediately given for the column to take the trot, and subsequently the gallop was taken up."

Capt. Myles Moylan, August 16, 1878

"This gallop forward, preceding the charge, was one of the most brilliant and inspiring sights I ever witnessed on any field. It was the crowning glory of our twelve days' forced marching."

Col. Nelson Miles

"During the sleep before General Miles' attack at Bear's Paw Mountain battle, in a dream I foresaw all that came to us. I saw, and recognized where our camp was pitched. I saw the waters of the stream all red with blood of both Indian and Soldier. Everywhere the smoke of battle hangs dark and low. I awoke!That vision is strong on my mind. I put on leggings and moccasins, and with blanket walk all over the grounds. I note it just as seen in the dream. The level meadow, the creek, the washout-gully, the surrounding bluffs. Yes, it is true what I saw while sleeping. I go back to my poor, torn canvas shelter and sleep. The same dream-vision, and more, again passed before me. The mingled blood on the running water; smoke-darkened air; but with it all came falling leaves, withered flowers; followed by spring-time grass, bursting buds, sunshine, and peace. These signs I understood, and knew we would be very soon attacked. It was coming daylight but dimly when I awoke and went out from the broken, wind break of canvas. Going through the camp, I called out everywhere: 'My people, I have been delayed in this, my dream. In Idaho, when I joined in the war, I knew, and in vision I was directed before hand. Listen well to my words; to my dreams of last night. I dreamed! And when I woke up, here, where we are camped, is the very ground I saw in vision. Above was the thick smoke of battle. On the stream from which we drink was the blood of both Indian and white soldiers. Very soon now will we be attacked.' I slept again, and the same dream came back to me, and more. I heard the voice of my power saying to me: 'My boy, do not worry about this war. Open your eyes!' Hearing, I opened my eyes. I saw falling from trees, frost-yellowed leaves; mingling with withered flowers and grass. In my own country, each snow I have seen this, and I know it is the end. Those leaves are dead, those flowers are dead. This tells of the end of fighting. Soon we are to be attacked for the last time. Guns will be laid down."

Wottolen (Hair Combed Over Eyes)

"… While some were still eating breakfast, two scouts came galloping from the south, from the direction we had come. As they drew near, they called loudly. 'Stampeding buffaloes! Soldiers! Soldiers!' Some families had packs partly ready and horses caught. But Chief Looking Glass, now head of camp, mounted his horse and rode around ordering, 'Do not hurry! Go slow! Plenty, plenty time. Let children eat all wanted!' This slowed the people down ... It was about one hour later when a scout was seen coming from the same direction. He was running his horse to its best. On the highest bluff he circled about, and waved the blanket signal: 'Enemies right on us! Soon the attack!' A wild stir hit the people. Great hurrying everywhere. I ... saw Chief Joseph leap to the open. His voice was above all the noise as he called, 'Horses! Horses! Save the horses!' "

Yellow Wolf

“Soon we will be attacked for the last time.  Guns will be laid down.” 

Wottolen (Hair Combed Over Eyes)

“That morning I went out to look for horses. One had strayed off and I had found him and returned to the herd I heard shots fired and the bullets whistled near me. I kept on and tried to get back to camp, when some people came running out and met us. About this time I looked and the high bank back [south] of the camp was black with soldiers.” 

Kul-Kul-Star-Hah  (Mark Arthur)

“I was too small to fight in the war, but I heard the bullets. I remember the hunger, the cold and freezing nakedness of us children”.  At the Nez Perce (Niimíipuu) camp at Bear Paw, “I saw troops galloping toward us. I knew well what that meant, and I ran for the horses.”  

Tipyeléhne cimúuxcimux (Black Eagle)

 

Bears Paw to Canada:

We had only asked to be left in our homes; the homes of our ancestors.  Our going was with heavy hearts, broken spirits.  But all this is now placed back of us." 

In-who-lise  (White Feather)

“Night drew on as we left.  We had blankets but not to heavy for the traveling.  Not enough to keep us warm when camping.” 

Wetatonmi

“There was some inches of snow.  With my moccasins bad worn, I thought, this will kill me!  I kept going.  Headed for a canyon where one horse was hid.  A lot of Nez Perce were somewhere ahead of me.  I must find them!  I got the horse and went on.” 

Hímiin maqsmáqs (Yellow Wolf)

“We who yesterday were rich are beggars today, made so by the order of a Christian white chief.” 

Chief White Bird, October 22, 1877

“It was slow going afoot, for we had some children.  The Sioux received us as friends.” 

Anonymous Nez Perce woman

 

Fort Vancouver, WA:

“A Stockade has been built at the garrison, in which to keep the Indian prisoners.  It is fifteen feet high and is built strong.  In this they are kept during the day, but at night are confined in the guard house.” 

Vancouver Independent August 30, 1877

 

Bismarck, ND:

Joseph, on Wednesday evening in his tepee down in the woods, was told by interpreter Chapman…that another movement had been ordered by the government. Joseph’s head dropped and he murmured in his mother tongue, “When will those white chiefs begin to tell the truth?”

Bismarck Tri-Weekly Tribune, November 23, 1877

“I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated”

Hinmatóowyalahtq’it (younger Chief Joseph) Lincoln Hall Speech, Washington DC, January 14, 1879

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