Omaha daily bee., 1895-11-24
CAPTURE OF CHIEF JOSEPH
History of the subjugation of the Hostile
Nez Perces.
GENERAL NILES EXPERIENCE WITH THEM
A Swift Pursuit. n Hot Charge and
u stubborn Siege, Ending in the
Complete Defeat of the
Indians.
Copyright, 1885, by General Nelson A. Miles.

Copyright, 1895, by General Nelson A. Miles.
All rights Reserved.
(This paper will form part of book about
to be published by General Miles, entitled
From New England TO the Golden Gate" A
previous paper described how General Miles
command, moving in pursuit Of the Indians
under Chief Joseph, had crossed the Missouri
river and dismissed the steamer which trans
ported them, only to learn that the Indians
were on the other side The steamer was
Immediately recalled by the firing of a
cannon, and the present paper takes up the
story there)
We quickly crossed the command over to
the north side of the Missouri and once
more allowed the steamer to loose her moor
ings and proceed down the river, while the
troops prepared in serious earnest for the
desperate race and possible encounter. The
Little Rocky mountains are a range some
fifty miles in extent, running northwest
and southeast. Beyond their northern point,
about ten miles. is range known as the
Bears Paw mountains with a low divide
connecting the two. My information was
that the Nez Perces had taken the course
that would bring them through the passes
between these ranges Instead OF going
TO the west Of the Little Rocky mountains as
] knew the Nez Perces TO be in that direc-
tlon. marched along the base of the noun
tains on the east side, thereby concealing
the command from the observation OF the
Indians, while my scouts were kept well on
the crests OF the mountains and to the
west whenever possible
Major Guido Ilges who had been stationed
at Fort Renton, Montana, hearing of the
Indians near the crossing at Cow island,
had moved down to that point, and with
a small detachment Of troops followed them
for a short distance, but had not force
enough to accomplish any decisive result
He was thorough soldier however, and
hearing that my command was In that
vicinity. sent me important information.
On leaving the Missouri river for the
march north the command was organized
to move with pack trains. leaving the wagons
with strong escort to follow as best they
could Every precaution was taken to con-
ceal the command as far as possible. and the
march was made with all the celerty and
secrecy practicable. Strict orders were given
against firing shot or In any way disturbing
the vast number OF buffalo. deer and elk
which We encountered. In this way we
moved from early dawn to dark for four
days on the grassy plain and foothills which
bordered the eastern slope of the Little
Rockies. and on the 10Th tldngs regarding
the trail TO the left reached us. Captain
Maus, commanding the scouts. had used
his sleepless vigilance to good purpose. and
had gained the Information desired without
disclosing his presence or that of the COM
mand.
Here occurred an excellent illustration OF
the loyalty OF the true soldier. Captain
Maus and his small band, while engaged in
their scouting duties suddenly came upon a
huge bear. sometimes called the grizzly" t"
but In that region more properly the silver
tip" who. evidently conscious OF its strength
and power. rose upon its hind feet In an
attitude of defiance. Captain Maus with the
instincts of a thorough sportsman, quickly
brought hts rifle to his shoulder and ran
his eye along the sight. Just then he re-
membered the rigid orders against firing. and
as quickly brought IL down to his side. the
spirit OF the soldier overcoming the strong
temptation OF the hunter. His small detach-
ment then passed on in search OF larger
game.
That aisht ! received dispatches from