The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1907-10-17


This case was no exception. Not
only was the persuasive influence OF
the people interested brought to bear
upon the Neg Perces to get them to
relinquish their rightful claims upon
the Wallowa valley, but the influence
ana pressure OF high government Of
hcials were used TO the same end.
This not only caused more or less ex-
citement on the part OF the white
settlers surrounding them and the
Indian occupants, but engendered
friction between the two races 10
such an extent that even troops were
ordered TO the vicinity, either TO add
70 the pressure upon the Indians, or
to protect the settlements In case OF
an outbreak.
While this was being done young
Indian took advantage OF the situa.
tion. He went out and found a
white man who the year before had
killed bis brother, and, according 10
the Indian, as well as the ancient
precept OF the philosophy OF IAN eye
for an eye, and tooth for tooth, I"
killed the man who had caused the
death OF bis brother, took his horse
and rode back into camp. Then the
spirit of resistance was excited when
the young man appeared and boosted
OF his exploit While this did not
arouse the tribe to actual hostility,
yet 1t created an alarming excite
ment among the settlements, was
heralded as an Indian outbreak, aud
troops were rushed to the vicinity To
suppress the supposed hostile ele-
ment. This was only adding fuel 10
the flame, and the result was a con.
flict between the Indians and the
military forces, when the Indians
retreated back TO the mountains,
pursued by the military forces unde,
command Of Gen. Howard, then com.
manding the department.
Then followed long pursuit over
the most rugged section Of our coun'
try, crossing the Rocky mountains
from Idaho to near the northwest
border OF Wyoming and through the
territory OF Montana, passing over
the rugged region of the Yellowstone
National park, crossing rapid noun
TAIN riyovc follnwinu aan,a traiIs
through valleys thickly wooded aud
almost impossible. over high and
precipitous mountains, until the
rolling prairie OF the east slope OF the
Rockies was reached after weeks OF
most laborious marches. Wherever
the Indians made a stand they were
attacked and dispersed bv the troops
but ty skillful management they
managed TO avoid serious injury and
escaped capture. During that event
ful march, however. they committed
few depredations.
Learning of their movements ~
crossing the Rocky mountains,
placed two strong commands OF su
perior numbers on what ! believed
and what afterward proved TO be
their line OF march; but they adroitl,
evaded both, especially by sSillfu
flank movements to the east, leaving
the commands hopelessly In the rear
This occurred during August, aD6
the first part Of September. Learn
ing of this when on the Yellowstone
at the mouth OF the Tongue river,
took an effective command, and b,
exerting every energy and by forcet
marches went diagonally across tin
country some 200 miles TO intercept
their line OF march near the Bea
Paw mountains, some thirty mile
south of the Canadian boundary.
bad to rely upon what | though
would be their probable route, wha
little information could he gathere'
by sending scouts and spies Ioag dis
tances In advance, and what could b.
gathered from citizens who escapes
and fled as the Indians penetratei
the settlements. Having crossed TIN
country from the southeast 10 th
northwest.
reached the right bank Of tn
Missouri river near the mouth Of tn
Musselshell. and then was undecide'
as to whether tine Indians were stil
in what Is known as the basin OF tn
Musselshell or whether they la
crossed the Missouri TO the north.
While In this state OF uDcertaint
a small boat with three or -four whit
men came down the river from
place some forty miles above and r,
ported that the Indians we're abou
to cross near a place known as Co
island on the Missouri. Fortunatel
was able TO secure the last steau
boat going down the river that au
umn, adm with that crossed the con
mand over that tortuous river. The
began difficult march under COW
of What Is known as the Little Rocl
mountains, with the effort 10 mai
rapid progress and at the same tin
to conceal the command as much
possible from the knowledge OF q
Indians. who supposed that they b.
escaped from their pursuers and )e
them many days lie the rear. Y