The Nespelem tribune. [volume] (Nespelem, Wash.) 1934-1936, 1934-11-07

war OF 1877 were much the same
as those causing all Indian wars in
the United STATES. IN the first
treaty, made with Governor Stevens
in 1855, this was ratified in 1859,
the great domain as first described
was untouched and Old Joseph,
the father, signed it with a good
heart. But later emigrantS and
miners, in 1860 crowded into the
country so a new treaty was made.
A great strip was taken off their
country and both sides the Snake
and Clearwater. This gave a road
to the mines of Orofino and
Florence and Pierce City.
Another treaty was made in 1868,
by which their reserve was cut down
much more. The Wallowa valley
and region round about was entirely
excluded from the Indians land.
Old Joseph, the father, was now in
his grave. The mantle of authority
was on young Joseph and his
brother Ollicutt. There was much
OPPOSITION to this treaty and the
tribe was divided into treaty and
non-treaty men. Chief Joseph,
White Bird and Looking Glass re-
fused to give up their beloved
valleys. The Wallowa valley was
dear to Joseph. In heart he felt it
was still his. This was the main
cause of the Joseph war. Lawyer
and about SO men signed it and
were looked on as untrue to his
people.
Had Many Warriors
The White Bird band was next
in Importance to Joseph's. Another
band claimed the land between the
Salmon river and it's tributaries.
Gen. Howard said that these bands,
after consolidating, numbered about
700 men, women and children. He
says there were at least 1875 warriors
in the battle of the Clearwater
where the Indians were defeated in
1877. They fled over the Lolo trail.
Very few followed Joseph from
Sopnai or Kamain.
When Joseph began his retreat,
General Gibbons once succeeded in
a surprise attack, but Joseph coolly
rallied his warriors and by a series
of bewildering maneuvers succeeded
in recovering his ponies, burying his
dead and captured a considerable
quantity of ammunition from Gen.
Gibbon and again made his escape.
Gen. Howard, in speaking of this
said, few military commanders,
with good troops could have recov-
cred so effectively after such a fear
full surprise" Joseph lost 30 men
and so women. Gibbons lost many
men. Howard joined forces with
Gibscns and pursuit was continued
but the troops could not gain.
Joseph was keeping about Is miles
in advance. Each night the soldiers
would camp on the spot vacated J
the enemy, within sight of their
mountain camp fires, so eXasperat-
ingly out of reach.
Howard then sent word to Cen
eral Sturgis to intercept them from
the east. Sturgis responded with
seven companies of the 7th Cavalry.
Howard, believing Joseph trapped at
last, decided to give his worn out
men and horses much needed rest.
For nearly three months they had
pushed on through one of the rough
est parts of the American noun
tains without a halt. Men were in
rags, and nearly barefoot, with
sharp stones cutting their feet.
Horses were alt starved. Joseph's
army of ponies had eaten up every
thing as they passed through. The
men were lame, wounded, sick and
discouraged. General Howard halt
ed at Henry's lake, near Taches
pass. Resting several days they
pushed on and in nine days came
unexpectedly upon General Sturgis
in Clark's valley.
Outwftted BY Joseph
The news he received was very
disappointing. General Sturgis had
seen nothing of Joseph or his
warriors, thinking they were still
ahead of him. Joseph had his
scouts ahead of him, behind him,
everywhere. They had informed him
OF the new enemy so he withdrew
his men, women and children and
pOAAACo AA1Co OA1C 1O1CSU, 1IldQG
clever detour encircling General
Sturgis' forces without exposing a
single man. This reminds one of
some of Stonewall Jackson's STRAIT i
egic moves during the Civil War.
Howard and Sturgis were disap-
pointed. They jointed forces and
sent word to General Miles at |
Tongue river. If Joseph could dodge
Miles, he had a clear field to
Canada and Sitting Bull. General
Miles acted with speed and rushed
his troops, hoping to cut Joseph
off before he could reach the
Missouri but that willy leader had
also pushed ahead with wonderful
energy. When Miles arrived at the
mouth of the Musselshell river he
was too late. Joseph had crossed
the day before and was headed for
tie Bear Paw mountains near the
line.