The Trek

[lakeowl]

This bit of history is about Chief Joseph. If anyone of you is interested in this type of history you may want to read the book "I shall fight no more forever". As some of you know Chief Joseph after a battle with the US for not wanting to be put on the reservation in OK and because the treaty with them were broken tried to go to canda. And was captured about 50 miles from the canadian border. After capture he was sent to the west side of our rez in a small desolate town of Nespelem where, subsequently died later. The Dr said he died of a broken heart at the age of 60. Here is what history has recorded about him. This was the plight of many Native American people.

the Nez Perce in their long retreat....fighting...struggling to reach freedom and asylum with Sitting Bull across the Border in Canada...for 105 days...always moving...700 people...women, children...elderly...walking 1,800 miles...only to be captured within 50 miles of their destination and freedom. Captured only because he was forced to surrender, refusing to leave the sick and dying of his People there, alone.

The Nez Perces belonged in what is now the State of Idaho, and the greater part of the tribe remained on reservations in that Territory.

Chief Joseph, as we all know, had a claim to the Wallowa Valley in Oregon, dating from the Stevens treaty in 1855, and conceded again to him and his tribe of about 500 Indians in 1873 by General Grant, while the latter was President. Two years later the concession of June 16, 1873, was revoked, and the Wallowa Valley was thrown into the public domain along with all of Oregon west of the Snake River. In 1877 it was determined to remove the Nez Perces from Oregon to the reservation in Idaho, and General Howard reported that they had agreed to go, not willingly, but under constraint. Some whites were killed, and Chief White Bird sent word that he would not remove, whereupon an unequal war began between retreating bands of Nez Perces and companies of United States cavalry, aided by volunteers. The Indians crossed the Yellowstone Park and River, endeavoring to escape into British territory, but were followed closely by Howard, and headed off by General, then Colonel Miles. In the battle that ensued near the mouth of Eagle Creek 6 chiefs and 25 warriors were killed, and 38 men wounded. Two officers and 21 men were killed and 4 officers and 38 men wounded on the side of the pursuers. The whole camp of about 450 men, women, and children fell into Colonel Miles's hands. General Howard reached the battle-field just in time to be present at the surrender.

Chief Joseph conducted this retreat with very extraordinary skill. He beat Colonel Gibbon with 15 officers, 146 troopers, and 34 volunteers, though with much loss of men. He stampeded General Howard's horses and pack-train, fought Colonel Sturgis on the Yellowstone River, losing many horses, and came very near making good his retreat to British America. Of this campaign General Sherman has said: "The Indians throughout displayed a courage and skill that elicited universal praise; they abstained from scalping; let captive women go free; did not commit indiscriminate murder of peaceful families, which is usual; and fought with almost scientific skill, using advance and rear guards, skirmish lines, and field fortifications." These facts only make harder the fate that awaited them, for it shows that no forbearance, no bravery and generalship, are able to win for Indians justice. The right of the Nez Perces to the Wallowa Valley was perfect, and the killing of four white men possibly but not certainly by Indians was made the pretext of hunting them down and letting them die of disease at Fort Leavenworth. By neglecting to provide means to prevent tyranny and land-grabbing on the part of its white citizens our government is constantly forced to violate the most solemn treaties, and confess itself unworthy of trust. The weakness and injustice of our dealing with Indians was never shown in a more picturesque and striking example than in our conduct toward this little section of the Nez Perces. It is only fair to say, however, that we have had recent examples in which the government realized that the nation has a duty to perform in protecting Indians against encroachments by white settlers, and the troops were used in a more honorable exploit than hunting down men with whom the nation had broken a solemn compact.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[rescuefire]

Fun one! Took me a few tries of looking around to find the hidden goodies but that was fun! Thanks Lakeowl

[jobec5]

Good Evening Lakeowl

As Loof made his symbolic journey many impediments blocked his way. There was fire, lightening storms, two (?!) (thankfully slow) guys shooting at him near the plains of the ratllesnake, deprivation (He had to go search for those coins thoroughly twice ) and a spirit who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Loof was very tired but finally found his way home.

This level was a lot of fun for me and it is good to see you again Lakeowl. I am also glad to see one other new level on the board for me to try tomorrow. Thanks again for the history and for the fun!
Always
Becky

[Liz Mayhew]

My son, Joseph, did a school project on Chief Joseph, and got totally immersed in this bit of your history. He was a very inspiring leader.

This level was quite an effort for this old slow coach. I couldn't make it in the time limit, so I had to switch off the timer. Got there in the end.

A very nice ice puzzle.

Thanks Lakeowl