The Nez Perce: Fugitives! Opening Activity: Telegrams Chief Joseph Biography with Historical Trail map Surrender Speech Closure: Cause and Effects Chart

General Oliver Otis Howard The question (about continuing) was resolved in Virginia City beginning August 24, in a heated exchange of telegrams among Howard, McDowell, and Sherman, who was at Fort Shaw, Montana. Replying to Howard's earlier question about continuing, McDowell told him pointedly that his instructions were to go on, and Howard responded, "My duty shall be done fully and to the letter without complaint.” But to Sherman he wrote, "My command is so much worn by overfatigue and jaded animals that I cannot push it much farther.” If other troops could head off the tribesmen in their front, Howard could, "in a few days work my way back to Fort Boise slowly, and distribute my troops before snow falls in the mountains.” Sherman interpreted the message to be that Howard wanted to quit, and he replied that he, "should pursue the Nez Perces to the death, lead where they may. . . . If you are tired, give the command to some young energetic officer. . . . When the Indians are caught, your men can march to the Pacific Railroad and reach their posts by rail and steamboat. They are not needed back in California and Oregon now, but are needed just where they are.” The reprimand gave Howard new resolve, and on August 27, back at Henry's Lake, he sent a message to the commanding general, "You misunderstood me. I never flag. It was the command, including the most energetic young officers, that were worn out and weary by a most extraordinary march. You need not fear for the campaign. Neither you nor General McDowell can doubt my pluck and energy. . . . We move in the morning and will continue to the end.” August 20: Nez Perce warriors attacked Howard’s camp at Camas Meadows. A volunteer recounted, “The Indians gathered up stock from all parts of both camps, and posted a line of about twenty-five men in front of the citizens' camp, within fifty yards of the wagons, and kept up their terrific fire at that distance, while the remainder of the raiders . . . were driving the animals across the creek and into the open country beyond.”1 August 25, 1877: Howard’s army and animals were exhausted at this point and they had little supplies. They felt compelled to stop for four days while Howard went to Virginia City, 75 miles away, to get clothing, shoes, blankets, and pack horses. He planned to telegraph Generals Sherman and McDowell. 1. Virginia City Madisonian, August 25, 1877. "We discovered that a band of screaming Indians were behind our entire mule train, 110 in number, and our loose horses." New York Herald, September 10, 1877. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books//nepe/greene/index.htm

General Howard Telegrams What are some things the author says that are important? Why was the document written? What do we learn about the Nez Perce and the War of 1877 from the telegrams?

______________________ MAIN CHARACTER’S NAME E V E N T / S T O R Y P Y R A M I D ______________________ MAIN CHARACTER’S NAME ____________ ____________ ____________ TWO WORDS DESCRIBING THIS PERSON ____________ ____________ ____________ THREE WORDS DESCRIBING THE SETTING or PLACE ____________ ____________ ____________ _______________ FOUR WORDS DESCRIBING AN IMPORTANT EVENT __________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ FIVE WORDS DESCRIBING THE MAIN IDEA OR THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS EVENT

Chief Joseph's Surrender Speech October 5, 1877 Tell General Howard I know his Heart. What He told me before I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting, Looking Glass is dead. too-Hul-hul-sote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led on the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food; no one knows where they are -- perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever. Chief Joseph wanted an honorable surrender. He rode slowly to Miles and Howard. After the 1300-mile journey, he dismounted and handed Miles his rifle, stepped back, adjusted a blanket to free his right arm, and gave his surrender speech.

Surrender Speech What are some things the author says that are important? Why was the document written? What do we learn about the Nez Perce from the speech?