END OF THE NEZ PERCE WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5237, 5 January 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

END OF THE NEZ PERCE WAR.

. (From the Home News.) After one of the most stubborn and gallant running fights known to Indian warfare, Chief Joseph and the remnant of his band have surrendered to the United States forces. The point where General Miles caught and held Joseph was apparently a short distance up Snake Greek, near Bear Paw Mountain, not far, therefore, from the border line beyond which Joseph would have been safe. The force which Miles took with him consisted of three companies of the 2nd Cavalry, three of the 7th Cavalry, and eight companies of the sth Infantry, of which latter he is colonel commanding. Two other companies of the 7th Cavalry wore on the way, and probably joined him during the three days’ fight, as did possibly some other companies of Sturgis’ regiment. All these companies, however, were slim in numbers. While these troops are the immediate victors, some of the praise must be given to the commands of Howard, Gibbon, and Sturgis, whohadsucoessivoly struck Joseph during the long chase. Miles reaped what they had sown. Joseph had run the gauntlet of the field forces from Oregon and Washington Territory, across Idaho, and thence up to the extreme northerly part of Montana. The official date of tho beginning of the expedition against him is June 15, thus making a campaign of nearly 120 days. After tho first outbreak of the Indians came Norwood’s fight at Camas Creek, followed by tho fights of Whipple and Perry on the Cottonwood, from

the 3rd to the sth of July.. Howard collected a large force, and gave battle on the Clearwater, July 13 and 11. Then followed the long chase on the Lo Lo trail across Idaho. There a mistake made by a detachment posted to meet him allowed Joseph to escape ; but Gibbon, by a forced march, overhauled him, and fought the bloody affair of Big Hole, August 9. With Howard still after him, Joseph pushed rapidly northward, and was struck by Sturgis, September 13, near Yellowstone Mountain, Eluding Sturgis on Clark’s Fork, Joseph, reached Cow Island, and on being driven off by the little garrison there, headed straight for the Canada line. At this juncture Miles, who fortunately had had the small force already spoken of in camp and watching Sitting Bull ever since the middle of June, moved it rapidly over towards Eaga Creek, and after a severe and prolonged fight, worried the bravo chief to a surrender So ends the Nez Percii war—a war gallantly fought, says the New York Times, but a costly and sanguinary blunder. A peaceful, non-treaty chief, who, after being wronged in other ways, bad been peremptorily ordered to go upon a reservation where he did not belong, was thus goaded to the war-path. The troops have pursued him and his allied chiefs with tireless energy, and fought him most gallantly, being met with an energy as tireless and a bravery even more desperate than their own. The skill and courage with which Joseph, White Bird, Looking Glass, and their Nez Bercd warriors have {conducted this campaign are unsurpassed in our Indian annals. As to the fate of Joseph, much must depend on the terms of surrender. But even supposing it to bo unconditional, ho and his men deserve the treatment of foes, not of felons. By refraining from scalping and mutilation, by their frequent release of women and children, and sometimes even of unarmed citizens, they have set an example in Indian warfare which should earn them consideration. The fate of Joseph and his Nez Percds should not be that of Captain Jack and his Modocs.