Nez Perce

Biography of Smohalla – Nez Perce

Chief Smohalla

Smohalla, born between 1815 and 1820, was a prominent Indian prophet and teacher of the Sokulk tribe, related to the Nez Perce. By 1850, he started preaching a message advocating a return to traditional Indian ways and resistance to white influences, inspired by a vision from the spirit world. His teachings resonated with many, including Chief Joseph and his followers. Despite his death in 1895, the Dreamers maintained their religious practices into the 20th century, preserving Smohalla’s spiritual legacy.

Biography of Chief Joseph – Nez Percé

Chief Joseph 1877

Chief Joseph, born Hinmaton-yalatkit, was the leader of the Nez Percé during the conflicts of 1877. He resisted the 1863 treaty that ceded their ancestral lands in Oregon to white settlers. Following escalating tensions, he led a remarkable retreat toward Canada, skillfully managing a group of women and children despite being pursued by U.S. forces. After significant engagements, he surrendered on October 5, 1877. Subsequent broken promises led to his band’s displacement, and he spent his later years advocating for education and sobriety among his people before his death in 1904.

Biographical Sketch of Mark Arthur – Nez Percé

Nez Perce' Agency

Mark Arthur, a full-blood Nez Percé born in 1873, experienced displacement after his mother was captured in 1877. He returned to the Nez Percé Reservation around 1880, attending Miss McBeth’s mission school to prepare for the ministry. After reuniting with his mother, he cared for her until her death. Ordained around 1900, he became pastor of the oldest Presbyterian church west of the Rockies in Lapwai, Idaho, achieving notable success and serving as a delegate at the Presbyterian church’s general assembly in 1905.

Indians of the Great Western Prairies

Crow Indian

The post reflects on the tribes of the Great Western Prairies, particularly the Crows and Blackfeet, who inhabit the regions around the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. The Blackfeet, once over thirty thousand, faced a devastating smallpox outbreak, reducing their numbers significantly. These tribes exhibit strength and resilience, living primarily off buffalo and horses. They maintain rich cultural practices, such as the significant medicine-bag tradition. The text also highlights their continual conflicts with neighboring tribes, along with notable tales of love and rivalry within their communities.

Preliminary Treaty of 23 September 1858

The Preliminary Articles of a Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States and the Spokane Nation, signed on September 23, 1858, outlined the cessation of hostilities, the delivery of property, and the surrender of individuals responsible for attacks on U.S. troops. The Spokane leaders promised to ensure safe passage for white individuals and prevent hostile Indians in their territory. Compliance would protect the Spokane people from war, with assurances that delivered individuals would not be harmed and would be returned within a year. The treaty also included the Nez Perces nation.

Retribution for Previous Losses

On September 9, 1858, Colonel G. Wright, commanding U.S. forces against Northern Indians, reported on troop movements and interactions with local tribes post-battle. He encountered Spokane and other tribes expressing a desire for peace but imposed strict conditions for negotiations, demanding disarmament and submission of hostages. Following previous military successes, he sought retribution for hostilities, leading to the capture of 900 horses and subsequent destruction of property belonging to the hostile tribes. Wright’s strategy aimed to consolidate control and enforce peace through strength.

Measuring Strength with the Northern Indians

Chief Seltice

In August 1858, Colonel Wright led an expedition against Northern Indian tribes, facing ominous signs of hostility as they moved into enemy territory. Initial scouting revealed the enemy’s preparedness for battle, prompting tactical adjustments. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Four Lakes on September 1, where Wright’s troops, employing effective strategies, successfully engaged and routed the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Pelouse Indians with minimal casualties. The victory bolstered troop confidence and reshaped perceptions of Indian capabilities, highlighting the evolving nature of warfare in the region.

Wright’s Order 6

On August 19, 1858, Colonel Wright issued Orders No. 6, establishing Fort Taylor at the Snake River’s mouth, named after Captain Taylor who died in combat. Captain Keys was tasked with garrisoning the fort and preparing for an imminent crossing of the river. Despite harsh weather conditions and wildfires affecting supplies, Wright planned to advance on August 25. A severe windstorm on August 21 delayed operations, but by the morning of August 26, the troops and artillery successfully crossed the river, aided by local Nez Perce support.

Wright’s Order 5

Colonel Wright issued Orders No. 5 from Camp Near Fort Walla Walla on August 14, 1858, outlining the troop movements and structure for the upcoming northern expedition against hostile Indians. He emphasized cautious advancement and specified that no firearms were to be discharged without authorization. Wright expressed concern about the enemy’s guerrilla tactics and the challenges posed by the season, stating that provisions must be managed carefully if the enemy burned the grass in their rear. He conveyed confidence in his troops while acknowledging potential hardships ahead.

Wright’s Order 3

Chief Timothy valued his relationship with white settlers and preserved the legacy of Lewis and Clark. Colonel Wright prepared his forces at Walla Walla for a northward expedition amid rising tensions with local tribes. On August 3, he issued orders for Captain Keys to lead a contingent to the Tucanon. As the mission progressed, challenges arose, including Indian attacks and the capture of livestock. Ongoing hostilities were evident, and the construction of a fort on former Indian burial grounds commenced, anticipating further conflict with hostile tribes.

Treaty Of Peace and Friendship Between the United States and the Nez Perces Tribe

In August 1858, Colonel Wright, while encamped at Willow Creek, negotiated a treaty of peace and alliance with the Nez Perces Tribe. This agreement ensured perpetual peace, mutual support in conflicts, and provisions for arms during warfare. Despite initial cooperation, the treaty was later violated in 1877 when Chief Joseph led a rebellion against U.S. forces, resulting in significant hostilities, though many tribal leaders who signed the treaty remained opposed to conflict. The treaty’s terms and its eventual breach highlight the complexities of early U.S.-Native American relations.

Battle at Tohotonimme

Chief Garry

Colonel Steptoe recognized the imminent danger posed by the gathering Indian forces and decided to retreat to Snake River to avoid conflict. He dispatched a Nez Perce messenger for reinforcements amidst hostile territory. As the troops advanced, they were increasingly harassed by attacking Indians. Despite their efforts to defend and regroup, casualties mounted, including the deaths of Captain Taylor and Lieutenant Gaston. The soldiers managed to establish a defensive position on a hill, but faced severe exhaustion and dwindling ammunition as the fighting continued. Nightfall brought a temporary lull in hostilities.

Agreement of July 7, 1883

During a conference on July 7, 1883, Chief Moses and representatives from the Columbia and Colville reservations requested a range of support, including the establishment of a boarding school, a saw and grist mill, and financial assistance for individual leaders. They sought land rights and protections for their communities, with options to relocate to Colville. The Secretary of the Interior agreed to advocate for appropriations to facilitate these requests, ensuring rights and resources for both reservations, contingent upon Congress’s approval.

Treaty of October 17, 1855

On October 17, 1855, representatives of the Blackfoot, Flathead, Nez Percé, and other tribes signed a treaty with U.S. commissioners A. Cumming and Isaac I. Stevens near the Judith River in Nebraska. The treaty established perpetual peace among the tribes and with the U.S., delineating a shared hunting ground for 99 years and granting exclusive territory to the Blackfoot Nation. It outlined mutual responsibilities, the protection of Indian lands, and provisions for annual financial support and education, while promoting civility and forbidding hostilities.

Treaty of June 9, 1863

On June 9, 1863, a treaty was established between the United States and the Nez Percé tribe, amending previous agreements. The Nez Percé relinquished prior land reservations in exchange for a defined tract designated as their new reservation. The U.S. committed to financial provisions for relocation, agriculture, and education, including funds for schools, a sawmill, and other community needs. Additionally, it outlined governance structures for the tribe, affirming their dependence on the U.S. while seeking to secure their rights and lands for future generations.

Treaty of August 13, 1868

On August 13, 1868, representatives of the Nez Percé tribe and U.S. officials amended the treaty of June 9, 1863. The agreement included provisions for surveying lands suitable for cultivation, relocating tribe members to reservations, and protecting their rights on occupied lands. Additionally, it annulled previous stipulations regarding timber use by the U.S. military, ensuring tribal control over timber resources. The agreement also mandated the reimbursement of funds for education that were misallocated, to be held in trust and invested for the tribe’s benefit.

Biography of Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding

Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding, born in 1803 in New York, faced early challenges as an orphan with limited education. He became a Christian and dedicated his life to missionary work, moving to Oregon in 1836. Spalding was instrumental in establishing the first Presbyterian church on the Pacific coast and contributed significantly to the Nez Perce community, including baptizing hundreds. After various roles, including U.S. Indian agent, he continued his mission until his death in 1874. His writings and efforts fostered lasting ties between the Nez Perce and settlers.

Treaty of 11 June 1855

On June 11, 1855, representatives of the Nez Percé tribe signed a treaty at Camp Stevens, ceding significant land to the United States in exchange for financial and educational support. The agreement established a reservation for the Nez Percés and guaranteed their rights to fishing, hunting, and other resources. Additionally, it included provisions for schools, vocational training, and a salary for their head chief. The treaty aimed to foster a mutual relationship while acknowledging the tribe’s dependence on U.S. governance.