Page:The Indian Dispossessed.pdf/126

 early spring was determined upon for the final move upon Joseph. In February the Nez Perce agent sent a delegation of "treaty" Indians to the Wallowa Valley with an untimatum to the refractory chief. This is Joseph's reply:

"I have been talking to the whites many years about the land in question, and it is strange they cannot understand me. The country they claim belonged to my father, and when he died it was given to me and my people, and I will not leave it until I am compelled to."

By the 1st of May a strong military force, in command of General O. O. Howard, was approaching the Nez Perce country. The General met Joseph and other non-treaty chiefs for a final parley:

"Friday, the 4th of May, the Indians came together again very much reinforced, part of White Bird's Indians and some others having come in. They go through a similar preliminary ceremonial around the garrison. . ..

"Joseph simply introduced White Bird and his people, stating that they had not seen me before, and that he wished them to understand what was said. White Bird sat demurely in front of me, kept his hat on, and steadily covered his face with a large eagle's wing. . ..

"White Bird's Indians, having come a long distance, were evidently very tired. I thought it was best to allow them to assemble again, with a view