Book
Recommendation: Let Me Be Free: The Nez Perce Tragedy by David Lavender
This
book was published in 1972, but I just found a copy. I’m glad I did, thought it
burst the bubble of a myth I had cherished since my teen years. Chief Joseph, (whose
name in Nez Perce is “Thunder rolling in the Mountains) lionized by the
victorious whites as the “Red Napoleon” who outmaneuvered and out fought three
US Armies, was not the War Chief of the Nez Perce. That was first, Looking Glass
and when he floundered, Lean Elk, then later Looking glass again, who’s desire
to move slowly resulted in Col. Miles catching up with them just short of
Canada. Joseph was the Camp Chief, in charge of keeping the non-combatants
together and moving. Gen. Howard, needed a heroic foil to explain his own
blunders, created the myth of Joseph as Paramount chief, because he knew him.
Later the myth was expanded by a young officer who wrote a highly-fictionalized
account of the campaign, creating Joseph famous “Hear Me, My Chiefs” speech out
of almost whole cloth. Decision as is usual with Indians were made by the
council. People were free to follow them or go off on their own. They fought as
individuals, not unit, making their military accomplishment perhaps more
remarkable. The truth has been published by several historian, but generally ignored.
This fine history starts with the Nez Perce first contact with white and
carries through after the surrender. As might be expected, every treaty with
them was eventually violated when white wanted the land, and every promise
broken. It should be read by history buffs interested in the west and the
American Indian Wars.
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