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| This rifle was engraved in memory of the free or non treaty Nez Perce Indians. The Nez Perce war took place in 1877. The first battle took place in Whitebird Canyon Idaho. The canyon was named after Chief Whitebird of the Nez Perce, one of the main war chiefs. The Soldiers were soundly defeated in that battle and with luck about 2/3 of them survived the battle. Most accounts say Nez Perce never lost a man.
General Oliver O. Howard was the general in charge of the Nez Perce war. There are many existing photos of him throughout his career. This portrait most likely coincides with that era. He lost an arm in the Civil War and was a hero of that war. In spite of his reputation as a great military strategist, he was barely a match for the Nez Perce. The Nez Perce did not fight like other Indians. Howard soon found that out. It was somewhat of a shock. A few of the Nez Perce warriors actually were snipers. They used Sharps rifles and 45-70 Springfield trapdoors. They were better shots than the soldiers and according to some of the soldiers in the war, made some kills at ranges as far as 1300 yards. Nez Perce warriors said the calvary soldiers could not ride and could not shoot very good. They were not respected by the Nez Perce. The Nez Perce did respect Gen Howard because he was truthful. |
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