Crossing the Continental Divide
Colonel Gibbon dispatched Lieutenant Bradley and Captain Catlin with some of their men and a couple volunteers to locate the Nez Perce. Early on August 8, Gibbon and his men started over the Continental Divide. It required many laborious hours using double teams and men with drag ropes to get the wagons up the steep slope.
The road was excellent until we commenced to climb the divide separating us from Ross Hole at the extreme upper end of the Bitter Root Valley. Here the ascent that we were compelled to halt at nightfall and make a dry camp before reaching the summit.
– Colonel John Gibbon
Before reaching the top, Bradley’s messenger arrived with news that the Nez Perce camp had been located. Leaving the wagon train to follow later, Colonel Gibbon and his men pushed on. They reached Lieutenant Bradley and his scouts about sunset.
Meanwhile, General Howard was still playing catch-up. He had camped near Lolo Hot Springs before moving up the Bitterroot Valley.
On August 9, Howard camped near the mouth of Rye Creek. When he learned from a relay of military messengers and the settlers that Gibbon was not far behind the Nez Perce, General Howard selected 20 of his best cavalry and began a forced march to reach Colonel Gibbon.
