Henry's Lake, Idaho
On August 24 General Howard and his troops reached the southern end of Henry's Lake. There he learned of Lieutenant Bacon's return and his failure to intercept the Nez Perce. With that news General Howard realized this desperate chase would continue.
“The General intended to follow right after the hostiles but this was impossible because it was found that the command has but ve days rations.”
–Captain Robert Pollock, August 25, 1877
The chase would continue, but at the moment General Howard’s forces were exhausted. They could not continue without rest and supplies. Leaving his troops at Henry’s Lake to recuperate, Howard took two wagon teams and immediately set off for Virginia City, Montana, 75 miles away, to obtain the much needed supplies.
“General Howard inquired how many days would be needed to bring the necessary clothing to the camp from Virginia City, and was informed that it could not be done in less than ve. The General was positive it could be done in less time, and without more ado, started for Virginia City, traveling night and day until he returned with all the stock of blankets, shoes, etc., in the town. Besides communicating with General Sherman and McDowell, through the telegraph o ce, while at Virginia City, Howard also directed further clothing supplies .... A herd of cayuse horses was also brought to serve as pack-animals.”
–Thomas Sutherland (war correspondent)
General Howard and many of his of cers were beginning to feel that this campaign was pointless and futile.
They were exhausted, ill-equipped and outside of their jurisdictional boundary.
“Everyone, believe me, is sick and tired of a fruitless pursuit of these Indians .... General Howard seems determined to follow them up in the (vain) hope I suppose, of overtaking them .... Not many o cers are in sympathy with him, and a great many think he is guilty of folly of the gravest kind to follow on at the expense of loss in men and animals in a hopeless pursuit.”
–Dr. John FitzGerald, August 23, 1877
While in Virginia City, Montana, General Howard telegraphed his superiors to appraise them of their dire situation, and indicated that he was ready to bring this campaign to a close. General William Tecumseh Sherman replied curtly.
“That force of yours should pursue the Nez Perces to the death, lead where they may .... If you are tired give the command to some energetic o cer and let him follow them, go where they may, holding his men well in hand, ... For such a stern chase, infantry are as good as cavalry.”
–General William T. Sherman (general of the U.S. Army)
On August 28 Howard’s command left Henry’s Lake inpursuit of the Nez Perce.
