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There have been many outstanding Americans that were the bedrock of being American, beginning with the framers of our wonderful constitution. Then in every conflict following there have always been several that made outstanding contributions to the American cause. Often overlooked and seldom mentioned in history classes are a number of Native American Indian leaders whose lives have left positive marks on the history of America. One of the most remarkable and noble of Native American Indian leaders was the military genius of the Nez Perce’s Indian tribe, Chief Joseph. Chief Joseph demanded that his people maintain peace with the white man and agreed to settle on a reservation. When a gold rush caused the United States to break its treaty and to seize almost all of the reservation land, Chief Joseph denounced the U S government for breaking its word and vowed not to relinquish the reservation. The government at once sent in the U. S. Calvary to rout out the Indians. The army totally underestimated Chief Joseph and with 800 women and children and the elderly, the wily chief led the troopers through a maze of mountain passes and ambushes, displaying an extraordinary military genius and at one time actually had the army chasing itself in circles in the desert. Chief Joseph was trying to lead his people into Canada where they would be safe. In one of the great American tragedies, believing he was in Canada he stopped by a stream to rest his people. Unfortunately he was a half a mile from the border and was eventually captured. His surrender speech is one of the most poignant speeches ever made in the English language. His anti-war philosophies stand as an inspiration, even today, for many. That he was a great leader and a great American there can be no doubt
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Sunday June 21, 2009 |
