Children of Grace: The Nez Perce War of 1877 (Military Frontier) [Paperback]

Bruce Hampton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Military Frontier | Publication Date: September 1, 2002

Although the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) Indians gave instrumental help to Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition, they were rewarded by decades of invasive treaties and encroachment upon their homeland. In June 1877, the Nez Perce struck back and were soon swept into one of the most devastating Indian wars in American history. The conflict culminated in an epic twelve-hundred-mile chase as the U.S. Army pursued some eight hundred Nez Perce men, women, and children, who tried to fight their way to freedom in Canada.

In this enthralling account of the Nez Perce War, Bruce Hampton brings to life unforgettable characters from both sides of the conflict—warriors and women, common soldiers and celebrated generals. Looking Glass, White Bird, the legendary Chief Joseph, and fewer than three hundred warriors waged a bloody guerilla war against a modernized American army commanded by such famous generals as William Tecumseh Sherman, Nelson Miles, Oliver Otis Howard, and Philip Sheridan. Hampton also gives voice to the Native Americans from other tribes who helped the U.S. Army block the escape of the Nez Perce to Canada.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hampton chronicles the events leading to the 1877 war between the Nez Perce tribe of Oregon?removed from their land following American settlement?and the federal army.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Using authoritative sources, Hampton, a Native American history scholar, presents an objective account of the Nez Perce war and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Indians struggling to maintain their homeland and way of life. Prior to 1877, the Nez Perce were a peaceful and wealthy band. Misled by the white man's promises and faced with encroachment, a renegade band massacred 18 settlers. Fearing retribution, over 750 Nez Perce Indians began their flight toward Canada, followed by several army regiments. This war would eventually last several weeks, cover 1200 miles through three states, involve numerous battles, cost over $930,000, and result in the loss of many lives before the Indians would be forced to surrender only miles from their destination. This poignant and readable work is definitely recommended for public libraries.
- Terri L. Summey, Emporia State Univ. Lib., Kan.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 407 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803273347
• ISBN-13: 978-0803273344
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,140,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story you didn't learn in school., October 1, 2005

By 

Ozark Trail Outrider (Jenks, OK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Children of Grace: The Nez Perce War of 1877 (Hardcover)

Children of Grace is one of those books that tells a story to which most of us have never been exposed. Certainly, we learn early and often about our conflicts with the Souix and Cheyenne, but not the Nez Perce. These are the people that helped Lewis and Clark. How then did we end up fighting them?

Bruce Hampton clearly shows the circumstances and humiliations that ultimately lead the Nez Perce to hit the warpath. One of the most revealing aspects of the ensuing conflict is that the U.S. Army's defeat by the Nez Perce as White Bird Canyon was as devastating as the Little Bighorn or the Fetterman Massacre. And yet how many of us, outside of Idaho, have heard of the battle fought at White Bird Canyon?? Sounds like a great script for a John Ford classic.(Maybe other reviewers can point out if this conflict has been made it onto film.)

Bruce Hampton brings to life an incredible journey undertaken by the Nez Perce as they pass through a huge area pursued by three separate U.S. Army commands. It's an incredible American story and one that is well worth the knowing.

You may have heard of Chief Joseph's famous quote, "...I will fight no more forever." Read this excellent volume to find out why this legendary figure of the American West said these words.