The sounds of battle echo through the Mountains,
resounding off the cliffs of Yellowstone,
from fighting for their tribe's very survival,
were warriors of the native clan, Nez Perce.

The year they fought was eighteen seven seven.
Just after Custer met his final fate.
The tribe was fleeing north to Canada,
where Sitting Bull escaped United States.

The fighting raged from June into October,
through several sets fought fiercely in retreat.
It covered over some one thousand miles.
The final battle lasted five fierce days.

At Snake Creek, in Montana's Bear Paw Mountains,
the sounds of anguish echoed through the hills.
Just forty miles distance from the border,
Chief Joseph ceded fate to General Howard.

"I'm tired of fighting, war chiefs are all killed. "
"People, hear me!" said worn and grizzled Chief.
"I'm sick and sad; will fight no more forever. "
So with that, the Nez Perce clan surrendered.

Their battle tactics soon became renowned
The nation was impressed by their finesse.
And even Sherman marveled at their conduct.
Chief Joseph's words went down in history.

" I Will fight no more forever."