内兹珀斯人在取得了怀特伯德峡谷战役胜利之后,渡过了萨蒙河(英语:Salmon River (Idaho))(“鲑鱼河”)以逃离带着400名士兵正向他们进逼的奥利弗·霍华德将军。霍华德吃力地渡过了河流以对抗这些印第安人,但是此时,在数量上处于劣势的内兹珀斯人们再次渡过了萨蒙河,丢下了机动性较差的美军士兵们,让他们在河对岸被困了几天。[2]
^Jacoby, Jr., Alvin M. The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press: 534–535. 1975.缺少或|url=为空 (帮助)
^Jacoby, 632. Looking Glass with his band of 100-plus Nez Perce had not joined Joseph as yet. Joseph's Nez Perce would later number about 750. “玻璃镜(英语:Looking Glass (Native American leader))和他的100人以上的内兹珀斯人群体此时还没有加入山雷。山雷的内兹珀斯人人数之后会有约750人。”
^McDermott, John D. Forlorn Hope: The Battle of White Bird Canyon and the Beginning of the Nez Perce War. Boise, ID: Idaho State Historical Society: 125–126. 1978.缺少或|url=为空 (帮助)