What followed was not a battle between equal opponents in terms of position or preparation.

The nimíipuu warriors, perhaps seventy in number, knew every feature of the canyon where they had been camping.

They occupied the ridgelines that overlooked the narrow canyon floor.

Perry’s exhausted cavalry, operating on terrain they had never seen before, were at a catastrophic tactical disadvantage.

White Bird and Ollokot directed the nimíipuu defense.

The army column’s left flank collapsed when a bugler who was to signal the attack was shot early in the fighting, disrupting Perry’s communications.

Lieutenant Edward Theller led a small group forward and was overwhelmed.