Howard arrived at Bear Paw on October 4 with a small retinue — the rest of his army had already been sent home.

His presence was not made known to the nimíipuu still in camp.

As far as White Bird and Joseph knew, they might be facing a second army coming to reinforce Miles.

The people in camp were in desperate condition.

The cold was now severe.

There was almost no food.

Wounds were festering.

Children were dying.