It seems that the location of two howitzers used by Gen. O.O. Howard during his pursuit of Chief Joseph's Band of Nez Perce during the War of 1877 will remain a mystery.

According to an article in the June 1, 1967 issue of the Clearwater Tribune, the howitzers had been found by a timber cruiser George W. Harlan. He said he would return to recover them later that year. However, nothing more has been recorded.

The howitzers became cumbersome and slowed the rate of march while following the Nez Perce along their trail. Howard left the howitzers behind, intending to recover them later.

According to Robbin Johnston, archeologist with the US Forest Service, other items that were cached have been found, but nothing more is known of the howitzers. If they are found they should certainly be in a museum such the one at Spalding.

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