A delegation of five Nez Perce warriors, led by wet’itwe’tit hawalis, went up the slope carrying a white flag to meet approaching cavalrymen in hopes that peace might be made without fighting and the war might be averted. For unknown reasons, Ad Chapman, captain of the volunteers, fired two shots, and the Nez Perce warriors returned fire, ending all chance of a negotiated truce. Warriors positioned in ravines and on hills around the site defended the village, and within the first minute otstotpoo (Fire Body) fired a long shot that killed Trumpeter John Jones, making it difficult for the officers to communicate commands down the line.