Join BMLT to enjoy a film that details the rather remarkable story of Charles Erskine Scott (C.E.S.) Wood and how the Nez Perce War so deeply impacted his life and career. A freshly minted U.S. Army Lieutenant from West Point, Wood arrived at U.S. Army Fort Vancouver and was appointed adjutant to Fort Commander Genl. O.O. Howard. The Nez Perce War broke out and young Lt. Wood was shipped to the front as an “Indian fighter;” however, his experience of the conflict turned him inside out. Wood was there to record Chief Joseph’s now famous so-called surrender speech, and saw to it that it was published across the nation. Wood became a fierce social critic and prodigious writer of poetry, essays, fiction and drama and remained a lifelong friend of Chief Joseph and a leading advocate for the Nez Perce.
In his post-film talk, Laurence Cotton will provide further background about Wood’s life and career and his experience researching and producing the film in Nez Perce country. He will also discuss the current generation of the Wood family, following in their patriarch’s footsteps.
For more information about this event, please contact Alexandra James at alex@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Your Host
Laurence Cotton, Public historian, writer, and producer
More information: Laurence Cotton co-produced this film with Seattle-based writer and filmmaker John de Graaf.