During the early fall of 1877, a detachment of U.S. troops under Gen. Nelson A. Miles had defeated and captured over 400 Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, at the battle of Bear Paw Mountain in the Montana Territory. Following the surrender, the prisoners and wounded from both sides began the long journey toward the nearest Army installation.

In charge of the wounded was Barnegat native Henry R. Tilton, 41, a surgeon and Civil War veteran.