Both camps were settled across the river from each other all day.. General Howard was waiting to begin negotiations but the Nez Perce saw the situation somewhat differently.
The soldiers were afraid to cross and have a battle. Next morning we saw General Howard dividing his soldiers. Some left, riding down the river...
The chiefs called the command, 'We will move camp! No use staying here. They do not want to cross and fight us!'
Yellow Wolf
They didn't want to be caught in a squeeze.
The Nez Perce Flight to Canada - An Introduction