Wood had quite a specific attitude towards Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce campaign. Wood was a military man who was used to obey orders. They understood their mission perfectly well and fulfilled their tasks. However, Wood empathized with Indians. He did not see them as Savages and did not think they were to be destroyed or removed from the country.
On the contrary, he understood that they were equal citizens of the country and they had their right to live in this country. He even tried to help defend Indians’ rights when he retired from military service. This viewpoint, as well as the essay, played quite a significant role in Indians’ fight for their rights. This essay was another voice that supported Native Americans.
Wood’s view hardly changed anything, and Indians had to live in horrible conditions in reservations. However, Wood was one of those who believed in justice and tried to make others understand what true democracy and liberty meant. Wood’s essay is especially valuable as it was written when the majority of people were blind with their desire to gain more resources (i.e., land).