The Battle of Cedar Creek broke out after Sitting Bull and Nelson Miles met and failed to reach an agreement, which in the case of Miles, amounted to the total surrender of Sitting Bull. The talks are famously depicted in the film Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee.
There were divisions in Sitting Bull's camp by this time, with some of his followers wishing to return to the reservation. Sitting Bull was adamant that they not do so. His position with Miles was that the Army should leave Sioux territory. In his camp he threatened to kill departing subordinates.
In the fight, the Sioux broke and fled up to 40 or so miles. Miles captured quantities of Sioux supplies. Sitting Bull lost followers who soon surrendered to Miles and after the battle he made up his mind to retreat into Canada. Miles prepared for a winter campaign.
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