The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-24

1t would I'LL columns to detail the incidents
of this fight, which proved such trial to the off,
GERS, soldiers and volunteers that formed the at
lacking party. General Wheaton told me the other
day tnat he had been through all the principal
battles during the rebellion and he had never seen
officers and men appear so utterly Indifferent to
danger or SO cool and steady under such har-
RAISING fire. The Indians did not waste much
powder ana shot, as they were excellent marks
men. and. having the advantage Of o rest for the
rifle and perfect safety from return fire, were
erring In their aim. Often man would call badly
wounded, and, looking eagerly around for his
enemy, would only see the smoke Of o rifle curling
up from a small hole on some inaccessible crag
overhanging his position. On one occasion man
was shot dead at o certain spot, and another man
was sent with stretcher to carry away his body
The second met the fate OF the FIRST and third
who went on the same GRAND, fell badly wounded
These three men all
FELL WITHOUT KNOWING THE POSITION OF TIE
INDIANS
who had shot them. Every little narrow passage
between the rocks that was likely to be Of lmpor-
lance was guarded by two or three rifles peeping
out from loOpholes that the Indians had formed for
that purpose. On the move along the lake to the
left the men had to move with the greatest eau.
ton, as the Indians had lined the overhanging
bluffs with their men, and to show yourself In full
view was nearly certain death. They crawled
on their hands and feet, making o dart every
now and then from one rock to another, but
still pushing forward in the direction OF Colonel
Bernard. Captain Perry, who was with his troops
on the left, while stretched behind rock accidcn.
tally turned on his side and exposed portion Of
his shoulder and arm, receiving severe flesh
wound, which compelled him to retire. Colonel
Green and Colonel Mason were perpetualy in the
hottest Of the fire, ana appear to have charmed
lives, as although their uniforms were, in many
instances, cut by passing ball. neither received
scratch during the fight. There was not an OH.
Ger that went into the lava beds that did not come
out with some portion Of his clothing marked or
tora by bullet. When
THE TROOPS ON THE WEST SIDE
finally connected with Colonel Bernard they found
him stopped from further advance by an immense
chasm that appeared impossible, and which was
strongly defended by Indians
Shortly before dark the fog lifted slightly aud
showed the Oregon volunteers portion Of Captain
Perrys troop and the infantry still on the
west side, and, at signal from the District Com.
mander, Major Green fell back to Lands Ranch to
camp for the night with Demands command and
the infantry battalion. The Oregon and California
volunteers retired by the west side and fell back
in Van Bremmer's Ranch. cannot conclude with
out saying something Of
THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED IN THE RETREAT
to Lands ranch, and OF the bravery and herosm
exhibited by the officers and men on that occasion
They had been up since four A. NJ. and fighting
since halfpast six A. NJ up to dark. The retreat
commenced at hall-past ten p. NJ. and continued
Gil night and up to one A. NJ. next day. Thirty
three hours without rest food are enough to try
the patience and endurance OF most men, but these
gallant fellows never uttered word, and were
always ready to relieve one another at the end OF
blanket, carrying the sick and wounded. Surgeon
McEldery worked increasingly, and through the
day was exposed on several occasions to q danger
Gus IRE, but never ninched from his duty, and
rushed from place to place to the assistance OF the
wounded. The following Is
THE OFFICIAL REPORT
OF Brevet Colonel Mason who was In command OF
HEADQUARTERS MoDoo EXPEDITION,
Jan. %, 1873.
the Lakes:-
SIR have the honor to report that in compn-
ance Wild General order No. 3, dated headquar-
tiers, District OF the Lakes, January IL, 1873 the
troops stationed at Van Brimmer's ranch, consist.
ing OF Major h. y. Mason's battalion, two companies
Twenty-iirst infantry-company q, commanded by
captain >: H. burton, and Company b, commanded
py Lieutenant j. M. Ross; Troop +, First cavalry,
commanded BY Captain Davis Perry: section or
howitzers, commanded by Lieutenant Miller, FIRST
cavalry, Brigadier General John Il. Ross and two
companies oregon volunteers-Company A, COM
manded by Captain Hugh nelly, and Company u,
commanded by Captain y. Y. Applegate, and
twenty-three volunteers from Siskiyou county
commanded by Captain John Fairchild, moved, on
the 10th inst, about twelve miles in the direction
OF the Modoc stronghold and encamped for the
night within three miles of Captain Jacks camp.
Captain Perry, with his troop, preceded the col
umn, with orders to clear the bluffs OF Indian
pickets that the movement OF the other troops
might be covered.
Captain d. +. Bernard, with his command con-
slsting OF his own Troop g. and Captain Jackson OF
Troop y, FIRST cavalry, moved the same morning
rom the camp at Lands ranch TO within two
miles OF the Indian stronghold, where he encamped
Tor the night would here state that, on account
OF the dense fog which prevailed he got nearer
the Indian camp than was intended Tor that day
and In moving back TO the place he was to oc.
cupy Tor the night the enemy endeavored to cut
MN OIL. Some sharp fighting ensued, in which
ne had several men wounded.
On the morning OF the 18th, at half past six
a. NJ, the troops on the west side moved down
the blum into what Is known as the lava BEDS in
the following rder:-First, Major T.. G. Mason
with his batallion second, Captain Fairchid with
the California volunteers third, BrIgader (iencra
Ross, with oregon volunteers; fourth Lieutenant
Miller, with section oil mountain howitzers: and
fifth, Captain ID. Perry with his troop.
yQ9a EeasAiRx the leot VI INV plpg CAPTAIN Bur. j