The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1873-05-01
Another Battle With The Modoce.
Nineteen Soldiers Killed and Many
Wounded,

Another Battle With The Modocs.
Nineteen Soldiers Killed and Many
Wounded.
LAVA BEDS, April 26 A reconnoiter-
OF the 4th Artillery and Company of the
18th Infantry left camp at $50 this morn
ing. proceeding in the direction known to
lead to the present stronghold of the Mo-
does, Capt. Thomas in command. A doz-
en- OF so of Warm Spring Indians were
expected to cooperate on Thomas left
The troops having formed a line, the
skirl.ishers advanced without molestation
until they arrived at the foot of a bluff
south of the Lava Beds, having mean
while signalled to the camp that no In
dams were to be found. On reaching the
bluff the Modocs opened a severe fire,
causing the troops to seek such shelter as
they could find in the crevices, chasms, sc.
AS usual the foe was unseen. The first
position soon became untenable, owing
to the fact that the Indians were able to
deliver a cross fire and an enfilading fire,
and the position of the troops is so expos
ed that up to the present writing, O'Clock
P NJ, only two could reach the camp out
OF nine wounded.
Lieut.. Wright of the 18th infantry had
sought shelter in the crevices which were
particularly open to the Modoc fire.
Grave doubts exist as to their ultimate
safety. AS soon as information is receiv-
ed at headquarters relative to the peril of
the party, troops will at once be pushed
forward to the rescue.
Four companies are ordered out, two
OF cavalry from this camp and two of
Col. Mason's. Stretchers for conveying
the wounded were forwarded, but the lat
ter are now returning without having
achieved the object that they were intend
ed for. A bitter cold night is at least
before them, and it is barely possible,
from the character Of the enemy, that
some of them no longer heed cold or heat.
Their comrades who from cause are COM
ing to the camp show plainly by their de
meanor their heartfelt sorrow. They feel
for them, but are powerless in the matter.
LAVA BEDS, April 27.-5 P. M. From
the despatch sent by Col. Green it appears
that there are now collected and waiting
conveyance to camp the bodies of 16 men
killed, including Capt Thomas, Lieut..
Howe, Lieut.. Wright, and W wounded. in
Guiding Lieut.. Harris, 4th Artillery. These
added to the number of wounded men
above cited show a large percentage of
casualties from the small number of men
engaged.
Sixty Modocs are armed with Spencer
carbines and breach loading muskets In
more than one instance a Modoc has been
known to have two or more Spencer rifles,
enabling HIM to keep up rapid fire from
his natural or artificial breastwork of
rock.
The surface Of the ground in many
places IS torn up by volcanic action, which
forms creyices, and these are adapted to
purposes OF hiding or for points of de-
fence. In several instances the soldiers,
Knowing nothing of the topography, have
come unaWareS on such assures and be-
lore they could escape were confronted by
a willy Indian with rifle levelled and
finger on the trigger, death or at least a
dangerous wound is the result. Too often
the cowardly redskins escape by many
paths known only to themselves
AS sample of their treachery and
cunning may not be amiss, | will state
that portion of Batteries A. and K, 4th
Artillery and Co. E., 18th Infantry, find
ing themselves in danger of .oeng out
thanked, took shelter in a hollow spot af-
tording partial cover. No sooner had
they done so than the Indians who knew
and commanded every egress from the
cavity at that point, numbering 81 war
llors, detached of their number on one
side, IA remaining on the other, and then
opened a cross fire on the poor fellows
who could not show head or hand with
out certainly being struck, Very few es-
capped injury and the rest We're killed or
wounded. 1t is possible to ascertain the
number OF Modocs killed and wounded
Yesterday Capt, Mckay reported that
his Warm Spring Indians had taken four
scalps. This may be the whole Or it may
be only portion of the killed. The Mo-
docs being very careful to destroy as far
AS possible all traces of their casualties
carrying their wounded into the caves
anu burning the dead bodies. The
wounded are supposed to be hidden in
caves, but few OF them have been seen so
far.
LAVA BEDS, April q, $50 P. M. The
relniorcements sent out under Col. Green
together with the killed Fand wounded
are expected momentariy.
heavy rain is now falling which is
beneficial TO the poor wounded men in
alternating their sufferngs and relieving
their feverish limbs. Their arrival is
anxiously looked for by their more fortu-
nate comrades in camp. Every prepare
ton is made for their proper reception.
When the news OF the massacre reach
ed the camp the soldiers who had grown
old and gray in service wept like children
at the tate OF their officers and comrades.