, 1873-04-24

ERRORS OF THE PEACE CoMMIsEIoN.-
The following are extracts from letter
written by Mr.. J. NJ. Sutton, who was
at the headquarters of the Peace Com
N ion few days before the massacre
Read in the light of what has recently
transpired it awakens feelings which ev-
cry reader can appreciate for himself
better than one can describe them. The
letter is dated at Linkville, April Sth:
In conversation with Mr.. Dyar, one
of the Commissioners, spoke to him
about the feeling Of The people of Ore
gon on the course that was beirg pur-
sued, and on the consequences that
must certainly ensue. He answered ::
it makes no difference what the peo-
pie of Oregon say or do; the Govern
ment is determined that peace shall be
made. and peace aUW be made, no mat
ter on what terms 2" DR.. Thomas, the
Commissioner from California, is de-
cidedly peace man, as might be sup
posed from his calling. He is minis
ter of fine abilities and an enviable rep
utation; has firm step and digniiied
| department, and is man before whom
one in passing would instinctively raise
his hat in courtesy and respect. But
his sympathies or rather preJu1ices, go
out towards the ''down- trodden Modoc, :"
and, in common with too many of those
who have been dealing with this affair,
he would accept the testimony of a Dig
ger Indian rather than that of the most
respected citizen of Oregon. He ap-
pears to be firmly convinced that our
people were entirely in the wrong, and
that the Modocs, if not justifable, are
at least excusable for their outbreak.
Some days ago Jack sent word to the
Commissioners that he was out of to-
bacco. Immediately a requisition was
made for all the tobacco in the hands of
the Commissary. All belonging to the
sutlcI Nao dioO DouSHt, dIiu ioi " dl ucu
post haste. to the Modoc camp. The
soldiers during my stay were i'll want of
tobacco, but had not single plug
among thom all.
Hooka Jim came into camp while I
was there, mounted upon fine blooded
horse that was taken from one of the
settlers murdered ON Lost River; went
to the Commission, stated that he had
sick man in his camp and wanted a good
pair of blankets and a good shirt tor
him. Forthwith out came shirt and
blankets. Yet number of new recruits
in camp had only one blanket each to
sleep in, though the weather was bitter
ly cold.
Scarcely day passed during my stay
that Hooka Jim, Bogus Charley and
others Of tie murderers, did not come
into camp and receive the kind atten-
tions and warm dinners of the Commis-
sion. And on their departure a dozen
o. more attendent squaws would go off
laden with hard bread and other provis-
sions. After the arrival of the sutler,
the squaws thronged his place of bust
ness, dressed in clothes taken from Mrs.
Body and others, and buying provisions
and other things in large quantities with
money taken from the settlers who had
been SO cruelty murdered. A great
trade was in progress between the lava
beds and our camp, and tie Indians
doubtless secured supplies enough to
last them long time.
Is it strange that these Indians should
not want to treat They point at the
Commissioners, call them "squaws,
and sneerinsly say, cheap 'fraid "
was informed by Il man who speaks
their language that the Indians hold the
Commission in the most utter con-
tempt.
Yet undoubtedly the Commission
would act differently in many respects
were it not for the positive orders of the
Government to make peace, no matter
on what terms The Government wants
to ''prevent bloodshed" When look
from my window at this place (Link-
WILEY and see the .lain ridged with the
graves of the many citizens of this vi
cinity who were heal tlessly slaughtered
by these fiends whom the Government
persists in treating so tenderly, can
realize the sarcasm about saving blood
Did ever criminal folly in such a mat
ter SO conspic.ously display itself?
SHIP BuILDING.-Mr. S. E. Coombs