The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-09

the treaty of 1864. This failing. a subse-
quent letter directed the superintendent to
remove the Modoc Indians to the klamath
reservation peaceably if he could, but foici-
bly, if he must. In compliance with tins
determination the army was called IN to
assist. On November 30, 1872, at "a. M,
after a night march from Fort klamath,
Captain jackson, with thirty men of the
First United Estates cavalry, met the In
dams at Captain Jacks camp and had an
interview Of three quarters Of an hour.
His efforts to pursuade them to 60 upon
their reservation proved Intellectual. He
now demanded Of them to lay down their
arms. No sooner had he made this de-
mand than
"scARFAoED" CHARLEY,
with an oath, saying he would kill an Off
Ger to begin with, discharged the contents
of his gun at Lieutenant Boutelle, which
took effect in his coat sleeve, but did no
damage to his person. A brisk fight of
two hours ensued, when the Indians took to
fight, but returned again in the afternoon
and attacked the troops. Notwithstanding
this treacherous act, the Indians were per-
sistentlv followed with negotiations for a
peaceable settlement of their difficulties
until they capped their peridy by the as
sassnation of General Candy.
The last scene in this
MELANCHOLY DRAMA
might have been avoided had the govern
ment needed the opinions and suggestions of
| Superintendent Odeneal, contained in a
letter of December 90, 1872, to the Indian
office. After speaking Of the treacherous
nature of the Modocs, he says: "They
boast of the number of people they have
killed, both Indians and whites. There are
enough of them to demoralize all the In
dams in that part of the state, ard l be-
lieve that to subdue them now is not only
the most merciful and Christian-like, but
the only safe way to deal with them.
''For eight years they have been per-
mitted to battle and defy the government in
the course desired to be pursued for
their benefit, until many Indians on the
reservation familiar with their conduct were
becoming disconnected, and soon would
have fled from the restraints, as they con-
slider them, of living at the agency. Per.
suasive measures proved fruitless. Thu
military tried to effect the desired objec
by both argument and intimidation. Al
failed. The Indians commenced hostilities
and now | think no terms should be mad
with the band which could in any way in
terfere with afterwards arresting and re
moving the leaders and the trial of the muir
derers. If they should consent to all g
upon the reservation, and the chiefs be per
mitted to remain with them, there woult
be repetition of these troubles at leas
once year as long as there should be on
of them left.p
APPEALS OF THE SETTLERS.
Urgent appeals of the settlers also CAV
the Indian Office timely warning and ad
vice, but there seemed to be blind ia
tality, morbid tendency to justify al
the acts Of the savage on the plea {
wrongs committed against him, as if tn
white settler had no rights for an Indian t
respect. This letter of Superintendent
Odeneal also adds new phase to tn
conflict. He says: have sufficient ey
idence to satisfy me that there are fe,
/ men in Yreka, California, some sixt,
: miles from Lost river, who are to q gres
r extent.
{. IF NOT ENTIRELY, RESPONSIBLE
: for the characterization of Captain Jack
! band, and for the trouble with them. Their
' are several letters in existence which 60 t
show that these men have persuaded ther
, to remain off the reservation, making ther
:, believe that they could hold the land the
: claim under the presumption law, if the
would stay where they were, but that
! they went to the reservation they woul
J. lose all right to it. After quoting one {
j these damaging letters the superintendent
!, continues. "The friends and counsello
, referred to by Captain Jack have supple
= the Indians with the best of guns and a
e abundance of ammunition, to enable them
!; remain off the reservation. They will
course find great fault with the authoriti
!, for interfering with their customers. TIT
: have evidently made large amount
!. money by their
0 ILLICIT TRAFFIC, T
:, and their only desire was to make NOR
e caring nothing for the ultimate fate Of Il
II Indians. Among others implicated is
:, judge of the state court. | propose
:. investigate this matter fully for II
VI own satisfaction, whether it amounts
: anything beyond or not. 1t is my expel
y ence that
r NINE-TENTHS OF THE TROUBLE
+ with the Indians in this SUPERINTENDENT
: brought about by meddlesome white mi
o giving them improper advice and dealil
E illicitly with Them"