The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-29
THE MASSACRE.
Peaco Commi ssioner Mcacham Tells the
story OF the MOd0cs' Treachcry-A
Strange Letter TO Secretary Dclano.

Peace Commissioncr Meacham Tells the
story OF the Modocs' Treachcry-A
Strange Letter TO Secretary Dclano.
WASHINGTON, April 2s, 1873.
The following letter, received at the Interior De-
partment to-day, gives new and interesting par
ticulars Of the late Modoc massacre
HEADQUARTERS, CAMP SOUTH SIDE |
TULE LAKE, CAL, April 10, 1878.
Hon. G. DELANo, Secretary OF the Interor:-
Sns-Since our arrival at the lava beds the Com
mission, together with General Candy, had labored
faithfully and had apparently gained several points
over the Indians looking to a peaceful solution or
this question. Until Friday morning, 18th INST. we
had thwarted all their schemes oftreachery through
the fidelity OF our interpreter Mrs. Riddle Mo-
doc woman. On that morning terms were agreed
upon for meeting satisfactory to DIR. Thomas and
General CANDY, though not to Mr.. Dyar nor myself
or the Modoc woman, General Candy remarking
that
THEY DARE NOT MODEST US
because his forces commanded the situation, and
DIR. Thomas said where God called him to go ne
would go, trusting to his care. The meeting was
held at the time and place agreed upon, Candy,
Meacham Thomas and Dyar and eight armed, in
stead o. six unarmed indians; a. WAS agreed upon
tnat unless the soldiers were Withdrawn from the
country further talk would be had. Up to that
point the commissioners reanirmed that the sol
diers would never be withdrawn until the difficulty
was settled and still extending
..... THE OFFER OF AMNESTY,
a suitable and satisfactory home and ample provs-
ion for their welfare in the future. The reply from
both chiefs was:-"rake away your soldiers and
General Candy assured the Indians that he
here Tor the protection OF both parties and to see
that the commissioners faithfully fulfilled their
promises.
THE MASSACRE.
About this time two armed Indians sudde>ly APP
peared from the brush in our rear. An exL\lna-
ton was asked, and captain Jack replied by slap
ping q pistol at General Candy, saying in Indian,
IAN ready" after which General Candy was
despatched by Captain Jack, with pistol and
knife, and DR.. Thomas by a pistol shot In the
breast and gunshot in the head by Boston.
Meacham and Dyar attempted TO escape toward
the camp, the former followed by Schonchin John
and the latter by Black Jim and Hooker Jim.
Scnonchin fired
SIX SHOTS AT MEAcHAM,
hitting him four times and leaving MIN for dead.
Boston attempting to scalp him was deferred by
Modoc woman. Dyar escaped unhurt although
fired at three times by Black Jim, who was only
a few feet away, and by Hooker Jim, by whom he
was pursued After running about two hundred
yards he turned upon his pursuer with small
pocket Dcrrnger, when the Indian turned and ran
back thus letting Dyar get away. Mr.. Dyar will
be Obliged to leave IN day or two on account OF
oilcial duties, but while here the remainder OF the
Commission will consult with General Gillem should
any active measures be necessary on our part. We
believe that complete subjugati0n by the military
is the only method by which to deal with these In
dams. Very respectfully, &C, -
A. b. MEACHAM,
Chairman Modoc Peace Commission.