Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-04-16
THE MODOC WAR.

which has come the recent massacre, COM
| menced last fall. They camped on Lost
River and committed some depredations on
the white settlers in that vicinity. From an
account in the Herald we copy the following:
| The settlers petitioned for their removal,
and Major Green, with his command, was
directed to take them back, peaceably if he
could, forcibly if he must, to the klamath re-
servatior. A battle took place last Thanks
The Indians retired to the lava beds, where
they have since remained. A party of the
Modocs while on their way to this stronghold
murdered fifteen settlers, for which crime
they were indicted by an Oregon Grand Jury.
The fear Of icing arrested and brought to
justice has all along been p.etencs with
F! CAPTAIN Jack for hesitating to surrender,
though Gen. Candy has repeatedly pledged
the faith of the government. that If he sur
rendered no harm would come to him or any
of his tribe. After the retreat of the Indians
TO the lava beds, a concentration of troops
began from Forts Bidwell and Warner and
frcm more distant points. The soldiers were
encamped ct different camps, extending from
| Clear Lake to Van Bremer's and up to Los;
River. A day was fixed upon to surround
the camp and secure the Indians. The 18th
of January happened to be exceedingly dark
and foggy. and unfortunately an attack was
made on that day. The result Is well known.
| Screened from all observation by the rocks.
the Modocs sho. down the soldiers rapidly,
and not an Indian was killed in turn. Ten
soldiers were killed and twenty wounded
| Colonel Giliem, Of the First cavalry, was
ordered to take direction Of the troops, and
Gen. Candy, Commander of the Department
of the Columbia, soon after appeared before
the lava beds. In the meantime large force
of cavalry, artillery and infantry, with twelve
guns and howitzers, was collected. peace
commission was appointed in February, and
Its failure has been recorded. 1t decided
that the only way of settling the difficulty was
by the removal of the Indians. The terms
offered the Modocs were that they should sur
render to General Candy and be removed to
Angel Island, in the harbor of San Francis
CO, and from thence be taken to Arizona.
The Department of the Interior, however,
changed their ultimate destination to the In
dian Territory, between Kansas and Texas.
This was not understood by the Indians, and
Steele was sent back to the cave, where he
narrowly escaped being murdered by Schon-
chin, the son of the great chief. The threat
to renew war brought deputation of Indians
to Gen. Canby's headquarters, including
as she announced the submission of her tribe.
Wagons were sent to meet the Indians on the
day appointed for them to come in, but they
failed to appear. 1t was reported that at the
last moment, as the Modocs were about leav-
ing their stronghold, the women commenced
to weep loudly, which caused the savages to
change their minds and break their engage
ment.
General Candy now commenced system
of gradual compression, believing that an ex-
hibition of the force he could use against
them would satisfy the Modocs of the hope
lessness OF any further resistance, and give
the peace party sufficient strength to control
the whole tribe. Besides this, it was the de-
sign to protect the settlers by preventing any
raids from the stronghold of the savages. 1t
was given out that Captain Jack had been
threatened with death if he gave up the men
charged with the murder of settlers, and a
talk had with him, on March Esd, led General
Gllem to think that he acted like man held
under duress and afraid to exhibit his real
feelings. Four days later Captain Thomas,
with troop of cavalry, made reconnois-
sance Of the country between Van Bremer's
and the lava beds, during which he captured
some horses. This gave the Indians offence,
and it was pretended that General Candy
could not control his soldiers, and it was
therefore unsafe to surrender. return of
the animals was demanded, and Bogus Char
ley gave as an excuse for not keeping an ap-
pointment, that he had no horse to carry him
| beyond the rocks
The appointment of new Peace Commits
sion was announced, and General Candy, who
had not despaired of bringing about settle
ment, continued to make preparations for
war. Frequent "Reminiscences took place
and reports came that Captain Jack was en-
| IT, Of, ol,an ~, 9th
err tribes, and messengers were fearful to risk
their lives by going into the lava beds. The
| Indians continued to come into camp and re-
| ceived supplies of food and clothing. While
awaiting the arrival of the new Commission
ers Generals Candy and Gillep, accompanied
by Colonies Bddle and Perry and two COM
panies of cavalry, assembled the top of bluff
to examine the lava beds through their field
glasses. Several Indians were seen on
ledge of rocks about mile distant. They
| sho uted for some one to come down and talk.
Dr. Cabaniss was then half way down the
bluff and he asked permission to go and see
what they wanted. The request was granted
and he returned. saying Captain Jack wanted
to talk with Generals Candy and Gillem. As
the Indians wished one or more to come the
| Herald commits sioner Joined him and returned
to the Modocs. Four Indians appeared in
war paint stripped to the waist and ready for
fighting. Scalps taken at the recent battles and
massacre were hanging from their belts, which
they caressed with evident pleasure. The
two commanders agreed to meet the chief
under juniper tree, situate half way between
the bluffs and Modoc outposts. DR.. Cabaniss
went back to inform General Candy, and
shortly after Captain Jack arrived. The lat
ter at first objected going TO the juniper tree,
but ms the Doctor and the Herald commits
| sioner offered to remain as hostages for
his safety, he finally agreed to the proposition.
Jack was accompanied by Scar-faced Charley
aud four other Indians. As they were leav
ing to meet General Candy the Herald com.
miss Toner observed that they carried pistols.
The understanding was that all should go un-
armed, and knowing the passionate and reck-
less character of the savages, his anxiety was
painfully excited as to what might be the con-
sequences if they attempted to use their wea-
pons. He does not speak of his own fears
for the safety of himself and fellow hostage,
but he must have been well aware that sim
gle act or movement of treachery on the part
Of the Indians would have brought down the