The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1873-04-05
The Modoc Indian War.

The ModOe war, in southern Oregon, Il getting
to be a pretty serious thing, the troops having ex-
peTienced several reyeTscs in their attempts 10
drive the Indians out of their stronghold IN the
lava bed country. The scene Of this war Was at
first in the southern part Of Oregon, remote from
the more popuIOus parts OF the State, where the
country is very sparsely occupied by settlers; and
the history of the disturbance i about as follows
y region Of country IN the southeastern part OF
the State called the klamath reservation, has
been assigned by government for the occupancy
of tue MOdOcs, and provision was made for their
accommodation, looking 20 their civilization and
the adoption by them of habits OF industry. Bat
the Indians were averse 70 going on 10 the reser-
walton, preferring 10 continue their idle. yagabOnd
lives, and besides, they were on friendly terms
with the white settlers. Persuasluns having Jailed
10 induce the MOdocs 10 remove. force WAS EN-
ployed, troops being sent from Fort Klamath TO
compel obedience. At first the Indians were tri-
umphant in the conflict, but the white force
having been increased, the scene OF the war was
transferred to the lava-bed country, just south Of
the Oregon llne-a territory about ten miles
square, all cut up with assures and deep gulches,
and Astounding with great caves. the largest of
which is known as Ben. WTlghts Cave, from
which every stratagem to dislodge them has thus
far failed. The cave is said to contain fifteen
acres of open space under ground, in which there
Is q good spring, and many openings OF different
sizes.
The following is a description of this singular
locality
The CLUTCHES and crevices range from n few feet
to 100 feet in width, and many of them 100 feet
deep. The Indians can travel all through this
lava country by trails known only to themselves,
and stand on bluffs overa person 100 feet beneath,
where it would require a long journey to 90 to
them. In this lava-bed are also small flats luxu-
RANT with bunch grass, where cattle find great
trouble in reaching by long, circuitous travel
over rough lava rocks, while on the outskirts of
the lava-bed may continually be found a large
amount Of stock, the cattle range being unsur-
passed. The Indians can see every one coming in
five miles off, without themselves being seen.
They can also let their pursuers come within a
few feet of the bluff and shoot down, retiring, if
necessary, to other similar bluffs. As to food,
the Indians can find all they want of cattle in and
around the lava-bed and can also go out in the
lake in canoes to fish or shoot game. The only
thing they now lack for n long siege will be am
munition for their guns; but they will make
arrows instead. Those pursuing will have to
follow the Indians on foot, and in journeying
through these gullies and crevices to hunt them,
must expect TO find the ModOcs on the high bluffs
above them on every point, or making their way
through concealed passages to secure hiding
places. 1t will require the greatest cunning STRAIT
egg to capture or exterminate the Modocs in this
lava section, Notwithstanding their insignificant
numbers.