The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-24


First Sergeant w. A. Roundy, Company q, Twenty
first infantry, stands prominent tor his brave and
gallant conduct, being frequently under my own
observation during the day, and it is with pleasure
recommend him for q commission In the United
States Army II otherwise qualified.
In conclusion would state that there were about
one hundred and seventy five irregular troops,
one hundred and four volunteers and twenty In
being required for guards for depots. camps and
shao reserve am Sir very respect1lly your
Major First cavalry, commanding.
EXTRACTS FROM REPORT OF MAJOR EDWIN C. MASON,
TwENTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
The battalion advanced rapidly, occasionally
charging in double line and driving the Indian
skrmishers from their position in the rocks. The
difficulties OF the advance now rapidly increased,
the country becoming more broken, the volcanic
rock being piled up so as to offer complete shelter
and protection to the Indians, who could thus hold
their place until our line was within few feet OF
them and then deliver their fire with deadly effect
The difficulties were still further increased by
dense fog, which prevented US from seeing the
country over which we were moving. About two
p. M. l was ordered to move the battalion by the
left flank and II possible to form connection with
Captain B. F. Bernard's command. This difficult
operation was at last successfully accom-
plished, not, however, without considerable
resistance on the part OF the enemy and
consequent loss TO Of killed and wounded
the lake. overhung by high rocky ridge
which was in possession Of the enemy. 1t was
necessary to drive the enemy from this ridge and
at the same time continue the movement by the
left flank, dense fog at the same time preventing
us from seeing the line over which the movement
was conducted. AT one place o ravine came down
from Captain Jacks stronghold. AT this point the
enemy had concentrated force and the fire was
so heavy and deadly that Captain Burton and a
portion OF his company were unable to extricate
themselves until after dark from q position they
had taken by gallant charge, and which they
held to protect movement OF the CON-
mand. On arriving at the right OF Cap
tain Bernard we had lost connection with the
troops with whom we had been operating during the
day, and the same gap existed between the troops
operating on the west and Captain Bernard as ex.
listed before we commenced the movement. The
command was In position of reinforcement to
Captain Bernard's line. The command having
been in motion since four A. NJ, and in engage
ment with the enemy since eight A. NJ, being
WITHOUT ovERCOATS, BLANKETS OR RATIONS,
were suffering greatly from exhaustion, hunger
and cold At half-past ten P. NJ was ordered to
retire with the command to Lands ranch, fifteen
miles in the rear, being obliged to carry part Of
our wounded and that of Captain Bernard's com.
mand In blankets and stretchers. AS there were
but ffty-ave muskets In the engagement the list of
killed and wounded shows loss of almost one fifth
In the command. Iwlll leave 1t to Others to find
language to convey an adequate idea of the coun-
try over which these operations were conducted,
and which make the Modoc position a second
"Gibraltar"
EXTRACTS FROM REPORT OF CAPTAIN BERNARD
FIRST CAVALRY.
The fog being very heavy we moved much closer
to the Indian stronghold than was intended. As
soon as this was discovered the retreat as sxir-
mshers was ordered. AS soon as the troops started
back the Indians opened fire from the rocks, all
along our 'front.', but hit no person. They then
poured over the rocks, making for our le and get
ting possession OF some rocks to our rear and left
opened fire upon our pack train. The charge was
at once ordered to disodge the Indians, which was
done, we losing three men badly wounded. The
command moved about half mile further,
gong into camp about dark On the morn.
ing OF the 18th the wounded packers and
about hve soldiers were left at this point and the
remainder Of the command. 100 men and officers,
moved upon the Modoc stronghold. The fog being
very dense the skrnlsh line got within 100
yards Of deep gorge, when the Indians opened
hre the charge was sounded, and the men
moved forward to the gorge, but, finding 1t impas.
sable under fire, they fell back about one hundred
and dfty yards lying down behind the rocks. The
line was then established, the right about one
hundred yards nom the lake. the lett extending as
far southwest as 1t could with safety TO every
part OF 1t. The line was about mile and half
long, we'll protected from the Indian fire. On the
first fire we lost one man killed-Lieutensnt ]. g.
Kye-and four men wounded The fog remained
very dense, but finally raised allowing us to see
and talk to the troops operating on our right. In
about halfhour this force connected with our right
moving around upon our line. In the movement
and within about two hundred yards of our right,
the Indians opened very heavy fire, keeping 1t
up until the entire column passed. The exact loss
In killed and wounded don not know, but know
they were considerable. have wished respect
fully to say that the place the Indians now occupy
CANNOT BE TAKEN BY A LESS FORCE THAN SEVEN
HUNDRED MEN;
and TO take the place by an assault with this force
will cost half the command In killed and wounded.
A large force, well equipped, judciously handled,
moving at night by approaches, piling up rocks to
protect themselves, so they can operate during