The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-05-09
THE MURDER OF GEN. CANDY.
Letter Of Mr.. Meacham Detailing the
Brutal Treachery OF ModOc Jack.

The following letter from Mr. Mea-
cham has been received at the Interior
Department ut Washington. 1t gives
new and interesting particulars of the
Modoc massacre, and leaves no room to
doubt that the treachery was as deliber-
ately planned as it was brutally consum-
mated. Gen. Candy and party agreed
to meet six unarmed Indians, but en-
countered instead eight armed savages,
and were engaged in renewing the offer
of amnesty, when the signal for the
murderous work was given by Capt.
Jack, and the slaughter began
HEADQUARTERS, CAMP South SIDE
TULE LAKE CALIFORNIA, April l6, 1873.
Hon. G. Delano, Secretary of the Interior:
SIR: Since our arrival at the lava bed the
Commission, together with Gen. Candy. had
labored hopefully, and had, apparently, gained
several points over the Indians looking to
peaceful solution of this question. Until Fri
day morning, 18th inst, we had thwarted all
their schemes of treachery through the fidelit.
Of our interpreter, Mrs. Riddle, Modoc
woman. On that morning terms were agreed
upon for meeting satisfactory to DIR. Thomas
and Gen. Candy, though not to Mr.. Dyar nor
myself, or the Modoc woman, Gen. Candy
remarking that they dare not modest us be-
cause his forces commanded the situation, and
Dr. Thomas said where God called him to go
he would go, trusting to His care. The meet
ing was held at the time and place agreed upon.
Candy Meacham, Thomas and Dyar, and
eight armed instead of six unarmed Indians,
as was agreed upon. The talk" was short.
the Modoc chiefs both saying that unless the
soldiers were withdrawn from the country no
further talk would be had. Up to that point
the Commissioners reaflirmed that the soldiers
would never be withdrawn until the difficulty
WAS settled and still pvtap1iuo tba ofro, NJ
amnesty, a suitable and satisfactory home. and
ample provision for their welfare in the future.
The reply from both chiefs was. "Take away
your soldiers, and we will talk about it,"
Gen. Candy assured the Indians that he was
here for the protection of both parties and to
see that the Commission faithfully fulfilled
their promises.
About this time two armed Indians suddenly
appeared from the brush in our rear An ex-
PLANTATION was asked, and Capt. Jack replied
by swapping pistol at Gen. Candy, saying i'm
Indian, "All ready" after which Gen. Candy
was dispatched by Capt. Jack with pistol and
knife, and DR.. Thomas by pistol-shot i'm the
breast and gunshot in the head, by Boston.
Meacham and Dyar attempted to escape to-
ward the camp, the former followed by Schon-
chin John, and the latter by Black Jim and
Hooker Jim. Schonchin fired six shots at
Meacham hitting him four times leaving him
for dead. Boston attempting to scalp him. was
deferred by a Modoc woman. Dyar ESCAPED
unhurt, although fired at three times by Black
Jim, who was only few feet away, and by
Hooker Jim, by whom he was pursued After
running about 200 yards. he turned upon his
pursuer with small pocket-derringer, 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 official
duties. but while here the remainder of the
Commission will consult with Gen. Gillem
should any active measures be necessary on
our part. We believe that complete subiuga-
ton by the military is the only method by
which to deal with these Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
a. b. MEAcHAN.
Chairman Modoc Peace Commission.