Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-05-17
THE LAVA BEDS.
Active Oneratlona.

LAVA BEDS, May Z, Uia YREKA, May
10. The Modocs made n sortie to-day
on train returning to camp, on what
is known as the Island, whittier the
quratcrmastcrs and other Government
stores have been removed from the for
mer depot, capturing eleven mules and
three horses. They also captured their
wagons. Privates Burgall aud Evans
were wounded, while repelling the sor-
tie.
May liz A. NJ. Dispatches from
Lieut.. Boyles' camp state that at sun
rise yesterday the Modocs came into
camp and fired on the picket guard
The command of Capt. Hasbrouck were
scouting all day and had returned to
Soorass Lake for water, and were max
ing all efforts to secure it by digging
but none could be found. Mckay was
sent back to 1t. Boyles camp as escort
and battery B fourth artillery were left.
The distance being seventeen miles it
took all night. At dawn of day, Capt.
Jack and his band rode up to within
one hundred yards of camp; all dis
mounted and charged, firing into the
herd and guard. The first volley STAN
pedcd the herd and they left for camp;
and while the men were getting under
arms the Modocs gave volley after vol
ley, killing four soldiers and one Warm
Spring Indian and wounding six SOL
diers and one Warm Spring Indian
\ rally was made and charge
sounded, At this time Mckay came in
sight and his men united and drove the
Modocs into the timber, capturing q po-
MES and 3 pack mules. One Modoc was
leftupon the field and seven mules were
packed with bodies before they retreat
ed. The trail is covered with gore.
The Indians beat a hasty retreat toward
the McCloud range ofmountains, South
of Soorass Lake. Capt. Hasbrouck
handled his men dextcronsly; and is
now furnished with 5 days supplies.
Water is very scarce and deters long
stay of the troops in the field. General
Davis is determined to keep them NOV
ing until the last Modoc is killed. He
thinks the soldiers gain greater courage
as they have them on open ground.
The wounded are being brought into
Lieut.. Boyles' camp in wagons and
from there they will he taken to head
quarters. Two soldiers are reported
MORALLY wounded.
Capt. Hasbrouck says that the Mo-
docs have no ammunition except what is
in their pouches, as they lost their en-
tire pack of ammunition in this fight.
The cavalry herd came into camp oil
safe.
1t is said that Capt. Jack has but Z
animals. He had on Gen. Canby's uni
form and took the position of comman-
der as lordiy as if he was a Brigadier
General.
All the Artillery will be moved at
once to the East side of the Lake and
enough men detained in the old strong
hold to keep it, the rest will give chase
and try to exterminate the last one.
There were 33 Modocs engaged. No
squaws were seen during the fight or by
scouts on the following night.
There is strong supposition that
Capt. Jack is receiving aid from some
unknown party as it appeared strange
how he got six boxes centre primed car
bine cartridges, as he did not capture any
from our troops and it is certain he
could not have picked up this amount
after the battle of January 18th.
When the courier left the troops were
between the Lava bed and the Indians
the latter being entirely out of the Lava
bed stronghold.
LAVA BED, May 12.-The military
forces are two miles from here, and
working this way, probably driving the
Modocs toward the stronghold they oc-
cupied at the time of the Thomas mas
sacre. Troops are moving from this
camp this morning, hoping to cut them
off before they reach it. All is action
now, and the Modocs will get no rest.
The Warm Spring Indians started at
the first fire as fast as they could get
their guns, trotting in on the flank of