Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-04-19
THE MODOC WAR.
Massacre of Peace Commissioners
Gen. Candy Shot Dead by Captain
Jack---Details of the Tragedy.


Gen. Candy Shot Dead by Captain
Jack---Details of the Tragedy.
The long pending troubles with the ModOc
savaces in the Oregon lava beds have cuimi-
mated, as many anticipated, in treachery and
murder. But the announcement OF the tragedy
which was enacted on Friday morning week,
and which is detailed in the following dis
patches. is none the less startling and terrible.
In pursuance Of the policy Of the government
to seek ersiStenty a peaceful solution OF the
troubles. and to refrain to the utmost limit
from further hostile movements, General Can
by, commanding the departments of the Paci-
tic, accompanied by peace commissioners A. 3.
Meacham, A Dyer and Rev. DR.. L. Thomas,
with a friendly Indian and his squaw for IN
terpreters, accepted proposition Of Captain
Jack. the rsbeiliouS Mod0c chief, to meet him
and I've other indians between the opposing
lines TO treat upon terms of surrender. The
result Of the interview was the rejection of the
terms offered the sudden attack OF the Indians
upon the party, and the murder of Gen Candy
and DR.. Thomas. the serious wounding of Mr..
Meacham, aud the escape Of Mr.. Dyer and the
Indian interpreter and his squaw.
The following are the details Of the tragedy
as far as received by telegraph:
LAVA BED CAMP, April IL, via YREEA, A.
pril l2.-Thursday afternoon five Indians and
four squaws came into our camp aud were
made presents Of clothing and provisions by
the peace commissioners, and a message was
sent out by the commissioners asking for talk
this morning at point about a mile from our
picket line Later in the evening Bogus Char
ley came in and told the picket that he could
take his gun, that he, Charley, did not intend
10 90 back any more. The picket brought him
/ in and took him to the tent of Gen Candy,
where Charley left his gun anG remained at the
tent Of Frank Riddle during the night This
morning Boston Charley came in aud told the
commission that Captain Jack and five other
( Indians would meet the commission outside
\ our lines. Boston Charley and Bogus Charley
/ then mounted horses aud started for the lava
| beds.
About an hour after their departure Gen
| Candy, Dr. Thomas, Mr. \. B. Meacham aud
/ Mr.. Dyer, with Frank Riddle, and his squaw
/ for interpreter, started for the place appointed.
\ The party arrived at the appointed place and
/ were closely watched by the signal officer, Lieu
/ tenant Adams, from the signal station on the
| hill overlooking our camp. About half an
hour after the party had arrived a cry from the
/ signal station was heard, saying that the H.
diauS had attacked the peace commissioners,
that an engagement had commenced between
the Indians aud Colonel Mason. In moment
the troops were under arms and depoyed as
skirmishelS, under command of Col. Green, and
orders were given to forward doube-quick.
Very shortly after Mr. Dyer returned and
told US that the Indians had attacked them and
that he thought he was the only one who had
escaped but in a few moments after Riddle
and his squaw were seen within the picket line.
HOW THE MASSACRE BEGUN.
From him we gather the following account
of how the massacre commenced Mr. Mea-
cham made short speech to the Indians, fol-
lowed by Gen. Candy, aud then DR.. Thomas
Then Captain Jack made a speech, asking for
Hot Creek aud Cottonwood, places now occu-
pied by Fairchild and Doris, for reservations.
Mr.. Meacham told Captain Jack that it was
not possible TO give him what he asked
Scbouchiu told Meacham to say no more, that
he (Meachaml had said enough upon that sub
icct, and while S;honChih was speaking Capt.
Jack got up and walked behind the others,
turned back, and exclaimed " oil ready" He
then drew his pistol and snapped the cap at
Gen Candy. lie then cooked bis pistol again
and fired, and General Candy fell dead, shot
under the eve. Schouchiu then shot Meacham
in the shoulder and head but he is still alive
Boston Charley aud another Indian shot aud
killed Dr. Thomas. Hooken Jim chased Dyer
for some distance, but Dyer turned upon him
with pistol in hand and Jim ran. An Indian
knocked the Squaw Of Riddle off her horse and
took it, but Captain Jack made him return it,
and then another Indian chased Riddle and
shot at him. Some allowance may be made
for the truth Of This last statement.