Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-10-06
Execution ofthe Modoc Indians.
dispatches to the New I ork Herald |.

FORT KLAMATH, obEuoN, OCtooci .. Ou
Wednesday the post chaplain at Fort klamath,
Rev. c. /. Hegennberg, paid visit to Jack
and the rest, and talked for some time, but
they did not pay half the attention necessary.
Schonchin, however, excelled himself, making
one of the most sensible speeches that an To-
dian could make. Boston took very Warllke
view of the affair, aud boastcd of killing Candy
and DR.. Thomas
Black Jim was anxious to take another lease
of life, aud proposed to General Wheaton that
when Jack and Schonchin were executed he
should be spared and made chief of the tribe.
The talk with the Indians was held in the
guard house.
Jack, who looked considerably worn and
pulled down by close confinement for two or
three months, took seat on the end OF the
bunk, and old Schonchin sat dowO on his right,
huddled UP In his blanket Both ct these
braves were shackled at the feet, and had ratL.
er wild and nervous appearance, as II very
anxious about their fulurf.
Boston Charley and Black Jim, sbackled to-
gether, sat down on the LETT OF Jack, the form
er on the edge Of the bunk, and the latter on
the floor, with his back to the wall. The Buck
skin Doctor and Pete, two of the Lost river
nurderers. sat next to Black Jim, with Barn
clio and Sioux on their left, and Long Jim On
the extreme right. Young Schoncbin sat on
the burk on the right of his father, aud the
Curly headed Decor, Dave, and another Of the
Lost river murderers were squatted along the
wall on the right of the semi circle.
The minister's words, as he delivered all ad
dress to them Of religious consolation, were In
terpretcd to the indians in a rather roundabout
manner, his object being to impress upon
their minds the necessity of repentance for
their sins if they expected happiness ID t!e
spirit land After speaking of the bad deeds
of other tribos OF Indians in years gone by, and
of the repentance of many he said: Now al
these people we're sorry for their slns and neye
repeated them any more. They prayed to the
Grea. Father every day to forgive them and
make them and keep them good. Now God
loves you as mucn as He did them: lie wants
you to repeut; you know that you have wicked
But, however wicked you have been-aud we
have all been very sintul-you may be saved.
DO not conceal your sins; confess and heartily
ackuow leuge them, and you shall be saved
And now, Captain jack, and Schonchiu, and
you all, [ mean to 60 to heaven, and want you
too. We ali want to meet IN heaven; repent
and be happy.
II have to tell you all that the G.eat Father
10 Washington has decided that to- morrow you
must all die TO" your sins, and the Great SPIRIT
also tells you that IT you repent and show sor-
row tor the crimes you have committed you
will 70 to the happy land.
He then stepped up and shook hands with
them all, adding, Il hope to meet you all 10
the happy laod above"
When these remarks were translated by Dave
Hill, the captives eviuced considerable interest,
and they were eviden''y striving to maintain
composure They had u very Stolld appearance,
but the relvous twiching CT the hands and rest
less wandering of their eyes showed that the
blow struck hard.
Boston Charley kept steadily chewing to-
bacco while the sentence was being spoken,
and So Lirted the Juice about the floor in nom
chalaut style, as if nothing of any importance
was taking place.
Schorchin exp ,Ssed his contempt for the
whole matter, laying bock on the bunk and
having 10 the most expressive manner, as II
the entire proceedings were rather bore.
Jack appeared to take the news very coolly,
but his bright and sparkling eyes appeared
unusually brilliant, and gazed around the circle
in quick and restless manner.
The Interpreter tLen informed them, by or
der of the President, that their wives and tami-
lies would be taken good care of; also that
General Wheaton wos now prepared to hear
any remarks they had to make.
In quick, nervous manner Jack said in SUBJ
stance II have heard the sentence and know
what it is; but feel that am NOR innocent
than Bogus Charley, Hooker Jim, Steamboat
Frank, and Shack Nasty Jim; that these men
planned and instigated the crime of which am
accused. When look into my heart | see no
crime there. Young men started these muir
ders 1t is hard to rid them of their savage
habits. Twas always in favor of peace, and Bogus
Charley was the first to propose the murder of
General Candy and the peace commissioners.
These young men were with him. said 20;
but they had the power and carried me with
them. We came near personal difficulty
When Bogus Charley proposed killing General
Candy, Boston Charley was the one who first
sanctioned it. Bogus Charley said, IF you
fail to help me do it myself. l feel, while
these four men are at liberty, they have tri:
umphed over me, aud the Government should
feel more satisfied if they were brought to trial,
as they we're as guilty if not more than | am.
| say that Bogus Charley was the only man
who influenced me- He was traitor to both
sides. He told lies to Modocs and lied to
General Candy. | should like to see him
brought here. Hooker Jim and Bogus Char
ley were the men that agitated murder. l
want now to tell the truth-want to see those
men. know that Shack Nasty Jim killed
General Candy and shot Meacham, and Boston
Charley killed Dr. Thomas. That is all know
about the massacre. Boston Charley says
Shack Nasty helped to kill DR.. Thomas, and
he wants to see him tried as murderer. Shack
Nasty told me that he told General Wheaton
he killed General Candy, but did moi believe
him. He said so after the massacre. Bogus
Charley told me he knew blood was on his
hands, and would not be held accountable, as
he was the real criminal.
Bogus Charley wanted to kill both Generals
Candy aud GiIlcm, and was very sorry that
General Gillem did not come out that day. !"
BY order of General Wheaton, Jack was
then asked by an Interpreter why they killed
General Candy and the Commissioners, aud
what they expected to gain by such action.
Captain Jack rather evaded the question,
and answered
Il wished for peace, but the young men said
they were not ready for peace. They wanted
war, but they did not give their reasons. |