Roseburg review. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 1885-1920, 1886-12-17
MoDoC "REMINISCENCES.
The Lara Beds, Etc.

each Indian, the killed were nearly all
on the side of the whites. The reason
of this was the very great advantage
the Indians had in their extraordinary
position, and their intimate knowledge
of the fighting grounds which, it will
be remembered, was in the "Lava beds"
in Modoc county. To explore this
region which has its peculiar attrac-
tions-we secured the services of the
original Modoc warrior, Wahwah-Pye-
ak, as guide. This Indian is son of
Chief Sconchion, who was hung, mid
die aged, indians don't know their
ages, an intelligent, shrewd fellow,
and speaks fair English. Now the
Northern shore of Tule Lake is the di-
viding line between Oregon and Cal
ifornia. This lake is nearly square,
and has an area of about 400 square
miles. The "Lava beds" lie immedi
ately on the Southern shore, and in
the distance have the appearance of
low, rolling hills. There being no
practical road to the scene. We
crossed the lake from the North by
boat, landing first at Gen. Cillams
camp. This place is yet in the wilds,
there being no inhabitants near. The
grounds seemed to be just as they were
left after the war. The breast-works
and rife-pits were made almost entire
ly of rock. For miles almost every
movable rock has been used as means
of defense. At first our guide seemed
Eery much indis3osed; but confidential
argument reached his sTum-tum" and
had the desired effect. It was extreme
ly interesting to hear this intellectual
"Siwash" relate incidents Of the war
He took us first to the grave yard,
which is inclosed by rock fence, and
tells in numbers for itself. The re-
mains have mostly been removed to
Fort Klamath The signal station-a
lofty rock stand high on the side of Il
mou tain, jrst back of the d camp
ground, and can be seen from all over
the fishting grounds. About one mil"
further on near the lake shore, and to-
wa,d the stronghold" is Gen. Canby's
monument, which stands about ten feet
high, based with pyramid of rock,
and the inscription-"Gen. Candy
killed by the Modocs April IL, 1873. !"
This is the place where it was agreed
that a few whites and Indians should
meet to council and make terms of
peace. The conference was in session
when, as signal, Capt. Jack fred
killing Candy. The others then drew
their hidden weapons. DR.. Thomas
was killed. Meacham was stunned
and half scalped, when Toby-Mea-
cham's handsome "Pocahontas the
second "Bostons coming"
The Indians klatawaed. Agent Dyar's
long legs suddenly became useful and
took him to camp. Meacham recovered.
We found this same Toby living on
the Northern shore of the lake. About
two miles farther on is the "Strong-
hold" proper. II is wonderful what
nature has done here. Human intel
lect could hardly devise a better
means of protection. Though not Of
much elevation, these 'sLaya beds" are
very rough, having cliffs, capes, holes
and cracks of all immaginable shapes
and sizes. The Indians had every ad-
vantage. The whites were baffied on
every attempt to approach. Our guide
explained to our intense amusement
how the Indians maneuvered. They
never fired twice in succession from
the same place. They would make
sure aim, fire, and Immediately. while
the soldiers were firing at the smoke
of the Indians gun, would run through
the rock crevices and fire from
another point. 1t shooting from be-
hind punches of sage, they would fire
then roll quickly out of line, while the
bullets would pepper the ground
where he was lying. They would put
hat on a stick and hold it above the
rocks for the soldiers to empty their
guns at. AT one time they pitched
tents on open ground during the night,
then lay in ambush ard waylayed the
whites who undertook to approach.
The Indians were always scattered
one or two in place. If one got into
close place others would attract the
attention of the whites from some other
quarter while he escaped We were
in the caves where the Indians lived,
and Of course hunted for Capt. jacks
hidden treasures, viz, a hat full OF
gold and between one and two hundred
guns. Jacks cave is large, commo-
dious room, with entrance from the
top. There is a small, rough, dark
entrance into one side, but we didn't
venture in. Our Modoc friend tells
us that they had plenty of beef, as one
would Judge from the great amount of
bones scattered about, and that they
enjoyed themselves finely, having war
dances every night; some of their war
songs he sung and interpreted for u.s.
We went with him to his fathers
quarters; here he seemed solemn, the
only time he exhibited other than a
joyous feeling. In order to see all, we
were compelled to remain over night,
during which, as substitute for sleep,
we pulled sagebrush to keep from freez-
ing. We took some views, gathered
some relics and at dark launched our
boat and pulled for the other shore.
The Modoc tribe, claimed and lived
in the Tule lake and Lost river coun-
try. They were transferred against
their will to the klamath reserve.
They asked for and got permission to
go to Lost river fishing They refused
to return when the militia was sent
after them. They answered the order
to return by firing at the commanding
officer, Then swan the river, killed
all the whites they met. Body and
son amongst others, whom they tied
behind their wood wagon, turned the
horses loose, and the dead bodies were
mn