The Project Gutenberg eBook, Wigwam and War-path; Or the Royal Chief in Chains, by A. B. (Alfred Benjamin) Meacham

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Title: Wigwam and War-path; Or the Royal Chief in Chains

Second and Revised Edition

Author: A. B. (Alfred Benjamin) Meacham

Release Date: October 5, 2012 [eBook #40938]

Language: English

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WIGWAM AND WAR-PATH;

OR THE

ROYAL CHIEF IN CHAINS.

 

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PREFACE.

The Hon. A. B. Meacham has committed to me the difficult and delicate, yet delightful task of revising the manuscript and arranging the table of contents of the present work.

I have endeavored to review every page as an impartial critic, and have, as far as possible, retained, in all its simplicity and beauty, the singularly eloquent and fascinating style of the gifted author. The changes which I have made have been, for the most part, quite immaterial—no more nor greater than would be required in the manuscript of writers commonly called “learned.” In no case have I attempted (for the attempt would have been vain) to give shape and tone to the writer’s thoughts. His mind was so full, both of the comedy and the tragedy of his thrilling narrative, that it has flowed on like a mighty torrent, bidding defiance to any attempt either to direct or control.

None, it seems to me, can peruse the work without being charmed with the love of justice and the fidelity to truth which pervade its every page, as well as the manly courage with which the writer arraigns Power for the crime of crushing Weakness—holding our Government to an awful accountability for the delays, the ignorance, the fickleness and treachery of its subordinates in dealing with a people whose very religion prompts them to wreak vengeance for wrongs done them, even on the innocent.

For the lover of romance and of thrilling adventure, the work possesses a charm scarcely equalled by the enchanting pages of a Fennimore Cooper; and, to the reader who appreciates truth, justice, and humanity, and delights to trace the outlines of such a career as Providence seems to have marked out for the author, as well as for the unfortunate tribes whose history he has given us, it will be a reliable, entertaining, and instructive companion.

Mr. Meacham’s thirty years’ experience among the Indian tribes of the North-west, and his official career as Superintendent of Indian affairs in Oregon, together with his participation in the tragic events of the Lava Bed, invest his words with an authority which must outweigh that of every flippant politician in the land, who, to secure the huzzas of the mob, will applaud the oppressor and the tyrant one day, and the very next day clamor mercilessly for their blood.

Boston, Oct. 1, 1874.

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INTRODUCTION.

The chapter in our National history which tells our dealings with the Indian tribes, from Plymouth to San Francisco, will be one of the darkest and most disgraceful in our annals. Fraud and oppression, hypocrisy and violence, open, high-handed robbery and sly cheating, the swindling agent and the brutal soldier turned into a brigand, buying promotion by pandering to the hate and fears of the settlers, avarice and indifference to human life, and lust for territory, all play their parts in the drama. Except the negro, no race will lift up, at the judgment-seat, such accusing hands against this nation as the Indian. We have put him in charge of agents who have systematically cheated him. We have made causeless war on him merely as a pretext to steal his lands. Trampling under foot the rules of modern warfare, we have made war on his women and children. We have cheated him out of one hunting-ground by compelling him to accept another, and have robbed him of the last by driving him to frenzy, and then punishing resistance with confiscation. Meanwhile, neither pulpit nor press, nor political party, would listen to his complaints. Congress has handed him over, gagged and helpless, to the bands of ignorant, drunken and brutal soldiers. Neither on its floor, nor in any city of the Union, could his advocate obtain a hearing. Money has been poured out like water to feed and educate the Indian, of which one dollar in ten may have found its way to supply his needs, or pay the debts we owed him.

To show the folly of our method, examine the south side of the great lakes, and you will find in every thirty miles between Plymouth and Omaha the scene of an Indian massacre. And since 1789 we have spent about one thousand million of dollars in dealing with the Indians. Meanwhile, under British rule, on the north of those same lakes, there has been no Indian outbreak, worth naming, for a hundred years, and hardly one hundred thousand dollars have been spent directly on the Indians of Canada. What is the solution

of this astounding riddle? This, and none other. England gathers her Indian tribes, like ordinary citizens, within the girth of her usual laws. If injured, they complain, like other men, to a justice of the peace, not to a camp captain. If offenders, they are arraigned before such a justice, or some superior court. Complaint, indictment, evidence, trial, sentence, are all after the old Saxon pattern. With us martial law, or no law at all, is their portion; no civil rights, no right to property that a white man is bound to respect. Of course quarrel, war, expense, oppression, robbery, resistance, like begetting like, and degradation of the Indian even to the level of the frontiersman who would plunder him, have been the result of such a method. If such a result were singular, if our case stood alone, we should receive the pitiless curses of mankind. But the same result has almost always followed the contact of the civilized and the savage man.

General Grant’s recommendation of a policy which would acknowledge the Indian as a citizen, is the first step in our Indian history which gives us any claim to be considered a Christian people. The hostility it has met shows the fearful demoralization of our press and political parties. Statesmanship, good sense and justice, even from a chief magistrate can hardly obtain a hearing when they relate to such long-time victims of popular hate and pillage as our Indian tribes. Some few men in times past have tried to stem this hideous current of national indifference and injustice. Some men do now try. Prominent among these is the author of this volume. Thirty years of practical experience in dealing with Indians while he represented the Government in different offices; long and familiar acquaintance with their genius, moods, habits and capabilities, enable and entitle him to testify in this case. That, having suffered, at the hands of Indians, all that man can suffer and still live, he should yet lift up a voice, snatched almost miraculously from the grave, to claim for them, nevertheless, the treatment of men, of citizens, is a marvellous instance of fidelity to conviction against every temptation and injury. Bearing all over his person the scars of nearly fatal wounds received from Indians, he still advocates Grant’s policy. Familiar with the Indian tribes, and personally acquainted with their chiefs, with the old and young, men and women, their sports and faith, their history and aspirations, their education and capacity, their songs, amusements, legends, business, loves and hates, his descriptions lack no element of a faithful portrait; while his lightest illustrations have always beneath the surface a meaning which cannot fail to arrest the attention of the American people, and enable them to understand this national problem. Never before have we had just such a witness on the stand. Brilliant and graphic in description, and exceedingly happy in his choice of topics, he gives us pages startling and interesting as a novel. While his appeals stir the heart like a clarion, he still keeps cautiously to sober fact; and every statement, the most seemingly incredible, is based on more than sufficient evidence. I commend this book to the public—study it not only as accurate and striking in its pictures of Indian life, but as profoundly interesting to every student of human nature,—the picture of a race fast fading away and melting into white men’s ways. His contribution to the solution of one of the most puzzling problems of American statesmanship is invaluable. Destined no doubt to provoke bitter criticism, I feel sure his views and statements will bear the amplest investigation. His volume will contribute largely to vindicate the President’s policy, and to enable, while it disposes, the American people to understand and do justice to our native tribes.

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Warm Spring Indian Pickets 568 Schonchin and Jack in Chains 588 Boston Charley 641 Black Jim 495 Scar-face Charley 632

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CONTENTS.

Story Repeated—A Ray of Hope—Alsea Agency—The Alsea Indians—Their Character Peaceable and therefore Neglected—Crime Rewarded by the Government—Virtue Punished—The Destiny of the Alsea Tribe—A Stern Rebuke and a Prophecy 74 CHAPTER VII. PHIL SHERIDAN’S OLD HOME—WHAT A CABIN COST. Grand Round Agency—Indian Houses—Cost of a Board—Gen. Phil Sheridan—A Romance of a Young Chief—The Family from Missouri—The Red-skinned Archer and Pale-face Gunner—Their Trial of Skill—Fight with the Grizzly—The Wounded Hunter—The “Medicine Man”—Santiam and the Pale-faced Maiden—The Disappointment—Faithful to Her Vows—Description of the Valley Resumed—The Writer’s First Visit—The Indians There—Their Progress in Civilization—Ceremonious Hand-shaking—The Writer’s Remarks—Replies by Joe Hutchins and Louis Neposa—A Peculiarity of Indian Eloquence—Speeches by Black Tom and Solomon Riggs—The Writer’s Speech—Its Effect—Wapto Davis’s Plain Talk—Joe Hutchins’ Sarcasm—Result of the Council 101 CHAPTER VIII. STOPPING THE SURVEY—WHY. Official Correspondence—What the Indians Need—Important Questions Asked—Commissioner Parker’s Reply. (See Appendix)—The Mills Built—Indian Laborers—A Misunderstanding—The Indian’s Rights—They are Wronged—A Protest—Interesting Letter Relating to Allotment of Lands. (See Appendix)—Singular Request—Reason for It—An Act of Justice—The Indian Parade—The Indian’s Speech in English—The Writer’s Reply—Wapto Speaks—Catholics vs. Methodists—Father Waller—An Episode—Leander and Lucy—Love and Law—Old and New—The usual Course of True Love—Marriage Ceremony—No Kissing—The Dance—The Methodist Pastor and the Priest—The Catholics Liberal (?)—A Stupid Preacher—Common Sense in Religion—Indian Comments—Defective Schools—Unwritten History of Grand Round Agency—Old and Forsaken 120 CHAPTER IX. THE AGED PAIR—BIRTHPLACE OF LEGENDS. The Scene Changes—The River Steamer—The Railroad—The Battle Ground—Causes of War and Slaughter—A Legend of the Cascades—Battles—Divine Interpositions—Soul-stirring Traditions—The Waiting Dead—Sacrilegious Hunters—McNulty, the Noble Captain—Mount Hood—Mount Adams—Sublime Scenery—The Dalles—The Salmon Fishery—Its Value—Habits of the Salmon—Commencement of the Fishing Scenery—Indian Superstition—Methods of Catching and Curing Salmon 138 CHAPTER X. DANGEROUS PLACE FOR SINNERS. Warm Spring Agency—Indians in Treaty Council—Intimidated by Government Troops—Pledges Unfulfilled—John Mission and Billy Chinook—They become Converts to Christianity—Treachery of the Government—Why? because the Indians are Peaceable—Journey to the Agency Continued—Crossing the Stream—Fire and Brimstone—A Perilous Descent—The Author’s Report—This Agency a Fraud—Climate of Warm Springs—Character of the Indians Here—The Two Treaties—The Indians Declare they were Deceived—A Great Injustice—Unfitness of the Warm Spring Agency—Captain John Smith—His Character—His Communication—A Careful Perusal Urged 150 CHAPTER XI. THE PARSON BROWNLOW OF THE INDIAN SERVICE. Captain Smith’s Letter—His Opinion of Catholics—The Indian Council—An Indian Leads in Prayer—Appearance of this Council—It was like a Methodist Revival Scene—The Head Chief’s Speech—He abjures Polygamy—The Author’s Reply—Mark wants to Change his Name—He selects the Name of Meacham—Marks’ Second Wife, Matola—Her Speech—John Mission speaks—Speech of Billy Chinook—Hand-shaking and Enrolling Names—Pi-a-noose—His Speech—Two Kinds of Indians on this Agency—The Trial Policy of the Government 160 CHAPTER XII. NO PLACE LIKE HOME—SQUAWS IN HOOPS AND CHIGNONS. Umatilla Agency—The Council—Its Object—The Purchase by the Government of the Reservation—A. B. Meacham’s Speech—Many Indian Speeches (See Appendix, Chap. XII.)—The Council Fairly Conducted—Religion of the Umatilla Indians—Wealth a Curse to Them—They Take the First Prizes—They are Haughty, Proud and Intractable—“Susan,” the Widow—Her “Receptions”—The Dance—Women’s Rights—Susan a Good Catholic. 181 CHAPTER XIII. “HOW-LISH-WAMPO,” KING OF THE TURF—A DEAD THING CRAWLS. Indian Sportsman—How-lish-wampo, the Famous Horseman—Pat and the Indians Once More—French Louie, the Confident Sport—He is Beaten and Fleeced—Returns on Ponies Given in Charity—Joe Crabb and His Important Race-Horse—His Groomsmen and Attendants—Skirmishing Preparatory to the Great Race—Joe Crabb is Shrewd—The Wild Indian is Shrewder—Indian Method of Training Horses—Intense Interest in the Race—Throngs of Visitors—Holding the Stakes—Indian Honor—Indians not Always Stoical—They are Enthusiastic Gamblers—Never Betray their Emotions—Consummate Strategy of Indian “Sports”—The Appearance of the two Race-Horses—Preliminary Manœuvres—The Start—The Indian Horse Ahead—Wild Excitement—The Fastest Time on Record—All Good Indians Three Feet Under Ground—Fine Opportunity for Sport—Challenge to Commodore Vanderbilt, Robert Bonner, Rev. W. H. H. Murray, or Any Other Man—Habits of the Indian Horses—The Cayuse Horse—An Indian Train—The Squaw’s Outfit—Indian Etiquette—Indian Wives who Want to be Widows—Indian Maidens—Many of the Umatillas Civilized—The Prospect of the Umatillas 185 CHAPTER XIV. SNAKE WAR—FIGHTING THE DEVIL WITH FIRE. The Snake War—Alleged Cause of the War—Manner of Warfare—Charley Winslow and Nathan Dixon—H. C. Scott and

Family, and Wheeler, all Victims of the War—Eighty Chinamen Murdered—Indians Butchered in Turn—Jeff Standiford and His Band of Butchers—Stone Bullets and Iron Slugs—The Art of Killing Indians—Joaquin Miller—General Lee—Stonewall Jackson—General Grant—Capture of the Daughter of a “Warm Spring” Chief—General Crook calls for Indian Scouts—The Bounty Offered—The McKay Brothers—A White Chief Fights like a Savage—Privilege of Scalping Granted—On the War Path—The Last Battle—The Surrender—A Pile of Scalps—Snake Hair Playing Switch for White Ladies—Visit to Snake Country—After a Long Leap Coming Out Smiling—Castle Rock—Old Castle of Jay Cook—Panting Charger—A Game Chicken in the River—Adams Laughing and Weeping—A Real Native American—In a Basket—In College—Baking Bread in a Frying Pan—Jimmy Kane the Indian Cook—Making Mathematical Calculations—The Test—Seasoning the Supper—Clothes Don’t make the Man—General Crook under a Slouch Hat—Tah-home and Ka-ko-na—Transmutation—Fine Feathers—Arrival at Camp Harney 207 CHAPTER XV. THE COUNCIL WITH THE SNAKE INDIANS—O-CHE-O. A Camp Scene—Peace Council with the Snake Indians—Announcing the Presence of Ka-ko-na—Their Representations—Colonel Otis—Old Winnemucca Sent For—A Bloodthirsty Chief—His Wives—Their Savage Mode of Life—Indian Women Socially—Result of the Council—Both Parties Came Armed—The Medicine Man—A White and Red Doctor Disagree—A Warning—Incantation of a Medicine Man—Strange and Cruel Treatment of the Sick—“Big Foot”—A Beautiful Custom—The Fire Telegraph—Spiritualism—O-Che-Oh and Allen David—A Peaceful Talk in Seven Tongues—The Old Squaw and Her Heartless Sons—A Gloomy Picture of Savage Life—The Snakes’ Home—Their Future a Problem—Climate of this Region—Enemies to—Novel Method of Capturing them—Crickets for Food—A Cricket Press—Warriors who Eat their Foes—An Embryo Indian War—How it Can be Avoided—Tah-home and Ka-ko-na in Tribulation—Power of Medicine Men—Stronger than love—Wild Men Shrewd in Such Matters—Heart-Broken Squaw—Proposition to Elope—Fear of Pursuit—No Compromise 224 CHAPTER XVI. OVER THE FALLS—FIRST ELECTION. Resuming the Journey—Klamath Reservation—Saying Prayers—The Accident—Value of a Dead Mule—Different Tribes on the Reservation—Klamaths never Enemies of the Whites—Lindsey Applegate—The First Election—White Men Imitated—The Result—Allen David Elected Chief—His Character—He is an Orator of Great Power—Preparation for the “Big Talk”—The Scenes in the Council—The Big Camp Fire—Tah-home and Ka-ko-na in Great Distress—Indian Strategy Winked at by an Officer—It Succeeds—The Lovers in a Snow-storm—Outwitted and Glad of It—Allen David Opens the Council—His Thrilling Speech—The Author’s Official Report—Another Speech from the Red-skinned Orator—The Author’s Reply—Joe Hood—Various Speeches Bearing on the Indian Question—Official Correspondence—Address to the Klamath Indians—Their Attention—The Indian Allen David—His Wonderful Eloquence—Extracts—The Author’s Reply—Speech of Joe Hood—The Reconciliation—The Preparation—The Speeches of Allen David and Captain Jack—The Author’s Views of Thieving Officials—An Appeal for Justice—The Request of Klamaths 245 CHAPTER XVII. KLAMATH COURT—ELOPEMENT EXTRAORDINARY. Wife Robbery—Divorce made Easy—Names of Uniformed Officers Withheld—Why—Blo’s Searching Questions—The Law One-sided—Little Sally—The New Court—A Novel Scene—The Court Opened—Sally’s Complaint—Her Husband’s Views—The Baby’s Heart half his and half his Wife’s—Sally and her Husband Want to be Re-married—The Bride’s Outfit—A Serious Ceremony—A Pledge that White Men don’t Take—Indian Modesty—Who Kissed the Bride—Case Number Two—The Sentence—The Dance—Indian Theatre—The Actor—A Wild, Exciting Play—The Indian’s Dramatic Power 262 CHAPTER XVIII. OMELETS AND ARROWS—BIG STEAM-BOILERS. Indian Games—Long John, the Gambler—The Wocus Fields—How it is Prepared for Food—Egging and Fishing—A Bird’s Nest Described—Trout-fishing—Various Kinds of Trout—Game—Big Klamath Lake—Link River—Nature’s Steam-power—The Country of the Modocs—A Grand Scene—Bound for the Home of Captain Jack 279 CHAPTER XIX. MODOC BLOOD UNDER A FLAG OF TRUCE—SEED SOWN TWENTY YEARS BEFORE A HARVEST. The Modoc War—The Origin of the Modocs—The La-la-kas—The Great Indian Rebellion and the American Revolution—The Office of Indian Chief—Captain Jack—Form of Government among Indian Tribes—The Home of the Modocs—Why Modocs Rebelled—The Modocs in 1846—Schonchin—The Father of Captain Jack—Account of the Latter—Cruelties Perpetrated by the Modocs—Causes of the First Modoc Wars—Two Sides of the Question—Chief Schonchin’s Reason for Killing White Men—The “Ben Wright” Massacre—Slaughter of Emigrants—Horrible Cruelties—The Squaw’s Jealousy—Ben Wright—His Character—His Infamous Act of Treachery—Treaty with the Modocs in 1864—Why it was not kept by Captain Jack—The Oregon Superintendent makes a Treaty—It is now being Ratified—Captain Jack understood the Treaty—He Rebels—Says he was Deceived—Attempt to Force him to return to the Reservation—His Insulting Language—Lost River—A Fish Story—Difficulties in the way of meeting Captain Jack 289 CHAPTER XX. BLUE EYES AND BLACK ONES—TOBEY RIDDLE. Captain Jack’s Apology—He Makes a Camp for his Visitors—The Modoc Women not Slaves like other Indian Women—Sage Brush—The Modocs would not Eat First—The Reason—Tobey and Frank Riddle—Riddle’s Romantic Career—Truth Stranger than Fiction—He Discards his First Love—His Indian Wife—They act a part in his Story—Captain Jack’s Falsehood Exposed—The Government Appropriations—Captain Jack Quibbles but Yields—He is Overruled by the Medicine Man—A Critical Moment—Indian Vocabularies—Tobey’s Good Sense and Loyalty—Riddle and Tobey Avert a Scene of Blood—Mr. Meacham’s Bold Speech to Captain

Jack—The Strategy of Meacham’s Party—Two Powers Invoked—Representatives of Elijah and Ahab—The Soldiers who are sent for do not Respond as Ordered—They, too, are under the Influence of Spirits—They Rush into Camp—An Exciting Scene—The Parley with the Modocs and its Results—Queen Mary—Her Rare Opportunities—She Pleads for her Brother, and Gains her Point—Jack Surrenders—An Incident—Arrival at the Klamath Reservation—Reconciliation between Two Chieftains—Ceremony of Burying the Hatchet—Allen David, the Famous Indian Orator—His Remarkable Speech—Captain Jack’s Reply—Allotment and Distribution of Goods—“Head and Pluck”—Indian Mode of Cooking Meats—A Gorgeous Scene—A Big Council Talk—Link River Joe’s Solemn Speech—An Impressive Watch-meeting—The Writer’s Peculiar Position—The Dim Fore-shadowing 311 CHAPTER XXI. BURYING THE HATCHET—A TURNING-POINT. A Settlement of Old Difficulties—Trouble Ahead—The Modocs Taunted with their Poverty—Agent Knapp—His Character—Captain Jack Applies to Knapp for Protection—Is Treated Coolly—Schonchin John—Captain Jack and his Band Leave Klamath—Old Schonchin Removes to Yainax—Captain Jack Contemplates making his Home there—An Unfortunate Occurrence Prevents—One more Effort for Peace—Jesse Applegate—Letter of Instructions to John Meacham—It is Conciliatory but Firm—Departure of The Commission—Humanity and Common Sense—Fortunately the Commissioners go well Armed—Assassination Intended—Prevented by Captain Jack—His Loyalty Doubted by the Modocs—Schonchin Intrigues for the Chieftainship—Captain Jack only a Representative Chief—Republican Ideas for once a Curse—Captain Jack Argues the Cause of his People with Great Skill and Force—He Refuses to go on to the Reservation again—Agrees to go to Lost River—How Bloodshed Might Have Been Avoided—The Author’s Reports referred to—The Modocs become Restless—They Violate their Pledges—The White Settlers Annoyed—They demand Redress and Protection—Captain Jack not blamed by the Whites—He was Powerless 342 CHAPTER XXII. U. S. SENATORS COST BLOOD—FAIR FIGHT—OPEN FIELD. Change in the Indian Superintendency—T. B. Odeneal Appointed—His Qualifications for the Office—Did not Understand the Indians—The Modocs Ordered to Klamath Reservation—They Refuse to go—Captain Jackson Ordered to the Modoc Camp—Twelve Settlers go to see the Fun—Character of Frontiersmen—Who are Responsible for Indian Wars—Situation of Jack’s Camp—Number of his Braves—Arrival of the Soldiers and Citizens—They come Unexpected—A Fatal Mistake—First Gun of the Modoc War—First Battle—Modocs Victorious—Fight on the other side of the River—Inglorious Results to the White—Reinforcements sent for by Major Jackson—Captain Jack and his Braves retire to the Lava Beds—Scar-face Charley remains behind—His Strange Motive for so doing—John A. Fairchild—He learns an Important Lesson—His Humanity and Wisdom—White Citizens cry for Vengeance—Fourteen Modocs agree to return to Klamath—Why they rejoined Captain Jack—The latter always for Peace—The curly-haired Doctor wanted War—He and other Modocs Commit Horrid Crimes—Seventeen Whites Butchered—The Scene that followed—The Victims of the Slaughter—Friends of the Murderers—The Author’s Authority for many of his Statements—Captain Jack denounces the Murderers, and demands that they shall be surrendered to the Whites—Is overruled 361 CHAPTER XXIII. MOURNING EMBLEMS AND MILITARY POMP. “Wails of Anguish”—“Intense Excitement”—“A Scene of Woe seldom Equalled”—“A Sublime Portraiture of Frontier Life”—“Who shall say Vengeance on The Avenger”—“The Government called to a Rigid Account”—“War Succeeds Sorrow”—“The Grand Army of Two Hundred”—“Opinions that are Opinions, and the Reasons for them”—“A Job before Breakfast not accomplished”—“Benefit of the War to Oregon and California”—“The Politicians and Speculators’ Opportunity”—“Four Hundred White Soldiers”—“Proposition to slay Modoc Women and Children”—“A Little Gray-eyed Man Objects”—“A good deal of Buncombe and of anticipated Glory” 377 CHAPTER XXIV. PEACE OR WAR—ONE HUNDRED LIVES VOTED AWAY BY MODOC INDIANS. A Descent to the Lava Bed—Tule Lake—The Lone Woman with a Field Glass—The Deserted White House—The Dark Bluff—The Red-skinned Loyal Soldiers—The Solitary Tree—Description of the Lava Bed—Link River Jack the Natural Traitor—Council among the Modocs—Jack Still for Peace—Earnest Speeches on both sides—The Curly-headed Doctor decides the Momentous Question—The Vote is for War—How the Doctor makes Medicine—Captain Jack Plans the Battle—A Lost Warning to the Sleepers 388 CHAPTER XXV. WARPATH. 4 A.M., January 17, 1873—Preparation for the Battle—The Conflict Begins—The Deadly Modoc’s Bullets—Where are the Volunteers—The Battle Rages with fearful Loss of Life—Orders to Retreat—The Wounded to be Rescued—Vain Attempt, the Victims Scalped—Modoc Rejoicings—Speeches of the Victors—Captain Jack not so Enthusiastic—General Wheaton’s Defeat—Comments of the Volunteers—The Sarcasm of the Gray-eyed Man 400 CHAPTER XXVI. OLIVE BRANCH AND CANNON BALLS—WHICH WILL WIN? The Peace Commission Appointed—Terms of Peace unwisely Proposed to the “Modocs”—The “Modocs” seem to accept the Terms—Joy in Camp—It is suddenly Dampened—The Great Mistake of Steele, the Messenger—The Fearful Crisis—A Most Suitable Time to say Prayers—Honor among Savages—The Messenger’s Strategy—It Saves his Life—His Report—The Author’s Dispatch to Washington—The Reply—Anxiety and Gloom in Camp—Modoc Messengers—What they Propose—Commission in the hands of General Canby—Prejudiced against Tobey—The Modocs offer to Surrender—Wagons sent to Receive Them—Their Intentions—They Fail to Agree—Modoc Horses Captured—General Canby won’t return them 413

CHAPTER XXVII. CAPTAIN JACK A DIPLOMAT—SHOOT ME IF YOU DARE. The New Camp—The Modocs Allowed to Visit the Camp—Reasons for it—The Seven Hours’ Talk with Captain Jack—The Diplomatic Savage—His Skill in Debate—His Logic and his Eloquence—He has Right on his Side—This the Only Extended Talk with the Modocs—Capt. Jack’s Graphic Description of the “Ben Wright” Massacre—This Cold-blooded Butcher Rewarded by our Government—Full Report of this Meeting—Another Effort for Peace—Tobey’s Mission—The Result—She is Warned by a peace-loving Modoc—The Reports to the Commission—Some do not Believe Her—The Indiscretion of Rev. Dr. Thomas—Stirring News from the other Camp—Assassination Intended—Tobey is Sent for by the Modocs—She Goes—Affecting Farewell to Husband and Child—A Thrilling Scene in the Modoc Camp—True Heroism—“I am a Modoc Woman; Shoot Me if You Dare”—The Camp Moved—Strange Surroundings and Sad Reflections—An Incident—Peace Council with the Modocs—Their Hostile Intentions Foreshadowed—The Storm—Proposal to Adjourn—It is Treated with Contempt by Jack—Says he shall not Melt like Snow—The Council Adjourns 443 CHAPTER XXVIII. WHO HAD BEEN THERE—WHO HAD NOT. General Gilliam’s Opinion about Taking the Modocs—Colonel Mason’s Opinion—Difference in Judgment—Another Discussion Going On—Colonel Greene Speaks—Colonel Tom Wright in Commissioners’ Tent—A Growl—Wager Offered—Proposition to Send Away Nine Hundred Soldiers—Waiting for the Warm Springs—Desertion—Common Soldiers’ Opinion—They Want Peace—Commissioners’ Cooking—Work Divided—Canby Enjoys a Joke—“Don’t Throw Off on Bro. Dyer” 457 CHAPTER XXIX. UNDER A WOMAN’S HAT—THE LAST APPEAL. New Efforts for Peace—Dr. Thomas’ Faith—It Avails Little—Riddle Appealed to—The Author’s Fatal Absence—Modoc Cunning—The Guileless Betrayed—The Author’s Fears—The Compact Made—The Last Breakfast—The Indian Judas—He Wants Meacham to Wear his New Boots—The Modoc Council—Captain Jack and Scar-face Oppose the Massacre—The Former Taunted with being a White Squaw—Being only a Representative Chief he Yields to the Majority—The Bloody Work Allotted to Each—Another Butchery Agreed upon—The Warning Repeated but Unheeded—Canby and Dr. Thomas are Determined to go—The Latter Seems Doubtful of the Result—The Farewell Letter—Tobey and Riddle Implore them not to go—Meacham Makes One More Effort to Save Life—He Pleads with Dr. Thomas and General Canby—A Sad Scene and a Terrible Resolution—The Derringer Pistol—Departure for the Scene of Slaughter 462 CHAPTER XXX. ASSASSINATION—“KAU-TUX-E”—THE DEATH PRAYER SMOTHERED BY BLOOD—RESCUED. The Scene near the Council Tent—Several Desperate Modocs Described—Preparing for the Carnival of Death—The Boy Murderers and their Weapons—Bogus and Boston Announce the Approach of the Commission—Why does Meacham Remove his Overcoat—The Modocs Suspiciously Cordial—Fighting a Battle with Pride—Appearance of the Commissioners—Hooker Jim’s Strange Movements—The Intruder Near the Council Tent—The Butchery for the Time Being Averted—Hooker-Jim’s Ominous Movements—He puts on Meacham’s Overcoat—“Me old man Meacham now”—This Act is instantly Interpreted—All are Conscious of their Impending Doom—Reflections During the Fleeting Moments—What will General Canby Say—Will he Accede to the Demand of the Modocs and thus Avert Death—Will he Take the Soldiers Away—He Breaks the Silence—Duty Dearer than Life—Death before Dishonor—Dr. Thomas’s Last Speech—What will Captain Jack do now—Will he Give the Signal—He Changes Places with Schonchin—The Manner of the Latter—The Attack Begins—General Canby the First to Fall—His Horrible Death—Dyer is Shot at by Hooker-Jim—He Makes his Escape—Riddle Pursued by Black Jim—The Latter Fires at Random—The Reason—The Bloody Work of Boston and Hooker-Jim—Dr. Thomas’s Tragic End—His Murderers Taunt him with his Religion—Why don’t he Turn the Bullets—Schonchin, his Dagger and his Pistol—Meacham Attacked by Schonchin—Slolux and Shack-Nasty Jim—The Struggle for Life—Tobey’s Efforts to save Him—The Dreadful Scene of the Tragedy—Boston as a Scalper—The Squaw Tobey—Her Strategy—Another Bloody Tragedy Planned but not Executed—Lethargy followed by Vigorous Action—Meacham Discovered—The Stretcher—Brandy—“No Time for Temperance Talk”—The Council Tent a Winding-sheet—Rewards to the Couriers—The Eighty-three Mile Race—The Gray and the Pinto—The Exultant Winner 478 CHAPTER XXXI. HARNESSED LIGHTNING CARRYING AWFUL TIDINGS—HE MAKES IT—A BROKEN FINGER WON’T DISFIGURE A CORPSE. Making Coffins in the Lava Bed—The Patient in the Hospital—A Broken Finger will not Disfigure a Corpse—The Commotion in the Modoc Camp—The Disputes—Common Interest a Strong Bond—The Great Medicine Dance—The Modocs Exultant—The Wife’s Suspense—The Dreadful News—Its Effect on Wife and Children—First Robbed by the Government, then its Defenders—Our Nation’s Perfidy—The Sorrowful Hearts at Home—Prayer and Praise in Camp—A Lesson for Bigots and Cowards to Learn—The Medicine Man in the Modoc Camp—He Fires the Modoc Heart—Capt. Jack Despondent—Long Jim—Novel Scene in the Soldier’s Camp—The Murder of the Commission to be Avenged—Long Jim Escapes—Much Powder Wasted—“Nary a Wound” 508 CHAPTER XXXII. HORIZONTAL PYROTECHNICS—THE SCALP MIRACLE—KILLED IN PETTICOATS—THE PRESENTIMENT. Preparations for Another Battle—Stretchers for the Wounded—Mattresses and Lint—The Wounded Man in the Hospital Expects Company—The Iowa Veteran—The Signal for Battle—It Begins—Re-echoing of Cannon—The Assault—No Response Yet—Volleys from the Concealed Foe—The Retreat—The Dead and Wounded—The Pat-riotic Sutler—The Walking Sage Brush—The Wounded Pony—Pat’s Head in Danger—The Flat Assaulted—Lieut. Eagan Falls—The Two Stages—The Remains of the Lamented Dead—The Bereaved Widow and the Stricken Wife—The Wounded Warm Spring Indian—He Ridicules Modoc Powder—The Modocs out of

Water—The Lady Passenger—Sympathy Extended—On Her Way to the Lava Beds—The Welcome Letter—Still Alive, but Handsome No Longer—The Battle for Water—The Fair-haired Boy—His Terrible Presentiment—Courage Triumphs—His Lost Messages to Friends—The Dread Reality—The Unexploded Shell does Execution—A Scalp Cut to Suit—The Indian Plays Squaw—He is Suspected and Numerously Scalped—Military Bombast—Mourning for the Dead—Remains of Canby and Thomas—The Stricken Parent—The Wife’s Disappointment and Anguish—The Modocs Withdraw—The Soldiers Deceived—They Surround Vacant Caves 522 CHAPTER XXXIII. MUSIC DON’T SOOTHE A SAVAGE—FIGHTING THE DEVIL WITH FIRE A FAILURE—“WE’LL BURY THE OLD MAN ALIVE.” Watching and Disappointment—Visit of Pia-noose to Meacham—Gen. Canby’s Remains in Portland, Oregon—Burial of Dr. Thomas—Burying a Leg—Col. Wright’s Opinion of the Modocs—Modocs in New Camp—Young Hovey’s Father Informed of his Death—Modocs Attack Gilliam’s Camp—“You can Play Dead, Old Man”—Scar-Face an Artillery Officer—The Gray-eyed Man—Proposition to Bury “The Old Man” Alive—Burial of Young Hovey—Extermination—Indian Sympathy with Capt. Jack—Warm Spring Messenger to Linkville—Another Disappointment for Mrs. Meacham—Twenty Chances in a hundred for Life—The Twenty Chances Win—Hope Dawns—Another Messenger Sent—Donald McKay in Camp—Reading News to Meacham—Fairchild’s Opinion of Oregon Press—Ferree’s Warning to Fairchild—His Reply—Gov. Grover Calls out Volunteers—Meacham’s Departure for Home—Storm on the Lake—Old Fields—A Sailor—Dr. Cabanis a Joker—Mrs. Meacham Watching the Boat—Her Thoughts—The Meeting—Ferree’s Introduction—Meacham on an Ambulance—Arrival at Linkville—Big-hearted Men—Soft Hand and a Whispered Prayer 543 CHAPTER XXXIV. AMEN OUT OF TIME—FRIENDLY ADVICE FROM ENEMIES—BETRAYED. Meacham at Ferree’s—Then and Now—Capt. Jack—Another Scene in the Hospital—Maybridge—Bunker Bildad—Modocs Impatient to be on the Warpath—Gen. Canby’s Remains in San Francisco—The Silver-haired Man in Iowa—The Warning against the Klamaths—Old Father Jones and Brother Congar—The Misunderstanding—Administering Saltpetre—Army Recruiting—Making Another Coffin—Meacham Again in Danger—Iowa Veteran Ready to Dose out Blue Pills—Location of Modocs—Reconnoissance Ordered—Defeat of Thomas and Wright—Scenes of the Slaughter—Warm Springs to the Rescue—Cranston’s Death—Thirty-four Modocs Fighting Eighty Soldiers—Peace Commissioners not in the Way—Lt. Harris’s Mother in Camp—Gen. Davis’s Report of the Fight—Modocs Leave the Lava Beds—Dry Lake Battle—Modocs said to be Whipped for Once—Treason of Hooker Jim to Bogus—Gen. Davis’s Summary of Succeeding Events 562 CHAPTER XXXV. LAST HIDING-PLACE—HANGING-MACHINE UNTRIED—MODOC BUTCHERS OUTDONE. Vivid Account of the Surrender of the Modoc Chiefs—Butchery by “Brave Civilized” White Men—Oregon Laws—The White Butchers not Arrested—Men who have Political Influence—The Gallows—A Strange Sight to the Modocs—The Harmless Cannon—The Wails of Anguish—Legal Justice—The Most Bloody Hands Escape—The Courier’s Arrival—General Disappointment—A Summary of Scenes and Events 582 CHAPTER XXXVI. TAKING A SAFE LOOK AT A SUBDUED LION—POWER BEHIND BAYONETS—WEAKNESS IN CHAINS. A Fort Turned into a Court-House—The Prisoners at the Bar—Those Glittering Bayonets—The Prisoners Arraigned—The Trial Begins—A. B. Meacham in Court—Have the Prisoners no Counsel?—Schonchin and Capt. Jack—They Extend their Hands to Meacham—He Repels Them—The Reason for it—Meacham Advised by his Physician not to Appear as Prisoner’s Counsel—The Trial Goes On—Indian Testimony—They Seek to Shift the Responsibility—Capt. Jack not Himself; “He cannot Talk with Irons On.”—Hooker-Jim’s Weak Defence—The Modoc’s Attorney Arrives Too Late—The Most Guilty Modocs Escape Punishment—The Mistake of the Judge Advocate—The Finding of the Court—The Death Sentence 607 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE EXECUTION—THE ROYAL CHIEF OUT OF CHAINS. Modocs in the Prison and Stockade—New Hanging-Machine—The Announcement of the Death Sentence—The Fallen Chief—His Speech—Boston Charley’s Speech—Schonchin’s—The Enraged Modocs—The Unfettered Traitors—Scar-faced Charley—A Solemn Scene and an Eloquent Prayer—A White Man in Tears over Red Men’s Sorrows—Once Proud, Now Humble—Thunder-bolt from a Clear Sky—Marble Tomb and Pearly Gate—Jumbled Theology—Whirling Tempest—Roaring Cannon—Lightning Flashing and Darkened Homes—Passing under the Cloud Alone—Anxious for a Good Seat—Six Graves—Boston has a Rare Privilege—Short Questions and Short Answers—More than Bogus could Stand—A Sheriff among Soldiers—State Rights—United States—A Big Offer for a Corpse—Under the Eye of Uncle Sam—The Prisoners Waiting for Marching Orders—The Command: “Come Forth”—Then and Now—Leaving Living Tombs for Permanent Homes—Solving the Problem of Six Graves and Four Coffins—In Sight of the Scaffold—Last in Crime—First to Mount the Ladder—The Chains Drop Off—Six Graves—Six Ropes—Six Prisoners—Four Coffins—Four Unfettered Convicts—Suspense Succeeds Certain Death—Last March—A Single Strand and a Gleaming Axe—On the Drop Waiting—Sitting on a Coffin Watching—Justice Making a Protest—Forty Millions of People Talking at Once—What They Say—The Problem Solved—Justice Surprised—The Last Prayer—The Drop—Calling the Modoc Roll—The Missing—Where They Are—Tragedy Ended 636 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TWO GIBBETS. Mementoes of the Horrid Butchery—A Nation’s Justice towards the Strong, and its Tyranny over the Weak—Grant’s Humane Policy—On Whom should the Blame Fall—The Answer—Witnesses Summoned to Prove the White Man’s Perfidy—O. C. Applegate—His Record of Bloody Deeds—Hon. J. W. Nesmith—His Intimate Acquaintance with Indian Affairs—His Unequivocal Testimony—Dr. Wm. C. McKay’s Testimony—General Harney Bears Witness to the Indian’s Good Faith—The Indians Not the Aggressors in the

Oregon War—Testimony of Hon. Geo. E. Cole—Mutual Fear resulting in Butchery—The Rogue River War—The Result—Another Unimpeachable Witness, Gen. Joel Palmer—His Terrible Arraignment of the Whites—Judge Steele—Ben Wright’s Plot to Poison the Indians—Colonel Whiting—Forty-nine Indians Butchered—A Tribute to Frontier Men—A Simple Remedy for the Great Wrong 663

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