The Petitions - (early 1872) - History - http://maxpages.com/modocwar/Petitions

Hon. A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent Indian Affairs

General Canby,
Commanding Department Columbia

We, the undersigned citizens of Lost and Link river, Klamath and Tule Lake country, after suffering years of annoyance from the presence of the Modoc Indians, through the delay of the Indian and military department, have not been removed to the reservation, as required by the treaty stipulations of 1864, entered into by the authorized agents of the government and the chiefs of the Modoc Indians, by which all their lands were ceded to the United States, except those embraced in the reservation, as stipulated in said treaty. But, notwithstanding all the conditions of said treaty have been faithfully performed, on the part of the government, it is a well known fact that a factious band of the Modocs, of about three hundred, who were parties to that treaty, have, through the influence of citizens of an adjoining State--who have been engaged in an illicit traffic with them--have been instigated to set the authority of the government at defiance, and to utterly refuse compliance with their treaty stipulations by going on the reservation; and since there is no longer any conflict between the Indians and military department, such as prevented sub-agent Applegate from bringing those Indians on the reservation, we, therefore, make this earnest appeal to you for relief, knowing that you have the cavalry force. We petitioned to be sent to Fort Klamath two years ago for this specific purpose, at your command. We ask you to use it for the purpose it was procured for, that the departments, both civil and military, have not been kept ignorant of the fact that we have been repeatedly on the verge of a desolating Indian war with this band of outlaws, who, by your delay to enforce the treaty, have been led to despise, rather than respect the authority of the government.

Their long continued success in defying its authorities has emboldened them in their defiant and hostile bearing, until further forbearance on our part would cease to be a virtue; that, in many instances, our families have become alarmed at their threats to kill and burn, until we were compelled to remove them for safety across the Cascade mountains, thereby suffering great loss of time and property; that the agents at Klamath and commissary at Yainax, during this long delay, growing out of this unfortunate conflict of departments, have done all they could to prevent a war, and bring about an amicable adjustment of our troubles we have no reason to doubt; but we ask now, since no such conflict exists, shall a petty Indian chief, with twenty desperadoes, and a squalid band of three hundred miserable savages, any longer set at defiance the strong arm of the government, driving our citizens from their homes, threatening their lives, and destroying our property?

Their removal to the reservation, in the winter season, may be easily accomplished by any one acquainted with them and their country, and will not require more force than could be furnished from Fort Klamath to do it. We recommended commissary I. D. Applegate, of Yainax, to the consideration of the department, as a suitable man to take charge of any force or expedition looking to their removal. His long connection with the Indian department, and thorough knowledge of them and their country, and all the facts connected with this whole Modoc question, and as a stock-raiser equally interested with us in their removal, point him out to us as the right man in the right place in charge of this much needed expedition for the removal of this band of Modocs to their reservation, for which your petitioners will ever pray.

[signed by Isaac N. Shook and 43 other people]

A. B. Meacham (25 January 1872)

Office Superintendent Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oregon, January 25, 1872

General Canby,
Commanding Department of Columbia,
Portland, Oregon

Sir: Inclosed please find petition from citizens of Jackson County, Oregon, for removal of Modoc Indians.

I would respectfully ask that the said Indians be removed to Yainax station, Klamath reservation, by the military force now at Fort Klamath. I would also suggest that sufficient force be sent on this mission to ensure success--say 50 men. I have ordered arrangements made to subsist the Modocs at the place above named, and have instructed I. D. Applegate, commissary at Yainax, to confer with commander of post and to accompany said expedition if agreeable to your department. Now, if it is not consistent with your views on this subject to comply with the above request, I would respectfully ask that a military force of the number designated be placed, subject to requisition of Commissary Applegate for the purpose above stated. Winter is the only time to successfully operate against these Indians.

I regret very much the necessity of this action, but the peace and welfare of white settlers and Indians demand that it be done promptly.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon

A. B. Meacham (27 January 1872)

Office Superintendent Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oregon,
January 27th, 1872

Hon F. A. Walker
Commissioner Ind. Affairs
Washington D.C.

Sir; I would respectfully call attention to Matters pertaining to Modoc Indians in my third annual report. Previously a full history of the trouble had been submitted to your office.

The case now stands that the Modocs, numbering three hundred souls, belong by treaty to Klamath but have not resided within the limits of the reservation except perhaps three months--being in 1870. They were illtreated and abused by the Klamath Indians, and its Sub-Agent failing to protect them they vacated. Peace has been disturbed and danger seems imminent, and--on a strong petition of the white settlers of the Modoc Country--I have made a requisition on the Commander of the Dept. of the Columbia for assistance, copy of which is herewith transmitted. If my action is not approved, it would seem necessary to countermand by telegraph, otherwise the attempt to arrest the leaders will be made and war may ensue.

I have suggested in my annual report an alternative but it has not received any attention known to this office. I should regret bloodshed, but I am powerless to prevent it without I am authorized to locate these people on a new home.

They steadily declare their determination to resist any effort to remove them.

I had a consultation with Hon F. B. Brunot on this subject and had hopes to avert any serious action until the whole matter could have been adjusted.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
A. B. Meacham
Supt. Ind. Affairs in Ogn.

Jesse Applegate (1 February 1872)

Yoncalla, Oregon,
February 1, 1872

Hon. A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent Indian Affairs

Dear Sir: I presume upon the urgency of the case as my excuse for again troubling you about the Modoc Indians now living on Modoc Lake.

I am, as you know, much in favor of treating Indians with forbearance and humanity, and as there were some just grounds for the discontent of this band of Modocs, I fully approve of your purpose last summer to place these Indians on a reservation to themselves. But it seems such an arrangement has even more difficulties in, and objections to, its execution than was then considered.

If these Indians were of the quiet orderly description that the majority of Oregon Indians are, these difficulties would not exist, there would be less opposition to the measure from the white settlers of that country, and they would in the end become reconciled to it. But that they are not obedient, quiet, and orderly is proven by their absence from the reservation assigned them.

Having broken away from the reservation in defiance of the agent and the military and conciliatory means alone resorted to to induce them to return, they have misunderstood your forbearance and humanity, and think your policy dictated by weakness and fear, and the impunity with which they commit aggressions and levy "black mail" upon the settlers encourages and confirms that belief.

From advices from that quarter their arrogance and impudence have been greater than ever before, and the patience and forbearance of the settlers most inclined to peace is well nigh exhausted. The Indians help themselves to what they want, when by intimidation they fail to obtain permission. The Indians help themselves to what they want, when by intimidation they fail to obtain permission. Instead of a more friendly feeling growing up between the races, the hatred of the one and assurance of the other is by this conduct continually intensified, and open hostilities may at any day commence between them. This state of things discourages new settlers and keeps those in the country in a feverish state of uneasiness and alarm, and instead of their increased numbers driving the Indians into better behavior, the numbers of the Indians are being constantly recruited by the bad and discontented fleeing to them from the neighboring reservations, and they, being concentrated in a body, they actually hold the settlements on Lost and Link Rivers at their mercy, and being perfectly aware of this fact they use it to their own advantage.

Those Indians sold the country they now forcibly occupy, and years ago received their part of the payment. If the humanitarians who now control Indian affairs have no regard for the lives of white men, women, and children, there are reasons for the removal of these Indians to their reservations, which may be in accordance with their tender sympathy for the welfare of the Indians themselves. While a body of independent and defiant Indians makes a "city of refuge" within a day's travel of two reservations, it will scarcely be possible to introduce or enforce the discipline so necessary and proper a preliminary to the pious and innocent life the Indians are to live under their auspices.

"Moral suasion" may not be a sufficient restraint upon the vicious red, no more than upon the vicious white man; some kind of physical punishment must be the penalty of crime, at least until the moral lessons have had time to bear fruit. Such impious characters, until they learn to be "meek under chastening," will fly to the "city of refuge" rather than quietly submit to be hanged, whipped, or otherwise punished for their crimes; hence those most in need of the lessons of the moral teacher will be out of his reach.

Poets and moralists agree that the "untutored savage" is also a "wild-man," and, like all other wild animals, they chafe and fret under any kind of restraint. They will prefer the liberty and license of the "city of refuge" to even the mild restraints of a pious life on the reservation, and the consequences will be that the "city of refuge" will overflow with inhabitants and the reservation desolate.

The people of the city of refuge, like those of other cities, must be fed and clothed. The white settlers in its vicinity having, by their stock and farming operations, diminished the spontaneous productions of the land, will have to pay tribute to the city. The collectors of the tax may be made rough men, (red though they be,) who are not likely to observe those formalities which reconcile "tame" people to be robbed in the name of the law.

Some settlers, not having the fear of God before their eyes, nor appreciating the just right of the red man to rob them, may try to prevent the tax-collector from driving off their horses, or butchering their cattle. This will cause strife between the red man and the white, and both wicked white and innocent red men also may come to grief in the scuffle.

In tenderness, therefore, to the poor Indians, they had better be removed out of harm's way, and the city of refuge on Modoc Lake broken up. If this is not done before spring opens, it cannot be done this year. As well expect to collect the coyotes out of that region of rock, mountain, and morass as the Indians in the summer season.

No kind of force can pursue as fast as they can retreat, and the military force on the Pacific is insufficient to hunt them out and route them from their fastnesses. And, as it would be for the red man a struggle for life and liberty, many of their valuable lives might be unavoidably taken in the struggle, and some white men may be killed who are not deserving of our sympathy, or in as much need of being under the benign influence of the gospel of peace as the Indians themselves.

Very respectfully yours,

Jesse Applegate

E. R. S. Canby (5 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg., February 5, 1872

Hon. A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon,
Salem, Oreg.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of January 25, in relation to the Modoc Indians, and also of the sketch of the Klamath reservation, as recently surveyed, which reached me on Saturday.

Referring to the report of the commissioners appointed by you to confer with the Modoc chiefs, and transmitted in your letter of August 28, 1871, I find it stated as the result of that conference, "Under the circumstances we did not think it advisable to talk very much with them further than to advise them not to do anything that would have a tendency to cause any collision between them and the settlers; to remain where they were until they saw you; not to resist the military under any circumstances, and to pay no attention to the talk of irresponsible parties." This has been understood as a temporary settlement of the question, and as authorizing them to remain for that time, at the point where they were found by the commissioners. Unless some different arrangement has since been made I think that it would not be expedient or politic to send a military force against these Indians, or at least until notified of the determination of the Government of the point at which they are at be established, and fully warned that they will be treated as enemies if, within a reasonable and specified time, they do not establish themselves as required. I shall be pleased to hear from you fully upon this subject and as early as may be convenient, and, in the meantime, will send a copy of your communication to the commanding officer at Fort Klamath to take all necessary measures to protect the settlers against hostilities from the Modocs, and to be prepared to aid in their removal to the point indicated in your communication, should forcible means become necessary.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY,
Brigadier-General Commanding.

Louis Caziarc (6 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg., February 6, 1872

The Commanding Officer
Fort Klamath, Oregon

Sir: The commanding general instructs me to inclose for your information a copy of a communication from the superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon, in relation to the Modoc Indians, and of the general's letter to him in reply thereto. He is not disposed to use military force, as desired by the superintendent, until satisfied of its full necessity, and after all other proper means have been resorted to, and failed to accomplish the desired result, and in relation to which you will hereafter be instructed. In the meantime he directs that all necessary measures be taken to protect the settlers in the vicinity of your post from the hostilities of these Indians, if any such are threatened, and that any complaints of depredations or other acts of hostility committed by these Indians be at once and as fully as possible investigated and the result reported.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Louis V. Caziarc
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, A. A. A. G.

E. R. S. Canby (7 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg., February 7 1872

The Assistant Adjutant-General,
Military Division of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the major-general commanding the division, a copy of the correspondence in relation to the reported troubles with the Modoc Indians, referred to in my report of the 3d instant. The first is the complaint of J. M. True and Andrew J. Barrett, transmitted by the commanding officer at Fort Klamath, with copies of the letters to the superintendent of Indian affairs, and to the commanding officer, Fort Klamath; and the second is a communication from the superintendent of Indian affairs, inclosing a petition from citizens of Jackson County, Oregon, and asking for a force to compel these Indians to return to the resevation, with copies of letters to the superintendent and to the commanding officer at Fort Klamath.

The treaty with the Klamaths, Modocs, and Yahooskin Snakes was made on the 14th of October, 1864, and approved by the Senate, with certain amendments, on the 2d of July, 1866, but not finally ratified until the 10th of December, 1869. This long delay made the Indians who were parties to the treaty very suspicious, and I have been informed by the superintendent that when the treaty, as amended by the Senate, was interpreted and explained to them, Captain Jack, the present leader of the troublesome Modocs, protested that it did not represent what they had agreed to. He was, however, convinced by the testimony of the other chiefs, and finally assented to it. When they were established on the reservation they went to work with a good deal of interest to build cabins and inclose ground for cultivation, but were so much annoyed by the Klamaths that they complained to the local agent, who, instead of protecting them in their rights, endeavored to compromise the difficulty by removing them to another location. At this point the same difficulties recurred, and a third selection was made. The Modocs then abandoned the reservation, alleging that the last point selected was a trap to place them in the power of their enemies, the Klamaths.

These changes were made without the concurrence of the superintendent, and I believe did not come to his knowledge until after the Modocs had fled from the reservation.

All subsequent attempts to induce them to return have failed.

In the summer of last year, and in consequence of complaints against these Indians, the superintendent sent commissioners to confer with them, (see my reports of September 2 and November 3, 1871,) who authorized the Modocs to remain where they then were until the superintendent could see them. This has been understood as a settlement of the question until some permanent arrangement could be made for them; and unless they have violated some subsequent agreement, I do not think that the immediate application of force as asked for would be either expedient or just. They should at least be notified that a new location has been selected for them and provision made for their wants. They should also be allowed a reasonable and definite time to remove their families, and fully warned that their refusal or failure to remove to the reservation within the appointed time would be followed by such measures as may be necessary to compel them.

I am not surprised at the unwillingness of the Modocs to return to any point of the reservation where they would be exposed to the hostilities and annoyances they have heretofore experienced (and without adequate protection) from the Klamaths, but they have expressed a desire to be established upon Lost River, where they would be free from this trouble, and the superintendent informed me last summer that he would endeavor to secure such a location for them.

In no other respect are the Modocs entitled to much consideration, and although many of the complaints against them have been found to be greatly exaggerated, they are, without being absolutely hostile, sufficiently troublesome to keep up a constant feeling of apprehension among the settlers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Alfred B. Meacham (8 February 1872)

Office Superinntendent Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oreg., February 8, 1872

General E. R. S. Canby,
Commanding Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oregon

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant. In reply, in part, submit herewith copy of letter to Commissioner on this subject.

Further, would state that I had, in my annual report for 1871, recommended that a small reservation be made for the Modoc Indians at the north end of Modoc Lake. No action has been had by the Department that I am aware of. My reasons for asking assistance are set forth, or rather suggested, by the petition forwarded to you: otherwise, I would have deferred action until such time as instructions might be forwarded from Washington City. Since my letter to you, I have received a letter from Hon. Jesse Applegate on this Modoc question, a copy of which please find inclosed herewith. I have also learned from J. D. Applegate, commissary in charge of Yainax, and from J. N. High, Indian subagent at Klamath, that hostilities were imminent. I am of the opinion that any attempt to arrest the chief and his "body-guard" will be resisted by them, and serious consequences may result. Nevertheless, the white settlers must be protected.

In your letter you refer to the agreement made with the commissioners sent by this department last July, and suggested that no action be had until they were notified to place themselves on the reservation, &c. That council was held at Clear Lake, some sixty miles southeast of Modoc Lake, where they are now located. Hence you perceive they have not kept their part of the agreement, and have forfeited any claim they might have had to forbearance.

I do not realize that there is any unjustifiable breach of our part of the compact of July last, by compelling them to go on their reservation. Had they behaved honestly, and on their part maintained peaceable relations with the white settlers, they might have remained at Modoc Lake undisturbed. Such has not been the case, and much as I regret the necessity for forcible arrest and return to the reservation, I can see no other way to secure peace and mete out justice.

I would respectfully recommend that the commander at Fort Klamath be instructed to arrest the chief and five or six of the head-men, and hold them in confinement until some further orders shall have been received from Department at Washington.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon.

Louis V. Caziarc (16 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia
Portland, Oreg., February 16, 1872

The Commanding Officer,
District of the Lakes, Camp Warner, Oreg.

Sir: The relations between the settlers on Link and Lost Rivers and the Modoc Indians, are, as you will see by the papers heretofore and herewith transmitted to you, of such a character as to lead to serious apprehension of collisions, that may result in hostilities, and in order to avert this result and to give protection to the settlers, the commanding general directs that you at once establish a force of fifty or sixty cavalry, at the point in that section of the country which you may consider best calculated to secure these ends. He desires that you will take this force in nearly equal proportions from the cavalry companies at Fort Klamath and Camp Warner, in order to avoid delaying the movement of the companies of the 23d Infantry, or the alternative of leaving these posts without garrisons, if orders for their movement should be received, before the duty now directed is completed. The point to be selected should of course be the one most convenient for any military operations that may become necessary, but all possible consideration must also be given to the question of sheltering the men and animals of the command employed on this duty. Yainax station, on Sprague River, is suggested by the superintendent of Indian affairs, in his communication of the 25th ultimo, and if there be unoccupied buildings at that station, it is possible that arrangements may be made with the Indian Department for the necessary storage and shelter, if that point be suitable in other respects.

The supplies for the use of this command will be drawn either from Camp Warner or Fort Klamath, as may be most economical and convenient, but preferably from the latter post, as the surplus on hand is greater at that post than at Camp Warner.

It will probably be more economical to purchase the forage for the animals than to transport it from either post, and if you find it expedient to adopt this course you will cause the necessary arrangements for the payment to be made in accordance with the provisions of General Orders no. 13, Military Division of the Pacific, 1871.

A statement of the quantity of subsistence stores on hand at Fort Klamath by the last returns is herewith transmitted.

You will, of course, limit the supplies to what is indispensable for the health of the command, and efficient service in the field.

As the command will probably be obliged to operate by detachments it should be as fully officered as possible, and you will select them from those of known energy and discretion.

You will be careful to impress upon the commanding officer that the object in view is not to make war upon the Modocs, but if possible to avert war by preventing collisions between them and the settlers, and taking such other measures as may be necessary to keep the peace and secure the settlers from depredations and hostilities. The knowledge that troops are in the neighborhood and to be employed for these purposes will restore confidence among the settlers and impress the Indians with the importance and necessity of good conduct.

The inclosed papers will show you that the question of selecting a new location for the Modocs has been submitted to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by the superintendent for Oregon, and until that question is determined it is not intended that forcible measures should be resorted to, unless the hostile attitude of the Indians should leave you no other alternative; but you will co-operate with the agents of that department in their efforts to bring these Indians in, and establish them at the point that has been or may be selected for that purpose, and it is believed that by proper communication and representation this may be done quietly and peaceably and that the Modocs will be very willing to remain at that place until the question of their ultimate location is determined.

The commanding general considers this point of so much importance that he desires that you will, as far as possible, give it your personal attention, as he relies greatly upon your experience and your knowledge of these Indians to bring about so desirable a result.

In conclusion he desires me to say that a depredation or robbery committed by an individual Indian is not to be taken as evidencne of the hostility of the entire tribe, although all proper efforts will be made to arrest the offenders and bring them to trial and punishment; but if hostilities should actually be commenced or be inevitable, the most prompt and energetic measures must be adopted to suppress and punish them, and to this end all the resources in men and material at the posts in the District of the Lakes will be at your disposal, taking the precaution, if it should be necessary to use the infantry at any of these posts, that they should not be committed to duty that would interfere with the contemplated transfer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Louis V. Caziarc
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, A.A.A.G.

E. R. S. Canby (17 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg., February 17, 1872

The Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
State of Oregon, Salem, Org.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th instant, and to state for your information that these papers will be submitted to the division commander, in connection with the correspondence which preceded it, and which has already been forwarded. In the mean time I have instructed the commander of the district of the lakes to establish a cavalry force of fifty or sixty men at some point in that section which is most suitable for the protection of the settlers. Yainox Station has been suggested, and will probably be selected by him for this purpose, and I have to request that you will instruct the agent to give the commanding officer any facilities in sheltering and supplying his command that may be given without embarrassment to the operations of your department, and if there be any forage or other supplies not needed for your own use you will authorize its transfer, to be paid for by the proper departments of the Army.

The commanding officer has been advised that the question of new location for the Modoc Indians has been submitted by you to the Commission of Indian Affairs, and that pending the decision of this question force will not be used by the military to compel the return of the Modocs to the reservation, but that he will co-operate fully with the agents of your department in any efforts that may be made to establish them peaceably at any point that may be selected, and to keep them there until the question is settled.

He has also been instructed to give as complete protection as possible to the settlers, and that while robberies and depredations committed by individual Indians are not to be taken as determining the hostile attitude of the tribe, evvery proper effort will be made to arrest and punish the offenders.

The present duty of the military is to protect the inhabitants, and, if possible, to keep the peace until these questions have been decided by the authority to which they have been submitted.

If this cannot be done, the commanding officer is instructed to use all the memans in his district for the prompt suppression of hostilities and punishment of the guilty.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Ed. R. S. Canby,
Brigadier-General Commanding

E. R. S. Canby (17 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia
Portland, Oreg., February 17, 1872

The Commanding Officer,
District of the Lakes,
Camp Warner, Oreg.

Sir: Although you are probably aware of the general facts, I think it proper to invite your attention to the complication in the affairs of the Modoc and Klamath Indians, growing out of the attempts that have been or will be made to secure a portion of the lands reserved for them underclaims for settlement, grants for military and railroads, or as swamp-lands. The treaty was made on the 14th of October, 1864, but was not finally ratified until the 10th of December, 1869, and proclaimed by the President on the 17th of January, 1870. In this interval a portion of the reservation (in Sprague River Valley) was surveyed, opened for sale and settlement, and grants for military and railroad purposes were made by Congress. It is claimed that these are operative within the limits of the reservation as well as elsewhere, because the grants were made before the final ratification of the treaty. It is also understood that draining operations are in contemplation, which, although they are to be carried on outside of its limits, will have the effect of destroying the value of large portions of the reservation for the purposes for which it was reserved.

The determination of these questions does not, in any way, belong to the military authorities, and they are brought to your notice as giving a possible motive for some of the complaints against these Indians, and as an additional reason for careful investigation before taking any positive action against them.

It appears to be conceded that the Modocs and Klamaths cannot live together in peace, and the superintendent has suggested a new location for the Modocs. Pending the action upon this suggestion, this difficulty has come up, and while, it is clearly the duty of the military to protect the settlers from the depredations or hostilities of the Indians, it equally their duty to avery any collision that may prevent or delay the quiet and peaceable settlement of this question.

Our duty is, if possible, to keep the peace until it is settled.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Ed. R. S. Canby,
Brigadier-General Commanding Department.

G. G. Huntt (18 February 1872)

Headquarters Fort Klamath, Oregon,
February 18, 1872

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of February 6, 1872, inclosing copy of letter of Hon. A. B. Meacham to General Canby, and the general's reply, relating to the Modoc Indians.

At present these Indians are not disturbing the settlers, or giving any trouble. The instructions as given in your letter I will make every effort to carry out. If any complaints of depredations or other acts of hostility are committed by these Indians I will at once fully investigate them and report the result.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. G. HUNT.
Major First Cavalry, Commanding Post.

Alfred B. Meacham (19 February 1872)

Office Superintendent Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oregon, February 19, 1872

General E. R. S. Canby
Commanding etc., Portland

Sir: Governor Grover has this day called on me, and is very solicitious about Modoc matters. I have no further information, but from private letters learn that the white settlers are making preparations for self defense. I can only renew my recommendation that the Modoc chief and his head men be placed under arrest at Fort Klamath.

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
A. B. MEACHAM,
Supt. Indian Affairs in Oregon.

E. R. S. Canby (20 February 1872)

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Portland, Oreg., February 20, 1872

Assistant Adjutant-General,
Military Division of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the major-general commanding the division, copy of the instructions given the commander of the District of the lakes, in relation to the apprehended trouble with the Modoc Indians, and also of the correspondence upon the same subject with the superintendent of Indian affairs for this State.

I have considered this necessary in order to prevent collisions between the settlers and the Indians, and the presence of the tropos will allay the apprehensions of the whites, (often the cause of the trouble we wish to avoid,) and will exercise a salutary influence over the evil disposed of both classes. It will be seen by the papers transmitted by the superintendent, that the question of providing a new location for the Modocs has been submitted by him to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and as I am fully satisfied that the Modocs will gladly settle at any point where they can be protected fromm the hostilities of the Klamaths, I consider it very important that all proper means to prevent a collision should be adopted.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Ed. R. S. Canby
Brigadier-General, Commanding

The Second Petition

A. J. Burnett et al (29 January 1872)

To His Excellency L. F. Grover, Governor of Oregon:

We, the undersigned citizens of Klamath and Lost River Valleys east of the Cascade Mountains in the County of Jackson and State of Oregon, respectfully solicit your aid as the Executive Authority of the State, inasmuch as to use your exertion first with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for this state whose headquarters are at Salem to immediately have a band of renegade and lawless Modoc Indians removed from our settlements and confined on the reservation or otherwise if the said authorities fail to perform this duty in the matter we further ask your authority for the immediate organization of [blotted] companies of mounted militia to be raised in this settlement for a term of service of three months unless sooner discharged subject to your order.

Our reasons for this request are simply these: We have been harassed and bothered for the last four years by these Indians. They number near two hundred and fifty all told with about eighty warriors. They are extremely saucy and menacing in their repeated threats against the settlers and their stock. They set up a claim to our houses. They frequently draw pistols and guns on inoffensive citizens. They recently have fired at night on a citizen's house by the name of Bull. They frequently watching the men leave their houses to go to work have approached the house and insulted the female [inmates] of our sacred homes.

They boast defiance to the authorities to whom we the undersigned citizens have applied for protection frequently, at least one dozen times through petition and otherwise. The military's hands are tied by order. They are keen to extend the desired protection, but are subject to the Superintendent's order and he has turned the deaf ear to protestations from us and lets the Indians go on with their menacing work. Forbearance thus almost ceased to be a virtue. You are our last resort to authority of law. We feel that you will respond to our wish. We do not know what day that trouble may spring up between those Indians and our settlements [illegible] soon if something is not promptly done to protect us.

Self preservation is the next move of our settlers if you can not intercede successfully for their removal with the person in charge. We are scattered over a large area of country, and the loss of life and stock in case of an outbreak may be heavy. This we wish earnestly to avoid, peaceably if we can, and forcibly if we must. Your Excellency's earliest attention and answer to this is required.

[signed by 64 people, mostly resident in or near Linkville and Jacksonville]

L. F. Grover (20 February 1872)

State of Oregon, Executive Office,
Salem, February 20, 1872

Maj. Gen. Ed. R. S. Canby,
Commanding Department Columbia

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a petition from the citizens of the Link River country, in Jackson County, Oregon, referring to the distrubed condition of the Indians in that region, and aksing my influence to assist them in procuring relief from threatened Indian hostilities.

It appears to me that there is ground for serious difficulty with the Indians in that quarter, and I confidently trust you will be impressed with a like view of the matter.

The superintendent of Indian affairs at this place agrees with me that something should be done to arrest the present tendency to disturbance, and to let the Indians feel that a restraining hand is over them.

I therefore solicit your attention to be given to the subject of this petition, which is composed, to my knowledge, of names of respectable citizens.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. F. Grover,
Governor of Oregon

E. R. S. Canby (21 February 1872)

Headquarters, Department of the Columbia,
Portland Ogn., February 21, 1872

To His Excellency, the Governor:

Sir.--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of yesterday, enclosing a petition from citizens of Jackson county for protection against the Modoc Indians, and to state for your information, that on the 16th inst. instructions were sent to the commanding officer, District of the Lakes, to establish a sufficient cavalry force in that neighborhood to give protection to the settlers. Instructions had previously been sent (Feb. 6th, 1873) to the commanding officer at Fort Klamath to take all necessary measures for the protection of the settlers in Jackson county.

It is believed that the presence of the troops will be sufficient to restore confidence, and restrain the evil disposed among the Indians while arrangements can be made for carrying out the determination of the Indian Department in relation to them. Until the questions that have been submitted to the Superintendent and Commisioner of Indian Affairs have been decided, it is obviously our duty while giving protection to the settlers, to prevent a war if possible. If that cannot be done, all the force that may be needed for its suppression, and for the protecting of its inhabitants, will be applied, and the Commander of the District has been so instructed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Ed. R. S. Canby,
Brigadier-General, Commanding

J. M. Schofield (21 February 1872)

Headquarters Military Division of the Pacific
San Francisco, February 21, 1872

[indorsement of Canby to AAG, 7 February 1872]

Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General, concurring in the opinion of General Canby that no action should be taken toward a forcible removal of the Modoc Indians until the question of their permanent location is settled.

J. M. Schofield,
Major-General, Commanding

L. F. Grover (22 February 1872)

Executive Office, Salem, Ogn.,
February 22, 1872

Hon. J. N. T. Miller

Dear Sir: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter just received from Gen. Canby, in answer to a communication of mine requesting military protection for the settlers in the lake region of Jackson county against Modoc Indians.

I have called on the Superintendent of Indian affairs in relation to this subject, and I believe, from the disposition manifested by him, as well as by the commander of the Department, that all needful steps will be taken to protect the settlements of that portion of the county.

Very truly yours,
L. F. Grover

Alfred B. Meacham (22 February 1872)

Office Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oreg., February 22, 1872

I. D. Applegate, Esq.,
Commissary in Charge, Portland, Oreg.

Sir: Inclosed herewith find copy of correspondence with the military department from which you will learn the present status of things in general.

If the commander of the District of the Lakes should decide to locate a cavalry station at Yainax, you will furnish such shelter, supplies, and forage as may be at your command without doing injustice to the department or Indians, and otherwise co-operate with the military department. My opinion as to the proper location has been expressed to General Canby, and reasons given therefor.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent Indian Affairs in Oregon

Alfred B. Meacham (22 February 1872)

Office Superintendent Indian Affairs,
Salem, Oreg., February 22, 1872

Gen. E. R. S. Canby,
Commanding Department of Columbia, Portland, Oreg.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 17th instant.

In reply would respectfully suggest Linkville or Langell's Valley as a more eligible point from which to operate with cavalry against the Modocs than Yainax.

Reason 1. The first two named places are situated within four or five hours' ride of the Modoc Camp, without mountains or other impediments to travel Yainax is distant some fifty or sixty miles from the Modoc Camp, with mountains intervening.

2. I doubt whether shelter, supplies, or forage can be furnished at Yainax, while doubtless all these indispensables can be readily obtained at Linkville or Langell's Valley.

No protection is asked for by Commissary Applegate, at Yainax, and I believe the presence of a cavalry force at Linkville or Langel's, would intimidate and hold in subjection the Modocs, and give assurance to the white settlers of protection, which it would not if stationed at Yainax.

Having only a sincere desire to preserve the peace, and to do equal and exact justice to all interested parties, I venture the suggestion founded on personal knowledge of the country and circumstances.

If, however, it shall be decided to establish a cavalry station at Yainax, the Indian Department will co-operate with and furnish such shelter, supplies, and forage as may be available.

A copy of communication to Commissary Applegate on this subject is herewith transmitted.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. Meacham,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon

modocwar@hotmail.com

Visitors: 02157

Page Updated Mon Dec 11, 2000 11:37pm EST