Surrender - (May-June 1873) - History - http://maxpages.com/modocwar/Surrender

May 20th. Command was saddled and about to resume march in search of the Modocs, when Mr. Fairchild told me that he had learned from one of the captured squaws in our possession that the Modocs were tired of fighting and wanted to surrender unconditionally, and that they were on their way to give themselves up when we attacked them on the 18th. I sent out the squaw to tell the Indians to come in and give themselves up, and made her distinctly understand that the surrender was to be unconditional.

William Bunker (20 May 1873)

[Artina and Dixie]

FAIRCHILD'S RANCH, May 20--4 P.M.-- . . . Captain Hasbrouck said he was willing to have the Modocs surrender and would offer them every facility for so doing. The tried and true Artena Chokas and Dixie, who have hitherto been of great service to the Government, caught the idea immediately, and wanted to be employed as emissaries. They were provided with horses and provisions for two days and sent after the Modocs. Early this morning they started on their mission of mercy. . . .

William Bunker (21 May 1873)

[May 21--] 10 P.M.--Artena Chokus and One-eyed Dixie returned here at dusk this evening, from the direction of Dorris' ranch, and seemed thoroughly exhausted. Mr. Fairchild, the gentleman who has cleverly engineered this consultation business, judged the Modocs must be at least fifteen miles away. Both of the women said in substance that they had travelled a long distance. At three o'clock the women were taken to General Davis, and in the presence of the General, General Hardie, Colonel Gillem, Captain Hasbrouck, Mr. Fairchild and the writer, were interrogated, Mr. Fairchild doing the interpreting. True to nature, these women talked a long while and said little. At last they settled down to business and began a story. Artena said the Indians were fifteen miles from here, and numbered fifteen warriors and fifty squaws and children. The Great Spirit has caused their hearts to bleed for the white people. They all wanted to return to the fold and live in peace among the whites; but in the present condition of affairs, a due regard for their hair prevented them from appearing within reach of the army.

THEY WANTED A PEACE TALK.

Let the great white Tyhee (meaning General Davis) come out to see them alone and talk over matters. Through this medium both parties might come to an amicable understanding. No Modoc would surrender without a peace talk. Dixie corroborated the statement of Artena. General Davis received evasive answers to many questions on the subject of the Modocs' fighting capacity. The poor women evidently intended to act as mediums and nothing more. They have not concerted with Jack's band since the Canby massacre; but have hitherto often aided the troops. The interview lasted one hour and three-quarters. At its close General Davis told Artena and Dixie to go to the Modoc camp to-morrow morning and tell the Indians he should not come out for a peace talk. He did not believe in peace talks away from his men. The Indians must come to him if they wanted to talk. He would allow them to surrender. They had until Friday morning to appear at his headquarters; after then he should shoot every Modoc found with a gun in his hands. The women then retired. After the interview they told Mr. Fairchild they would not return to the Modoc camp. That question will be determined in the morning.

William Bunker (22 May 1873)

FAIRCHILD'S RANCH, May 22--9 A.M.--The Modoc women say that the band divided into two parties after the Dry Lake fight, and that most of the warriors are in the crowd fifteen miles from here.

Artena Chokus and One-eyed Dixie have decided to carry General Davis' message to the Modocs.

William Bunker (22 May 1873)

May 22--3 P.M.--At one o'clock this afternoon One-eyed Dixie returned to General Davis' headquarters at a slashing pace, her horse being completely blown. She made an obeisance and at once let her tongue loose. She reported that the Indians were close at hand, and ready to enter camp under escort. All they asked was that Fairchild should come out and meet them. No soldiers need come. The presence of Fairchild would be considered a guarantee of good faith. "Where is Artena?" asked General Davis. "Tied up," said Dixie; "long ride, no water, no good." The absence of Artena gave rise to suspicions of foul play, that were only dispelled by her sudden and unexpected advent. She too reined in her foaming cayuse before General Davis, and said the Indians were hovering about the hills near here, and yearned to surrender to the Tyhee. Fairchild, Blair and two or three employés of the former, with whom the Indians were acquainted, mounted swift steeds, by request of General Davis, and started, with Dixie, after the erring red men. An hour has elapsed since the departure of the party, and nothing has yet been heard of its operations.

FAIRCHILD'S RANCH, May 22--4 P.M.--Another hour has passed away, and no Indians have appeared. General Davis, General Wheaton and Colonel Sumner are sitting in front of the headquarters' tent, canvassing the Indian question. The opinion prevails that unless a stampede occurs, the Modocs will surely come into camp.

5 P.M.--The news of the intended surrender of the Indians spread through the camp like wild-fire, and the soldiers and Warm Spring scouts are alike elated at the prospect of a peaceful victory. Dixie told General Davis before she started that the Modocs feared the soldiers would kill them the instant they entered the camp, and it required a deal of diplomacy on his part to convince her that the soldiers dare not disobey his commands. Donald McKay, Captain of the Warm Springs, had to pledge his word that the scouts would not interfere. She was told that the Government did not intend to trifle any longer. She might go to the Modocs or not, according to her own wishes, but she must leave the camp--the great Tyhee wanted no squaws about here. She saw the point of the argument, and no longer hesitated. That is why she changed her mind this morning, after she had decided not to carry any more messages to the Modocs.

FAIRCHILD'S RANCH, May 22.--6 P.M.--"Here they come! Here they come!" was the cry that startled the camp a few moments since, and brought every person, citizen and soldier, old and young to his feet and from tent to the open air. Hurrying forward to the crest of the hill, west of the camp, I secured an excellent view of the mesa beyond, and the procession that was slowly creeping along in this direction. First came Mr. Blair, Manager of Fairchild's Ranch, mounted on a sturdy cob and looking sharply at every movement among the strolling soldiers. Fifty yards behind him was Mr. Fairchild, and still further on were twelve Modoc bucks and a choice selection of squaws and papooses.

Never did a procession move more slowly. The few ponies ridden by the Modocs were gaunt and weak, and seemed scarcely able to bear the women and children who were literally piled upon them. The bucks embraced Bogus Charley, Steamboat Frank, Curley-headed Doctor, and others of lesser note. They were dressed in motley garbs. Nearly all of them wore portions of the regular uniform of the United States Army. Every buck carried a Springfield rifle. THe women were dressed in clothes that had evidently been used by the fair sex within the confines of civilization, and were the worse for wear and tear in the lava bed. As a rule, the warriors and the squaws had a daubed pitch across their faces, which gave to them a hideous aspect that beggars description.

As they came into camp at a funereal pace, the noise and bustle among the soldiers was hushed, and but few words were spoken. The Modocs said nothing; no one approached them until General Davis came forward. He met the procession fifty paces from the house, and was formally introduced to Bogus Charley. Charles is a slender, athletic, intelligent warrior, of about twenty, a man who speaks and thoroughly understands English. The scamp smiled sweetly on the General and shook his hand. Then all the leading warriors present came forward and greeted him cordially. Next, every buck laid his gun beside him and awaited orders.

General Davis said, "Give up your pistols and all your other arms."

Each buck said he had no arms.

"Now, then," said the General, "I shall give you a camp where you may remain to-night. If you try to run or to escape you will be shot dead."

This order was explained to all, and obedience promised.

The procession then moved across Cottonwood Creek to a clump of trees; at this point the tailings of the crowd came in. And such a sight! There were half-naked children, and aged squaws who could scarcely hobble--the blind, the lame and the halt--the very scum of the tribe. There were sixty-three persons, men, women and children: twelve bucks, twenty squaws and their children. Mr. Fairchild says there are twenty bucks missing from this (the Cottonwood) branch of the tribe. Bogus said that Boston Charley had been killed, which is thought to be an Indian romance. He says Hooka Jim is looking for Charley's body. The disaffection heretofore reported is corroborated by the captive Modocs, who parted company with Jack eight days ago. Strange as it may seem, the young captives are as stout and hearty as if they had been living in peace and on the fat of the land. The captives are now drawing rations and arranging for a feast.

Captain E. M. Camp arrived from Van Bremer's this afternoon, with Companies E and G of the Twelfth Infantry, and will remain here as headquarters guard. Captain Kingsbury commanded Company E. General Wheaton and Captain Winters reached here this morning. The artillery has been divided into squadrons, and the Warm Springs ditto, for the purpose of following Captain Jack's fraction of the Modoc tribe, and the respective commands will start out in a day or two. Military operations cannot take a decided shape until the surrendering business is settled.

S. A. Clark, of the New York Times, and parties from Ball's ranch, report having seen Indian signs on the road. Probably the Modocs are in that vicinity. Indeed it is now well known that the Modocs have been within reach of the road from Ball's to the Lava Bed for a week or more, and could have done an extensive business in the butchering line had they been so disposed.

7 P.M.--Another Modoc has just entered camp and surrendered. It is Hooka Jim, a Lost River murderer.

"Colonel" William Thompson (1912)

[Hooker Jim Gives Up]

The Hot Creeks went around the lower end of Tule Lake and surrendered to Gen. Davis at the Fairchilds-Doten ranch. Hooker Jim, followed them and seeing they were not massacred by the soldiers, determined to surrender. Yet this Indian, one of the worst of the band of outlaws, was an outlaw to every human being on earth. He dared not go to Jack's band, his own party had disowned and tried to kill him. He watched the band from the bald hills above the ranch enter the camp of the soldiers. He saw they were not massacred. He then made up his mind to surrender. He fixed in his mind the tent of Gen. Davis. Crawling as close to the line of pickets as possible, he raised his gun above his head and yelling "Me Hooker Jim," ran through the lines, among soldiers, and up to the tent door of Gen. Davis, threw down his gun, and said, "me Hooker Jim, I give up."

In speaking of the surrender, Gen. Davis said to me: "Here was a man, an outlaw to every human being on earth, throwing down his rifle and saying, 'me Hooker Jim, me give up.' He stood before me as stolid as a bronze. I have seen some grand sights, but taking everything into consideration, that was the grandest sight I ever witnessed."

Samuel A. Clark (22 May 1873)

[The Warriors Who Surrendered]

. . . Bogus Charley is quite tall, and, for an Indian, is white and good looking. He is about twenty-four years old, and only that those who ought ot know say that he is a pure Indian, I should not hesitate to believe that Charley had a white man for his father. The next most important character was Steam-boat Frank, also young and tall, dark and sinister looking, with a scarred eye, and seeming not over self-possessed. He inquired of Fairchild on the way in as to our laws and the nature of our punishment for such offenses as he had been commmitting, and finally became satisfied that it was the best thing he could do to conciliate justice by submission. The next character in importance was the Curly Headed Doctor, a short middle-aged indian, naturally hideous, but who had carefully added to nature's lack the deformity of black paint, daubed on to make him more horrid than a pagan idol, and when I saw him I no longer doubted that some of these savages could be guilty of the barbarities committed on the wounded and the dead. Shack Nasty Jim is another young man of moderate stature and stout built. He is said to be really the leading man of the crowd in action, but Bogus is the best talker and takes the lead. He speaks English fluently and well. Shack Nasty Jim has been a hard fighter. Hooker Jim, also, came in with this band. He has been about as bad as an Indian can be. He and the Curly Headed Doctor murdered the settlers on Lost River, and he has been one of the worst of bad Indians. He is young, big, stout built, and has as mean a countenance as can easily be put even on an Indian. Curly Headed Jack is rather good looking, they tell me. He was blacked up so that he wasn't strikingly handsome to a stranger. Jack has a broken arm, shot in some battle of the war. George and Bill are two others of the real warriors of the Modocs. They are both young men, and other Indians say that, take the above-named eight Modocs out of Capt. Jack's band, and he has not six more as good warriors left to command. Donald McKay tells me that the Klamaths, and other tribes who know, say that this Hot Creek band are the best fighting stock among the Modocs. Most of the murders have been committed by them. They have made the most desperate raids, but only Bogus Charley and Hooker Jim were with the party who attacked the Peace Commissioners. I learn, since writing the above, that the black on these Indians' faces--for bucks and squaws alike were wearing the disfigurement--is merely tar, worn to prevent their faces from chapping, and that being the case, we won't judge them too hardly. Tar is good in its way, and if not ornamental, it may be remedial, and I shall look on them with less disfavor since I know that it is to save their precious complexions they use it.

Jefferson C. Davis (1 November 1873)

[The Three Squadrons]

It had been rumored for a day or two that Jack's party had taken a different direction from this band. These captives confirmed this report, but from them I could learn only enough to satisfy me that he and his band had fled in one of two directions: south, in the Pitt River country, or east, toward Goose Lake, either course endangering the lives of citizens and destruction of property.

The mounted troops were all drawn, by recent operations, west of the lava-beds, and this band of the marauders were yet at large, probably about one hundred miles from us, perhaps on the rampage, enjoying an Indian's luxuries in the settlements outside of reservations.

In order to meet this emergency, the cavalry force, including Indian scouts, was divided into three detachments under Capts. D. Perry, H. C. Hasbrouck, and James Jackson; Maj. John Green commanding the whole. All were ordered to rendezvous, as soon as possible, at Boyle's camp, east of Tule Lake. This movement would require at least three days. To learn the exact whereabouts of the Indians was now very important, and I determined to accept of the offered services of a Modoc captive; one who, up to the time of their separation, was known to be in the confidence of his chief, and could lead us to the hiding-place of the band. He was an unmitigated cut-throat, and for this reason I was loath to make any use of him that would compromise his well-earned claims to the halter. He desired eight others to accompany and support him, under the belief his chief would kill him on sight; but three others only were accepted, and these of the least guilty ones. They were promised no rewards for this service whatever. Believing the end justified the means, I set them out, thoroughly armed for the service.

H. Wallace Atwell (6 June 1873)

[The Scouts Head Out]

HEADQUARTERS MODOC ARMY,
BOYLE'S CAMP, June 6, 1873.

The close of this tragedy of war appears to degenerate into a farce, so rapidly has the little Modoc force disappeared when once pressed to the wall. First came the surrender of the Hot Creek Indians (sixteen in number), and this broke the backbone of the rebellion. Captain Fairchild proposed taking four of those who had surrendered--Bogus Charley, Hawker Jim, Shack-Nasty Jim and Steamboat Frank--and by their aid to discover the hiding place of the Modocs. General Davis at once acted on this suggestion, and on the 25th he, Captain Fairchild, three soldiers, your correspondent and the four Modocs started from Fairchild's, riding around the lake, and reaching our present camp on the day following.

T. T. Cabaniss (1876)

[Captain Jack's Camp Found]

The Modocs continued on the route to Willow Creek, with the understanding that they would return the next day and report. On that day General Davis left in an ambulance for Applegate's Ranch, which lies between Tule Lake and Willow Creek, and near by Clear Lake. He was attended by the writer and three officers, with an escort of cavalry. After reaching Applegate's, Colonel Sumner came in and announced the arrival of the emissaries sent out by General Davis the day before. They reported that they had overtaken and interviewed Jack about 10 miles distant, and that it was a stormy "talk." They said they would have killed Jack, but were fearful that they could not escape. General Davis immediately sent an officer back to the camp on Tule Lake, with orders to have all the cavalry sent over in the morning to pursue the Modocs. On the following day Colonel John Green, in command of Jackson's troop, and that of Lieut. Cresson, of the 1st cavalry, with Capt. Hasbrouck's Company of artillery, mounted and acting as cavalry, started from Tule Lake at 5 o'clock A.M. and in due time arrived at Applegate's Ranch. There Colonel Green learned from the Indian emissaries of Jack's position, and immediately started in pursuit. The line of march lay along the Lake shore for several miles until we crossed Lost River, near the place of its exit from Clear Lake. Then we passed over a rocky country for a mile or two until we reached Willow Creek. Here the command was divided into two columns. Jackson and Cresson crossed with their companies to the south side, while Hasbrouch continued along the north.

H. Wallace Atwell (6 June 1873)

[The Modocs Flee]

On the 27th the Modocs were sent out, returning on the 28th, reporting the camp of Captain Jack to be on William Creek, twenty miles east of this place. The commands of Captain Hasbrouck and Colonel Jackson left camp on the 29th, your correspondent accompanying them. Arriving near the supposed camp the command divided, one wing going down the right hand bank, the other on the left. Owing to miscalculating the distance Colonel Jackson's command reached the place first,

SURPRISING THE MODOCS,

who all fled across the creek about half a mile in advance of Hasbrouck's command. Boston, who murdered Dr. Thomas, surrendered. Seven squaws, including Mary, Jack's sister, were captured, with several horses and mules. The troops went into camp, and Boston went out and attempted to find his fleeing people, but without success.

T. T. Cabaniss (1876)

[The Empty Camp]

Willow Creek has bold, precipitous banks of solid rock, 25 or 30 feet high, and between these walls the distance is fifty yards. They are densely covered with bushes, and withal a good hiding place. Near its southern side, at a point a few miles from where the command divided, is a high and rocky butte, with many juniper trees growing on its side. The country for many hundreds of yards about is falt and juniper trees grow abundantly. There are many esculent roots found here, and the Indians are fond of them. Until we got within a quarter of a mile of this butte no sign was seen of the enemy. Then Hooker Jim pointed to the foot of the butte, between it and the creek, as the place where the Modocs were encamped. Lieut. Bacon was ordered to ascend the hill, that he might command the camp and at the same time anticipate the Indians. He immediately obeyed, and all expected a bloody fight to follow. Then the Warm Spring Indians, who were on the extreme right among the junipers, gave the war whoop, which was quickly answered by yells from the Modocs. We rushed to the creek as rapidly as possible and found that the Indians had abandoned their camp and crossed. An Indian called to us and being answered came over to where several of us were standing. It was Boston, the slayer of Dr. Thomas. He had his rifle, and wore the cap of Lieut. Cranston, who was killed on the 26th of April. The cross-cannon were in front, and I knew it was poor Cranston's.

Fairchild and myself took the responsibility of sending Boston in pursuit of the retreating Indians, in the hope that some of them would surrender. But it happened that a few minutes after Boston came to us a carbine was discharged accidentally, and the retreating Indians thought that Boston had been killed, and that the same fate awaited them should they be discovered. We heard nothing more of Boston for an hour, when we learned that Hasbrouck had taken him, his command having come a little too late, owing to the nature of the ground, to intercept the whole band as they crossed the creek and retreated up a valley in an eastern direction.

We found much plunder in the abandoned camp, including a number of mules and horses. Jack's sister, Mary, and three other women, were also taken. Col. Green made camp here, and early next morning the entire command was in pursuit. The Indians kept together for several miles, and then divided into two parties. Those, ten in number, who had horses, took one course, and those on foot another. These last very soon scattered, but it was known that they kept in a direction parallel with each other, and that they would come together again. The Warm Spring Indians, with Donald McKay at their head, like blood-hounds followed the Indians footprints where a white man could not have traced them. The Modocs, with Indian cunning, took advantage of swamps, rocks and grassy spots to hide their trail, but this did not avail. Occasionally it would be lost, but the peculiar yell of a pursuer would be heard as he found anew the moccasin track of a retreating Indian. During this exciting and to us pleasurable chase, the Modoc men, women and children were flying before their pursuers, who were mounted on fine horses and armed with guns and pistols. The women in some cases carried their little children on their backs, while the larger ones followed. At noon we came to the place where the Indians had camped the night before, and the pursuit was renewed. Their destination was differently surmised, some believing that they were heading for Drew's Valley, Yainox Reservation, and others that they would seek Langell Valley.

H. Wallace Atwell (6 June 1873)

[Scarfaced Charley Surrenders]

On the following morning the trail was taken up and followed all day. First it led to the west, then north, then south, making three sides of a square, over high rocky ridges, covered with huge pines, where an animal could not step without treading on a rock; and still the four Modocs and Warm Spring Indians followed the trail as unerringly as hounds after game. After riding about twenty-five miles, just as we reached the head of Langell Valley, on Lost River, a few were seen in the bluffs. The command was halted and an effort was made to have a talk with the Modocs, but they fled.

A CHARGE

was made, and the command swept down around the bluffs into the valley, reaching a slope where they could ascend to the bluffs, and headed the fugitives off. The sun was just going down, and the Indians seeing they were about to be corralled, threw up the sponge at once. Scar-Faced Charley came into our lines, gave up his gun and said he would fight no more. He wanted to see John Fairchild, but that person was scouting some miles away. Colonel Green, who commanded the expedition, told Charley to go back and bring in his family and all that wanted to surrender at once, or he would charge them at once. As Charley returned, Dr. Cabanis, who was with the little party which had started to head the Modocs off, but was then at a halt, went along with Charley and talked with Captain Jack and the others.

T. T. Cabaniss (1876)

[Dr. Cabaniss Negotiates]

After following them for miles over a country so rocky that the horses' feet did not touch the ground, the Indians were overtaken. The command halted, and as the country was well adapted for defense, a fight was momentarily expected to commence. With the permission of Col. Green the writer went in advance of the troops a few hundred yards, and directed Boston, who was with us, to call to the retreating Indians to stop, but they did not heed the call. Again we followed them over a rough table land which ran north of Langell Valley, the southern edge of which was a precipitous wall of basaltic rock several hundred feet high. At the base of this wall great masses of detached rock lay piled in the most perfect confusion, well adapting it for defensive purposes. On this high land the Indian trail was temporarily lost, and night setting in the troops went into camp. Two Warm Spring Indians remained to hunt for the trail, while the command descended the bluff to see if water could be found in the ravine below. From the base of the bluff the descent to the ravine was gradual, and the ground naked and open for a distance of 200 yards. While riding in advance and on the extreme left with Donald McKay, I saw five Indians come from the rocks above and continue retreating. In a moment firing commenced between the Warm Springs, on the bluff, and the Modocs who remained near the top. Believing that these Indians would surrender, and knowing that if an attack was made manyh of our men would be killed, I made Boston go with me to the five Indians, they having halted in the meantime. Coming up to them I found one to be Scar-faced Charley. They were asked to go to Col. Green, but positively refused. I then asked for Jack, and they said he was among the rocks. Acting upon my judgment and the permission which Col. Green had previously given me to go in advance, I immediately followed these warriors to Jack's position. Upon getting within 40 yards of him an Indian halted me, but after a moment allowed me to proceed. I found the Modoc chief sitting on a rock, wrapped in a white blanket, and his gun by his side. Most of his men were posted to fire on the soldiers should they attack him, while the women and children were hidden away. Through Boston, Jack was urged to surrender, and the hopelessness of his case fully explained to him. He made no reply. In the meantime most of the Modocs gathered around us and listened attentively. Schonchin was anxious to know whether Meacham was dead. At this time, the sun being low, the bugle sounded for the advance to camp, and the Modocs surmising that it meant an attack left me standing alone and resumed their positions as picket guards. Then I felt that I was in a critical position, for if the troops should attack the chances were in favor of the Indians killing me. But though Col. Green was urged by some rash officers to make the attack, he refused. Said he: "I will not, for if I do they will kill the Doctor." Instead of attacking the Indians, which would have been foolhardy and rash in the extreme, causing the deaths of many men and officers, without accomplishing any good, Colonel Green marched the command to Langell's Ranch, on Lost River, some 4 miles away.

All I could say had no effect on these Indians until I told them that they would be attacked on the following day and that besides being killed themselves, their women and children would be given to the Warm Springs. In the meantime Jack's sister Mary had come up, and joined me in my endeavor to have them give up. The women all joined in, and the men finally agreed to surrender in the morning. I urged that this would not do--that they should do so at once. They yielded, and finally, men and women, amid lamentations about their children, many of whom could not be found among the rocks, accompanied me to the place where the soldiers were last seen. Night had now come, and when we reached the place not a soul come be seen or heard. Here I was with 15 Modocs who a few days before had killed and scalped our soldiers. A fire having been built, the Indians were told that if they would remain in this place I would go to camp and get them some bread. Taking one man with me, we started in the direction of Langell's Ranch, and soon came in sight of the camp fire, and at 9 o'clock reached Col. Green's quarters, after traveling four miles over as rough a country as can be imagined.

H. Wallace Atwell (6 June 1873)

[Dr. Cabaniss Returns]

Of course the troops could not move against the Modocs with him in their midst, and as darkness was coming on the troops filed down on to Lost River and went into camp for the night. After a while Dr. Cabannis returned with "Mose," and the message that

THE MODOCS WOULD COME IN

in the morning, but were allowed to come through the lines in the night.

T. T. Cabaniss (1876)

[Captain Jack Disappears]

When the Colonel had listened to my report, two young officers expressed opposition to my course, and thought the Indians should have been attacked. They were informed that the arrangement could be annulled, and they have all the fighting they wanted, if necessary. Having, by order of Col. Green, been supplied with hard bread and two mules, the Indian and myself started for the Modoc camp. When we reached it most of them were sleeping, as they were completely run down and worn out with constant travel and watching. Bread was given them, and then all prepared for sleep except one or two sentinels. Jack had gone a short distance away to camp with two of his men. The night passed without any occurrence of note. At daylight the Indians were ready to move. I asked Charley where Jack was, and he replied that he had run away. Such was the case.

With those remaining--12 men, 9 women and 10 children, I started for camp. Very soon afterwards nearly all left me and started in the direction which Jack had gone. Directly, however, to my great relief, they returned and followed me. They had only gone to the spot where Jack slept. About 7 o'clock we reached Col Green's camp, and the Indians were delivered to Capt. Hasbrouck, who complimented me on the success of my mission, having, as he said, "saved the lives of many men" who must have been killed had a fight taken place.

H. Wallace Atwell (6 June 1873)

[Captain Jack Surrenders]

On the following morning Scar-face Charley and nine others came in, making eleven Modocs we had taken. Several squaws came along also. Charley expected that Captain Jack and his companions had run away. The day was spent in an effort to find them, and the day following the commands scattered around searching for the fugitives. The scene of the capture was about fifteen miles from where we started them up the day previous. On the 1st Colonel Perry's command, which had joined the expedition, was on the trail, his Warm Spring Indians following it back near to the camp on William Creek. A Warm Spring discovered one of Jack's scouts, stole upon him and disarmed him. He promised to show them where Jack was, and the Warm Springs soon had that doughty warrior in their hands. Warm Spring George had command of the detachment of Warm Springs, but Bow-Legged Charley, We-na-shit and Carpoia were the ones who were "in at the death."

CAPTAIN JACK AND THE OTHERS WERE CAPTURED HERE.

We now had Captain Jack, Chief Schonchin, Boston--the murderers of the Peace Commissioners--and Scar-Faced Charley, their engineer and general. Still twelve men were out, and the soldiers continued the scout. On the 2d four more were taken by the Oregon volunteers. The remainder are expected daily, and will probably be found at Yainox. Bogus Charley and Jim have been sent to hunt them up, and, when found, the last of this desperate band will be in captivity. From this rapid review your readers can see the situation of affairs and

THE END OF THE MODOC WAR.

The prisoners are all here, Captain Jack, Schonchin, Boston and others being shackled. What will be done with them I know not, but think they will be hung. The Warm Springs will go home in a few days, their time being out on the 10th. They will not re-enlist, even in the event of hostilities with other tribes. They have been treated rather badly. They say they have been on many scouts, but never have received such bad treatment before. They were promised grain for their horses and also the shoeing of them, but, like many other promises, they were not kept. Donald says the Wascan-pins--about one-third of this command--can enlist again if they want to, but the Warm Springs would not. To these people really belongs

THE CREDIT OF CLOSING THE WAR,

for without their skill it would have been impossible to have hunted the Modocs down. There is one man who deserves especial credit--Captain John Fairchild. By the stroke of policy which brought into use the captured Modocs, and by his untiring energy in the pursuit of the wily foe, and through his knowledge of the country and the Indians, his services have been invaluable. Cool and brave, possessing the confidence of the Indians, he could succeed in persuading them to surrender when all others would have failed. Still, few army men would feel inclined to give him the credit he deserves, though the civilians know and appreciate his worth.

H. Wallace Atwell (9 June 1873)

[A Final Note on Captain Jack's Surrender]

BOYLE'S CAMP,
June 9, 1873

I am physically unfit to write much of a letter, but will endeavor to give you a résume of what has passed since my last letter. First, I will give you an item substantiating my account as to who really captured Captain Jack, the Modoc chief. I telegraphed that he was captured by Warm Spring George's detachment of Warm Springs, under or with Colonel Perry's command. Owing to a morbid jealousy some of the military rather doubt the assertion, or affect to, claiming that Major Trimble took him. While I am willing to give the Major all the credit he deserves, I will not permit him or any one but the real captors to have the credit of this capture. Car-pi-o-lu and We-na-shet, two Indians of Warm Spring George's division, Captain of McKay's command, captured the redoubtable chief, and to them he surrendered. They then reported the capture to Major Trimble and turned over their prisoner. He had not gun when he first surrendered, all accounts to the contrary notwithstanding. He might have taken his gun when going to Major Trimble, as he was permitted time to change his clothes. In proof of this I give my authority, Charles Putnam, grandson of Jesse Applegate, who was with the two Warm Springs, and the only white man with them when the capture was made, and I think his veracity is beyond question. It amuses a civilian to see the jealousy manifested by some of the officers regarding the distribution of the little honor won in this farcical campaign, though all profess to not care a rush as to what the papers say of them.

H. Wallace Atwell (9 June 1873)

[Surrender of Black Jim et al]

I will mention the

CAPTURE BY HISERS' VOLUNTEERS

of Black Jim and three others of his men a few days since. These men struck their trail and followed it for two days, coming up with them at first about three P.M., finding one who was wounded up a juniper tree, near the camp, where their squaws and children were. He was taken, and they learned from him, through Hooker Jim, and Steamboat Frank that they were in the rocks some two miles away. They followed them up, when two came out and surrendered, but Black Jim showed fight when the Lieutenant covered him with his rifle, and he threw down his gun and gave himself up. After he was taken some of the volunteers wanted to kill the prisoners, but the Lieutenant would not permit it, and eventually they were brought into camp guarded by the company, and turned over to the commanding officer. For this they deserve credit, and shall have it, and I wish I could give credit to them at all times.

Samuel A. Clark (6 June 1873)

[More on Black Jim's Surrender]

. . . This morning the Oregon volunteers, 100 strong, under Gen. Ross, of that State, made their appearance in this camp with five Modoc men, four squaws, and several children, whom they had captured on the other side of the Oregon line, and Gen. Ross says they tracked them three days and three nights, and his men were very eager and excited in the chase. They reached them just as two Modoc traitor spies, Hooker Jim and Steamboat Frank, also came up with them. The fugitive Modocs were hid so thoroughly that the volunteers did not find them for awhile, when within sixty feet of them, but they finally came out and surrendered, and the volunteers brought them over here and delivered them up to Gen. Davis. Steamboat Frank gives a rather humorous account of his first meeting with the volunteers on this trail. The volunteers first hailed him with, "Who are you?" "Modoc," said Frank. "God damn a Modoc," said the Oregonian, and up went his gun on one side and up went one leg on the other, and Frank might have "gone up" too, only that he deliberately pulled out a pass from Gen. Davis, vouching for his being employed as a guide and scout. Frank got into Applegate's day before yesterday morning, before Gen. Davis left there, and gave a humorous account of the occurrence, posturing to represent the volunteer standing on one leg and aiming his gun in that graceful pose, the other leg raised behind to balance the gun. . . .

John E. Ross(4 June 1873)

[The War Ended]

To Governor Grover:--The Modoc war is ended by the Oregon Volunteers. At twelve o'clock last night, after a hard march of three days and nights, by the forces under my command, the last desperate warrior belonging to Captain Jack's band was brought into camp. The captured number five men, four women and three children. The notorious Black Jim is one of the number. I will march the command to Linkville to-day, place the warriors in irons, and await your Excellency's orders.

L. F. Grover (5 June 1873)

[The Governor's Congratulations]

To General John E. Ross, Linkville:--If you have any of the Lost River murderers, standing indicted in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, deliver them into the custody of the Sheriff of said county. Deliver all the other captives to the Commanding Officer of the United States forces in the Lake basin; return the volunteers, and muster them out. Assure your officers and men of my highest appreciation of their brilliant conduct. On behalf of the State, I congratulate you on your success.

Editorial -- San Francisco Call

What Shall be Done with Them?

The incidents attending the conclusion of the Modoc war are, philosophically considered, of a strange nature. At the time of the peace talks the entire tribe favored hostile measures. Several of the minor chiefs seemed even more anxious than Captain Jack himself to put an end to the numerous conferences, which had become tiresome to them, as well as unpopular with the whites. Their eagerness for a fight had much to do, no doubt, in precipitating the massacre of General Canby and Dr. Thomas. Subsequently they became divided in their councils and when the the troops were pressing them hard on every hand, awoke to a realizing sense of the danger of their condition. At this point a portion of the tribe broke away from Captain Jack, came into camp and surrendered. What is still more surprising, they volunteered to lead the army against their own people. While this treason is profitable to the whites, they cannot despise its authors. But the most cowardly and treacherous act of all was exhibited in the conduct of Boston Charley, the murderer of Rev. Dr. Thomas. After fighting to the bitter end, and yielding himself a prisoner when escape became impossible, he, too, was anxious to go upon the war-path after Captain Jack. In adopting this course he hoped to conciliate the whites, and disarm Justice of the claim it has upon his life, as a desperado and an assassin. Captain Jack, dark as are the crimes of which he has been guilty, is no worse than some of the others--Boston Charley, for instance.

The question now arises--what is to be done with the Modoc captives? Are they to be brought down from the lava bed be toasted and fêted, or will they be imprisoned until such time as the leaders can be tried for the murder of the Peace Commissioners? The policy of the Government has always been lenient toward the offending red men--often too much so--and it would be safe to predict the punishment of the captured Modocs will be light. There is a clamor in the East for the release of Satanta and Big Tree, of the Sioux tribe, from imprisonment in Texas. Captain Jack and Boston Charley are, perhaps, no worse than either of these men, and they will doubtless come in for a part of that sympathy which originated and has its strongest advocates in the heads of one or two of the Government Departments.

modocwar@hotmail.com

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