take to accomplish what the mihtary had failed to do — conquer the obstinate hostility of the Modoc s and obtain their consent to go upon some reservation, if not upon that one where by the terms of treaty they belonged.
But if Wheaton was surprised at this wholly unexpected change of policy, he was equally mortified at being relieved of his command at the same time by Colonel Alvan C. Gillem of the 1st cavalry. Nor was the dissatisfaction on this account confined to himself, but was shared by most, if not all, of his officers, and the state authorities and people as well.
That Canby regarded the change of policy as a reflection on himself also, seems to be indicated by his tslegram to Sherman, in answer to the new order from the president and war department. He said that hostilities with the Modocs could not have been avoided, as they were determined to resist, and had made their preparations; that he had been solicitous that they should be fairly treated, and had taken care that they should not be coerced until their claims had been decided upon by the proper authority; having done that, he now thought they should be treated like any other criminals, as there would be no peace on the frontier until they were subdued and punished. Two or three months later the government was prepared to acknowledge Canby 's good judgment.
Sherman replied to Canby protest: "Let all defensive measures proceed, but order no attack on the Indians till the former orders are modified or changed by the President, who seems disposed to allow the peace men to try their hands on Captain Jack." How significant of his opinion of what was going on at Washington is Sherman's dispatch ! In the meantime the President and Secretary Delano had an interview with Secretary Belknap, after which Delano informed the secretary of war that he had decided to sand to the scene of the difficulties a commission consisting of three persons, with instruction to ascertain
