Yreka, Siskiyou County, California, July 30, 1873.
To THE HONORABLE C. DELANO,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
SIR: Herewith please find petition in matter of Modoc Indians. It is a matter I have no interest in, other than any other citizen of our country. These Indians are used to take care of themselves, talk our language and understand all kinds of farm work. They ask the privilege and name Mr. Burgess, as they have full confidence in his integrity towards them. He can use them to advantage and will pay them wages that will support them well. As to the other Indians, Capt. Jack and others, whom it seems fated, must be executed, permit me to ask an interference to the extent of working a delay until a full and fair investigation of the causes of the war be had as they are very important witnesses. I ask this as Mr. Odeneal officially and through the Oregon papers, has persistently at- tacked my character and that of others, including our District Judge, Roseborough, and we are anxious that the whole mat- ter be ventilated and the truth exposed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. STEELE.
To THE HONORABLE C. DELANO,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
The undersigned citizens of Siskiyou County, California, would respectfully represent that the Modoc Indians now held as prisoners of war there are some that no charges are made against except open warfare against the U. S. ; of which Scar- Face Charley and Miller Charley; that there are others who, for service rendered as scouts in the capture and subjugation of the tribe, have rendered material aid to the government, and earned exemption from rigorous punishment, of which are Bogus Charley, Shaknasty Jim, Hooker Jim and Steamboat Frank, the so-called scouts. We would also state that all these
