and wide ravine which separated it from Bernard's line on the other side, and which strongly guarded the stronghold, being close at hand. Green at once saw that it could not be crossed without an immense sacrifice of life. A consultation with Wheaton and other officers led to a change of plan, and it was determined to move the west line by the left around the north side of the Modoc position, along the shore of the lake, connecting^ with the right of Bernard's force from that direction. An order was given to reorganize the line for withdrawal, which, owing to the difficult nature of the ground, was not understood by all the officers, and created a confusion which but for the all-enveloping fog might have resulted in a heavy loss.
"While we were charging down this ravine," writes Applegate, "I fell, probably from the effect of a shot. Recovering myself, I joined the line, jumped the cañon at the bottom, and took up position on a sage plain on the other side. Such a volley met us that the sage brush was mown down above our heads where we lay. Then came the order Look out for Bernard! The volley was from his line. While preparing to charge the stronghold, I saw the troops on the left withdrawing. I did not understand the movement, but kept place in the skirmish line. I saw a soldier fall, one of Perry's men, and took charge of him. On nearing the brink of the stronghold I found most of the troops had passed under the bluff, and the rapid firing gave notice that a severe conflict was going on there. A message was received from General Wheaton to report to headquarters for orders, which I did, and found that the regulars had already passed around to the north side of the lava bed to join Bernard, and that Wheaton wanted the volunteers to remain with the headquarters. I was ordered to take my men to the lake for water, after which I formed a line in advance of
