erly way, saying he had for many years been acquamted with Indians, and thought he understood them; that he had come to this meeting to talk in a friendly manner to them, and conclude upon a peace; and that whatever he promised them that day, they might be sure they would receive.
Sleacham followed with allusions to his office as a commissioner sent by the government to make peace, and take the Modocs away from a place where blood had been shed, to a new and happier home, where they would be provided with a comfortable support. Thomas made some similar remarks. Jack then spoke, saying he did not wish to quit the country he was in; that it was the only country known to him. He had given up Lost river and he wanted Cottonwood and Willow creeks instead. He wanted the soldiers taken away, and wanted to be left in possession of the lava beds It was soon evident that nothing would be gained by the conference.
Meanwhile the air began to thicken with treachery. As the savages manifested uneasiness on seeing a white man not of the party approaching the place along the trail, D^^ar mounted his horse and riding forth turned back the intruder, that the Indians might not suspect duplicity. When he returned he did not rejoin the circle, but threw himself on the ground at a little distance from it, still holdino; his horse bv the bridle.
Meacham's horse had been standing loose; but as the conference drew toward a close, Meacham secured the animal, still continuing his part in the discussion, the others remaining seated or reclining on the ground. In the midst of Meacham's remarks Sconchin threw in some disrespectful words in his own tongue which the commissioners did not understand. Hooker Jim then arose, and goincr to Meacham's horse took the overcoat from the horn of the saddle and put it on. Then with mocking gestures he strutted back and forth saying in English, "Don't I look like old man Meacham ? "
