Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/650

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THE MODOC WAR.

commissioners and subsequent escape of the Indians from the lava-beds, a battalion of three companies of volunteers was organized by authority of Governor Grover to keep open the road from Jacksonville to Linkville, and to carry to the settlers in the Klamath basin some arms and ammunition issued a month previous, in anticipation of the failure of the peace commission, and which were stored at Jenny Creek, on the road to Linkville; and Ross had his headquarters in Langell Valley.

Owing to the alarm of the settlers in Chewaucan, Silver Lake, and Goose Lake valleys, Hizer's company had marched out on the Goose Lake road, where they were met by a company of fifty men from that region under Mulholland, coming in for arms and ammunition. These, after being supplied, turned back, and Hizer's company, reëntering Langell Valley just as Green's squadrons were scouting for Jack, joined in the chase, and after Green had returned to camp on the night of June 3d, captured twelve Modocs, among whom were two of the most noted braves of the band. Ross sent a telegram to Grover, who ordered him to deliver them to the sheriff of Jackson county, and to turn over the others to General Wheaton.

But news of the capture being conveyed to head quarters at Clear Lake, an escort was sent to over take the prisoners at Linkville and bring them back, Lindsay of the volunteers surrendering them to the United States officer under protest, upon being as sured that Davis intended hanging those convicted of murder. Such, indeed, was his design, having sent to Linkville for witnesses, among whom were the women of the Boddy family.[1] Before the time ar-

  1. Hooker Jim and Steamboat Frank admitted being of the party who killed and robbed this family, relating some of the incidents, on hearing which the two women lost all control of themselves, and with a passionate burst of tears and rage commingled, dashed at Hooker and Steamboat, one with a pistol and the other with a knife. Davis interposed and secured the weapons, receiving a slight cut on one of his hands. During this exciting passage both the Indians stood like statues, without uttering a word. S. F. Call, June 9, 1873.