Captain Jack again applied for protection from further insult, and this time Agent Knapp proposed to change the location of the Modocs to a point on Williamson river, a few miles distant, and nearer the agency.
For the sake of peace, and in obedience to orders, the Modocs changed camp, and again began preparation for making homes.
This brought Klamaths and Modocs in contact, and after Jack had made a few hundred rails, and prepared a few hewn logs for houses, the Klamaths rehearsed the Link-river speeches to them,—taunting them with being poor, and claiming the country, though patronizingly saying, “You can stay here; but it is our country.” “Your horses can eat the grass; but it is our grass.” “You can catch fish; but they are our
fish.” When reminded by the Modocs of the treaty and subsequent peace-making, the Klamaths replied: “Yes, we know all that.” “You can have timber, grass, and fish; but don’t forget they are ours.” “We will let you stay.” “It is all right.” Captain Jack went a third time to Agent Knapp, who proposed to move them again, remarking that “next time he would stay moved,” he proposing to Jack to find a new location.
Jack went to search for one; but whether he could not find a location, or whether the constant annoyance on account of quarrels and removals had killed his faith both in agents and Indian friendship, makes no difference. He returned to his camp on Williamson river, called his people together, and laid the whole matter before them.
I have a report of that meeting by “Charley,” a brother of Toby Riddle,—an Indian who commands the respect of all who know him personally. Although this report was made several months afterwards, I believe it to be in the main correct. The substance was, that after all were assembled, including the women and children and Link-river people, Captain Jack stated the case, mentioning the several points as already recited, and saying that he had looked at all the country, but did not find any that he liked as well as Modoc Point, and that he had made up his mind to leave the Reservation unless he could have that place for a house.
Blo, a sub-chief of the Klamaths, said, “Tell Knapp so.” Jack replied that he had talked to Knapp already three times; and that Knapp had no heart for him; and that he was afraid he was a bad man; that
“he would not keep the superintendent’s words;” “that he intended to leave the Reservation,” and asked, “Who will go with me? Who wants to stay with a man who has no heart for us?”
Then ensued a protracted discussion, Charley Riddle and Duffy insisting on remaining. The discussion was a stormy one, and continued until a late hour; but in all the speeches no charge of starving or cheating was made.
Finally the question went to a vote, and the proposition to leave was carried by a large majority. It may be here remarked that neither of the Schonchins was present, Schonchin John being at that time loyal, and opposed to the rebellion; and that is about the only thing that can be mentioned in his favor, except that he was a poor shot, as I can testify.