Under such circumstances it was a somewhat difficult thing to arrange a council with the Modocs on reasonable terms. True, the Modocs did say that they had been told by white men that if Gen. Canby and the commissioners ever got them in their power they would all be hung. But who would believe a Modoc? This was simply an excuse; and, then, no one in all that country would have done such a thing. That was a Modoc lie. Nobody but Modocs ever tell lies. On the contrary, every white man was honest. They all wanted to stop the war. Of course they did. Intimate anything else, and you would get a hundred invitations to “target practice” in twenty-four hours; or else you would fall in a fit, and never get up again, caused by remorse of conscience for injuring some unnamed individual.
On the arrival of Judge Roseborough and Esquire
Steele the commission was convened; a canvass of the situation was had. The proposition was made for Mr. Steele to visit the Modoc camp. He consented to go, believing that he could accomplish the object we had in view. He was unwisely instructed to offer terms of peace. This should not have been done. No terms ever should have been offered through a third party,—Messrs. Roseborough, Case, and Applegate voting for this measure. No one questioned Mr. Steele’s integrity or his sagacity, but many did question the propriety of sending propositions of peace to the Modocs through a third party. This gave them the advantage of refusal, and of the advantage of discussion in offering alternatives. Mr. Steele was authorized to say that an amnesty for all offenders would be granted on the condition of removal to a new home on some distant Reservation, to be selected by the Modocs; they, meanwhile, to be quartered on “Angel Island,” in San Francisco harbor, as prisoners of war, and fed and clothed at Government expense. Mr. Steele was accompanied on this mission by Fairchild and “Bill Dad” (correspondent of the “Sacramento Record”), and also one or two other newspaper correspondents,—Riddle and wife as interpreters.
They went prepared to remain over night, taking blankets and provisions. The Modocs received them with evident pleasure.
After the usual preliminaries were over, the peace talk began. Captain Jack made a long speech, repeating the history of the past, throwing all the responsibility on to the messengers sent by Superintendent Odeneal, denying that either he or his people
had ever committed crime until attacked by the soldiers; that he was anxious for peace. Mr. Steele made the proposition to come out of the Lava Beds and go to a new home.
Steele’s speech was apparently well received, and an arrangement was made whereby several Modocs were to return with him to the head-quarters of the commission. Nothing of an alarming character occurred. The party returned in the afternoon of the second day, accompanied by “Queen Mary” (sister of Captain Jack), “Bogus Charley,” “Hooker Jim,” “Long Jim,” “Boston Charley,” “Shacknasty Jim,” “Duffy,” “William,” “Curly-haired Jack.”
We were on the lookout, and when the now enlarged party came in sight they made an imposing appearance. Steele was in advance, and, raising his hat, saluted our ears with the thrilling words, “They accept peace.” Couriers to ride to Y-re-ka were ordered, despatches prepared for the departments, and the various newspapers. A general feeling of relief was manifest everywhere around camp. We felt that a great victory over blood and carnage had been won, and that our hazardous labors were nearly over. Letters of congratulation were being prepared to send to friends, and all was happiness and joy, when our gray-eyed friend, who was with the party, put a sudden check on the exuberant feelings, by saying, “I don’t think the Modocs agreed to accept the terms offered. True, they responded to Steele’s speech, but not in that way. I tell you they do not understand that they have agreed to surrender yet, on any terms.”
Mr. Steele repeated his declaration, and the speeches, as reported by “Bill Dad,” were read, from which it
appeared they had greeted Steele’s peace-talk with applause. The Modocs, who came in with Steele and his party, were called up and questioned as to the understanding. They were reticent, saying they came out to hear what was said, and not to talk.