they made an effort to obtain terms, but I at once refused to entertain anything of the kind; they could only be allowed safe-conduct through the camp to my head-quarters when they arrived at the picket-line. They came in on the 22d of May, and laid down their arms, accompanied by their old women and children, about seventy-five.
To learn the exact whereabouts of the Indians was now very important, and I determined to accept of the offered services of a Modoc captive; one who, up to the time of their separation, was known to be in the confidence of his chief, and could lead us to the hiding-place of the band. He was an unmitigated cut-throat, and for this reason I was loth to make any use of him that would compromise his well-earned claims to the halter. He desired eight others to accompany and support him, under the belief his chief would kill him on sight; but three others only were accepted, and these of the least guilty ones. They were promised no rewards for this service whatever. Believing the end justified the means, I sent them out, thoroughly armed for the service.
After nearly three days’ hunting they came upon Jack’s camp on Willow creek, east of Wright lake, fifteen miles from Applegate’s ranch, to which I had gone, after separation from them at Tule lake, to await their return and the arrival of the cavalry.
The scouts reported a stormy interview with their angry chief. He denounced them in severe terms for leaving him; he intended to die with his gun in his hand; they were squaws, not men. He intended to jump Applegate’s ranch that night (the 28th), etc.
On the return of these scouts, I immediately sent Capt. E. V. Sumner, aide-de-camp, back to the rendezvous, at Tule lake, with orders to push forward Capts. H. C. Hasbrouck’s and James Jackson’s commands to Applegate’s ranch, with rations for three days in haversacks, and pack-mules with ten days’ supply. All arrived and reported by nine o’clock A.M., the 29th, under command of Maj. John Green, their veteran cavalry leader since the commencement of the Modoc war, in excellent spirits. The impenetrable rocky region was behind them; the desperado and his band were ahead of them, in comparatively an open country.
After allowing the animals an hour’s rest the pursuit was renewed, and about one o’clock P.M. Jack and band were “jumped” on Willow creek near its crossing with the old emigrant road. This
stream forms the head-waters of Lost river. It was a complete surprise. The Indians fled in the direction of Langell valley. The pursuit from this time on, until the final captures, June 3d, partook more of a chase after wild beasts than war; each detachment vying with each other as to which should be first in at the finish.
Lieut. Col. Frank Wheaton, Twenty-first Infantry, reported to me, in compliance with his orders, from Camp Warner, on the 22d, at Fairchild’s ranch. He was placed in command of the District of the Lakes, and the troops composing the Modoc expedition.
After making necessary disposition of the foot troops and captives at Fairchild’s ranch, he came forward to Clear lake, and joined me at Applegate’s with Perry’s detachment of cavalry; these troops were at once sent to join the hunt. Most of the band had by this time been run down and captured; but the chief and a few of his most noted warriors were still running in every direction.
It fell to the lot of these troopers to catch Jack. When surrounded and captured he said his “legs had given out.” Two or three other warriors gave themselves up with him.