The judge-advocate asked the authority of the commission to employ T. F. Riddle and wife as interpreters, at $10 a day, which authority was given by the commission.
T. F. Riddle and wife (Tobey) were then duly sworn to the faithful performance of their duty in the interpretation of the evidence and proceedings as required, in the presence of the prisoners, which oath was interpreted to the prisoners.
The judge-advocate then presented to the commission E. S. Belden, the official short-hand reporter, who was then duly sworn to the faithful performance of his duty; which oath was duly interpreted to the prisoners.
The prisoners were then severally asked by the judge-advocate if they desired to introduce counsel; to which they severally replied in the negative; and that they had been unable to procure any.
The prisoners were then severally duly arraigned on the following charges and specifications:—
Charges and specifications preferred against certain Modoc Indians commonly known and called as Captain Jack, Schonchin, Boston Charley, Black Jim, Barncho, alias One-Eyed Jim, and Slolux, alias Cok.
Charge First.—“Murder in violation of the laws of war.” The specification in substance was the murder of Gen. E. R. S. Canby and Dr. Eleazer Thomas.
Charge Second.—“Assault with intent to kill in violation of the laws of war.” Specification second. “Assault on the Commissioners. Attempt to kill A. B. Meacham and L. S. Dyer.”
“All this at or near the Lava Beds, so-called, situated near Tule Lake, in the State of California, on or about the 11th day of April, 1873.”
To which the prisoners severally pleaded as follows:—