Slolux, one of the young Modocs who carried the rifles to the council tent on the morning of the assassination, was next to speak. He denied any part in the terrible crime, as did Barncho.
Black Jim, half-brother to Captain Jack, spoke next. He was anxious to live that he might take care of the tribe; saying, “I don’t know what Captain Jack and Schonchin think of it.” Jack shook his head. Jim continued, “If the white chief’s law says I am guilty of crime, let me die. I am not afraid to die. I am afraid of nothing. I should like to hear the spirit man’s talk.”
Captain Jack again asked that the execution be delayed until his speech could be laid before the President, as perhaps he did not know who it was that instigated the murder of Canby and Thomas. This request also was denied. Boston Charley was the speaker; he created a sensation:—
A GUILTY INDIAN.
You all know me; during the war it seemed to me that I had two hearts—one Indian and the other white. I am only a boy, and yet you all know what I have done. Although a boy I feel like a man, and when I look on each side of me I think of these other men as women. I do not fear death. I think I am the only man in the room. I fought in the front rank with Shacknasty, Steamboat, Bogus and Hooker. I am altogether a man, and not half a woman. I killed Dr. Thomas, assisted by Steamboat and Bogus. Bogus said to me, “Do you believe that these commissioners mean to try to make a peace?” I said, “I believe so.” He said, “I don’t; they want to lead us into some trap.” I said, “All right—I go with you.” I would like to see all my people and bid them good-by to-day. I would like to go to the stockade to see them. I see that if I were to criminate others it would not amount to anything. I see it is too late. I know that other chief men were not at the bottom of that affair, and they did not take so prominent a part in the massacre as the younger men. I know but little, but when I see anything with my eyes, I know it.
Boston Charley.
BOSTON’S REASONS FOR THE MASSACRE.
Boston was then asked why they killed Canby. He said that all the presents they had received had no influence on them, and they suspected Canby and the commissioners of treachery, and their hearts were wild. After the young men had decided to kill the commissioners, he told Bogus he was afraid. Bogus said, “Don’t be afraid; I can kill him.” After that Captain Jack said he would go and prevent it. The object of Bogus going in that night to camp was to remove any suspicion from General Canby’s mind. The young warriors thought that Canby, Thomas, Meacham, and Gillam were powerful men, and that the death of these tyees would end all further trouble. When they saw Dyer coming in place of Gillam, they decided to kill them all. When Bogus came into the soldiers’ camp he told Riddle’s squaw that he was going to kill Canby and the commissioners. She said, “All right; go and kill them.” I am telling what I know to be the truth—nothing more.