Descriptive Catalogue of Photographs of North American Indians

by William Henry Jackson

975-6. Wal-aiks-ski-dat.

Known as David Hill, cousin of Captain Jack, is the war chief of the Klamaths (the parent tribe of the Modocs), and is recognized as the leader in civilization of all the Indians of the Lake country. He is 33 years of age. He distinguished himself, before the Indians were gathered into reservations, as the leader of the young braves of the Klamaths in their wars with surrounding tribes, and his military record shows that he has never known defeat. He has always been the friend of the white man. In the long protracted fight with the Snake tribe, lasting over eight years, he was our ally as the leader of the Klamath warriors. He commanded the Klamath scouts during the war with Captain Jack. Mr. Hill is a christianized Indian, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father was the first chief who became friendly with the white man. This was in 1843, when he met Frémont and acted as his guide.

977. Yum-nis-poc-tis.

(Chief without beads), better known as Tecumseh, is the "medicine man" of the Klamaths, and is the descendant of a long line of "medicine men." He has had a Damon and Pythias friendship with David Hill since his childhood. In his native tongue he is famous as an orator. He won great distinction in the Snake war, as Hill's comrade; and, with him, is the earnest champion of civilization in his tribe. He is also a Methodist and lives a civilized life in the reservation. Both Tecumseh and Hill are covered with scars that they have received in their desperate conflicts.

2. MODOCS.

The Modocs were originally part of the Klamaths, but recently hostile to them. Their name is an Indian word meaning enemies. Their original territory was on the south side of Klamath Lake, including some 4,000 square miles. Were early known as a treacherous and cruel people, and up to 1850 had cut off more than 50 whites. Engagements followed between them and the whites in 1851—when Wright massacred 41 out of a total of 46—which were kept up until 1864, when they agreed to go on a reserve. The treaty to that effect was not ratified for seven years, and in the mean time were induced to go on the Klamath reserve. Were harassed and dissatisfied, and afterwards put on Yaniax reservation, but most of the tribe left under two rival chiefs, Schonchin and Captain Jack. The former settled peaceably near the settlements, while the latter went back to their old home and became troublesome. In 1872, were ordered back to the reserve, and upon their refusing to go troops were called on to enforce the order, the citizens joining in an attack on their entrenched camps, but were repulsed. The Modocs then retreated to the "lava-beds," a volcanic region so broken up into great caves and fissures as to serve as a natural fortification. After several engagements a commission was organized to enquire into the trouble, and while holding a conference with the leaders were attacked, and General Canby and Dr. Thomas were killed, (April 11, 1873.) After two months' further operations, the hostiles were reduced, their leaders hung, and the rest removed to the Indian Territory. About 100 who took no part in the trouble remained at the Klamath agency.

List of illustrations.

1008. Scar-Faced Charley.

The famous war chief of the lava-bed warriors, and the greatest of their soldiers. He was the most trusted of Captain Jack's braves, and the most desperate of his fighters. Rev. Dr. Thomas; who was slain at the peace-commission massacre, on the day before his death called Scar-Faced Charley the "Leonidas of the lava-beds." He was never known to be guilty of any act not authorized by the laws of legitimate warfare, and entered his earnest protest against the assassination of General Canby and Dr. Thomas. He led the Modocs against Major Thomas and Colonel Wright when the United States troops were so disastrously repulsed and when two-thirds of our men were killed and wounded. Wearied of the slaughter, he shouted to the survivors, "You fellows that are not dead had better go home; we don't want to kill you all in one day." He has said since, "My heart was sick of seeing so many men killed."