Descriptive Catalogue of Photographs of North American IndiansJackson, William Henry
History
Descriptive Catalogue of Photographs of North American Indians
Jackson, William Henry
Indians of North America -- Biography; Indians of North America -- Portraits -- Catalogs
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."
1009. SHACK-NASTY JIM.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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