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This file contains the text of a newspaper story
published Oct. 4, 1873, by the Daily Evening Bulletin of
San Francisco, Calif.
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museum volunteer Ann McGill.
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Daily Evening Bulletin
San Francisco, California
SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 4, 1873
HANGED
_____
Captain Jack, Sconchin, Boston
Charley and Black Jim Expiate
Their Crimes on
the Gallows.
_______
Sentence of Barncho and
Slolux Commuted
________
Scenes at the Gallows---The Hanging
Witnessed by Five
Hundred Indians,
_________
Speeches by Captain Jack, Sconchin,
Boston Charley and
Black Jim.
______
Sconchin and Boston Charley Die
Game, But Jack Shows the
White Feather.
________
[FORWARDED BY SPECIAL COURIER TO JACKSONVILLE,
AND THENCE BY WESTERN UNION WIRES.]
JACKSONVILLE, Or., October 3d.--Your
correspondent left Fort Klamath this morning at 10:30
o'clock, and by hard riding arrived here a few moments
ago.
______________
BEFORE THE EXECUTION
_____________
Interviews with the Condemned--Speeches of
Captain Jack, Sconchin, Boston Charley
and Others
______________
CAPTAIN JACK IN HIS CELL--HOW HE LOOKS.
By permission of General Wheaton, I was
allowed to accompany Dr. J.J. Cabaniss,
Assistant-Surgeon, this morning in his daily visit to
the cells of the doomed captives, and to the captives of
the Modoc families within the stockade, and had ample
opportunities of observation. The first and largest cell
contains Boston Charley, Black Jim, Barncho, Slolux,
Pete, son of Schonchin; Long Jim and the Curly-headed
Doctor's son. The first four of these are doomed. In the
second cell are Captain Jack and Schonchin, the other
doomed murderers. In the third are confined the
Curly-headed Doctor, Dave and One-eyed Mose. All
possible attention has been paid to cleanliness and
ventilation and the comfort of these prisoners, and,
with few exceptions, they seem to be in excellent health
and spirits. When I passed into Jack's cell, he rose
from his lying position, recognized me as an old
acquaintance and grasped my hand warmly. Poor fellow!
his own shook like an aspen, and his body trembled as if
shaken with the palsy. He looks twenty years older than
he did a year since, and is without doubt badly
shattered, both mentally and physically, by his
confinement. His face is thin and haggard, but his eye
is clear and steady, and although broken in body and
spirit, chained and caged like an eagle, he still looks
a chief in comparison with some of the stolid and brutal
faces that are seen in prison. He is by no means sullen
or dogged, but he wears an anxious and nervous look, and
his eye seems to pierce through a person as if divining
their thoughts. Daily developments show that Captain
Jack was neither a bad man or an enemy to the white
race, but that his reluctance to surrender in the early
part of the war was partly owing to his suspicions of
bad faith on our side, and partly due to the terrible
pressure of the war faction of his own bad, who
persistently jeered him and taunted him with being a
coward and a squaw. Yielding in an evil moment to bad
advisors against his own better judgment, he planned and
executed the crime for which in a few hours he is to
give up his life. Jack is a full-blooded Modoc, born at
the mouth of Lost River. His father fell a victim of the
Ben Wright massacre. He has remained there his whole
life and, any reports to the effect that he was raised
in a white family, or even resided among the whites, are
false and groundless.
MEMBERS OF JACK'S BAND.
Next to him is Boston Charley, who has a
cute appearance. He looks like a boy in years and is
probably not over twenty years of age. His face is
perfectly smooth; his head is small and round, and the
little fierce eyes that are set deep in it have a
devilish expression that is hard to describe. He looks
at a visitor with a sullen scowl and seems more like a
couger ready to spring upon its prey than a human being.
It was he who gave Dr. Thomas the deadly shot in the
breast, and I have no doubt from his looks that it was
done in sheer and bloodthirsty wantonness. Barncho and
Slollux, the other two doomed prisoners have nothing
remarkable in their appearance, and seem to be wanting
in any marked traits of character. They are great, tall,
powerful, broad-chested fellows, who would be taken for
very common Indians anywhere. One of the characters of
this prison, and indeed one of the most active advocates
of war and murder is the Curley-headed Doctor.
Throughout the whole struggle he counseled stubborn
resistance and was the head centre of the war faction.
His position as medicine man of the tribe gave him
immense influence, and there is no doubt, whatever, that
had it not been for his evil council, the efforts of the
Peace Commission would have been successful.
He
seems to have kept in the background during the massacre
of the settlers, in which he is said to have been
prominent, and during the sitting of the Military
Commission it was impossible to identify him with the
murder of the Commissioners. He is a great, powerful
man--every inch a savage, with an immense head covered
with shaggy, not curly, hair like that of a buffalo
bull. He is silent, with lips compressed and rarely
speaks to any one, and his whole appearance is that of a
cruel untamed beast. There are many regrets that he
could not be convicted by the Military Commission, as
everyone feels that he is a Devil, incarnate, whose
escape from hanging is a downright robbery of justice.
These men are all securely ironed and guarded with the
utmost watchfulness. They peer through the iron bars of
the cells wistfully, longing, no doubt, for the free air
of the mountains and their natural freedom--but in vain.
CAPTAIN JACK--TREATMENT OF THE CAPTIVES
Yesterday Jack, whose health is failing so
rapidly that he is kept up by opiates, was brought out
into the large room of the guard-house to enjoy the
fresh air and take a view of his surroundings, and
although very heavily ironed and guarded, his eye was
glancing from point to point , evidently seeking an
avenue of escape. One can imagine the joy it would give
him to have one clear bound into freedom again, but his
chance is hopeless and his hours numbered. These
captives are treated with kindness and very properly. No
visitor is allowed to make any allusion to their deeds
nor to the possibility of their having to pay the
penalty. Most of them are glad to see even a strange
face and take presents of tobacco or cigars with
thankfulness.
THE STOCKADE--JACK'S FAMILY
We next visited the stockade, where the
families of these prisoners and others are quartered. It
is a large pen about 200 feet square, made of logs 25
feet high, set upright and pointed at the top. There is
a platform on each side raised high enough to enable
guards to overlook the whole enclosure and watch the
movements of those within. Inside the enclosure
comfortable tents are pitched, a separate tent for each
family, and good, substantial food is furnished in ample
quantities. The place is kept as clean as possible, and
it seems very unlike a prison. Old men and old women
were squatted round the camp fires eating their
breakfasts with evident relish. Children were playing
round, apparently unconscious that they were under any
restrictions. Young squaws and bucks were chatting and
laughing with as much freedom as they would have done at
their old ranch on Lost River, and they seemed to give
themselves very little concern about anything here. We
found the Princess Mary, Jack's sister, Lizzie and
Ellen, three celebrities who have figured extensively in
the Modoc record. They were chatty and good-humored, and
evidently felt that their services to the whites
entitled them to much consideration. They talked with
the Doctor about some of the circumstances of the war in
a pleasant, matter-of-fact way, as if they were
something the Modocs were not ashamed of, and of course
the Doctor and your correspondent were too gallant to
allude to anything that would pain the feelings of even
a Modoc lady. Jack's little family were in good spirits,
and they certainly do not realize how soon a terrible
calamity is to over whelm them.
Outside was a large camp of others, who were
allowed more liberty, and they were equally well fed and
cared for.
THE SCAFFOLD
About 400 yards directly south of the
stockade an ominous and significant structure has
arisen, and it stands to-night among the gloomy pines
like a gaunt spectre with its naked arms stretching out
into the bright moonlight. To-morrow it will bear good
fruit, and it is only a pity that the crop were not
heavier. To-day Hooka Jim, Bogus Charley, Steamboat
Frank and Scar-face Charley lay silently on the grass
watching earnestly and curiously the movement of the
force detailed for its erection. Captain Hoge, who is to
be officer of the day to-morrow, tried an experiment
with two large sand- bags to test the strength of the
rope, and, when it fell, if there had been any doubts in
the minds of those worthies as to the use for which it
was intended, it must have been dispelled. They rose
quietly and walked away--Hooka Jim pale and nervous, and
the rest in a state of nervous and restless curiosity.
For several days they had plied visitors with questions
regarding the impending execution. Having heard rumors
from among the soldiers they seemed anxious to know the
names of the doomed, and their number, and I left them
standing, gazing steadily at the strange structure, as
if measuring the capacity of the platform. They have
evidently told the news, for their is sorrow and gloom
within the stockade, and many an anxious eye is seen
peering through its crevices to the southward.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN JACK AND HIS FAMILY
To-day an affecting interview took place between
Captain Jack and his little family. His wife with her
babe and his sister Mary were permitted by the officer
of the day to visit him in the large outer room of the
guard-house. He took the child in his arms and appeared
deeply affected, clasping it to his breast with all the
strong affection of these wild people. His wife and
sister had no doubt heard whispers among the Indians and
seen ominous signs enough to convince them that the end
was near; for they wept long and bitterly, and the
thoughts of soon parting forever were moved to pity, and
his terrible crime was nearly forgotten under the
promptings of humanity.
VISITORS
Visitors are flocking in here from every
quarter, some, probably, to gratify a morbid curiosity.
There probably care little who the chief actors were.
Others seemed to be impelled by curiosity to see the
victims who have gained such unenviable notoriety, and
among them are three gentlemen who have come all the way
from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for that purpose. Mrs.
Boddie and her daughter, Mrs. Schira, widowed by the
Lost River massacre are here, having come for the sole
purpose of witnessing the execution. They speak in
bitter terms at the injustice of allowing Hooka Jim,
stained with blood of murdered settlers--their husbands
among the number--to escape and be at liberty, and
complain in unmeasured terms, that after their houses
were robbed by the Indians, all their fences and
outbuildings were used by the military for fuel, and
payment therefor continually refused. They vow vengeance
against this particular murderer, and no doubt if he
ever falls in their way, he will receive his just
deserts. He has been advised of their presence on the
ground, and he sneaks around like a cowardly caitiff,
spending most of his time within the stockade, as he
knows well that even justice entitles him to be shot
down like a wolf by either of these bereaved women.
THE POST
This post is perhaps one of the most
beautiful situated on the Pacific Coast. It lies among a
grove of magnificent pine and tamarac, one the
northeastern side of Big Klamath lake, and almost under
the heavily wooded mountain dividing the lake from the
Klamath marsh. A stream of cold crystal water flows
between it and the mountain, and a smooth level prairie,
one of the most lovely in this section, extends far to
the westward. All its appointments are complete, and
under the direction of General Frank Wheaton, Commander
of the District of Lakes, whose headquarters are here,
everything is being put in splendid order.
The marked courtesy of all the officers here
and the facilities they rendered for all obtaining
proper information both to reporters and outside
civilians, is worthy of praise. To Adjutant Geo. W.
Kingsbury commanding Company E and Assistant Surgeon
Cabiniss, I am particularly indebted for kind attention
and favors. General Wheaton and many other officers have
been assiduous in their attention to the comfort of
visitors, and will long be remembered as pleasant and
gentlemanly officers.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE CHAPLAIN
AND THE PRISONERS
The Chaplain, accompanied by Donald McKay as
interpreter, had an interview with the prisoners, and I
was informed by McKay that the interview was very
interesting, and a complete index of the different
characters of the prisoners. Jack was much softened when
the Sunday doctor were interpreted to him. He said: "A
long time since I was a good man and was willing to
forgive all the injuries of the white man, but the
whites made my heart black and I have been a bad man
since, and done bad things. I would like to be good
again and have all forgotten." Schonchin listened with
interest, but made no comments or admissions, except
that he was a bad man--a fact which there was no
disputing. To-day General Wheaton, Rev. Mr. Heckenborg,
a number of officers, reporters and civilians, were
present at an interview with the whole twelve prisonersa,
confined in the guard house. Oliver C. Applegate and
Dave Hill, sub-Chiefs of the Klamaths, were
interpreters, and the interview was of the most
interesting character. The Chaplain first made an
impressive address, which was interpreted to the
prisoners, explaining the foundation of the Christian
religion, and showing them that contrition and
repentance would lead them to the Good Spirit, who was
father of the red and white man alike.
THEIR DOOM ANNOUNCED--JACK'S TALE
Then, at the request of General Wheaton, all
but the six doomed Indians were removed to their cells,
and the Chaplain announced to them that they had one
more night to live, and that by command of the Great
White Chief they were to die to-morrow. Captain Jack and
Schonchin were affected. The former trembled from head
to foot, and the latter sat twitching at his fingers and
moving uneasily from side to side. Black Jim, Slollux,
and Barncho compressed their lips tightly together,
gazed wildly about as if hardly realizing the terrible
fate, and their faces were blanched like ashes. Boston
Charlie sat perfectly unmoved chewing tobacco with the
greatest unconcern. His indifference was not assumed but
real, and his subsequent speech shows that he has the
nerve of a devil. After a few minutes of painful silence
Captain Jack spoke and said: "I am not a bad man, but
have a good heart and was always friendly to the whites.
I tried to keep peace and opposed the murder of the
Peace Commissioners. Bogus Charlie was the man who
influenced me. He was a traitor to both sides. He lied
to both General Canby and me. I would like to see him.
Bogus Charlie and Hooka Jim are the leaders who
instigated this thing. I want to tell you all in my
heart and leave nothing unsaid. I know that Shacknasty
Jim killed General Canby and shot many citizens, and
Boston Charley shot Dr. Thomas. Bogus Charlie had
planned the killing of both Generals Gillem and Canby,
but General Gillem failed to come out, and he was much
disappointed. One of the warriors, named George, was
killed in the Lava Bed. He was able to control some of
the boys, when he died. The boys would not listen to my
advice. General Wheaton then desired to know what the
Modoc's theory was--why they determined to kill the
Peace Commissioners, and if they thought that then the
Great White Chief in Washington would withdraw the
troops? Jack replied,"I asked those who instigated the
murder what effect it would have? I wanted peace. They
said they were not ready for peace, but gave no other
reasons. A long time ago the whites gave me the advice,
and gave me a paper, and after the fight at Lost River I
was for peace, but the young men who had killed the
people on Lost River were against it. I was willing to
make peace any time. I did not counsel the other bands
to go on the war path against the whites. My heart was
sick, as they were determined on fighting. After I
surrendered and was brought to Fort Klamath, I did not
think I would be punished. I was not the instigator of
these things, and I had come here to live with my
people. General Wheaton then desired him to be informed
that his people would be taken to a comfortable place by
order of the Government, and asked what particular
Indian he desired to take care of his family? Jack
replied: "I can think of no one. I am a good man and I
do not want to die." By direction of the General, he was
informed that his family would be allowed to come and
spend the day with him.
JACK PLEADING FOR TIME
Jack said he was anxious to know if Gen.
Wheaton could entertain the idea of his living. The
General replied that the President's order would be
carried out. Jack then said: "The Great Chief is a long
way off. There have been representations made to him,
and if he would come and talk face to face, he would let
him live." General Wheaton, through the interpreter,
then informed him that the Great Chief's children were
numbered by millions, and that he could not see them
all, but relied on the word of good men, in whom he had
confidence. Jack continued: "I do not want to talk much,
but would like to have my death postponed until the
subject of my talk today can be heard by the Great
Chief. In making my speech today, I only mentioned Bogus
Charley, Hooka Jim and those who instigated the murder
of the Peace Commissioners, but Scarface Charley is a
bad man and was always ready for any enterprise during
the war." Jack was then informed that the decision of
the
President was not hastily given, but after careful
deliberation, Jack said: "I know, judging by the delay,
that he was not hasty in the matter, and I think he
would wait for my speech to-day." General Wheaton
desired him not to expect any encouragement but to think
over what the Chaplain had told him. Jack replied: "I
know what the Chaplain has told me is good, and I would
like to follow his advice. If I was permitted to live I
might have time to become a good man, but the thing that
is uppermost in my mind is to see Bogus Charley and
Hooker Jim." The General said he would give him an
opportunity but advised him not to spend his last few
moments in angry altercation.
Jack then said: "It is terrible to think
that I have to die. When I look at my heart I would like
to live till I died a natural death." He was then
informed if he wished anything during the day to ask for
it, and that his family would be sent in to him at that
point.
BLACK JIM AND SLOLUX ASK TO BE HEARD--THEIR SPEECHES
Black Jim, Slolux and Barncho desired to be
heard, and they were allowed to speak. Slolux said: " I
want to talk some to-day. White people call me "George."
I was arrested, ironed, and chained under
misrepresentations. My child died yesterday and I am
here in the guardhouse and unable to be with the
mourners. Show me a man that will say that I was present
at the time of the massacre? I would like to know who
the witnesses were who testified against me. Perhaps it
was Riddle's wife. I am innocent. I took no part in the
murder of the Peace Commissioners, and I am here on the
representation of Tobey. I say this before the
representative of the Great Spirit. I told Captain
Anderson it was wrong to keep me in irons but he did not
understand. Barncho then said: "I am innocent. I also
told Captain Anderson my idea was that I should be
outside instead of the men who really killed Gen. Canby.
I was not there till the killing was done, but was some
distance away with the other Indians. General Wheaton
said: "Although not present, you are accused of bringing
three rifles up on the ground." Barncho said that was
untrue. Black Jim said: "I see many people here, General
Wheaton and the people with the paper to record all I
say. My heart is very good. I was always on hand in the
war to do my part in the first fight. I was shot through
the body by the soldiers when I was a little boy. I was
always known to tell the truth. I was long lying at the
point of death, and not much on the warpath. I do not
insist, like Captain Jack, on bringing another man, but
speak in my own defense. My heart tells me I am strong.
I can take care of the Modocs if Schonchin and Jack are
executed, and I should be left. I am afraid of nothing.
If I have been guilty and he law chiefs decide so, I am
willing to die. General Wheaton remarked that the Great
Spirit man had advised them to all feel in the same way.
SPEECH OF BOSTON CHARLEY
Boston Charley was asked if he had anything
to say, and he said: "You all know me as Boston Charley.
During the whole war I had two hearts, one Indian and
one white man's. I am a boy, and yet you all know of
what I am guilty. Although I am a boy, I feel that I am
a man. When I look at the others, I feel that they are
women. When I die and go to the other world, I don't
want them to go with me. I am not afraid to die. I am
the only man in this room to-day. I fought in the front
ranks. Hooka Jim, Bogus Charley and Shacknasty Jim
fought with me, and they, too, are men; and I feel I am
not a half woman. I killed General Canby, assisted by
Steamboat Frank and Bogus Charley. Bogus Charley said at
that time, "Do you think the Commissioners mean to make
peace?" I said "Yes." He said, "I do not believe it, and
I will lead them into a trap and kill them." Then I
said, "I will go with you." I would like to see all my
people and bid them good-bye. Would like to go to the
stockade to see them. If I were to criminate other
parties it would not help me. Captain Jack has
implicated others, but I see it would be too late. I
know that our chief men, Captain Jack and Schonchin,
were not at the bottom of that affair; that they did not
take as prominent parts as some of the younger men. I am
young; know but little, and cannot say much. I only know
what I see with my eyes." General Wheaton then asked,"
Did not General Canby make you presents and treat you
kindly? Why did you kill him?" he replied: "The presents
had no influence. We thought General Canby wished to
lead us into a trap. Our hearts were wild." General
Wheaton: "I did not come here to blame you, but to hear
any explanation you had to make." Boston then continued:
"After the young men decided on the murder of the
Commissioners, I told Bogus I was afraid. He said,
'Don't be afraid, for I can kill them all with my own
hand.' Then I said I will go with you. Captain Jack said
nothing in the camp, but when it was decided on he said
he would go to the ground and try to prevent it. The
object of Bogus Charlie going in was to disarm the
General of suspicion. Toby, Riddles' wife, understood
that there was a plot on hand to kill the Commissioners.
Bogus wanted to get all four, but General Gillem failed
to come, and when Dyar was seen coming in his place it
was decided to kill him. Toby said: "To kill the four."
Bogus said to her: "Go with me to General Canby's tent."
That was the evening before the massacre. I am telling
what I know to be true--nothing more. I am done."
JACK AGAIN SPEAKS.
Captain Jack--You see that Boston has
made an open confession, and that it was not me but the
young men who took part in that affair. My heart was
always good towards the whites. I wanted to make peace
with them, but my young men were against it, and I could
not control them. My opinion has been that when the
evidence came out Hooker Jim, Steamboat Frank, Bogus and
Shagnasty would be arrested and tried. They deceived
General Canby, and always took part in anything wrong. I
would like to make friends with General Wheaton,
considering both parties wrong, and have the real guilty
parties punished. I always had a good heart towards the
white people. Scar-faced Charley is a relative of mine.
He is worse than I am, and I propose to make an exchange
and turn him over to be executed in my place." General
Wheaton told him his word was good before this trouble.
SCHONCHIN'S SPEECH.
Schonchin was asked if he had anything to
say. he replied: "You all know I have always been a good
man. There never was a time but I wanted the white man's
heart and took his advice. I sent my son to Yainox, and
he made him a home there and was satisfied. Boston
Charley told the truth to-day when he called me a woman.
I never received a wound previous to this war, and was
always a peace man. But there were always some young men
whom we could not control. They said if they wanted to
kill whites or Indians they would do it. I sat in my
tent during the fight with Major Jackson, and took no
part, but here I am now in irons, and feel to-day that
my young men put them here. I have always tried to be a
good man, and have always given my young men good
advice, and was always ready to shake hands with white
men when they came into my country; but here I am in
irons and condemned to die. I think I should not be
executed, but I have heard the words of the good man who
has talked to us and am willing to die and go to my
father in heaven--my father lived here long ago and I
have always thought that I would like to see him in the
Spirit Land. If I die now, perhaps I will see him with
the Great Spirit; perhaps the Great Spirit will say:
'Schonchin, my law, which is in force among the whites,
has killed you.' It was not in my heart to do wrong, but
I was led off by my young men. Perhaps I was insane. You
have tried the law on me and know whether or not I am a
good man. Hooka Jim was anxious to try his skill and I
remonstrated against his murdering the citizens. When
the evidence was sent back to the President he formed
the opinion that I was a wild savage Indian, and did not
know that I used my influence to prevent the young men
from doing such great wrongs; and it is hard for me to
have to die. The Great Chief at Washington has to depend
on the evidence of others and has formed the opinion
that Schonchin is a very bad man, but the Great Spirit
sees my eyes and my legs with the irons on them, and
knows whether or not I am a very bad man. I will try to
believe that the President did according to the will of
the Great Spirit in condemning me to die. I take that as
truth. You all see me to-day. I am firm and do not cry.
I am not a child but a man, and will try to understand
that it is right for me to die. But I leave my son, and
I hope he will be allowed to remain in the country and
be a good man. I wish to leave him in the care of my
brother, the old chief Schonchin, at Yainox.
General Wheaton--Your brother is here
and I will endeavor to carry out your wishes.
Schonchin--I have always regarded the
young men of the Modoc tribe as my children. I leave
four children which I would like to have placed in the
care of my brother.
General Wheaton--Your children will
be brought in to see you to-day.
Schonchin--My heart tells me I should
not die. You are doing a great wrong to take my life. I
was an old man and took no active part in the war, but
the young men who killed citizens and soldiers should be
executed to-day. I tell you, General Wheaton, that I
think myself a good man. I never wanted to steal horses
and other property from the whites. I have nothing more
to say about the boys who killed the citizens, but I
have an interest in them, and if the law does not take
hold of them, perhaps it is well; they may yet become
good men. When I look back over the history of the Modoc
war, it seems to me that Superintendent Odeneal is at
the bottom of the trouble. When he came to Linkville and
sent Ivan Applegate to us, we did not get to see Odeneal
himself. If he had come and told us to go to Yainox I
believe we would all have gone there. He is indirectly
the man who killed General Canby and caused all the
bloodshed. When Captain Jackson came to Lost river to
take us on to the reservation, he came with guns
presented, and our fiery young men said, "all right."
You have now heard my version of the first fight on Lost
river. It may be right and may not be. Many citizens
before the war had made false charges against the Modocs;
had told these lies at Yreka, Ashland and Jacksonville,
and this caused the war to come. War is a terrible
thing, and we see the effects of it here to-day when we
look at these chains. I don't say that the sentence is
not right, but after our retreat from the Lava Bed I
thought if I came in and surrendered I would be
protected. I did not think I would be put chains. But
when the Great Spirit looks down on me to-day perhaps He
knows His law has been tried on me, and that the
sentence is just. If I had blood on my hands, as Boston
Charley has, I could say the sentence is just; but I
will say nothing against the decision, or ask that the
line be crossed which the President has drawn. You are
the law-making power and I am the prisoner, and I must
try to think the decision is correct. If I felt as
Boston does I would have very little to say.
I
have made a straight speech. The Great Chief is a long
way off; if I could see him face to face he might listen
to me; but it is just the same as if I was at the bottom
of a long hill and he on the top and I cannot see him.
He has made his decision so let me die. I have talked
much to-day, and you think I believe that by talking, I
can escape the penalty, but I think no such thing. There
is no way of crossing the line the Great Chief has
drawn. When I saw the young men taking the lead I did
not think I was a great criminal, and I do not talk to
save myself, but that you may know my heart. I am not
afraid to die."
BEHAVIOR OF THE CRIMINALS--A HEART RENDERING SCENE
The Chaplain then offered up a fervent and
eloquent prayer, and the interview was ended, it had
occupied four hours and three-quarters, and was of the
most interesting character. It was strange to see the
effect of the different speeches and the different
demeanor of the captives on the audience. Scarcely a man
entered that room without a certain amount of pity and
admiration for Captain Jack, who should have died a
chief; scarcely a man left it without contempt for him.
He undoubtedly showed the white feather, and when we
were about leaving he beckoned to Mr. Applegate, the
interpreter, and begged to know if there was not a bare
possibility of General Wheaton's considering the
proposition to substitute Scared-Faced Charley for him.
Schonchin should go down to posterity as the real chief
of his band. He offered to die for the misdeeds of his
young men, and never begged once for a life he knew was
justly forfeited. Boston and Black Jim have also shown
considerable of that Indian stoicism so much written of;
and it must be confessed that they presented a brave and
courageous spectacle in comparison with their
acknowledged chief. To-morrow will try their nerve, and
if they do not weaken, then let history do them justice.
When Jack's family was admitted last evening to the
guard-house and learned from his own lips the dreadful
certainty of his fate within a few hours, they rent the
air with cries and screams of anguish that were
perfectly wild and fearful, and heard far beyond the
garrison. The affection of these people seems as strong,
if not stronger, than ours, and the meeting is said to
have been a terrible and heart-breaking one.
HANGMANS DAY--THE CROWD--THE GALLOWS
The sun rose beautifully this Friday
morning--just as gloriously as usual in this lovely
spot. Birds are singing, and nothing in nature indicates
that it is Hangman's Day. The duties of the garrison
were performed as methodically as yesterday, only guard
mount was half an hour earlier. There was a restless
unquiet among soldiers and civilians, however, that
indicated some important event. Visitors were gathered
in large numbers--ranchmen from the adjacent valleys;
merchants, lawyers, and people of leisure from across
the mountains, half-breeds, Snakes, Klamaths and
friendly Modocs from the Yainox reservation, making a
motley and picturesque crowd. The gallows--a strong and
substantial frame-work of heavy pine-timbers, stood with
its six ropes hanging from it early this morning. It is
twenty feet in heighth, thirty in length, and the drop
on which the victims will stand nine feet clear from the
ground. It is on the open prairie facing the north,
pinned and braced together strongly and securely. All
the arrangements for the execution had been admirably
made by Post Adjutant Kingsbury.
TO THE PLACE OF EXECUTION--THE MILITARY.
At precisely 9 A.M., the troops were formed
on the parade ground, the artillery and cavalry mounted.
At 9:15 A.M. they took up their line of march in column
as follows: The band playing a quick march; First Light
Battery B, Fourth Artillery; Second Company E, Twelfth
Infantry; Third Company F, Twenty-first Infantry; Fourth
Company G, Twelfth Infantry; Fifth Troop B, First
Cavalry. The centre of the column arriving at the
guard-house, was halted a wagon drawn by four horses and
containing the prisoners took position in the centre of
Company F, Twenty-first Infantry. The band at the head
of the column played the dead march with muffled drums,
and the column took up the line of march to the
scaffold, passing to the westward and taking up the
following position around the scaffold: Battery B,
Fourth Artillery, and Company E, Twelfth Infantry on the
right, facing the west; Company F, Twenty-first
Infantry, in the rear, facing the north; Company G,
Twelfth Infantry and Troop B, First Cavalry, on the left
facing the east.
BEFORE THE SCAFFOLD
The space in the front left clear, was
occupied as follows: Lieutenant G.W. Kingsbury, Post
Adjutant, immediately in front of the scaffold, about 20
feet distant, the interpreter immediately on Lieutenant
Kingsbury's left. Directly in the rear of the Adjutant,
about 20 paces, was the commanding officer, General
Wheaton: on his left and one pace retired stood
Lieutenant Adams, A.A. General of the District of the
Lakes, the three medical officers of the post and the
post Chaplain. On the right and rear of the commanding
officer were several officers, casually at the post and
several citizens. The reporters occupied a table to the
extreme left of the medical staff. Six mounted patrols
passed up and down the rear of the lines on each side to
keep the over curious in position. On the raised
platform immediately in rear of the drop, was stationed
the three enlisted men immediately charged with the
execution of the Modoc prisoners, under the direction of
the officer of the day, whose position was directly in
the centre of the platform. Captain Jack stood on the
right end of the scaffold, Schonchin next to him and
Boston Charley stood at the extreme left, with Black Jim
next to him, leaving in the centre two places vacant. A
short time before the execution, Barncho and Slolux had
been transferred to the stockade, orders having been
received through the Division Commander, from the
President, commuting their sentence to imprisonment for
life and designating Alcatraz Island, California, as
their place of confinement.
THE FINDINGS OF THE COURT MARTIAL
The sentence of the court martial was then read.
____________________
THE EXECUTION
_________________
Following is a report of the execution of
Jack and his band: Boston Charley and Black Jim were led
on the scaffold first, and Sconchin next. They mounted
it with apparent indifference and iron nerve, having
evidently resolved to die as brave as they have lived.
Jack went easily up the stairway, but looked wretched
and miserable. The fetters had been struck off, but
their arms were securely pinioned with cords.
At precisely 9:45 A.M., the interpreters,
Captain O.C. Applegate and David Hill, explained to the
culprits the nature of the order to be read to them by
the Adjutant, and at 10 A.M. Adjutant Kingsbury read the
orders promulgating the sentence of the Commission, and
the President's order therein, with the orders of the
Secretary of War and the Department Commander in the
premises. The two reprieved prisoners, Barncho and
Slolux, yet stood on the ground in front of the
scaffold, shackled and under guard. During the reading
the pinioned victims were seated on the platform of the
scaffold, with their feet on the drop, listening
anxiously, but of course not understanding a word of it.
The reading occupied ten minutes. Then the Adjutant read
the order of commutation in the case of Barncho and
Slolux, and they were taken back to the stockade,
evidently happy at not accompanying the others to the
happy hunting grounds. The Chaplain then offered an
earnest and fervent prayer for the souls of the
culprits, which was listened to attentively. At
10:15,THE FATAL NOOSES WERE PLACED AROUND THE NECKS OF
THE CULPRITS,
Under direction of Captain Hoge. It was necessary to cut
off a little of Captain Jack's long hair, which was in
the way of the rope. Captain Hoge then bid farewell to
the prisoners and the black caps were placed over the
heads of all the culprits. It must have been an awful
moment. At 10:20 they stood on the drop. The rope was
cut by an assistant at a signal made by Captain Hoge
with a handkerchief. The bodies swung round and round,
Jack and Jim apparently dying easily, but Boston and
Schonchin suffering terrible convulsions. Boston and
Schonchin repeatedly drew up their legs, but the two
others seemed to die almost instantly. At 10:28 their
pulses were felt by Captain Hoge, and as I write THEY
ARE SWINGING LIFELESS IN THE AIR.
As the drop fell with a terrible deadly thud,
four poor, wretched human beings fell into eternity, and
a half smothered cry of horror went up from the crowd of
over 500 Klamath Indians, who witnessed the awful
spectacle. Wails of deep and bitter anguish went up from
the stockade, where the wives and children of the poor
fellows had a fair view of the shocking scene. The
coffins, six in number, had been placed directly in rear
of the gallows, two of them destined to be unoccupied,
as the order commuting the sentence of Barncho and
Slolux only arrived at 10:30 last evening, and
preparations had been made for them likewise.
APPLICATION FOR CUSTODY OF THE INDIANS INDICTED BY THE
GRAND JURY.
An application was made this morning by the
Sheriff of Jackson county, for the custody of the
Indians indicted by the Grand Jury, to General Wheaton;
but it was refused.
_________________
A
BACKWARD GLANCE
________________
The Modoc War--Circumstances of the Capture of Jack and
His Band
________________
I consider it proper at this point to relate
again the circumstances of the capture of these
desperate outlaws, as it is all a part of our Western
history, and the public should have every link in the
terrible Modoc tragedy connected up to the final and
closing act. The cruel and wanton murder of General
Canby and Mr. Thomas, and the bloody successes of the
red devils in their stronghold, had THROWN THE COUNTRY
INTO A FERMENT OF INDIGNATION.
The shocking massacre of Captain Thomas'
little command showed the necessity of more prompt and
vigorous measures, of a complete change of tactics, and
also a change of commanders. It was just at this
conjunction of affairs that General Davis took the field
in person, General Gillem was superseded by General
Wheaton, and such efforts were made to dislodge the
enemy that Hooka Jim, Steamboat Frank, Bogus Charley,
and Scar-faced Charley, four of the most sagacious of
the Modoc warriors, no doubt perceiving that the pursuit
of the Indians was going to be relentless and lasting,
threw down their arms and surrendered, unconditionally.
They offered their services as scouts, and even agreed
to surprise and kill Captain Jack, if necessary. General
Davis, wisely foreseeing that they would be most
valuable auxilaries, accepted their services, promising
them protection as a REWARD FOR THE CAPTURE OF CAPTAIN
JACK AND THE OTHER MURDERERS OF THE PEACE COMMISSION.
It was unfortunate, perhaps, for the cause
of justice that these particular Indians, Hooka Jim and
Bogus Charley, should have offered themselves as scouts
and turned State's evidence against their comrades in
arms, as they were notoriously the most bloodthirsty and
dangerous of the band. They had been treated kindly and
liberally by the Tule Lake settlers, and their
cold-blooded massacre of those who had been their
friends entitled them to just the same punishment as
that received by Captain Jack. Scar-Faced Charley, the
chief advisor and interpreter of Captain Jack, and
really the Bismarck of the band, had only been a warrior
in arms against our troops, and to-day there are no
regrets that he should be pardoned and at large. The
general feeling, however, is that, although the pardon
of the other scouts CHEATS THE GALLOWS OF SEVERAL
BRILLIANT AND DISTINGUISHED ORNAMENTS.
The word of a soldier like General Davis is
sacred, and not to be violated under any circumstances.
it is extremely doubtful, though, whether General Davis
even granted conditional amnesty to these scouts, and I
have it from highest authority that he only promised to
do the best he could for them. Our boys, nettled by
disastrous reverses, roused by the cry of "Vengeance!"
from all parts of the country, and inspired by the
presence of General Frank Wheaton, their old commander,
redoubled their efforts and hunted the flying Modocs
from point to point, and from ravine to ravine. Wheaton
had the full confidence of his men. He was known as a
sagacious Indian fighter, and the consequence was that
the troops who were completely demoralized when he took
command, pushed the fugitives so closely that on the
second day of June, Captain Jack, whose name had rung
like that of Philip and Tecumseh all over the land, GAVE
HIMSELF UP, A SULLEN AND ABJECT CAPTIVE, without any
conditions whatever. A few days later, the last of a
band that had struck terror into the settlements of
Northern California and Southern Oregon, and almost
paralyzed the whole military force on the Pacific,
delivered themselves up, and the war, unparalleled for
its bloody ferocity and murderous success on the side of
the Indians, was ended.
NUMBER OF WARRIORS OVERRATED
I learn form Dr. Cabanis, who was surgeon to
the Modoc expedition, operating in the field, that only
twenty Modocs, men, women and children, were killed
during the whole war, and is it now apparent that the
number of warriors engaged never exceeded 60 or 70, and
has been greatly overrated.
THE PRISONERS SLEEP AND EAT WELL
The circumstances attending the trial and
conviction of Captain Jack and five others for the
murder of General Canby and Rev. Eleazer Thomas do not
need repeating, as they are so recent. Immediately after
the convictions of the six Modocs engaged in the
massacre, they were securely ironed and removed to the
guard-house at this post, and notwithstanding the fact
that their inevitable fate was staring them in the face,
they have slept well, eaten heartily and have felt quite
as comfortable under these peculiar circumstances as
their white brethren would have done.
PITIABLE CONDITION OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
A few hundred feet from the guard house is a
high stockade, in which are confined the women and
children, and the most of the men of Jack's band, all
dear to him and to his doomed fellow prisoners; and when
one reflects that even in the wanton murder of the
friends who perilled themselves to save them, they were
only carrying out the cruel instincts of their natures,
for which, to a certain extent they were irresponsible,
it is impossible not to sympathize with them.
JACK EXPRESSES HIMSELF AS WILLING TO DIE,
But complains bitterly that Scar-Faced
Charley and others who deserted him should escape the
gallows. The scouts--Steamboat Frank, Hooka Jim,
Scar-Faced Charley, and Bogus--walked the parade ground
with an air of independence and security that shows
their reliance in the word of Gen. Davis, but they
rarely pass a soldier or civilian without leaving a deep
and quiet curse and hearty regrets that they are not to
adorn the same tree as the other victims. They are
voluble and communicative probably to gain information
themselves, and as the hour of execution approaches
appear a little nervous and solicitous regarding their
own fate. They understand fully their position and know
that the civil authorities of Jackson county have a
claim upon them; and to-day, in a conversation with
three of these worthies, they told me that they were
afraid Davis would break his word and give them up. When
Jack's fate is referred to they shake their heads and
say that the Klamaths will be very mad if Jack is
hanged; but this is mere pluster.
THE KLAMATHS ARE WELL CARED FOR,
And well prayed for, being now completely within the
bosom of the church; and what is better, they are well
fed and clothed. The developments made by the press
during the past six or eight months regarding the
conduct of Indian affairs on distant Reservations, have
made agents and sub-agents wary, and also made the
Indians watchful that their rights are not violated; and
I doubt if ever we hear charges of systematic starvation
coming from the Klamath Reservation again. Not that the
agents appointed by the churches are more honest than
the generality of other men, but they are more afraid of
being detected in robbery, either of the Government or
its wards. My opinion is that the Klamath, Snakes and
the remnant of the Modoc tribe will remain perfectly
friendly as long as they are well cared for, fairly
dealt with, and overawed with a strong military force.
It is true they are intermingled by marriage with the
Modocs, but their own brutal, selfish natures will
prevent them from taking their part and putting their
own necks in the halter.
UNFOUNDED RUMORS.
There are rumors afloat that the Indians
indicted by the Grand Jury of Jackson county, Oregon,
for the murder of citizens on Lost River, in November
last, will be turned over to the authorities of Oregon
for trial, and of course for conviction. Such rumors
have no foundation, and I deem it highly improbably that
any such disposition will be made of any Modoc prisoner
or scout. Such a course might not be politic. The
amnesty granted or promised by General Davis, only
conditional on his part on the approval of higher
authority, was accepted in good faith by the scouts,
nearly all of whom are among the list of Lost River
murderers, and under the hope of pardon, implied by a
white chieftain's word. They were greatly instrumental
in the capture of Captain Jack and the other cowardly
murderers of the Peace Commissioners, and therefore
ending the war. It is admitted that the trial in an
Oregon court would be a mockery of justice; and indeed,
from personal observation I apprehended that it would be
exceedingly difficult to impanel an Oregon jury that
would acquit them. I do not intend to do the people of
that State any injustice, but desire to show that their
exasperation is so great and their conviction of Indian
guilt so strong, that it would be difficult to procure
sufficient evidence to balance the scales of justice
evenly.
COULD THEY SEE THEIR FAMILIES,
The wives and children of these brave, misguided
captives to-day, as I see them, cooped up within the
limits of a strong stockade from which escape is
hopeless, wretched and dependent, listening anxiously
for any word of encouragement as to their future,
watching nervously every movement of the troops and the
arrival and departure of every stranger, there would be
Christian pity for their condition, instead of the
blood-thirsty cry for "Vengeance!" There seems to be a
very deep-rooted
PREJUDICE HERE AGAINST HOOKA JIM,
And as the evidence against him is very positive and
clear, it would be well to have him delivered to the
civil authorities of Oregon as a future example.
Scar-Face Charley, another scout, has been wrongly
indicted by the Grand Jury of this county, as he was in
the Lava Bed at the time of the massacre. Black Jim also
was not among the murderers of the settlers, as he was
shot through the body by Major's Jackson's troops on the
day of the first battle at Lost river. He was also
indicted, but his participation in the massacre of the
Commissioners settles the question so far as he is
concerned, and with the exception of Hooka, and perhaps
Long Jim, with regard to the other indicted murderers
the evidence is very meagre and unsatisfactory. Military
men are
SILENT HERE AS TO THE DISPOSITION OF THESE PEOPLE,
And, wisely so; but I predict that the Modocs who
survive Friday's work, will immediately be removed so
far beyond the boundaries both of Oregon and California,
that they will never trouble us more.
_____________________
MODOC PRISONERS
______________________
The following is a correct list of the Modoc
prisoners at this post, 160 in number: Captain Jack's
family, five members; Schonchin's family, five members;
Schonchin Pete's family, five members; Boston Charley's
family, three members; Black Jim's family, three
members; Sloloux's family, six members; Davis' family,
five members; One-eyed Mose's family, two members;
One-eyed Watchman's family, three members; Long George's
family, one member; Jerry's family, one member; Wooley
Jackey's family, eight members; Jo's family, three
members; John's family, four members; Ben's family, two
members; Scar-face Charley's one member; Miller
Charley's, one member; no name, two members; Potiver's
family, four members; Lost River Old Man's family, six
members; Lost River family, four members; Tule Lake Big
Man's family, three members; Tule Lake Sam's family, six
members. These comprise Captain Jack's band proper.
OF
THE COTTONWOOD INDIANS,
There are Bogus Charley's family, three members; Hooka
Jim's family, eleven members; Steamboat Frank's family,
six members; Shacknasty Jim's family, ten members'
Curly-Headed Doctor's , six members; Buckskin Doctor's
family, two members; Barnicho's family, five members;
Long Jim's family, two members; Joe Jacksis' family, two
members; Ellen's family, three members; Sam's family,
one member; William's family, two members; Fail's, one
member; Arteny's family, one member; Millie's family,
three members; Lost River Blandman's family, five
members; Old Woman's family, one member; Tule Lake Blind
Man's family, six members; Butte Creek Man's family, six
members.
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end - |
