Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/579

Rh sition upon him, when in his character of agent it was his duty to have clone so. This neglect caused Goodale to be censured, who promptly placed the blame upon Knapp, while admitting the soundness of his judgment. Owing to the inferiority of the force at Klamath, no steps were taken for a year and a half to brins: back the Modocs under Jack to the reservation, during which time they roamed at will from one resort to another, making free use of the beef of the settlers on Lost River, and by their insolence each summer frightening the women into flight.

In August 1870 General Crook was relieved from the command of the Department of the Columbia by General E. R. S. Canby, and sent to fight the Indians of Arizona, for which purpose all the military stations in Oregon were depleted. At Fort Klamath there was one company, K, of the 23d infantry under Lieutenant Goodale, and no cavalry, while at Camp Warner, over a hundred miles to the east, there were two companies, one being cavalry, neither post being strong enough to assist the other, and both having to keep in check a large number of Indians subdued by Crook, but riot yet trusted to remain quiescent.

There were certain other elements to be taken into account in considering the causes which led to the Modoc war. The Klamaths used formerly to be allies of the Modocs, although they seem never to have been so fierce in disposition; but after being settled on the reserve and instructed, and especially after Lalake, their old chief, was deposed, being sup planted by a remarkable young Klamath, named by