Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/592

 officered by Captain Jackson, Lieutenant Boutelle, and Dr McEldery. Odeneal had sent Brown, his special messenger, to notify the settlers who were likely to be endangered in case of an engagement with the Modocs. How imperfectly this was done the sequel proved. The superintendent met Jackson on the road about one o clock on the morning of the 29th, directing him to say to Jack and his followers that he had not come to fight, but to escort them to Yainax, and not to fire a gun except in self-defence.

A heavy rain was falling, through which the troops moved on, guided by Ivan Applegate, until daybreak, when, arriving near Jack's camp, they formed in line, and advancing rapidly, halted upon the outskirts, calling to the Modocs to surrender, Applegate acting as interpreter. The Indians were evidently surprised and wavering, a part of them seeming willing to obey, but Scarface and Black Jim, with some others, retained their arms, making hostile demonstrations during a parley lasting three quarters of an hour. Seeing that the leaders grew more instead of less defiant, Jackson ordered Lieutenant Boutelle to take some men from the line and arrest them. As they advanced, Scarface fired at Boutelle, missing him. A volley from both sides followed. Almost at the first fire one cavalryman was killed and seven wounded. The balls from the troops mowed down fifteen Indians. Up to the time that firing commenced, Jack had remained silent and sullen in his tent, refusing to take any part in the proceedings, but on the opening of hostilities he came forth and led the retreat of his people, now numbering twice as many as on the visit of Brown and Applegate. In this retreat the women and children were left behind. It was now that the rashness of Colonel Green became apparent. Jackson's force,