Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/603

 the rescue with nearly all the troops in reserve, but ten having had time to mount, and in this unprepared manner fought the Indians the remainder of the day. In this skirmish the long range of the United States arms seemed to surprise the Modocs, as it saved the train. The Indians failed to capture the ammunition, but lost their own horses, and four warriors killed and wounded. A bugler whom they pursued escaped to headquarters, when Jackson's troops were sent to reënforce Bernard; but before his arrival the Modocs had retreated. About the same time they showed themselves on Lost River, opposite headquarters, inviting the attack of the soldiery; and also near Van Bremer's, where Perry and Ross were encamped together.

On the 25th of December Wheaton ordered the volunteers to the front, and word was sent to Langell Valley, where five families still remained, to fortify. Preferring to go to Linkville, they set out in wagons, and were fired upon from an ambush near the springs on Lost River, but were relieved and escorted to their destination by a scouting party. A supply-train from Klamath was also attacked, and a part of the escort wounded, being relieved in the same manner by the volunteers.

Colonel Green, who still retained the immediate command of the troops, was now ordered to attack the Indians whenever in his judgment sufficient material of war was on hand. "With the howitzers and one snow-storm I am ready to begin," had been his asseveration. On the 5th of January another reconnoissance was made, by Captain Kelly of Ross' battalion, with a detachment of twelve men, with the object of finding a more practicable route than the one in use from Van Bremer's, where Green had taken up his headquarters, to the Modoc stronghold. On