Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/613

 question was productive of the worst results. It happened that E. L. Applegate, brother of O. C. and Ivan Applegate, commissaries on the reservation, was in Washington as a commissioner of immigration; but the legislature of Oregon having failed to furnish funds for his purposes, he was in need of some other commission. Meacham, ex-superintendent of Indian affairs, was also there, and these two men proposed to the perplexed secretary of the interior a plan of settlement of the Modoc difficulty in harmony with his prejudices. When the scheme was ripe, Attorney-general Williams arranged an interview, and the thing was accomplished. Other politicians made the appeal in favor of a peace commission, and closed their argument by recommending Meacham as a commissioner, being a man "in whom they have great confidence"—meaning the Modocs. All this seems very singular, when it is remembered that Jack would have none of Meachams advice when he was superintendent. It was not less singular that E. L. Applegate should have consented to act directly in opposition to the opinions of his family, gained by a harassing experience; but the fact remains that Meacham returned to Oregon as chairman of a peace commission.

On the 30th of January the secretary of war directed General Sherman to notify Canby that offensive operations against the Modocs should cease, and the troops be used only to repel attacks and protect the citizens. Wheaton was also relieved of his command, which was assumed by Colonel Alvin C. Gillem