Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/618

600 Klamaths, for the return of sixty horses captured during the war, with which transaction there was no interference bv the military.

On the arrival of Steele, the board of commissioners held a meeting, and decided to offer the Modocs a general amnesty on condition of a complete surrender, and consent to remove to a distant reservation within the limits of Oregon or California, Canby to conclude the final terms. Against this protocol Meacham voted being still inclined to give Jack a reservation of his choice. On the 5th of March Steele proceeded, in company with Fairchild, Riddle, and Toby, and a newspaper reporter, R. H. Atwell, to visit the Modoc stronghold, and make known to Jack the terms offered. A singular misunderstanding resulted. Steele, who was but little acquainted with the language of the Modocs, reported that Jack had accepted the offer of the commissioners, and Fairchild that he had not. Riddle and Toby were the best of interpreters; Scarface spoke English very well, and Jack but little if at all Steele and Fairchild were equally well acquainted with Indian manners, making their difference of opinion the more unaccountable.

When Steele handed in his report there was a feeling of relief experienced in camp, and the commissioners set about preparing despatches, only to be thrown into confusion by the contradictory statement of Fairchild. So confident was Steele, that he decided upon returning for verification of his belief; but Fairchild declined to expose himself to the rage of the Modocs when they should find they had been misinterpreted. In view of these conflicting opinions, Meacham cautiously reported that he had reason to believe that an honorable and permanent peace would be concluded within a few days.

On returning that evening to the Modoc strong hold, Steele found the Indians in much excitement.