Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/623

Rh to the secretary of the interior, but not quite so to General Sherman, who haul somewhat different views of the Modoc question.

On the 11th a reconnoissance of the lava-beds, by a cavalry company under Colonel Biddle, was ordered, but he saw nothing of the Modocs. According to a previously expressed desire of Jack's, a messenger had been sent to Yainax to invite old Sconchin and a sub-chief, Riddle, to visit him, a proposition favored by the general, who hoped the friendly chiefs might influence him to make peace. Sconchin came reluctantly, and after the interview assured the general that all future negotiations would be unavailing.

On the 13th Biddle, while reconnoitring the vicinity of the lava-beds, captured thirty-four horses belonging to the Modocs—a measure thought necessary to lessen their means of escape. Two days afterward headquarters were moved to Van Bremer's, and the troops drawn closer about Jack's position. On the 19th Meacham wrote that he had not entirely abandoned hope of success; but the Modocs were deterred by a fear that the Oregon authorities would demand the eight indicted men to be tried. In this letter he advocated a meeting on Jack's own terms, and said if left to his own judgment he should have visited the stronghold; even that he was ready to do so now, but was restrained by Canby; though it did not appear that anything had transpired to change his mind since he had written that the Modocs meant treachery. Canby himself could not make his reports agree, for on one day he thought the Modocs would consent to go to Yainax, and on the next that they were not favorable to any arrangement. On the 22d, while Canby