Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/630

 of the troops. While Sconchin's remarks were being interpreted, Jack arose and walked behind Dyar's horse, returning to his place opposite Canby a moment later. As he took his position, two Indians suddenly appeared, as if rising out of the ground, carrying each a number of guns. Every man sprang to his feet as Jack gave the word, "all ready," in his own tongue, and drawing a revolver from his breast fired at the general. Simultaneously Sconchin fired on Meacham, and Boston Charley on Thomas. At the first motion of Jack to fire, Dyar, who was a very tall man and had the advantage of a few feet in distance, started to run, pursued by Hooker Jim. When he had gone a hundred and fifty rods, finding himself hard pressed, he turned and fired his pistol, which checked the advance of the enemy. By repeating this manoeuvre several times, he escaped to the picket-line. Riddle also escaped by running, and Toby, after being given one blow, was permitted to follow her husband. General Canby was shot through the head. Thomas was also shot dead; and both were instantly stripped naked. Meacham had five bullet-wounds, and a knife-cut on the head. He was stripped and left for dead, but revived on the arrival of the troops.

While the commissioners were smoking and con versing with the Modocs, a preliminary part of the tragedy was being enacted on another part of the field. An Indian was discovered by the picket about Mason's camp carrying a white flag, a sign of a desire to see some of the officers, and Lieutenant W. L. Sherwood, officer of the day, was sent by the colonel to meet the bearer and learn his errand. Sherwood soon returned with the report that some Modocs desired an interview with the commander of the post; when Mason sent them word to come within the lines if they wished to see him. Lieutenant Boyle, who happened to be present, asked permission to accompany Sherwood, when the two officers walked out to meet the flag-bearer, half a mile outside the pickets.