Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/633

 gested in the public prints to force the Modocs out of their caves in the lava-beds, such as sharp-shooters to pick them off at long range; steel armor for the soldiers; the employment of blood-hounds, and of sulphur smoke. But fortunately for the reputation of the American people, none of these methods were resorted to, the public being left to exhaust its hostility in harmless suggestions.

The troops had at no time regarded the peace com mission with favor, any more than had the people best acquainted with the character of the Modocs. Those who fought on the 17th of January were displeased with the removal of Wheaton from the command, and had seen nothing yet in Gillem to lessen their dissatisfaction. They were now anxious to fight, and impatiently awaiting the command, which they with other observers thought a long time coming.

On the day after the massacre Mason moved to the south of the stronghold six miles. His line was attacked by the Modocs, forcing the left picket to give way, which position was, however, retaken by Lieutenant E. R. Thellar with a portion of company I of the 21st infantry. Skirmishing was kept up all day and a part of the 13th. At length, on the 14th, Gillem telegraphed to Mason, asking if he could be ready to advance on the stronghold on the next morning; to which Mason replied that he preferred to get into position that night. To this Gillem consented, ordering him not to make any persistent attack, but to shelter his men as well as possible. Donald McKay's company of Warm Spring scouts, engaged by Canby when it began to appear that hostilities would be resumed, had arrived, and was posted on Mason's left, with orders to work around toward Green's right.

The movement began at midnight, and before day-