Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/646

 punishment for themselves, and Davis thought best to make use of this truckling spirit in putting an end to the war. From the information imparted by them in several interviews, it was believed that Jack was on the head-waters of Pit River with twenty-five warriors and plenty of horses and arms, and it was determined that a scouting expedition should take the field in that direction. On the 23d of May, Jackson left Fairchild's with his cavalry, marching by the Lost River ford to Scorpion Point, where the artillery companies were encamped. On the 25th Hasbrouck marched to the same rendezvous, Perry following on the 28th, and with him went the expedition and district headquarters.

Three days previous to the removal of headquarters, the commander, with five soldiers, two citizens, and four armed Modocs, made a reconnoissance of the lava-beds, the Modocs behaving with the most perfect fidelity, and convincing Davis that they could be trusted to be sent on a scout. Accordingly, on the 27th, they were furnished with rations for four days, and sent upon their errand. Soon they returned, having found Jack east of Clear Lake, on the old immigrant road to Goose Lake, preparing to raid Applegate's farm on the night of the 28th.

Jackson's and Hasbrouck's squadrons, and the Warm Springs scouts were at once ordered to Applegate's and to take the trail of the Modocs toward Willow Creek canon, a despatch being sent to notify the troops en route from Fairchild's under Wheaton to hasten and join headquarters at Clear Lake. Elaborate preparations were made for the capture, skirmish lines being formed on each side of Willow Creek, and all the prominent points in the vicinity held by detachments.

When all these preparations had been completed for investing the Modoc camp, a number of the Indians appeared, calling out to the officers that they did not want to fight, and would surrender, when orders were