Page:The Indian History of the Modoc War.djvu/162



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CHAPTER XVI.

All the prisoners moved to Fort Klamath, Oregon. Curley Haired Jack kills himself the first night they camped at the lower gap on Lost River, Oregon. Soldiers arrived at Fort Klamath on the third day from the peninsula. Captain Jack, Schonchin, Black Jim, Boston Charley and Boncho and Slolux on trial for murder in July. First four condemned and sentenced to be hung October 3, 1873.

In about ten or twelve days after Ben Lawver gave himself up, the soldiers all left the peninsular and headed for Fort Klamath, Oregon, with all their Modoc prisoners, about one- hundred and fifty or sixty all told. They camped on Lost River, Oregon, known as Lower Gap, the first night, about twenty-three miles from the peninsular. Black Jim and his pal ate some that evening.

The whole camp had a refreshing night's rest. The offi- cers gave orders to get an early breakfast, so that they may get an early statf. They wanted to make the Agency 1 that day if possible, forty miles away; they knew that was a long drive to make with heavy wagons, so by sun-up most of the teams were ready to start. The Indians commenced to get on the wagon; nearly all the Indians had taken their places in the wagons. A shot rang out, and the sound went up the river. The soldiers grasped their trusty Springfield rifles, all looking at the last little tent, that one of the Modoc prisoners had not taken down. Gen. Wheaton gave orders to find out who fired* the shot. Just about then Scarface Charley walked up to Jeff C. Davis and told him that Curley Haired Jack had shot and killed himself with his own revolver. He said : "No see what for he like to die dat way, bet me no die dat way, me die plenty soon 'nuff, me think."

Curley Haired Jack told his mother that morning that he did not intend to go any further; he told her that he thought

iKlamath Agency, Or