Agent Meacham's report of security for the present was communicated by the superintendent to Canby, who in turn reported it to the division commander at San Francisco, and the matter rested. Major Ludington, military inspector, who made a tour of the stations on the border of California and Oregon, passing through camps Bidwell, Warner, and Harney, also reported the people on the whole route free from any fear of Indians, and that the rumors of alarm arose solely from petty annoyances to individuals from Indians visiting the settlements.[1] Fort Klamath was not visited by the inspector, and the report of the Indian agent misled the military department.
But the settlers in the Tule and Clear Lake district did not feel the same security. On the contrary, in November 1871 they petitioned the superintendent and Canby to remove the Modocs to their reservation, saying that their conduct was such that they dared not allow their families to remain in the country.[2] Their petition remained in the superintendent's hands for two months before it was submitted to Canby, with the request that Jack's band be removed to Camp Yainax, and suggesting that not less than fifty troops be sent to perform this duty, and that Commissary Applegate accompany the expedition, if not objected to by Captain Jackson.
Canby replied that he had considered the Modoc question temporarily settled by the permission given them by the commissioners to remain where they were until they had been notified of the determination of the government in regard to the six miles square recommended by him to be given them for a separate reserve, and that it would be impolitic to send a military force against them before that decision, or before
- ↑ Military Correspondence, Sept. 2, 1871. Capt. Jackson also wrote, I have no doubt that they are insolent beggars, but so far as I can ascertain no one has been robbed, or seriously threatened.' H. Ex. Doc., i. pt ii., 115, 41st cong. 2d sess.
- ↑ See letter of Jesse Applegate to Supt Meacham, Feb. 1, 1872, in H. Ex. Doc., 122, 13, 43d cong. 1st sess.; Military Correspondence, MS., Jan. 29. 1872; Jacksonville Democrat, March 1, 1873.
