made predatory excursions away from their strong hold. It was now the middle of January. The settlers in Klamath Valley remained under cover. The road from Tule Lake southward was closed. Fairchild and Dorris had converted their homes into fortified camps. There was much uneasiness in northern California, and talk of forming companies of home-guards, Dorris being selected to visit Booth to obtain aid. But Booth had other advisers, and instead of furnishing arms, made a recommendation to the government to set apart five thousand acres of land where Jack desired it, as a reservation for his band, all of which interference only complicated affairs, as will be seen.
On the 16th of January, everything being in readi ness, and the weather foggy, which answered in place of a snow-storm to conceal the movements of the troops, the army marched upon Jack's stronghold.[1] The regulars in the field numbered 225, and the volunteers about 150. In addition to the companies already mentioned was one of twenty-four sharp shooters under Fairchild. Miller of the Oregon militia had been ordered to the front by Governor Grover, but took no part in the action which followed.
At four o'clock in the morning Colonel Green, with Perry's troops, moved up to the bluff on the south west corner of Tule Lake to clear it of Modoc pickets, and cover the movements of the main force to a camp on the bluff three miles west of Jack's stronghold, so located as to be out of sight of the enemy. By three in the afternoon the whole force was in position, consisting of two companies of infantry under Captain Burton and Lieutenant Moore, a detachment of another company under Sergeant John McNamara,
- ↑ Wheaton wrote to Canby on the 15th that all things were in excellent condition, the most perfect understanding prevailed of what was expected of each division, and the troops were in the most exuberant spirits. 'If the Modocs will only try to make good their boast to whip 1,000 soldiers, all will be satisfied. Our scouts and friendly Indians insist that the Modocs will fight us desperately, but I don t understand how they can think of attempting any serious resistance, though of course we are prepared for their fight or flight.' H. Ex. Doc., 122, 49–50, 43d cong. 1st sess.
