given not to fire. Boston Charley then came forward and gave up his arms, stating that the band were hidden among the rocks and trees, but would surrender if he were allowed to bring them in. At this moment the accidental discharge of a carbine in the hands of one of the scouts caused the Indians on the north side of the creek to disappear; but Boston offered to undertake gathering them in, if permitted to do so, which permission was given by Green. It happened, however, that after crossing to the other side of the canon for that purpose, Boston was captured by Hasbrouck's troops coming up that side, and sent to the rear under guard, and that Green did not become aware of this fact for two hours, during which he waited for Boston's return, and the Modoc warriors escaped, though some women and children were captured. It being too late to follow the trail of the fugitives, the troops bivouacked for the night.
On the morning of the 30th Hasbrouck's scouts discovered the trail on the north side of Willow Creek, leading toward Langell Valley. Owing to the broken surface of the country, it was not until late in the day that the foremost of the troops under Jackson, who had crossed the creek and joined in the pursuit, reached the crest of the rocky bluff bounding Langell Valley on the east, and where the Modocs were discovered to be. When the skirmishers had advanced to within gun-shot, Scarface Charley came forward with several others, offering to surrender, and was permitted to return to the band whom he promised to bring in. Jack's sister Mary, being with the troops, went with Scarface, as did also Cabaniss,[1] to both of whom Jack promised surrender in the morning. But when morning came, true to his false nature, he had again disappeared with a few of his followers.
The news of Jack's escape being sent to headquarters, Perry was ordered, on the morning of the
- ↑ Eureka West Coast Signal, March 1, 1876; Corr. Oregonian, June 3, 1873.
