with the commissioners, but the terms were such as to leave no doubt of intended treachery, and Mr. Applegate and Mr. Case resigned in disgust.  It was apparent to these men that the Indians only sought an opportunity to murder Gen. Canby and such other officers as they could get into their power, but Meacham was determined to succeed, as that was the only means of getting back his job as Superintendent of Indian Affairs.  Accordingly Rev. Dr. Thomas of Oakland and Mr. Dyer, Indian agent at Klamath, were appointed to fill the vacancies.

In the meantime Gen. Canby had moved his headquarters to the foot of the bluff at the lower end of Tule Lake, while Col.  John Green with Mason’s command had moved down from Land’s ranch to a position within striking distance of the stronghold.  Five mortars and three howitzers with an abundance of ammunition and provisions were also moved up to the front.

But the dreary farce was not to be ended yet.  On April 10th four bucks and five squaws rode into Gen. Canby’s camp.  They were fed and clothed by the commission, loaded with presents, and sent back asking for a conference between the lines.  Later in the day Bogus Charley, the Umpqua, came into camp and surrendering his gun, stated that he would not return.  He remained in camp over night and in the morning was joined by “Boston Charley,” one of the leaders who stated that Capt.  Jack was willing to meet the commissioners midway between the lines on the condition that Jack was to be attended by four of his men, all unarmed.  Boston then mounted his horse and rode away.  Bogus accompanying him.

A tent had been pitched midway between the lines and thither Commissioners Meacham, Thomas, and Dyer, and Gen. Canby repaired accompanied by Frank Riddle and his Modoc wife as interpreters.  Before starting both Riddle and his squaw in vain tried to dissuade the commissioners from their purpose.  Meacham told Gen. Canby that Riddle only sought to delay negotiations in order to prolong his job as interpreter; that he knew Capt.  Jack and that he “was an honorable man.”  Rev. Mr. Thomas when appealed to by Riddle replied that he “was in the hands of his God.”  Both Riddle and his squaw then, at the suggestion of Mr. Dyer, went to the tent of Gen. Canby and begged him not to go.  With tears streaming down her cheeks the woman implored the General not to go, as treachery was surely meditated.  Gen. Canby replied that “his Government had ordered him to go, and a soldier had no choice but to obey orders.”  The General was dressed in full uniform, with sword belt and empty scabbard.

Gen. Gillem intended to accompany them but was too indisposed to leave his tent.  Riddle, in describing what transpired at the “peace tent,” told me that Meacham made a short speech and was followed by Dr. Thomas and Gen. Canby.  Capt.  Jack then made a speech, demanding Hot Creek and Cottonwood as a reservation, owned at that time by the Dorris brothers, Fairchilds and Doten.  Meacham then