Rather a Pleasant Turn [guest posts by Edward Fox, 6–8 March 1873]

[From the New York Herald, 1873; stories by Edward Fox]

Fairchild’s Ranch, Via Yreka, Cal.,

March 7, 1873. [By telegraph.]

T

he Modoc question has taken rather a pleasant turn within the past twenty-four hours, as Mary, Jack’s sister, Boston Charley and another [woman] returned last evening from Captain Jack’s camp and brought the intelligence that Jack was willing to accede to the proposition of the Commissioners.

They could not send anybody in to see him, but sent word that if he spoke in good faith he was to come out to-morrow evening with some of his warriors and surrender. If they came out they would be taken care of until joined by the remainder of the tribe. Then, they say, the warriors held a council after their arrival on Wednesday evening, and when they heard the ultimatum of the Commissioners, Schonchin spoke in favor of accepting the terms offered, and Captain Jack immediately followed, endorsing the sentiments expressed by Schonchin. Captain Jack said he was willing to go with all his people to the new country, and that he said “Yes” to the proposition of the Commissioners, and when he said “Yes” he said “Yes” forever.

Captain Jack said he would like to see Fairchild, the Herald correspondent, and Frank Riddle, the interpreter, before he came out, to hear from them the views of the Commissioners.

General Canby and the Commissioners sent Mary and Boston Charley back this morning. The whole party of Indians will go to Angel Island. Captain Jack will leave shortly for Washington to see the President and consult about their new home.

Dorris Ranch, Cal., March 8,

via Yreka, March 9, 1873.

[By telegraph.]

Boston Charley and a [woman identified in some dispatches as “Limpy”] returned this evening from Captain Jack’s camp, with the news that Jack and his band would be ready to leave the lava beds on Monday.

Jack requests that three wagons might be sent on Monday to meet them at Rocky Point, a spot about half way between Fairchild’s and the lava beds.

Tents have been put up for their reception, and they will be located here until their removal to Angel Island.

They did not come in to-day on account of the death of one of their band, and they intend burying him to-morrow with Modoc military honors.

[This is the first of several telegraphic dispatches sent to their news outlets by both Associated Press correspondent Alex McKay and Edward Fox. Although short, this one appears to be in Fox’s style. Fox, for example, uses “spot” in the sense of “place” and the combination “intend ——ing”, while McKay doesn’t. The expression “Modoc military honors” likewise sounds more like Fox than McKay.]