The New York Herald Newspaper, October 4, 1873, Page 3

RETRIBUTION Execution of the Murderers of General Canby and Dr. Thomas. Captain Jack, Sconchin, Boston Charley and Black Jim Dis- posed of by Hanging. A REMARKABLE MEETING. Speeches and Confessions of the Condemned. Boston Charley’s Boast of Hav- ing Killed Canby. Captain Jack’s Desperate Plea for Life. “TERRIBLE TO THINK | HAVE TO DIE.” “Would Like to Live Until I Die Natural.” Jack Urges General Wheaton to Hang Scar-Face in His Place. Address to the Captives by the Post Chaplain. Sentence of Barncho and Slolox Com- muted by the President. es SINGULAR SPEECH OF SCONCHIN. Terrific Grief of the Squaws and Papooses. a THE MILITARY ORDER OF EXECUTION. ‘Crowds of Whites and In- dians on the Scene. Forr Kuamaru, Oregon, Oct. 3, 1873. A horse race and a hanging are two of the most popular amusements that can possibly take place in the interior of any of these West- ern States, and people flock from all sections of the country to be present at these social gatherings. Oregon is especially sociable in that way, and people kept arriving here yes- terday from all sections of the country. Among other arrivals were Oliver Applegate and Bob Whittle, both of whom I became ac- quainted with in the lava beds. Mrs. ‘Boby and her daughter have also arrived ‘here, having come, it is said, with the inten- tion of seeing Jack and party hang, also of paying a visit to Hooker Jim with a six shooter; and it would certainly be no loss to the community if astray bullet was to de- prive us of his society. It is strange that while Jack, Sconchin, Black Jim and Boston Charley were strung up this morning without any complimentary notice that I should have grown sufficiently careless as to inquire for a -hammock and string. THE TWO COMBATHESES, Barncho and Slolux were perfectly de- lighted at getting reprieved this morning; and, although their sentence has been com- muted to imprisonment for life, they will pass a pretty dull season at Alcatraz, ‘Anything for life,” one would say, if he had seen the delighted expression that passed over the hideous features of Barncho as Bret Tyler, the officer of the day, informed them early this morning of the clemency of the Presi- dent. Sheriff McKenzie, of Jackson county, also arrived yesterday, and had, I understand, ® requisition from the Governor of Oregon for several of THE LOST RIVER MURDERERS. It would be a very good thing for the country nd the people if the Curly-Headed Doctor vand those four scouts were so disposed of that they would not bother anybody again. The ieprieve for Barncho and Slolux arrived last Wednesday with Captain Enn's, from Gen- -eral Schofield, but was kept a secret, in order mot to create any jealous feeling among those not so kindly dealt with by the higher authority, On Wednesday the post chaplain paid a visit to Jack and the rest, and talked for ‘some time, but they did not pay half the at- tention necessary. Scar-facod Charley is swinging about round the post, and when I met him early this morning I asked him what he thought of Jack's offer to exchange places, but Scar-face Charley did not see the fun of the joke. A REMARKABLE MEETING, The meeting held yesterday, and reported here in full, was one of the most remarkable that has ever been held in that section of the country. The speaking on the part of the Indians was remarkably good, and Sconchin excelled himself, making ong of the most NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, pithy and sensible speeches I have heard for some time, Boston took a very warlike view of the affair, and boasted of killing Canby and Dr. Thomas. Black Jim was also anxious to take another lease of life, and proposed to General Wheaton that when Jack and Sconchin were executed he should be spared and made chief of the tribe. I hear that the balance of the tribe will leave in a few days for Fort D. ¥. Russel, near Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. At about eleven o’clock yesterday morning General Frank Wheaton kindly invited me to accompany him to hear the post chaplain, the Rev. C. L, Hegennberg, have A TALK WITH THE INDIANS in the guard house, We stepped quietly across the parade and walked into the main guard room; the doors of the cells were pres- ently unlocked by order of Lieutenant Taylor, officer of the day, and the prisoners were marched out of their cells and took up a posi- tion in the southern end of the guard room. Jack, who, by the by, looked considerably worn and pulled down by close confinement for two or three months, took a scat on the end of the bunk, and old Sconchin sat down on his right, huddled up in his blanket. Both of these modest braves were shackled at the feet, and had rather a wild and nervous ap- pearance, as if very anxious about their future, Boston Charley and Black Jim, shackled together, sat down on the left of Jack, the former on the edge of the bunk and the latter on the floor, with his back to the wall. The Buckskin Doctor and Pete, two of the Lost River murderers, sat next to Black Jim, with Barncho and Slolux on their left, and Long Jim on the extreme right. Young Sconchin sat on the bunk on the right of his father, and the Curly Headed Doctor, Dave, and another of the Lost River murderers were squatted along the wall on the right of the semi-circle. THE WHOLE PARTY WERE VERY FIDGETY, as, although they had learned from outside sources that six of them were going to be hanged, they had received no official notifica- tion of their approaching doom, After the General had taken his seat, the Post Chaplain walked into the middle of the circle and de- livered the following address. The method of interpreting was rather roundabout, but as both Dave Hill and Oliver Applegate are very proficient in Modoc Gorgon languages, they succeeded in explaining THE MINISTER'S GOOD WORDS in a manner sufficiently comprehensive for the savage congregation. The Rev. Mr. Hegenn- berg would speak a few sentences in English and then Oliver Applegate would put them into Gorgon, which Dave Hill would interpret to Captain Jack and his band in pure Modoc. Dave Hill is one of the most intelligent Klamaths on the reservation and proved a very efficient interpreter. The object of the Minister was to impress on the mind of the Indians the necessity of repentance for their sins if they expected peace and happiness in the spirit land. The following is an abstract of the remarks: — “Tcome again to speak to you of the love of the Great Father to his children. He has told us he made his children to be good and happy and that he would take all the good to a happy land from whence they would never desire to remove, while he would as certainly send all the wicked to a bad and dreadful place. That all might go to the happy land, he gave all his children everything to show his love and to make them good and happy. He gave the deer and the elk, the sweet running water and the seasons and materials necessary for their houses and comfort; but, instead of being a happy family, loving one another, they forgot love and hated and killed one another. The Great Father was angry and was sorry that he had made man, because he showed so wicked a heart; but the Great Father’s heart was large. He wanted to have all his chil- dren happy and fit to live in heaven, He therefore sent his Son, who had a heart like that of the Great Father to suffer in our stead and to teach us how to live and be happy, and saved all those who have received Christ and followed his teachings have been good and happy. They have been sorry for their evil deeds and done them no more. Many Indians have received Christ and been good and happy. Many Cherokees and Chicksaws, the Papages and far in the islands the Zamany, just like yourselves. Some of these islanders were so wicked they killed their little children because they did not want the trouble of taking care of them and dug a hole in their wigwams and tramped the dirt on them, Some killed and ate another, when the missionary went away from one of these islands, where he had turned the people from their cruel and wicked ways, gathered together on the sea shore and wept, and told the missionary that he had turned them from their wicked ways and now they did not know what they should do with- out him, Now all these people were sorry for their sins and never repeated them any more. They prayed to the Great Father every day to forgive them and make them and keep them good. Now God loves yon as much as he did them. He wants you to repent, you know that you have wicked hearts and that you have done bad things. But, however wicked you have been, and we have all been very sinful, you maybe saved. Do not con- eeal your ina confegg and heartily OCTOBER 4, 1873.—TKIPLE SHEET. acknowledge them, and you shall be saved. And now, Captain Jack and Sconchin, and you all, I mean to go to heaven, and Iwant you too. We all want to meet in Heaven, repent and be happy.’ When the post chaplain concluded his address, General Wheaton told Dave Hill to tell the Indians except the six condemned to return to front. All this manwuvre was executed very quick, and THE CHAPLAIN AGAIN RESUMED the floor, and, standing before Captain Jack, Sconchin, Boston Charley, Black Jim, Barn- cho and Slolux, said:—‘TI have to tell you all that the Great Father in Washington has decided that to-morrow you must all die for your sins, and the Great Spirit also tells you that if you repent and show sorrow for the crimes you have committed you will go to the happy land.” He then stepped up and shook hands with them all, adding “I hope to meet you all in the happy land above.” When these remarks were transInted by Dave Hill, the captives evinced considerable interest and they were evidently striving HARD 'TO MAINTAIN COMPOSURE, and they hada very stolid appearance; but the nervous twitching of the hands and rest- less wandering of their eyes showed that the blow struck hard. EFFECT OF THE DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT. Boston Charley kept steadily chewing to- bacco while the the sentence was being spoken and squirted the juice about the floor in a nonchalant style, as if nothing of any import- ance was taking place. Sconchin expressed his contempt for the whole matter, laying back on the bunk and hawing in the most expressive manner, as if the entire proceedings were rather a bore. Jack appeared to take the news very coolly, but his bright and sparkling eyes appeared unusually brilliant and gazed around the circle in a quick and restless manner. The interpreter then informed them, by order of the President, that their wives and families would be taken good care of ; also that General Wheaton was now prepared to hear any remarks they had to make, CAPTAIN JACK SPEAKS. Captain Jack then spoke, Dave Hill trans- lating the Modoc to jargon and Oliver Apple- gate the jargon into English. The substance of Jack's speech was as follows: — “T have heard the sentence and know what itis; but I feel that Iam more innocent than Bogus Charley, Hooker Jim, Steamboat Frank and Shack Nasty Jim; that these men planned and instigated the crime of which I am ac- cused. When I look into my heart I see no crime there. Young men started these mur- ders. It’s hard to rid them of their savage habits. Bogus Charley was the first to propose the murder of General Canby and the Peace I was always in favor of peace, and Commissioners. These young men were with him. carried me with them. sonal difficulty. MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER. When Bogus Charley proposed killing General Canby. Boston Charley was the one who first sanctioned it. Bogus Charley said, ‘If you fail to help me I do it myself.’ I feel while these four men are at liberty they have triumphed over me, and the government should feel more satisfied if they were brought to trial, as they were as guilty, if not more than Iam. I say that Bogus Charley was the only man who influenced me. He was a traitor toboth sides. He told lies to Modoes and lied to General Canby. I should like to see him brought here. Hooker Jim and Bogus Charley were the men that agitated murder. I want now to tell the truth—want to see those men, I know that Shack Nasty Jim killed General Canby and shot Meacham, and BOSTON CHARLEY KILLED DR. THOMAS. ‘That is all I know about the massacre. Boston Charley says Shack Nasty helped to kill Dr. Thomas, and he wants to see him tried asa murderer. Shack Nasty told me that he told General Wheaton he killed General Canby; but I did not believe him. He saidso after the massacre. Bogus Charley told me he knew blood was on his hands, and I would not be held accountable, as he was the real criminal. Bogus Charley wanted to kill both Generals Canby and Gillem, and was very SORRY THAT GENERAL GILLEM DID NOT COME out that day.” By order of General Wheaton Jack was then asked by an interpreter WHY THEY KILLED GENERAL CANBY AND THE COMMISSIONERS, and what they expected to gain by such ac- tion. Captain Jack rather evaded the question and answered: — “I wished for peace, but the young men said they were not ready for peace, They wanted war, but they did not give their rea- sons. I was always for peace; but through the influence of the young men, headed by Hooker Jim, the war went on, Idid not counsel the Combatheshes or Hot Creeks to fight, I WAS FOR PEACE. They came to me and made my heart sick, for they wanted to fight. When I came here I hoped to be set free, as I was not the insti- gator of these bad doings. I hoped to live on Klamath with my people.’’ General Wheaton then told the interpreter to tell Captain Jack kis people would be con- voyed to a comfortable home and well taken carp of, He asked him which one of the band I said no; but they had the power and We came near a per- he would like to take charge of his family when he was gone. REALIZING HIS FATE. Jack rather winced under that question, and said: —“I can think of no one who could take good care of my family. He would be suspicious of all, even of Scar-faced Charley, whom he thought a good man."’ Captain Jack then expressed a desire to know if he might entertain hopes of living, and on being told the President's orders would be carried out, he said ‘The great chief in Washington is a long way off, and he thinks that he has been misrepresented, and IF THE BIG CHIEF WOULD COME to see him he might change his opinion.”’ He was then told the big chief’s children num- bered millions, and that he was guided by good men, who represented him. Jack then continued—‘I don’t wish to talk a great deal, and only about those things near my heart, and I would like to have execution of the sentence postponed until things could be made more clear,” STRIKING INTELLIGENCE OF JACK. On hearing that the President’s decision was not given without a good deal of thought, Jack said:— ‘“Iknow, judging by the de- tails, he was not hasty in the matter, but I think he should have heard what I had to say.’’ The interpreter then told Captain Jack that General Wheaton advised him not to think of areprieve, but to pay attention to what the chaplain had said to him. Jack said that he knew what the chaplain said was good, and he should follow it, and if they permitted him to live he would become a better man. After expressing a desire to have atalk with the four scouts, he said: —‘‘It is TERRIBLE TO THINK I HAVE TO DIE, because whenever I look at my heart I see a desire to live; I would like to live until I die natural.” General Wheaton then asked if any of the others had anything tosay, and then Slolux, one of THE TWO COMBATESHE, said: —“I want to talk. People call me George. Thave been confined in the guardhouse through misrepresentation, and my child died yester- day andIcould not go with tae mourners. Nobody here can say that he saw me at the scene of the massacre. I would like to know who were the witnesses against me. They told lies. I took no part in the massacre. I am confined here without cause.’’ Barncho, the other Combateshe—I am in- nocent. Iwant to go see the man confined who really killed General Canby. I was some distance away when the killing was done.” They were then told that they were only charged with carrying arms to _ assist in the massacre, and they both denied carrying any arms, at all. Black Jim then said, men present, but “T see great many HAVE NO TALK TO MAKE as Jack talks. I always tell the truth, and am well known among my people. Was wounded first fight at Lost River and very sick for many My heart tells me Iam good and strong man, and able to take care of the Modocs. If Jack and Schonchin are killed I should then be left to take care of the Modocs. I do not know what Jack and Schonchin think about it. That’smy idea, months, and not on the war path. AM AFRAID OF NOTHING, and when it’s war am always in front rank. If I have been guilty of crime the law of chiefs decides that I should die ; I am willing to die, and am not afraid to die. I have been long time confined in guard house without even a chance to talk, and if we are to die I think we should make some arrangements for our spirits in the other world, and I would like to hear the spirit man talk.’’ General Wheaton explained that the chap- | lain had come for that purpose. Captain Jack then said, “I would like this matter to be delayed until my speech can be laid before the big chief or people. [The latter did not know that Bogus Charley and Hooker Jim instigated the murder of Canby.] Iwish to be good friends to the whites, and am WILLING TO LIVE IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD I feel friendly towards every one, and the whites are my friends.”’ As Jack persisted in begging for reprieve he was told, by order of General Wheaton, that the great lawmakers of the government had caretully considered his case and that the President's decision was final. BOSTON CHARLEY CONFESSES. Boston Charley then expressed a desire to talk and said, ‘You all knew me during the war, but it seemed to me that I HAD TWO HEARTS, ONE INDIAN AND OTHER WHITE. Tam a boy; yet you all know of what Iam guilty. Although a boy I feel like a man, Wryen I look each side of me I think of those other men as women. Schonehin, I am not atraid to die, I think Iam the only man in the room. I fought in the front rank with Shacknasty, Steamboat, Bogus and Hooker Jim, I am wholly man, not half woman, I killed General Canby, assisted by Steamboat Frank and Bogus. Bogus said, ‘Do you believe these Commissioners mean to try to make peace with us?” I said, “I believe so.” He said, “I don’t believe so, they want to lead us into some trap.” I said, “All right, I go with you. Captain Anderson remembers when Bogus camo in camp in the evening, and when I came in morping, they may send me. I would like to see atl my people and bid them goodby to-day. I would like to go to the stockade ; I feel that if I criminate other parties it would not amount to anything. I SEE IT TOO LATE Now, that our chief men were not at the bottom of that affair, and they did not take such a prom- inent part in massacre as the young men. I am young—I know but little When I see anything with my eyes I know it.” Boston was then asked, WHY THEY KILLED CANBY and the Commissioners, he said that the all the presents they received had no influence on tnem,:and they suspected Canby and the Commissioners of treachery and got up a big mad. Boston then made a long harangue, in which he tried to show that Jack had no share in the massacre, and that he had worked very hard in keeping the young men quiet. He appeared to lay all the blame on Bogus, and also said that Bogus slept in white camp the night before the massacre, in order to disarm avy suspicions General Canby might have had about their intentions. Bogus thought Canby, Meacham, Gillem and Thomas were powerful men and that their death would satisfy them. When they saw Dyar coming in place of Gillem they decided to kill him also. When in the evening before the massacre, he told Riddle’s squaw he was going to kill the four, and she said Go and kill them; Iam telling what I know to be true ; nothing more. Captain Jack then al!uded to what Boston had said about his share in the massacre and then said:—‘I have always had good heart, and have now. Scar-faced Charley, my rela- tion, more man than I am, and I would pro- pose to make an examination and Bogus came, TURN SCAR-FACED CHARLEY OER IN MY PLACE, and then I could live and take care of my family this modest request rather amused the spectators and, toJack’s disgust, did not receive much consideration from General Wheaton. Jack concluded by saying, ‘I am ready to go and see my Great Father above.” SCONCHIN HAS A TALK. Sconchin was asked, by order of General Wheaton, if he had anything he wished to say. The old chiet’s eye lighted considerably at the prospect of talk, and, making sign in the affirm- ative, he presently commenced, and spoke as follows—his speech being interpreted by Oliver Applegate and Dave Hill: — “You all know me here. good man. want a white man here. I was always a There was a time when I did not Tasked advice from white men. I sent my boy to Yinax reserva- tion and he chose a piece of land for his home. Boston Charley has told the truth when he called me a woman. a woman and opposed to war. I was always | a peace man, but there were some young men | I was like ; that were over-rash and anxious to do some- | thing to distinguish themselves. Hooker Jim and some other boys made all the trouble, and when I look at these irons on my legs I feel that they should wear them, and not I. They were the cause of the trouble. Ihave always given young men advice, shook hands with the white people and here 1am now condemned, with irons on my feet. I heard what the Great Spirit man had to say and I think it good. I should not die for what others have done, but I will not cross the river and will go to meet my father in spirit land.”’ Jack now began to move restlessly, and presently laid down on his side of the bench. “My father lived long ago; begged to see him in the upper worid with Great Spirit. If the law kills me I go up to spirit land. Per- haps the Great Spirit will say to me, ‘My law has taken your life, and I accept of you as one of my people.’ heart to do wrong, but I was led away by the Iam sure it is not in my | wishes of them. It is doing a great wrong to take my life, as I can tell you. THE GUILTY PARTIZS are Bogus Charley, Steamboat Frank, Hooker Jim and Scar-Faced Charley. man, sat in camp and took no active part, and I would like to see those executed for whom I am now wearing irons. I tell you the truth. Iam agood man and havea good heart. I Iwas an old | have lived a long time with cattle and horses and never stole any stock. The boys that murdered the Peace Commissioners and citizens on Lost River I have an interest in as my children, and if the law does not kill them, may grow and be- come good men. I look back to the history of the Modoc war, and Icansee Odeneal at the bottom of all trouble. He came down to Link- ville with Ivan Applegate; sent Ivan to and talk with Captain Jack's no good. If Odeneal come himself all the Modoes go to Yainox, at least I think so. Theretore I think Odeneal responsible for the death of General Canby and the chains on my feet. I have heard of reports that were sent to Yreka asking Jackson that the Modoes were making trouble on the warpath and such bad talk brought Major Jackson and the settlers down. Ido not want to say that my sentence is not right, but after your re- treat I thought I could come and surrender and be secure. I felt that these murders had been committed by the boys and that I had been hurried along with the current. When I think of these things the Great Spirit has looked down upon me from above and judged with His law, and said voune men were anxious for war. You see a know whether Iam good or not, pecause you’ have tried the law on me. Hooker Jim always thought he was strong, good shot, and did those things contrary to my wishes, and I spoke against them. Murder of the citizens when the Big Chief in Washe' ington read the evidence all over, he must have been led to believe that I (Schonchin) was a wicked savage and did not know that I (Schonchin) had used all his influence with young men _ to keep them from doing these rash acts. The Great Chief has to depend on the evidence he gets from his subordinates, and perhaps thinks Schon- chin a wicked man, while Schonchin has been A GOOD, QUIET INDIAN. all his lifetime. ‘The Great Spirit who looks from above will see Schonchin in chains, but He knows that his heart is good, and says:— “You die; you one of my people.” I will now try to believe that the President doing according to the will of the Great spirit in condemning to die. You may all look at me and see that Tam firm and resolute. Iam trying to think that is just I should die and that the Great spirit approves of it and says it is law. I am to die. I my Thope he will be allowed to remain in this country. I hope he will grow up make a good man. I want turn him over to the old Chief Schonchin at Yainox, who will make good man of I have always looked the younger men of our tribe as my special charge, and have reasoned with them, and now I am to die as a result of their bad condition. I leave four children, and I wish them turned over to my brother at Yarnox. Must die. If I had the blood on my hands, like Barton I should say kill him. I killed Gen- eral Canby. I killed Dr. Thomas; but I have nothing to say about the decision. It is already made, and I would never ask it to be crossed. You are the law- giving power. You have tried me and I must die I am _ satisfied. if the law is correct. I have made speech. I would like to see the Big Chief face to face and talk with him, but he is a long distance off, like at the top of a high hill, with me at bottom, and I can’t go to him; but he haa made his decision, made his law, and I say LET ME DIE, I don’t believe all the talking Ican do will make the President cross over his decision, and I don’t talk for that purpose, I wish te let you know my heart. General Wheaton then told the interpreter to tell Captain Jack and the others if they wanted anything to ask the sergeant of the guard and he would bring it to them. They were also told they would be visited in the evening by their squaws and families. The Post Chaplain got up and delivered the following prayer:—‘‘O God, our Heavenly Father, who didst make all men in Thy image, become is leave son, him. on said | that they might be good and happy, Thou | heard the confessions and statements of these men altogether and these things of which ignorant. Oh, may the light of Thy gospel penetrate their minds! May they truly become sorry tor their sins and so repent that they shall receive pardon and be accepted as Thy children and saved, O God! as the thief on the cross was pardoned and saved, may these all be saved by a lke faith. Bless Thee for this example of the power of Thy grace. O glorify Thy mercy in this present case by saving these men also. We pray Thee for them. They are sinners like all men, irrespective of the offences for which they have been committed and sentenced to die. They have sinned in less light than we have had, and oh have mercy upon them, although guilty, bring them true repentance; renew and save them ; glorify the mercy in them, for Jesus sake. Amen. } The meeting then broke up, and I shook hands with Jack and Shonchin, who both appeared glad to see me. JACK WANTS SCAR-FACED HANGED IN HIS PLACE, Jack, however, soon deserted and renewed his attack on General Wheaton, urging that it would be quite proper for Scar-faced Charlie to take his place, and then his valu- able services would be saved for his family and his tribe. The General, however, could not seé the point, and left Jack in a rather unenviable state of mind. The prisoners were shortly afterwards returned to their cells, and at five P. M. were visited by their families. This was the first meeting since the death warrant had been made pub- lic, and, as it was to be the last before death separated them forever on this earth, it would naturally have been affecting, but I was per- fectly unprepared for the FRANTIC STATE OF GRIEF into which the women worked themselves, They howled their weird death song, and threw themselves on their doomed friends, fawning them all over. Even the little chil- dren seemed to catch the infection, and they cried and wept in the most finished style. Jack appeared very much affected at meet~ ing his favorite squaw Lizzie and the little papoose. His sister Mary was even more affected, and worked herself into a perfect paroxysm of grief, The little girl even ap- peared to comprehend the situation, and sobbed bitterly, As Jack gave her ONE LAST FOND EMBMACE, tho squaws returned to the stockade and CONTINUED ON SEVENTH PAGE. . we are