Showing posts with label Modoc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Modoc. Show all posts

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Resounding Echoes: The Modoc War and California's Unresolved Legacy

 



The article provides updates on the military actions against the Modoc Indians in 1855. General Cosby and his men engaged with the Modocs, resulting in casualties on both sides and the capture of some women and children. The troops scouted various areas, encountering hostile Indian groups. A skirmish at Tule Lake led to the capture of some Indians and the death of two men and a woman. The troops destroyed Indian ranches and food supplies. General Cosby and his command were expected to return to the war zone soon. Additionally, there is mention of a memorial circulating for the removal of P. T. Herbert from Congress, and news of the Union of the Mississippi and the Lakes. The article also touches on mining activities on the Merced River.

Resounding Echoes


This intriguing article titled "Later from the Modoc Country," appears to capture a specific moment during the Modoc War of 1872-1873. The Modoc War was one of the smallest, yet most brutal, of the conflicts between indigenous tribes and federal forces in the American West.

The text provides a firsthand account of various military actions against the Modoc tribe, spearheaded by a General Cosby. The article suggests that the U.S. military forces comprising the General, along with other high-ranked military personnel, were actively engaged in patrolling and attacking different parts of the Modoc territory. Take note of this line from the dispatch, "On the 7th of August, about thirty-five miles south-east of this point, Gen. Cosby, with Capt. Williams’ company, cut up a band of Indians, killing nine bucks, and capturing some thirty squaws and papooses." This quote alludes to the common Western tactics of surprise attacks on indigenous camps, often resulting in a vast number of non-combatant casualties, among them women (squaws) and children (papooses).

The report's writing style captures the military perspective of that era. It views the killings and captures as necessary measures for establishing control over "hostile Indian" territories. A quote that stands out in this regard is, "There is from six to eight hundred hostile warriors out here scattered around in the country, who need a good cleaning out the worst kind."

A critical aspect made evident in the article is the seething tension and hostility between the settlers and the Native American tribes of the region. References to incidents like Coats' massacre and the event near Bloody Point imply a violent clash of cultures intensified by settler encroachments and native resistance.

Although the writer uses unidentified terms such as "bucks" (an offensive term for Native American men), "squaws" (a derogatory term for Native American women), and "papooses" (children), they were common usage in the historical context. It underscores the prevalent, widespread prejudice, and stereotyping of Native American tribes during this period.

Public sentiment towards Native Americans at this time was shaped by such accounts. Note that this is a one-sided view. Differing viewpoints from the Native American side would likely portray events quite differently with emphases on defense, resistance, survival and enduring massive loss and suffering.

The later section of the article mentions a person named P. T. Herbert, who was Peter T. Herbert, a U.S. Representative from California. Wording such as, "It is accompanied by a request to Herbert not to make California his residence again" suggests a public pushback against his policies or actions, although the reasons remain unspecified in the piece.

Consequently, interpreting an article like this requires a deep understanding of historical events, common cultural norms of the time, and a readiness to grapple with embedded prejudices and biases that have shaped much of our received historical record.

Narrative Exposition:

The narrative threads woven by historical markers can resonate powerfully, spotlighting connections between bygone events and their enduring influence on the present. As they recount tales of arduous struggles, brutal conflicts, and protracted battles, these landmarks of the past maintain an ongoing dialogue with our present actions and attitudes. A striking example of this is the Modoc War - a painful narrative of resistance, tragedy, and cultural erasure that continues to reverberate in our shared consciousness.

With the above in mind, let's turn our attention to a compelling primary source - an article from the Yreka Union, dated August 1855. Through its in-depth coverage of the American-Indian war in Modoc Country, it illuminates not just the tactical details of the conflict but also the overarching context within which they occurred.

The piece, aptly christened "Later from the Modoc Country," proffers correspondent Jargon's vivid portrayal of General Cosby's campaign against the Modocs. This account pulls back the curtain on the zeitgeist of bitter animosity from those troubled times:

"Gen. Cosby, with Capt. Williams' company, cut up a band of Indians, killing nine bucks, and capturing some thirty squaws and papooses... The Indians were digging camas roots, an article of food," a remarkable excerpt reveals.

An essential takeaway from the narrative is not only a precise depiction of the military assault but also a window into the world of the Modocs, the unspoken victims of a brutal crusade. It serves as a poignant memento of the forced obliteration of indigenous cultures and the tragic sacrifice of innocent lives.

As we sift through the sands of time, connecting past events with our present worldview, we become aware of their enduring impact and implications. Even the otherwise mundane imagery of Modoc people foraging for camas roots, seen through our modern lens, becomes a haunting echo of a vibrant culture abruptly halted by warfare.

However, the report extends beyond the gruesome details of military engagement. Jargon's remark about many hostile warriors needing "a good cleaning out the worst kind," further underscores the zeitgeist of the era and lays the groundwork for understanding the vast social and political shifts that came to define the period.

Noteworthy too, is the report's mention of the first boat's arrival from the Mississippi. This event, a significant milestone in Northwest history, alludes to the complex interplay between America's burgeoning ambition and the concurrent crises faced by indigenous communities.

Likewise, the column's celebratory nod to successful mining ventures on the Merced river harks back to the Gold Rush. As a potent symbol of Western Expansionism, this aspect offers a critical perspective on the global issues that led to the usurpation of Indigenous lands. Such interconnections enable a fresh understanding of the tensions and dynamics that continue to mold the region's socio-economic environment.

Within these historic accounts, we feel an urgency to reflect on their persisting resonance in our modern lives. The Modoc war, with its cultural erosion, grisly aftermath, and socio-political tumult, has left indelible marks on the Californian landscape and ethos. Engaging with this history sharpens our insight into modern California and celebrates the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities despite challenges.

Our journey into the past invites us into a perpetually evolving dance. A dance that intertwines the stories of those silenced, the unquenchable thirst for expansion, and impassioned territorial disputes. This confluence of narratives crafts a multifaceted, compelling tale of the forces that molded California's history.

In conclusion, delving into historical sources like "Later from the Modoc Country" illuminates not only facts but also the enduring implications of these occurrences on our present society. As we lend an ear to these echoes from the past, we gain invaluable wisdom, flourishing further into our present, our future, and our understanding of the subtle yet profound resonance of our history.

Key Phrases:

1. 'Modoc War' - This refers to the armed conflict between the Native American Modoc people and the United States Army in southern Oregon and northern California from 1872-1873. More details can be learned from [The Oregon Encyclopedia](https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/modoc_war/#.YOJ-idMzbOQ).

2.
 'Yreka Union' - A historic newspaper that provided coverage of various events in California. This source could require further research into the historic newspapers of California. More details can be found on the [California Digital Newspaper Collection](https://cdnc.ucr.edu/).

3.
 'General Cosby's campaign against the Modocs' - This section could benefit from further research on General Cosby and his specific role in the Modoc War. Unfortunately, there are no dedicated sources available online to provide information regarding this subject.

4. 'camas roots' - This relates to the diet and subsistence practices of Indigenous populations in North America. More information can be found at [Encyclopedia of the Great Plains](http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.fol.010).

5.
 'first boat's arrival from the Mississippi' - Refers to the period of American expansion in the Northwest Region. Further information related to this expansion can be obtained from [PBS](https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2959.html).

6.
 'mining ventures on the Merced river' - This pertains to the California Gold Rush. More detailed information can be found at [California Department of Parks and Recreation](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1081).

7.
 'Western Expansionism' - A critical aspect of American history, further reading can be found on [The Khan Academy](https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/the-gilded-age/american-west/a/the-expansion-of-the-west).

8.
 'socio-political tumult' - Referring to the broader political and social implications resulting from the Modoc War and similar conflicts. More insight could be found from period-based resources or books, including [The Contested Plains by Elliott West](https://www.amazon.com/Contested-Plains-Indians-Goldseekers-1833-1865/dp/0700610294).

9. 'California's history' - History of California could be explored further in [California Historical Society](https://californiahistoricalsociety.org/).

**Citation**: Trinity Journal
- Later from the Modoc Country., 1856-08-30
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ University of California Riverside Digital Newspaper Archive


Original Article:

From the Yreka Union, extra, of Ang. 22d, furnished us by Rhodes & Co.’s express we gather the following intelligence : Gen. Cosby arrived in town this afternoon from the scene of the war, against the Modocs. The General was accompanied by a detachment of twenty-five men. Adjt. Gen. H. T. Templeton, Major Pembroke Murry, Dr. Duvall and others, have also arrived.— From our special correspondent, at the seat of war, we have received the following dispatch giving in detail the movement of the troops since our last intelligence : CAMP ON CLEER CREEK, Aug. 19. 1S55. MR. EDITOR :—I send you by this—the first opportunity— a short account of our movements out here against the Modocs and other Indians. On the 7th of August, about thirty-five miles south-east of this point, Gen. Cosby, with Capt. Williams’ company, cut up a band of Indians, killing nine bucks, and capturing some thirty squaws and papooses, all of whom were liberated, except two squaws, who were brought to camp. The Indians were digging camas roots, an article of food. They had beef in their camp, indicating that they had participated in the spoils of the cattle recently stolen from the Shasta valley.— Every buck in the ranch was killed. Maj. Wood, fortunately discovering the first Indian, not far from the ranch, led to its surprise. On the 14th inst. Gen. Cosby took Capt. Martin’s company, with Adjt. Gen. Templeton, Col. Goodall and Major Walton of his staff, and started on a scout. They returned yesterday to head quarters, having scoured some 160 miles of country on Lost River, Little Klamath and Tule Lakes. A great deal of hostile Indian sign was seen, and signal smokes frequently raised. Several parties of Indians were seen, but they all succeeded in making their escape, either on horseback or in boats ; except one party, whom we attacked in Tule Lake by wading out in the water and tule, holding up our rifles and revolvers, Most of them made their escape in boats, but a strong wind blowing on a lee shore, enabled us to capture one boat ; and in the fray two bucks, and a squaw, who fought with a bow and arrows, were killed. We captured two little girls and a boy, and have them in camp ; and also captured a squaw whom we liberated. This little affair occurred not far from the scene of Coats’ massacre in ’52, and near Bloody Point, where the Indians “corralled” the emigrant wagons the same year. We destroyed on this scout several ranches, and a good deal of muk a muk, (food,) and scoured Lost River pretty well, catching plenty of fine fish at every camp, causing quite a demand for fry pans. Our fuel was always Fremontia Artemaia, or, in vulgar parlance, sage brush—a miserable weed or brush, and fit only to grow on these alkali deserts out here—than which nothing looks more dreary or desolate. The boys in camp are in fine condition, and are anxious to get at the Indians in the lakes, by building boats. There is from six to eight hundred hostile warriors out here scattered around in the country, who need a good cleaning out the worst kind. Yours, in haste, JARGON. We learn that Gen. Cosby and command, including Adjt. Gen. II. T. Templeton, and Maj. Pembroke Murry, will return to the seat of war in three or four days. Memorial.—A memorial is being circulated, says the San Francisco Chronicle, of the 25th, praying for the removal of P. T. Herbert from his seat in Congress. It is addresed to the House of Representatives. It is accompanied by a request to Herbert not to make California his residence again. Union of the Mississippi and the Lakes. I A correspondent of the New York Tribune writes from Green Bay, Wisconsin, under the date of the 18th of July, that the first boat from the Mississippi, the steamer Aquilla, from Pitsburg, came down the day before from Lake Winnebago, working her way through the canal and locks just completed, round the numerous rapids of the Lower Fox, and at five o’clock p. m. bathed her prow in the cool waters of Lake Michigan. This event is justly regarded by the people of that region as one of the most important in the history of the Northwest. Mining on the Merced —Mining, remarks the Mariposa dinette, is being carried on more extensively, with greater advantages, upon the Merced river than ever before. The low stage of water is unprecedented. Many miners have got into their claims, and arc doing well, but we are not informed of any particular “strikes” having been made. Without doubt, more gold will be taken from the river this year, than any season before. The Messers. Boring A Crenshaw have succeeded in raising water upon Washington Flut, by means of a large pump, worked by awheel placed opposite the Flat, in the river. The stream is amply sufficient for their ow n use, uud from present appearances, they will be amply rewarded for their energy uud enterprise. They urc now engaged in washing off top dirt by means of hydraulic power, and even this is paying very handsomely. From $50 to $00 per day, we are told, is the average of six hands employed. One of the largest nuggets of pure gold yet discovered in this State was found near Hornitns recently by a Chinaman named Lew Tow. It weighed 24 pounds, and is worth something over $5,(100. “John” left immediately for San Francisco, and doubtless from thence to the Flowery Kingdom. ns almost all of his kind do when they make a raise of uny considerable uniouut. The Mines of Calaveras.— The miners of Culuvcras have, in consequence of the low stage of water in the rivers, directed their attention to the river beds, and are said to be doing well. Professor Wilson.— Professor Wilson, the balloon man, has made another ascension failure at Marysville. The Inquirer says that “ An audience of about one hundred ventured inside, at one dollar |>er head, to seethe first start; but the high wind blowing at thu time prevented the Professor from going up.” Did the Professor ti er succeed in making nu ascent? We fear that he is rather a wiudy subject.

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