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San Marino, CA 91108
Manuscripts
The Modoc Campaign
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- Description
- This manuscript is William Murray's account of his involvement with the U. S. Army's campaign against the Modoc Indians in 1873. Murray served in the12th Infantry, Company G, out of Angel Island, California. There is much anticipation among the troops as they march, and news of the active conflict arrives frequently. Murray describes the countryside and weather in detail, as well as his daily military duties and drills. There is much troop activity, with different companies and regiments in constant movement, and Murray tracks it all while stationed at a makeshift headquarters called Van Bremer's Mount. Company G soon moves to the "Lava Beds," the location of "the Modoc Stronghold," where they make camp. On April 11, the company's "Council tent" is attacked by the Modoc after peace talks break down, and several soldiers are slain in what Murray calls "infernal treachery." General Edward Canby is shot and killed by the Modoc leader known as Captain Jack. Of the scene, Murray describes it as "a most sad and disturbing spectacle for the men of this command to witness." Following this event, Murray reports that "an immediate advance and attack on Capt. Jack's stronghold was intended" for "the men were clamoring loudly for vengeance on the murderers." However, General Alvan Gillem does not act so hastily, and opts to plan a careful assault, which was carried out April 15. There followed three days of fighting, which Murray describes in detail. The Modoc had many advantages due to their familiarity with the broken terrain, but the artillery bombardment and number of American troops eventually proved too much to overcome, and on April 17, the "Stronghold" was taken. Murray describes the interior in detail. On April 26, Captain Evan Thomas led a group of soldiers in pursuit of the Modoc, only to be ambushed in an attack Murray calls "The Thomas Disaster." Murray was not part of Thomas' ill-fated expedition due to an injury to his eye suffered in the three-day conflict.
