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care of the Indians without the assistance of the government; the United States in this case being represented by a coterie of politicians who were simply experimenting with a contumelious band of spoiled savages, without regard to the rights of the white people of the state. 62 To this haughty and overbear ing message the people could only reply by still pro testing.

The commissioners, after meeting at Linkville, re paired to Fairchild s place on Willow Creek, to be nearer all points of communication with the govern ment, the army, and the Modocs. The services were secured of Whittle and his Indian wife Matilda, who were to act as messengers and interpreters. The first work of the board was to investigate the causes of the hostile attitude of the Modocs, during which the facts already presented in this chapter were brought out; 63 and while this was in progress Whittle made a visit to the Modocs to learn how Jack would receive the peace commissioners.

On the 21st of February Meacham telegraphed to Washington that he had a message from Jack, who declared himself tired of living in the rocks and desir ous of peace; that he was glad to hear from Wash ington, but did not wish to talk with any one who had been engaged in the war; and that he would meet Meacham and Case outside the rocks without harm ing them. 64

This was not an honest report. What Jack did say to Whittle was that he would consent to a con ference with Steele, Roseborough, and Fairchild, but declined to meet the commissioners. 65 The presi dent had already, by the advice of Canby, appointed Roseborough as one of the board, who in company

62 Red Blvff Sentinel, Feb. 22, 1873; New York Herald, Feb. 17 and June 2, 1873.

63 Jesse Applegate resigned rather than investigate his brother and nephews.

64 See telegram in H. Ex. Doc., 122, 255, 43d cong. 1st sess.

65 Yreka despatches, in Oregonian, Feb. 26