Death of William, William Jr .& Richard BODDY in OR in 1872
Am not related but may be of interest to someone who is. I have no further info but additional newspaper extracts may be found atURL:
Vern D
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Transcribed by Dee Sardoch;
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Stockton Daily Independent
Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA
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DISPATCHES --
INDIAN TROUBLES in OREGON --
From Ashland, Or., Dec. 1 -- A Pitched Battle -- Several Killed on Both Sides --
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs, having directed Superintendent O'DENEAL to put the Modoc Indians upon the Klamath reservation, peaceably if possible, but forcibly if he must, he proceeded in person to execute the order. All efforts to persuade them to return to the agency proving fruitless, and they having peremptorily refused to go, the matter of removing them was referred to the military.
On the 28th ult. at noon, Major JACKSON, Co. B, 1st Cavalry, with 35 men, left Fort Klamath and arrived at the camp of the Modocs near the mouth of Lost river, at the following morning. He at once surrounded the camp and
requested an interview with the head men, only 1 of whom, Scar-faced Charley, appeared. A half-hour's conversation ensued in which the Indians were informed that the soldiers did not come to fight them but to demand that they go upon the reservation, and they were that ample provision had been made for their subsistence, and they should be fully protected in all their rights.
They refused to accede to the demand. They were then demanded to lay down all their arms. While they were parleying on the subject, "Scar-faced Charley" raised a gun and fired at Lieutenant BOUTTELLE, who was in front
of him men, but missed his aim. Instantly the Lieutenant returned the fire and killed Charley. This caused a general and simultaneous firing on both sides.
The battle was a desperate one, lasting 2 hours. One soldier was killed, 4 wounded, and 2 citizens killed. 15 Indians were killed, nearly all children, and some of the warriors and a number of horses were captured. The Indians retreated to the hills, but in the afternoon returned to
camp and commenced firing again. 3 more Indians were killed, many wounded and some captured. At latest accounts firing at intervals was going on.
The number of Indians engaged is estimated at 60. There were some 30 more at camp some 15 miles distant. It was supposed that these would arrive the following night and that another fight would take place. The citizens were
arming and getting ready to go to the assistance of Major JACKSON should an emergency require their services. Women captured say that among the number killed were the 4 desperate chiefs, Captain Jack, Black Jim, the Doctor and Scar-Faced Charley, who have caused all the insubordination of their followers; but about this, excepting the one last named, there is some doubts.
Later (Dec. 1, 7 p.m.) -- Settlers Murdered -- More Trouble Apprehended
--
-Geo. CONN has just arrived from Linkville. He left there at 5 o'clock p.m. yesterday and rode all night. He reports 3 men killed named BODDY, on Tule Lake by the Modocs. The women escaped, walking 9 miles to his house. Fears are entertained that many more are murdered. Mr. CONN brings letters from prominent citizens asking for help, and A.J. BURNETT sends a message to Governor GROVER asking for assistance from the State. J.D. APPLEGATE writes that he can't hold out long and must have help. He would start for
Clear Lake last night with a small party to give the settlers notice and protection. They are short of arms and ammunition. A meeting of the citizens of this place will be held tonight to make arrangements to send assistance.
From Ashland, Dec. 3 -- The Oregon Indian Troubles -- CARROLL and NOAH bring 12 hours' later news from the Klamath country. They left Sunday morning. 50 Klamath Indians from the agency, well armed and equipped, under command of Captain TERRU, had just arrived and reported for duty to protect the citizens. The people in Langell valley, 100 miles from Linkville, were all forted up, and Jesse APPLEGATE from Clear Lake, is reported there
also. No news of any further murders had been received, but great fears were entertained for the safety of families who lived south of the BODDY family that were killed, nothing having been heard from them. 14 men, armed
with Henry rifles, left yesterday for Klamath and will get there tonight.
INDIAN WAR in Oregon -- The Country Aroused -- 15 Men Murdered by the Indians --
Yreka, Dec. 5 --
J.W. DOTEN and David REAM returned this morning, having been as far as DORRIS ranch on Hot creek. FAIRCHILD and BESWICK went to Captain Jack's headquarters on Lost river and found neither whites nor Indians there. As they were passing over passing over the ridge between Lost river and
Klamath lake on Sunday evening, they heard rapid firing on Tule lake, as if from a battle in progress. FAIRCHILD and BESWICK gathered together at Hot creek a band of Modocs and will take them to the reservation. They go voluntarily. They are trying to see Captain Jack to get him to surrender and go on the reservation. 2 letters from that vicinity say they have all the assistance necessary now, and can protect themselves. In the 1st fight the soldiers fired on them first. They also say that old Scar-Faced Charley was not killed, though he was shot at more than 50 times.
Ashland (Or), Dec. 5 -- Geo. MORSE arrived last night from Klamath. He left there at 5 o'clock Tuesday evening, bringing news of further murders by the Indians; in all, so far as ascertained, 11 men have been killed, named
as follows:
William BROTHERTON
N.K. BROTHERTON
Rufus BROTHERTON
William BODDY
William BODDY, Jr.
Richard BODDY
C. ERASMUS
Robert ALEXANDER
John Soper COLLINS
Henry MILLER
This does not include those killed in battle. Mrs. BROTHERTON and son defended themselves in the house for 3 hours, keeping up a regular fire through port holes in the house. The Indians finally left and they were secured next day by soldiers. No further danger is now apprehended to
[missing line or 2]
Yreka, Dec. 5 -- McKAY arrived this evening from Hot Creek valley, having left there at daylight this morning. FAIRCHILD, DORRIS and BESWICK gathered at Hot Creek a band of Modocs, 40 in all, and started for the reservation
with them. They arrived at Bob WHITTLE's place on Linx river, and met a party of white men very much excited, who were determined to attack the Indians any way, though they were and always had been peaceable. The white men with them promised to protect the Indians if they would go the
reservation, and told the party that they would have to attack them also.
In the mean time, the Indian Agent came in from Linkville and told them there was no use for them to go further, that the Indians would not be permitted to pass through Linkville until he could get soldiers enough to protect them. FAIRCHILD concluded to go on and avoid Linkville. The Indians after hearing all that said and also seeing how excited everything was, became frightened and broke and ran for the rocks.
FAIRCHILD and party returned home to Butte creek. They think most of them will come back to Hot creek, though some think the bucks will go and join Capt. Jack's band, who are now believed to be around the south end of
Tule Lake. The Indian agent informed Mr. FAIRCHILD that a reign of terror existed all through the Lake country, that he knew positively that 15 men had been murdered. The Indians say they have lost only 9 or 10 killed and about the same number wounded. [rest cut off]
THE OREGON INDIAN WAR -- Two More Men Killed --
Ashland (Or), Dec. 6 -- Joseph BEACH, with an express from Klamath has just arrived. He left there yesterday and reports 2 more men killed on Lost river -- George FICKE and Chas. MUNROE. They had gone out after sheep
belonging to FICKE, were attacked by Indians and killed. Captain RILLY and men arrived at Linkville last night. Troops from Warner and Bidwell were expected to arrive last night. There was still great uneasiness and
apprehensions of danger by the citizens.