petty annoyances of individuals or small parties of Indians visiting the settlements, but unattended by violence or threats. The military department, excepting the inspector, who did not visit Klamath, and Jackson, who should have been better informed, could not be blamed for not knowing the true position of affairs, since it was the duty of the Indian department to give such information as the welfare of either settlers or Indians required, and the superintendent had reported that there was no danger.
But so the settlers of Lost river, Link river, Klamath, and Tule lake districts did not feel. On the contrary, they petitioned the superintendent of Indian affairs, and the general commanding the department of the Columbia, to remove the Modocs to the reservation, saying that the conduct of the Indians was such that they dared not allow their families to remain in the country, and in fact a number of families were removed to Rogue River valley, in anticipation of a conflict with the Modocs, some families going and returning several times as they were more or less alarmed.
The petition of the settlers did not reach headquarters until late in January 1872, though it must have been in the superintendent's hands. That complaints were made by the citizens to the commander at Fort Klamath is shown by the correspondence on file in the department. Captain Jackson having been asked to be more explicit in making statements.
On the 25th of January the superintendent sent the petition to Canby, with a request that the Modocs be removed to Camp Yainax, and suggesting that not less than fifty troops be sent to perform the duty of romoving them. Jesse Applegate was instructed to accompany the expedition, if not objected to by the military.
To Meacham's letter, Canby replied that he had considered the Modoc question temporarily settled by the permission given them to remain where the com-
