something, as they seem to be awful quiet this morning." One
says, "They must all be dead to the world, asleep. Never mind,
I think our captain intends to surprise the huskey lads this
morning." While this conversation \vas going on, among
some of the boys, the officers were holding a hurried consulta-
tion, as to what was best to do. Some was in favor of staying
right there and starve the Modocs into submission; others
wanted to charge the Modocs' stronghold and make quick
work of it. Finally they got orders from their superior officer
to charge the Modoc stronghold. The officers all went to
their respective companies. They ordered their men to get
ready for a final charge, that they must not shirk their duty,
that they were brave men. One officer said to his man, "You
are a brave man, my boy, but do not forget that you have
brave men to conquer. We must gain the day, which I know
we shall do." The officers began to get their men ready. The
boys were all anxious to hear the order given. Finally the
bugle sent its clear, silvery notes through the Lava Beds. Its
echo went from one rock wall to another. The bugle call
thrilled every man, for every one of them had been fighting
Modocs, without even getting a glimpse of his foe. They had
seen their comrades fall, being shot by Modocs. They were
anxious to even up matters. Every man sprang to his feet
when the bugle sounded charge. Every one started on the
run with his gun grasped in hand, ready for instant use, hoping
to see an Indian, so he would have the satisfaction of shooting
at him, whether he hit him or not. I must say that I do not
blame the soldiers having the desire of getting at least a shot
at an Indian warrior. Some of the soldiers told me that they
had not the satisfaction of even seeing an Indian, let alone
shooting at one, so I do not blame them for having the desire
of shooting at one Indian. No Modoc war whoop greeted
the ears of the charging troops; no puffs of smoke met them.
The soldiers rushed from cave to cave; but no Indians could
they find. Finally they run onto the four old blind and crip-
pled Indians. They were helpless. The situation did not
alter or deter the brave soldier boys of shooting these poor
old blind Indians. The armless as well as his poor old mother
