at Van Bremer’s ranch west of the lava beds under General Wheaton and at Land’s ranch on the east side of Tule Lake and directly north of the stronghold.  Such was the disposition of the forces when I arrived at headquarters at Van Bremer’s ranch.  By orders of Governor Grover of Oregon the volunteers under Captains O. C. Applegate and Kelley were placed under the command of General Wheaton.  The two companies numbered about 225 men, and were commanded by General John E. Ross, a veteran Indian fighter, but too old to withstand the hardships of a winter campaign against Indians.  The men were all poorly provided with clothing and bedding, most all having taken only what they could strap behind their saddles, but in spite of this and a temperature often below zero, no murmur was heard, and all anxiously, eagerly looked forward to a meeting with the brutal savage murderers of their fellow citizens.  Such were the conditions when I arrived at headquarters.

Chapter XI.

Battle in the Lava Beds.

On Sunday, January 12, 1873, a strong reconnoitering force was sent out under Colonel Perry of the regulars and Captain O. C. Applegate of the volunteers.  On the bluff overlooking the lava beds they found the Indians and found them full of fight.  A picket was surprised and a gun captured, but they were unable to say whether any of them had been wounded in the skirmish.  The Indians, however, came out in force and a brisk skirmish was kept up for some time when the troops, having accomplished the object of their mission, retired.

All the reinforcements having now arrived it was determined to attack the savages on the following Friday.  The plans of General Wheaton were submitted to the volunteer officers and fully approved.  General Frank Wheaton was an officer of experience and unquestioned ability.  He was a veteran of the Civil war, and commanded 20,000 troops at the battle of the Wilderness, besides having the confidence and esteem of officers and men.  Every contingency was guarded against, at least as far as it was possible to foresee it.  The troops organized for the attack were Bernard’s and Perry’s troops of cavalry, and Green’s and Mason’s infantry, numbering 250 men; Captain Applegate’s and Captain Kelley’s volunteers, numbering 225 men, Donald McKay’s Indian scouts numbering fifty and the California volunteers under John Fairchilds and Presley Dorris.

By general field order, Bernard was to move down from Land’s ranch on Wednesday, January 1 16th, and occupy a position not less than two miles from the stronghold.  At the same time Colonel Perry was to push across the trail to the bluff with his dismounted troop, while General Wheaton with the infantry and volunteers, ambulances, three howitzers, reserve ammunition, etc., was to go around by Little Klamath Lake and join the command of Colonel Perry under cover of darkness.  This was regarded advisable as it was feared that the Indians, discovering our numbers, would leave the lava beds and scatter.  Every soldier and volunteer had been ordered to prepare four days’ rations, cooked.  There was no question in our minds as to whipping the Indians, but we wanted to surround and capture them.