Battle of Dry Lake
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Dry Lake, also known as Sorass Lake, was the first decisive victory of the United States
over the Modoc Indians in northern California
in 1873. The battle led to the splintering of the Modoc bands, and was the last major battle of the Modoc War
.
became the new commander of the Department of the Columbia
. Davis assumed field command of the army and ordered an expedition to trap Captain Jack who was moving southeast from the Lava Beds. The U.S. cavalry arrived and camped near the affectionately named, Sore Ass Lake. However, when they found that there was no water in the lake, they renamed it to Dry Lake.
. Davis reported after the battle that he was pleased with the conduct of his troopers and that they had not fled when the Modocs first attacked. An editorial in the 'Army and Navy Journal said Davis' presence in the field improved the formerly mismanaged field operations. The rout of Captain Jack and the death of Ellen's Man took a serious toll on the Modocs. A division grew between several of the leaders. Hooker Jim
, Bogus Charley and Scarface Charley
held Captain Jack responsible for Ellen's Man's death. They split and headed west. Captain Jack and Schonchin John stayed at Big Sandy Butte. Later that month, Bogus Charley and Hooker Jim surrendered to Col. Davis and pledged their help to Davis in capturing Captain Jack. Finally in June, 1873 Captain Jack surrendered.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
over the Modoc Indians in northern California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 1873. The battle led to the splintering of the Modoc bands, and was the last major battle of the Modoc War
Modoc War
The Modoc War, or Modoc Campaign , was an armed conflict between the Native American Modoc tribe and the United States Army in southern Oregon and northern California from 1872–1873. The Modoc War was the last of the Indian Wars to occur in California or Oregon...
.
Background
On May 2, 1873, Colonel Jefferson C. DavisJefferson C. Davis
Jefferson Columbus Davis was an officer in the United States Army who served in the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Modoc War. He was the first commander of the Department of Alaska, from 1868 to 1870...
became the new commander of the Department of the Columbia
Department of the Columbia
The Department of the Columbia was a major command of the United States Army during the 19th century.-Formation:On July 27, 1865 the Military Division of the Pacific was created under Major General Henry W...
. Davis assumed field command of the army and ordered an expedition to trap Captain Jack who was moving southeast from the Lava Beds. The U.S. cavalry arrived and camped near the affectionately named, Sore Ass Lake. However, when they found that there was no water in the lake, they renamed it to Dry Lake.
The battle
At dawn on May 10, a small detachment of Modoc warriors attacked the U.S. camp while the rest took up a position in the bluffs above the lake. The startled troopers quickly rolled out of their blankets and took cover behind any obstacle they could find, no matter how small, in order to fasten their gunbelts and pull on their boots. The officers restored order and the mounted Warm Springs Indian scouts were sent around the Modoc flanks while the rest of the U.S. force was ordered to charge the bluffs. The troopers paused at the bottom of the bluff, leery to charge the strong position on top of the bluff. 1st Sgt. Thomas Kelley shouted "God damn it, lets charge". For the first time in the Modoc War, U.S. troops charged and routed the warriors defending the bluff. The warriors fled so quickly that the Warm Springs had not even made it around the flanks, and one warrior, Ellen's Man George, was left dead on the field. The troopers pursued the Modocs for 4 miles but exhausted and lacking water, they stopped.Aftermath
The Battle of Dry Lake signaled the beginning of the end of the Modoc WarModoc War
The Modoc War, or Modoc Campaign , was an armed conflict between the Native American Modoc tribe and the United States Army in southern Oregon and northern California from 1872–1873. The Modoc War was the last of the Indian Wars to occur in California or Oregon...
. Davis reported after the battle that he was pleased with the conduct of his troopers and that they had not fled when the Modocs first attacked. An editorial in the 'Army and Navy Journal said Davis' presence in the field improved the formerly mismanaged field operations. The rout of Captain Jack and the death of Ellen's Man took a serious toll on the Modocs. A division grew between several of the leaders. Hooker Jim
Hooker Jim
Hooker Jim was a Modoc warrior who played a pivotal role in the Modoc War. Hooker Jim was the son-in-law of tribal medicine man Curley Headed Doctor. After white settlers massacred Modoc women and children contemporaneously with the Battle of Lost River, Hooker Jim led a group of Modocs overland...
, Bogus Charley and Scarface Charley
Scarface Charley
Scarface Charley was a chief of the Modoc tribe of Native Americans. He took part in the Modoc War of 1872-73 in California, and is considered to have fired the first shot at the Battle of Lost River. On April 26, 1873, Scarfaced Charley led a victorious attack against a patrol of 63 soldiers...
held Captain Jack responsible for Ellen's Man's death. They split and headed west. Captain Jack and Schonchin John stayed at Big Sandy Butte. Later that month, Bogus Charley and Hooker Jim surrendered to Col. Davis and pledged their help to Davis in capturing Captain Jack. Finally in June, 1873 Captain Jack surrendered.