Life Of Alfred B. Meacham, Together With His Lecture, The Tragedy Of The Lava Beds;...

T.A. BLAND

Publication: T A & M C Bland, Publishers, 1883, Washington

First Edition. 30pp. and 48pp. Original Black Cloth with title in gilt on front cover, Frontis, Illustrated, Portraits. The Tragedy Of The Lava Beds has it's own title page; and was originally published in 1877. These two works were issued together. Meacham was part of a peace commission negotiating with the Modoc Indians in 1873 and was wounded in the attack in which General E. R. S. Canby was killed. Cowan 1914 p.20: "Col. Meacham was survivor of the massacre by the Modoc Indians, under Capt. Jack, of Gen. Canby and Dr. E. Thomas, in 1873. For this outrage, Capt. Jack, Schonchin John, Boston Charley, and others were hanged. Meacham was desperately wounded, but after recovery he traveled extensively, delivering his lecture many times. Although a victim of their treachery, Meacham shows that the Modocs were suffering under great injuries and in justice inflicted upon them by the whites." Meacham would later play a key role in negotiations with the Utes in 1880-91 after the Meeker massacre, incurring the wrath of the Colorado settlers for his support of the Utes. He died from exhaustion in 1882. Adams Six Guns 222: "Scarce. ...contains much material on Captain Jack, the Modoc outlaws." Smith 882. A scarce and important first-hand account of the infamous attack-under-truce made by Captain Jack and his men, killing 2 and wounding 2 others of the Peace Commission. Brief, neat non-authorial presentation on front free-endpaper, and some minor wear to a couple of corners. Near fine copy.