Preparation For Attack
Colonel Wheaton planned a two-pronged attack. The primary attack would come from the main force in the west; a secondary attack from the east would prevent the Modoc escaping. The two forces were to spread out and meet in the middle of the lava fields, south of the Stronghold, thus trapping the Modoc against Tule Lake. The howitzers were to provide support for the western attack. All men in the assault were to proceed on foot.
The units left their camps on January 16 to move into position. Major Green's units arrived at the southwest corner of Tule Lake at 1 pm; the artillery, which had traveled a longer, flatter route, arrived after dark. Their camp was at the top of a bluff, overlooking the lava beds, about 3 miles west of the Stronghold.
Captain Bernard's group also advanced on the 16th, their objective being Hospital Rock, two miles east of the Stronghold. However, a thick fog obscured their view and the forces came within a mile of the Stronghold. At this point Bernard ordered a withdrawal, but the Modoc had already observed them and gave chase. They began firing on Bernard's left flank and pack train, before being run off. Three of Bernard's men were wounded in the exchange. Bernard's force withdrew to Hospital Rock, and prepared for the next day's battle.
Read more about this topic: First Battle Of The Stronghold
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