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Partially printed document filled out in ink, " Modoc War. Discharge. California Mounted Volunteer Militia, 6th Division, 2nd Brigade, Maj. Gen John D. Cosby, Commanding..." Signed by Col. A.H. Brown. 25.5x20 cm. (10x8").

California Militia Discharge for Service in the 1855-56 "Modoc War" for Mike Thomas, "a packer," discharged by reason of the expiration of his term of service, having served eighty seven days. This is probably from the Cayuse War, started in 1848. The Yakima War, which covered most of the Oregon and Washington Territories as well as part of Northern California, is generally dated 1856-1858, and may be continuous with the Cayuse/Palouse Wars. This late 1856 document may be from the Yakima campaigns. What the history books would come to refer to as the Modoc (or Lava Beds) War would come nearly two decades later, in 1872-1873, but they could not have known that back in the 1850s. The present document is of further interest due to two transferences on the verso, the first by Thomas "in consideration of the sum of Four hundred thirty five dollars to me paid I hereby set over assign and transfer to A.F. Farnham all my claim against the Government of the State of California... for and on account of services rendered by me in the Modoc War..." dated Nov. 14th, 1856, signed with his mark, and further transferred by Farnham to Thomas Bro. & Co., dated Jan. 15, 1857.