 Most of 1872 was spent in the Klamath region where he was active in the Modoc War and, in a scuffle with Scarface Charley, precipitated a Battle of Lost River that subsequently gained him a brevet promotion and a citation for distinguished service.He was also given a medal during the Nez Perce conflict.Boutelle was promoted to captain on April 24, 1886, and retired August 27, 1895.