The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1857-10-28
THE APACHE AND cAMaNcHE INDIANS

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THE APACHE AND cAMAAcHE INDIANS.
These two tribes Of Indians, whose names
are familiar to onr readers, roam over the
vast wilderness comprising our portions Ut
Texas, New Mexico, and the unsettled re-
gions to the north between the Rocky Noun
tains and the Western States. They are
sources Of serious annoyance not only TO the
people Of New Mexico, but to the inhabl-
tants Of the Republic Of Mexico itself. The
Apaches are BY far the most numerous tribe
of Indians in New Mexico, and extend not
only over a great portion Of that territory,
but into the States Of Chihuahua, Sonora,
and Durango, Of Mexico. Those located in
New Mexico are tie most difficult to control
Of anv OF the Indians in the Territory, and
often carry their plundering forays as far
south Is tie city Of Durango itself. They
lie IN wait along travelled routes near the Rio
Grande, remote from settlements, for small
parties and unprotected trains, and having
plundered them retreat rapidly to the fast
nesses Of the mountains. Their country is
nearly destitute Of game, i little adapted
to cultivation, and no treaties will, for any
length OF time, restrain their piundering ex-
pedltions into the settlements OF New Mex
leo. These Indians are very different in
| their characteristics from the tribes which
are to be found in the valleys Of the Missis-
sippi and Missouri. They are much less in
itelligent ard bold than the Pawnee or Sioux,
and have none Of th.ir warlike tastes Or ac-
eompiishments. Their sole object i plumber,
ard they are totally destitute Of the ambi-
I ton or courage ID distinguish themselves BY
warlike achievements. The principal aims
&c their chief war expeditions have been d.
rected II the piunderng Of small ranches,
and the driving Oft Of herds Of stock, and
the murder of helpless shepherd is mat
Ter Of great exaltafion. They carry of
children from these rassged settlements and
and either adopt them into the tribe or make
slaves IL them. In this habit, saws Capt.
Pope ~ the United States Typographical
Engineers, in 4 recent report to the Govern
ment, thew are closely initiated, or have
heen set tie example, BIZ the people u New
Mexico, and il j. s.tY doubffll whether q
settlement can be found in the valley Ct the
Rio Grande not possessed Of Indian slaves.
They are bought and sold like horses BIZ the
Mexicans, and il Is said that the amount 81
robbery i about equal between the lower
|. classes of New Mexicans and the Indians.
whose herds Of stock are frequently together.
Yet tie New Mexicans are constantly be-
seerhing our Government for protection, and
large sum. 81 money are annually expended
ID Afford il. while The Indians are quite as
I much sufferers. Military expeditions against
these Indians are Of little account, as upon
the approach 81 budy IL armed men they
scatter 10 al points Of the compass, over ths
mountains and by.paths of the country, and
onIy reunite 1T some point far removed from
( danger. Efforts have been made 10 induce
them 10 settle down 10 the pursuits Of az.
ricuiture, but 20 far without the hope d
success.
/. Tie Camanehes--the Arabs Of the deserts
IF North America--haye long occupied al
important place among the Indian nations d
! this continent. In conjunction with III,
! SIOUX they have for many years maintained
! an almost undisputed sway over the immens,
, regions between the Rocky Mountains and
! he frontiers of the Western States. The,
, number about twenty thousand souls. Thel
! are bold and enterprising, and, passing
the Rio Grande, Eve hundred miles from
J their home, even invade the dominions o
Mexico 70 within two hundred and eft,
niles Of her capital. In small parties the
, penetrate into the denser settlements Of thl
/ Northern states Of Mexico, and in broat
. daylight, and nearly unopposed, they CARR
, Of into captivity. hundreds Of men, women
! and children, capture thousands Of horse
aud mules, and lay under contribution pop
ulous towns and even large cities. Thel
are, says Capt. Pope, objects Of The extremes
terror to the Mexiesns and Il IL relatet
that even a single camanche dashed az speed
into The public square Of The city Of Duran
!. 20 ., midday, and BY bis mere presene.
! esussd The has,y closing n the stores ant