The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-06
TIE ALLEGED kREZOga MASSACRE,

TO TIE EDITOR OF TIE HERALD:-
SIR-Your indignant editorial upon the massacre
OF friendly Indians IN Arizona would be just and
awaken a sympathetic echo III every breast II II was
| only based on fact.
| There are no friendly Apaches In Arizona. The
band that was attacked by the citizens OF Tucson,
to which you refer, were simply hiding their atroci-
ties under cover OF the protection OF United States
troops. From their supposed safe retreat they had
repeatedly sailed out, committed murders, rob-
berries and burnings, near towns, at ranches and on
the public roads. They were traled over The tor
tuous mountain paths TO their reservation near
Camp Grant, and after their camp was captured
the clothing OF women, killed within few days
arms, ammunition and other booty recognized as
belonging to peaceful ranchemen were found III
their camp. or these facts there is not a shadow
OF doubt.
The citizens OF Tucson were not only justified in
this attack, but they had pushed patience to lis
last stand. We ask no suspension OF public opinion
In this matter. The settlers OF Arizona are not
assassins. FOR 800 years the Catholic fathers, tho
Spanish and Mexican people have tried every art OF
conclation, religion, Kindness and peace with the
Apaches IN vain. Tney are declared by the Spanish
ordtndnxds enemies OF mankind, to be killed on the
highway or In the field, and their lands are pro.
nounced terrenoS bodios-public properly con-
tradishnction to those Of the Christanized Indians
the Plmos and Papagos-who live at peace with us
as they did with our predecessors. The United States
and the American Settler have exhausted every
means TO 1--we amicaby with the Apaches. Treaty
alter treaty has been made only TO be broken by the
given by public and private contribution.
The miner, farmer or stock raiser In Arizona no
more makes war on the Apaches, to have the fruits
OF his toll destroyed or his life taken, than the
keeper or broker OF New York leaves open his
house Tor the spon OF the burglar or the knife OF the
assassin. The atrocious folly OF such men as Rev.
Vincent Colyer-with whom pseudo philanthropy is
profession, as religion was 10 Stlggns and Cnad-
band-are debaucnng public sentiment on this
Indian question, and costing hundreds OF valuable
lives and millions or property on the frontier every
year.
President Grant has done a wise and good thing
in ordering Major General Crook TO the command IN
Arizona. 1 believe he will sustain him with a
strong command and thai Crook will teach TINS
most savage ierocious, intractable tribe, who
wolate women, burn men and children ut the
stake, and who proclaim insolenty in all their talks
that 'the Americans towards liars and dogs,
aud the Apache VIII XIII them all OF and drive them
from AriZona tnat their day OF riot and murder is
over.
That there are bad men In Arizona ! do not deny.
NO one knows that Territory better than do As
subaltern commanding officer and citizen have
KNOWN IL sixteen years, ana give you my word OF
honor as soldier and gentleman that the worst
men there today are those who occupy The civil
Offices.
The people court the fullest investigation into
their alleged massacre OF friendly Indians. IL Is a
shameful, Infamous libel upon the most patient,
courageous people that sought a home on
the frontier and who have become heroic In their
enueayors TO develop Arizona under a neglect which
no government under the but that Of the United
states would be guilty Of. Your obedient servant,
SYLVESTER M0WRY
UNION CLUE, NEW YORK, June 2, 1871.