Arizona citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Pima County, A.T. [i.e. Ariz.]) 1870-1880, 1871-01-14

liens of Tucson contributed a sun
sufficient to place small company il
the field; they were mostly Mexican'
by birth and not mounted. | tool
command of the company, and actec
part of the time in conjunction with
Capt E. Miles and his command Of
the regular army; and also, for q
time with Lieut.. Cushing. We were
in the field twenty-seven days, and
during that time these men marched
on foot above six hundred miles, much
of the time over a rocky, noun
famous country. Their endurance
and conduct were everything that
could be desired. l belieye few
companies of this class of our citizens
would be found invaluable in subdu-
ing the hostile Apaches. The Coyo-
teros and Apache-Mohave Indians,
branches of the Apache tribe, have
expressed a desire for peace, and a
large Reservation has been set apart
for the former by the United States.
I visited this Reservation in June last,
and believe the larger number of this
band earnestly desire peace. I found
they were very poor, with no seed for
planting except that furnished by the
military authorities, and they were Of
necessity obliged to roam over a large
extent of country, as Indians always
are unless provided with ample agri-
cultural facilities. 1 found the mill
tary doing everything possible to pro-
vide them with Seed, but were not
authorized to supply even their pre-
sent wants, except in limited amounts,
consequently the Indians had to prin-
elpally depend upon game for subsist-
ence. Much dissatisfaction and i'll
feeling exist on the part of the set
tiers on account of the general belief
that portions Of this tribe join with
maraudlng bands against them, and
as soon as their nefarious work is
done, return to their reservation for
safety. The Apache Mohaves have
received no assistance except from the
authorities, and that of ne
cessity has been limited; and from
personal observation, strengthened by
received from officers and |
citizens who have been more or less
among them, am convinced they
have been for some time past in suf-
terlng condition; and I shall not be
surprised if in few weeks, and per-
haps days. they are again in open hos
tlllty. Three persons were murdered
near Prescott, and it. is
charged by well informed citizens to
these Indians. They have also band
ed together in considerable numbers
and made demands on the inha bitants
of Chino valley for food with which
.he latter were unable to comply.
The Indians retired without actually
hostilities, but informed
he people that they would return with
increased numbers and take what they
The danger was considered
70 imminent that all the families of
he valley We're removed to Prescott
or safety, and quite as much alarm
low prevails with The people as when
hese Indians were in avowed hosti-
ity.
The Indians now engaged in open
are the Pinals, Tontos, what
S commonly known as Cochises band,
md more or less renegades from all
he bands that assume to be on terms
4 peace. It is also a we'll esta blished
act that the Navajoas, who occupy
eservalion in New Mexico, have
made frequent raids and stolen pro-
'erty and murdered citizens, as far
vest as Prescott. [ believe [ have
airly stated to you the condition and
'osition the Apache Indians occupy
Owards US at present. l have given
his subject much thought, and ex- I
ended much time in its personal ex- !
and am led to the follow {
lg conclusions as to the policy which ]
ught to prevail in the future.
The Apache Indians have never
Manifested the least disposition to live
n terms of peace, until after they had
cen thoroughly subjugated by mill
AIRY power, and any attempt to COM
romise before they are reduced to :
his condition, is accepted by them as
n acknowledgment Of weakness and
owardice; therefore, my opinion is
hat in the end it would be economy to {
ne government and humanity to both t
mites and Indians to prosecute the ,