Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-08-12
GENERAL HOWARD AND THE
APACHES.

ZEN EflAL I1OV AMI AMI L he
APACHES.
So many stories have been told illus
trative of the bloodthirsty and vindic-
tive nature of the warlike Apache Indi-
ans, so many robberies and murders by
their rowing bands ON the plains of Ari
zona have been reported through the
land, that it seems strange to hear of
the welcome at our National Capital of
a deputation of chieftains from this tribe,
on mission of peace. 1t is hardly
probable that this result would have
been attained through the labors of any
other man than Major General 0. o.
Howard for there are few soldiers with
his loving spirit and reliable faith, and
few civilians with his judgment, ener-
gy, and personal influence over them.
Reports from Arizona were so various
and conflicting as to the character and
possibilities Of the Apaches, and troub-
les with them had been so frequent, that
the Government at Washington, in pur-
suance of its humane Indian policy, de-
sired Gen. Howard to visit that terrific
ry, ascertain the true condition of af-
| fairs, and counsel such action as seemed
necessary, especially to the end of a
permanent peace. The unsought and
unexpected summons to this mission
came to Gen. Howard as providential
call and he promptly left everything
else, to respond to it, not doubling that
he should have success. As he said to
a friend, he felt that he was going to
Gods work, and human impossibilities
are no obstacle to God'splans.
The trip to Arizona is no small under
taking, even in these days of Pacific
railroads. First visiting Gen. Schofeld,
in California, and afterward Gen. Crook
in New Mexico, to have the fullest un-
derstanding with the military authori-
ties of the Department of the Pacific,
Gen. Howard, with his staff and other
Government officials, moved on from
Sante Fe, thirteen days journey into the
Indian country of Arizona. The jour-
ney from Sante Fe was made on mules,
across the arid plains and under a burn
ing sun, often without water, and with
insufficient food. When the Indians
were reached, and had been personally
visited on their several grounds, they
were invited to a peace conference
improbable as it seemed, the conference
was secured, nearly all of the various
hostile bands being represented in it
Men who had before only met in com
bat, shooting at each other from behind
trees and bushes, longing for an oppor
tunitv to take ono another's scalps, sa
side by side, and counseled amicably al
to their mutual interests and duties
1t was no easy matter to bring abou
this conference, nor yet to secure favor
able results from it. It's first mention
was met with sneers. Open opposition
came from some interested parties; fo
there are always white men desirous o
: war with the Indians, and unwilling t
have peace made or kept with them
Falsehoods concerning the General ant
his plans were sent out from the terrific
ry and telegraphed over the land. Blu
the General persevered in faith: and ac
cording to his faith it was granted unit
g him.
After months of intercourse with th
7 Apaches, learning their needs and wrong
sharing their hardships, and provin
!, himself their good and wise friend, Ger
e Howard won their hearts and convince
e their judgments. He brought them
t new desire of peace with each othe
t and with the whites and now, as on
e result of his mission, half score
S chiefs and representative men of th
It most warlike of their tribes visit Wasl
+, ington with him, to confer with the a,
: thorities, in the hope of concluding
/ treaty of permanent peace.
e Meeting Gen. Howard and his part,
/ ON their return, on the plains of Wy
6 ming, and coming with them part of I'll
u way to the Atlantic coast, became pc
= sonally interested IN the Apache chic
e tains, and now write while the inciden
of the trip with them are fresh in n
If mind. With a single exception none
g these Indians had ever seen a large cit
to a railroad, a telegraph line, or any
,e the other great results of civilizatio
lr before starting on this journey. B
is they are people of more than ordina
ut intellect, and very quickly adapt ther
S selves to new surroundings They stu
oe led on a map the various routes to Il
ar East, and decided which they wou
y, take going on, and which they wou
III prefer on their return.
The trustful confidence in Gen. Ho
m ard displayed by these warriors W
ut hardly an indication of treachero
IT. nature. Unhesitatingly they had su
s. mitted themselves to his care, leayi
e- their people and country, to go amo
IS those whom they had known hithel