The weekly Arizona miner., 1872-11-09
HOWARD AND THE APACHES,
From the San Diego tcalisor.i., U,,...,

From the San Diego CcaHforss) U.isa-I Gen. 0. O. Howard, Peace Commissioner for Arizona and New Mexico, accompanied by his aid-de-camp, passed through San Diego on "Wednesday morning last, es route to San Francisco. Before leaving the city he gave the following narrative of his operations with the hostile Indian tribes of Arizona and New Mexico:
 At the Tu La Rosa Reservation he organ lzed party to accompany him on his visit to the renowned chief of the Apaches-Cachise. The expedition consisted of himself, his aid, Captain Sladen, Thomas J. Jefferds, Chic, nephew of Cachise, and three men. Jetferds is a man we'll known by all the hostile ApAcbes, and enjoys their confidence in singular degree. He exercised such favor able influence over the hostile Indians, that 1 it was hoped through his friendly ministra- tions that CAcbise would be induced to move his tribe to New Mexico.
 The Indians at the Tu La Rosa Reserra- ton have for some time past expressed great deal of discontent, and many of them deserted the reservation and ran away to their old hunting grounds near Canada Ala mosa, New Mexico. General Towards first motion was in this direction, as he wished to see the country and ascertain its character, as compared with that in the vicinity of Tu La Rosa. His first visit in the Canada AL mosa region was to the camp of Ponce. The visit to this notorious Indian chief was ex- tremely dangerous, as he was known to be perfectly interruptions. It was feared that the cupidity of the chief and his followers might be excited by the sight of the articles brought along to be distributed as presents, and that they might be tempted to murder and plunder the party. Fortunately, the fear was grOundless in this instance. A judicous distribution of presents secured the services of the Chief Ponce, who consented to ac- company the party in the character of guide and pacificator.
 As soon as Ponce was ready the small par ty, without soldiers to act as escort, took its way to Cachise's strongholds in the Chirica- hua mountains, situated in the southeastern corner of Arizona Territory. The party travelled at the rate of forty miles a day. Persons familiar with this portion of Arizona will comprehend what hardships were en- countered in this rapid march during the hottest season of this almost intolerably warm Territory, and will give the General and his companions credit for perseverance. After being out few days the expedition struck trail of mounted Indians, which they afterwards found to be that of Cachise's party. The trail was followed until Stean's Peak in New Mexico was reached. When here, it was apparent that they were fast approaching the encampment of the Indians that the General was so desirous of meeting. The situation here became extremly inter esting. The party was not at all positive regarding the treatment they might receive at the hands of Cachise's band; therefore it became necessary to practice caution. Ac- cordingly Ponce preceded the party alone, and by making signs and initiating the cry of the coyote and other animals he soon cllcited a response from the other Indians in the mountains, who sent few of their num- Der to meet him. After conference With him they consented to conduct the party to the camp which had been occupied by Ca chse few days befoFe One of his wives still remained The object of the party bc- ing made known, they were promised protec- tion by the Indians at the camp. At night the braves lay in circle around the party and the boys lay at their feet. The latter act was to show that the Indians felt every confidence in Howard and his party.
 Being advised by Ponce, the party was re duced to Howard, Sladen and Jefferds. These three followed their guides into Arizona distance of 100 miles to the DragoOn noun tains. Here halt was made and the guides made circuit of twenty miles around what was supposed to be Cachise's rancheria. Fires were then made in a peculiar manner to intimate the peacable intentions of the party. This method of signaling is in com mon practice among the different tribes of Apaches.
 When the sun was about an hour high, two Indian boys mounted on horses, appeared ready to conduct the party. The path fol- lowed was extremely crooked and about seven miles in length. By the time the stronghold was reached the party was able to form an adequate idea of a mountain fast ness Enclosed by high mountains was a small patch of about fifty acres of planting ground Here were encamped large num- Der of braves with their squaws. The en- frances to their camp was almost impregna- ble General Howard describes it as the strongest Indian camp ever seen by him. and thinks that few Indians could defend it against many regiments of soldiers.
 On inquiry they found that Cachise was absent. The night of their arrival they slept safely, guarded by number of the braves. The following morning there was great DuStie m camp anu crieS that CacnlSe was coming were heard. All of the Indians manifested great delight at the return of their chief. His son brandished long lance, looking very fierce and savage, came first, riding at full speed. The first impression was soon effaced by the appearance of Ca chise, with his wife and sister. They were greeted affectionately, ard returned the salu- tations of the men, women and children with kind words for all
 Cachise at once embraced Jefferds and ex- tended his hand to Gen. Howard in friend ly manner, asking the object of his visit. He was made to understand that peace and cessation of depredations were once more demanded by the President of the United States; that it was the desire of the people of the United States to put an end to the slaughter of whites by Indians.
 During the course of the interview Cachise snole for half au hour about Indian nriey-