Arizona citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Pima County, A.T. [i.e. Ariz.]) 1870-1880, 1877-02-17

i'itSi euSN anu tNlCc AcHl III ptISbn
to see the Department Commander
and now l am told that am meddling
with something that does not concern
me, because ! have stated the facts
and complain at such inefiiciency. Up
on the question of meddling, | will not
waste words, but I am of The opinion
and shall act upon it, that to make the
strongest possible effort TO protect the
lives aud property Of the people, is my
first duty.
After the attack on Hughes ranch,
Lieut. Rucker with some Indian
scouts and cavalry, took the trail, fol.
lowed the Indians, overlook them aud
killed few; but he at once returned
to the post and the Indians after being
stirred up, were left to do as they
pleased, from the San Pedro to Orc
Blanco, and'as a result, have killed at
least eight men and taken large
amount of property, and are still mas
tiers OF the situation. The Chiricahua
band have undoubtedly been relnforc-
ed by Hot Springs indians from New
Mexico. 1t was evident to every one,
except the Department Commander,
that such would be the result of months
and months Of successful marauding
by this band. If efficient measures
are not taken to put them down, | shall
expect to see them all break out
have been authorized by the Legis-
lature to raise volunteers; and if l
can get arms, | intend to enlist and
pace under the command Of an expe-
rienced officer, friendly Indians from
the San Carlos. | know the people
can i'll afford to bear this expense, and
| shall not expend dollar that l do
not consider necessary to protect the
lives of our people If l succeed in
getting arms and placing a company
in the field, feel sure the best efforts
will be put forth to succeed.
In closing this long letter, l desire
to say that do not wish TO be under
stood as indulging in general criticism
on the army. believe the officers and
soldiers of the Army in Arizona, are
as braYe and efficient as can be found
anywhere; and l have reason to know
that many of them feel keenly morti-
fed at the inefliciency of military af
fairs IN Southeastern Arizona, and
had they been properly encouraged to
deeds of activity, the result would
have been different and many valuable
lives would have been saved.
II this discussion, do not expect to
be supported by those who are making.
money out Of the army. In my efforts
heretofore to get lid of inefficient of
ficers, this class Of citizens have gener-
ally been against me, until | succeeded
in Kidding the Territory OF incum-
brances, and then they have generally
been the first to claim the credit of
having done it. In this instance, I do
not care to get rid of any one. All l
ask is protection for the lives and prop
erty of this people. | say without fear
of contradiction, that there are ample
soldiers and scouts in this Department
to give protection to all parts of the
Territory. l will say further, that l
feel an equal interest in having every
part of the Territory protected. The
lives of the northern part, are equally
dear To me with the lives of the people
of the southern part, and no fair man
can or will show that | have ever, in
word or deed shown the least partially
fer or against any part or section of
this Territory. | have been treated
with marked kindness by all the good
people, and I take great pleasure in
SAYING now as | am about to retire
from office, that l entertain great affec-
ton for them in consideration of the
kind support have always received at
heir hands.
Very Respectfully
A.P. X. SAFFoRD.