Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-06-19
The Rescued Mexican women.

Tucson, June 16sh.-The five Mexican
women and one child, rscaptured from the
Apaches, were brought here last evening,
and are now in charge of Consul Tuleli. who
has telegraphed his Government for instruc.
tions as 70 what disposition to make of them.
They ara from the city of chihuahua, and
are the wives of soldiers in the Mexican
army. The command to which their hus-
bands were attached had been stationed 800
miles northwest of the city of chihuahua at a
place on the Mexican frontier named FL Car.
men. The troops had been ordered home,
and the women followed their husbands at a
distance of about two days journey behind,
travelling on foot. On the 10th Of May they
were surprised by band of Apsches, under
the personal command Of Geraniuo. The IN
dians suddenly rose up from behind rocks
and bushes. The women were greatly
frightened and began to scream. A Mexican
captive named Jose, who had long been
with the Indians, came forward, and
addressing them in Spanish. assured them
that no harm would come If they would sur
render and follow the Apaches. There was
nothing else for them to do but follow. The
Indians then came forward and asked great
many questions through Jose. They were
anxious TO know the number of Mexican SOL
diers, their whereabouts aud intentions, TO all
of which the woman returned answers. The
Indisns with their csptives travelled inces-
sanity the remainder of that day and all
night The place where they were captured
Is known as Cerritcs Custes, is half way be-
tween Ell Carmen and Plan de ell Elamo.
They calculated that the next morning after
the capture they were at least 105 miles
distant, though they cannot tell in which
direction. For three days they were without
water, but after that it was found in abund'
snce. The country through which they
passed was wild beyond description. At
times they were compelled to crawl upon all
fours. Their thirst for the first three days
nearly drove them crazy, and the Indians
would whip and lash them up, and compel
them TO travel. Towards the last Of their
captivity their food commenced giving out,
and they were put upon ration, small piece
Of raw beef being all there was given to
them. Tnis had TO be divided among the six.
Mrs. Antonio Hernandez all this time carried
her little child in her arms. The Indian
children took great pleasure in tormsnting
him, pinching him, jabbing shsrpened sticks
into his sides, giving him great pain. When
she demonstrated GeraDimo or his men only
laughed at her misery. The last two days of
their captivity they had no food at
all. There was no snow on the
mountains, but the cold was intense,
and the women suffered almost
quiet in ore spot day, but were continually
moving. They travelled nearly 100 miles a
day, going in every direction, but tending
generally nearly westward, The captives
were abused and maltreated in every possible
manner. Tney we're made to work heavily
Whenever camp was made, and were the gen.
ersl objects Of abuss and ridicule. The In
dams would take up Mrs. HerBaldez's little
boy and threaten TO kill him, and would
throw stones ut him, to the great mental an.
guish OF his mother. Oae OF the women was
sent as hostage Of some sort to Chihuahua,
to mako peace. The exposure to cold, thirst,
famine, exhaustion from travel and fear of
torture, were having their effect on the poor
women. The first thing they knew they were
hustled off one day further into the mountains,
and the next day brother of Chief Chatte
delivered them up to General Crook. AS
one of them expressed herself, wien she
seemed as if the sky had opened and heaven
appeared. Their pitiabls condition drew
defp on the sympathies of the brave boys
power to alleviate Che sufferings of Che
women. A mule was given to each woman
to ride. This was one reason Of the slow
return of General Greeks command. The
women cannot fDd words to express the
gratitude they feel towards the American
soIdiers When tho women started on their
toil5ome journey On foot, 800 miles from FL
Carmen TO chihuahua, to follow their hus-
bands home, they had no idea that there
were any Indians on the road, thinking they
were al in the mountains to the north.
They have not seen their husbands for over
cixy xxyaal-u