Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-02-06

PURSUING THE APACHEs.
Detailed and Interesting Report from
Gen. Crook.
HOW BAND OF ELEVEN MURDERoUs cHIRI-
CACHUAN's BAFFLED THE TRooPs-sAvAGEs
WHO RIDE A HUNDRED MILES WITHOUT
WATER - HUNTING THEM IN ROCKY FAST
NESSES.
Gen. Crook has sent to the adjutant general
OF the army very detailed and interesting re-
port dated January 18th, of the movements
made against the hostile Chiricahua Apaches
and the difficulties encountered since the hos
tiles scattered in many directions after the
summer campaign. The trail Of a considerable
number led into the Chiracahua mountains on
this side of the line and was followed by all of
the Apache scouts. These escorting parties had
been continuously in the field since May,
marching more than 500 miles. They and
their pack trains had been completely worn
out. and 1t was necessary to replace the scouts
by fresh detachments and to reOrganize the
every water hole, keeping the line constantly
patrolled Early in November party OF eleven
crossed the line and went into New Mexico.
The distance between the water holes is con-
siderable and the country along the boundary
very rough.
CROSSING THE LINE.
The hostiles, knowing that the water holes
were guarded changed their tactics, avoiding
them, and made passage in the most difficult
points of the mountains They were not de-
pendent upon water holes for water, but could
go 100 miles without halting, carrying such
water as they needed for themselves in the en-
trails of cattle or horses killed by the way, and
abandoning the animals they rode when these
dropled exhausted by thirst or fatigue. The
soldiers in pursuit had each but one horse.
When any OF their horses or pack mules gave
out, the command was not only weakened by
such loss, but extra work was imposed upon
the poor beasts which were still able to stagger
on their feet. The Chiricahuas could secure a
remount at ranches on their way, and at the
end OF march were possibly in possession Of
started: They would push across the valleys
by night and remain hidden by day in the
rocky places and high points, from which they
could watch the approach OF pursuers and lie in
ambush tor them, or
SCATTER LIKE COYOTES.
TO come together again at place known only
to themselves. No human foresight or wisdom
could predict exactly where that would be. 1t
might be in the original direction OF their line
of march, or near both TANKS, or they might
whip around and appear far in the rear of their
pursuers: To follow them it was necessary to
stick to the trail and never lose it il possible.
The Apaches might retard pursuit or battle it
completely, and it happened that our faithful
Apache scouts slowly and patiently led the
where white man could not detect the faintest
indication of q trail until, on reaching more
scoots a Inc uTering Sagacity OF the
many rough places, where dozen men armed
II >e the Apaches, with breech-lOading guns,
could hold a brigade in check. In approaching
these commander had to take precautions
against surprise, making his progress slow,
and giving the hostiles advantage in time and
distance, or else assume the risk Oh destruction.
The commander would be compelled to halt at
night until dawn, while the raiders could put
miles between themselves and the soldiers,
They succeeded in
ELUpING DIR TROOPS,
and in passing the line, word of their coming
was telegraphed to all points and detachments
were sent out to ntercept or follow them. They
were closely pressed, but having no impedi-
menta OF any kind scattered, and made their
way into New Mexico and remained hidden in
the mountains three weeks without commit
ting fresh depredations. Suddenly they APP
peared among the friendly Apaches near Fort
Apache, killing twelve, capturing six and losing
but one OF their own number. From this on
they had bloody career. Their very feeble
gerous, as 1t rendered it more difficult for peo-
pie 10 know when they were in their vicinity
unit, until they had surrounded ranch or ann
flight no more trail than
SO MANY BIRDS.
Many persons killed were found on roads or
trails distant from points OF communication.
Everything was done to give warning and
afford protection; but had the whole army been
employ ed it would have been impossible to get
word TO every 'prospector'' farmer and team
ster in their course The Chiricahuas dashed
through well settled districts numbering aud
plunderfng with grim impartiaIity citizens, SOL
diers and friendly Indians with no loss that
can be positively stated beyond the one killed
near Fort Apache. Every effort was made to
Capture them, but being unimpeded they es-
capped into Mexico although closely pressed
That twice they were compelled To abandon
their horses and plumber aud take to the rocks
on foot. Unfortunately detachment of Ma
vaJo scouts, with Lieut.. SCOTS command was
directly on their heels, but refused to 90
further and pursuit had TO be abandoned
Gen. Crook expressed the intention, il not
able to intercept them in attempting to return
not to leave the trail until they should be de-
stroyed Or forced back. 1t was necessary TO es-
tablisn camps near the water, while the Chira-
cahuas knowing this could avoid such places
the country being SO rough and the distance
between water holes SO great that the hostiIes
had no difficulty In slipping between, trusting
ior water TO lie small supply with them or
trusting TO that to be found in tanks in the
rocks.
THE DEATH OF CAPT. CRAWFORD.
Gen. Crooks report was dated on the 18th
of January, the very day that Capt Crawford
had located the camp Of the hostiies in Mex
leo and surrounded 1t, only to be deprived of
the victory which he had labored so hard to Sc
cure, by being shot through the head ty Mex
lean soldiers. Had he lived, it is the opinion
OF army officers, that Geronimo would have
Internationally surrendered to him, wit bout
waiting to reach the border.