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HOW COCHISE, THE APACHE CHIEF, BECAME
THE WHITE MAN'S FOE
It is reported that the band of Cochise, the most
fierce and dreaded of the Apache Chiefs, has been in-
duced by the agents of the Indian Bureau to come
upon the reservation. The family of Cochise did
not come in, as the Chief was absent, but they pro-
mised upon his return to try and induce him to join
the others. If this report is true, it is to be hoped
that the utmost exertions will be used to make terms
with this noted warrior, and that such efforts may
prove successful. Gen Stoneman says that when he
first saw the Apaches in 1846, they were splendidly
mounted, every warrior rode a stallion, and every
squaw a mare. They were dressed in buckskins,
their lances were bright, and their trappings superb.
Seven hundred of them rode together. They were
the terror of Mexico, and rode far into the republic,
but they treated the Americans with chivalry, and
bands of California emigrants could ride through
Arizona unharmed. The Arizona Apache is now a
starving hyena, eating squirrels, rats, owls, anything
to keep life and vengeance alive. Cochise himself is
said to be a splendid physical specimen of man, of
wonderful alertness and remarkable sagacity. He
was at peace with the whites when his camp
was attacked, and his wife and brother captured.
Some days afterwards he and niine other men rods up
to the attacking party, mounted on good horses, and
holding lariats to which were attached the necks of nine
white captives. Cochise's message was, " Give up my
wife and brother, and these prisoners shall be set free."
The white people answered this by hanging on a
gallows the chief's wife and brother, and immediately
the Indians bounded off, dragging the unfortunate
hostages over the desert. Since that time Cochise
has been merciless in his vengeance, and his name is
a terror throughout the border Although the hor-
rible cruelties he has committed on unoffending
whites cannot be excused, it must be remembered
that he was not the aggressor in the first instance,
and that he was only pursuing the mode of warfare
which is considered perfectly legitimate among his
race. If this remarkable man could be induced to
become friendly once more, his influence on the wild
tribes would be of incalculable advantage to us -
Nashville (Tenn), Republican Banner, July 16th.
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