USA > Arizona > History of Arizona, Volume I > Part 14
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"I never saw any of the Pinal Indians, though a band was met by one of the surveying parties on the Gila. They were described to me as a fine looking people. At first, they were shy; but when they discovered that our party were Americans, and were well disposed towards them, they became quite friendly. On inquiring of the Apache chiefs concerning them, I learned that they belong to the same great tribe, but sel- dom have any intercourse with the Apaches proper, being separated from them by broad forests and lofty mountains.
"General Garcia Conde, the Mexican Commis- sioner, being encamped about twenty-six miles off, I dispatched a messenger to him, requesting his presence, to advise and co-operate with me in this matter. He accordingly visited me, and upon inquiring, found that he was acquainted
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with the released captive's father, a respectable citizen of Santa Cruz. He approved warmly of my course, evincing, as it would, to his govern- ment, a determination on the part of the United States to solemnly and faithfully fulfil its treaty stipulations. He also particularly solicited that the young woman should be kept under my pro- tection until such time as she could be restored in safety to her home.
"The fair captive was, of course, taken care of by the Commission. She was well clad with such materials as the sutler of the escort and the commissary of the Commission could furnish, and besides the more substantial articles of clothing provided for her, she received many presents from the gentlemen of the Commission, all of whom manifested a deep interest in her welfare, and seemed desirous of making her com- fortable and happy. But with all the attention extended to her, her situation was far from enviable in a camp of over a hundred men, with- out a single female with whom she could hold any intercourse. She found employment enough in making her own garments, being quite expert at her needle, and occasionally spent an hour in reading the few Spanish books in our possession."
On the 23rd of September, the Commission having approached Inez Gonzales' home, she was, after having been with the Commission nearly three months, restored to her parents. Commissioner Bartlett describes this restoration in the following language:
"Before setting out this morning, two men started in advance to advise the mother of Inez of our approach, and when within two miles of
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the town, we saw a small party approaching, partly on mules and partly on foot, among whom were the fair captive's mother, brothers, and uncle. As we drew nearer, Mr. Cremony helped Inez from the saddle, when in perfect ecstacy, she rushed to her mother's arms. Words can- not express the joy manifested on this happy occasion. Their screams were painful to hear. The mother could scarcely believe what she saw, and after every embrace and gush of tears, she withdrew her arms to gaze on the face of her child. I have witnessed many scenes on the stage, of the meeting of friends after a long separation, and have read highly wrought nar- ratives of similar interviews, but none of them approached in pathos the spontaneous burst of feeling exhibited by the mother and daughter on this occasion. Thanks to the Almighty rose above all other sounds, while they remained clasped in each other's arms, for the deliverance from captivity, and the restoration of the be- loved daughter to her home and friends. Although a joyful scene, it was a painfully affecting one to the spectators, not one of whom could restrain his tears. After several minutes of silence, the fond parent embraced me, and the other gentlemen of the party, in succession, as we were pointed out by her daughter; a cere- mony which was followed by her uncle, and the others, who had by this time joined us. We then remounted our animals and proceeded towards the town in silence, and it was long be- fore either party could compose themselves suffi- ciently to speak.
"As we journeyed on, we met other villagers coming out to meet us, and among them two lit-
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tle boys from eight to twelve years of age. They were the brothers of Inez; and when they saw their sister, they sprung upon the saddle with her clasping their little arms around her, and like their mother, bursting into tears. Releas- ing their embrace, Inez pointed to us, when the little fellows ran up to our horses, and eagerly grasped our hands, trotting along by our sides, while the tears rolled down their cheeks. A lit- tle further, we were met by another lad about twelve years of age. He, too, embraced the re- turning captive, and like the others, burst into tears. But those tears were excited by feelings very different from those awakened in the other boys, the brothers of Inez. They were tears of despair-of long cherished hope checked in the bud-of disappointment-of pain-of misery. This poor boy was the child of the woman who was made a captive by the Apaches, at the same time with Inez. She and Inez had left their homes together, one year ago this very day, for the fair of Magdalena, where their party was when attacked by the Apaches, and all but three killed or taken prisoners. Of the three who were made captives, no news had ever been heard; and the poor girl now returning, was the first intelligence that either was in existence. The little orphan wrung his hands with despair as he raised his eyes first to the companion of his mother, and then to us, thinking perhaps that we might have regained his parent, as well as her. I was much affected when Inez told me who this lad was, and resolved that I would make an effort for her restoration too, as soon as I could communicate the particulars to the govern-
14
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ment, as she is the person who was bought by the New Mexican traders, and taken to Santa Fe, a short time before the purchase of Inez.
"As we drew near the town, numbers of the inhabitants came out to meet us, and welcome back the restored captive. When about half a mile distant, Inez wished to dismount and walk thence to the church, that she might first offer up her prayers for her deliverance from captiv- ity, before going to her home. Accordingly we all dismounted and accompanied her to the door of the church; and there she was met by many more of her friends, when they all passed for- ward and knelt down before the altar. We left them engaged in prayer, and waited outside the church until their devotions were concluded. They then passed out, and escorted Inez, her par- ents, brothers and sister, to their home."
In a note Commissioner Bartlett says that he has spoken of the father of Inez Gonzales; that he was in fact her stepfather, and named Jesus Ortiz; that he seemed ardently attached to her, and told Commissioner Bartlett that he loved her as his own.
Commissioner Bartlett also gives an account of the difficulties attending his first attempt to restore to their homes two Mexican youths, who had been captured by the Indians, and sought his protection. The interviews following, between himself and the leading Apache chiefs, show the position which the Indians assumed, and which they defended with a great deal of native abil- ity. This incident occurred at the Copper Mines where the Commissioner was encamped, and of it, Bartlett says :
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"Two Mexican boys suddenly rushed into the tent of Mr. Cremony, which was pitched in the outskirts of the place, and sought his protection from their Indian captors. He at once brought them to my quarters, and on being questioned, they stated that they had been stolen from their homes by the Apaches. One, named Saverro Aredia, and about thirteen years old, had been taken from the town of Bacucachi, in the State of Sonora, six months before; the other, Jose Trinfan, ten or twelve years of age, belonged to Fronteras, in the same State, and had been held a prisoner six years. Believing, from what they had heard the Indians say, who had visited the Copper Mines, that they would find protection with us, they sought our camp. They were both intelligent looking boys; their hair was cropped short, and they were entirely naked.
"When these youths were brought to us, Man- gus Colorado and Delgadito, two prominent chiefs of the Apaches, and a number of their tribe, were present; they already knew of the escape of the prisoners, and at once proposed that I should purchase them. I declined, tell- ing them that the Americans did not buy cap- tives; and, furthermore, that having sought my protection, I should not deliver them up. In vain I endeavored to make the chiefs compre- hend our treaty with Mexico, and the principles of justice and humanity on which it was based. They did not, or would not, understand and left our camp evidently much offended. I requested Mangus Colorado to come to me on the following day when I would endeavor to satisfy him. The day arrived, but Mangus did not appear; and I
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began to be fearful that the friendly feeling be- tween the Commission and the Indians would be terminated by this event. I received intimations that the boys were not safe, and that an attempt would probably be made to recapture them the first opportunity. Determined not to be thwarted in this way, I sent them off at night, well clothed, in charge of four resolute men, with directions to take them to the camp of General Conde, and deliver them into his hands.
"After the lapse of several days, the chiefs with their people, including the owner of one of the boys, again made their appearance. The matter was again talked over, but nothing was decided, and they returned to their camp. After
several fruitless conferences of this sort, the affair was at length so arranged that the captives should be retained by us, and our friendly rela- tions not be impaired. As this last discussion was one of much interest, it was taken down by one of the gentlemen present. I give it, there- fore, at length, as the arguments used by my op- ponents display to good advantage their natural shrewdness of character. It was commenced by Mangus Colorado, who thus addressed me :
"Mangus Colorado :- Why did you take our captives from us ?
"Commissioner :- Your captives came to us and demanded our protection.
"Mangus Colorado :- You came to our coun- try. You were well received by us. Your lives, your property, your animals, were safe. You passed by ones, by twos, and by threes, through our country ; you went and came in peace. Your strayed animals were always brought home to
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you again. Our wives, our children, and women, came here and visited your houses. We were friends! We were brothers! Believing this, we came amongst you and brought our captives, re- lying on it that we were brothers, and that you would feel as we feel. We concealed .nothing. We came not here secretly in the night. We came in open day, and before your faces, and we showed our captives to you. We believed your assurances of friendship, and we trusted them. Why did you take our captives from us ?
"Commissioner :- What we have said to you is true and reliable. We do not tell lies. The greatness and dignity of our nation forbids our doing so mean a thing. What our great brother has said is true, and good also. I will now tell him why we took his captives from him. Four years ago, we, too, were at war with Mexico. We know that the Apaches make a distinction be- tween Chihuahua and Sonora. They are at peace with Chihuahua, but always fighting against Sonora. We in our war did not make that distinction. The Mexicans, whether living in one or the other state, are all one nation, and we fought them as a nation. Well, when the war was over, in which we conquered, we made peace with them. They are now our friends, and by the terms of the peace, we are bound to protect them. We told you this when we came to this place, and we requested you to cease your hostili- ties against Mexico. Well, time passed, and we grew very friendly ; everything went well. You came in here with your captives. Who were these captives? Mexicans-the very people we told you we were bound to protect. We took
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them from you, and sent them to General Conde, who will set them at liberty in their own country. We mean to show you that we cannot lie. We promised protection to the Mexicans, and we gave it to them. We promised friendship and protection to you, and we will give it to you. If we had not done so to Mexico, you could not have believed us with regard to yourselves. We can- not lie.
"Ponce :- Yes, but you took our captives from us without beforehand cautioning us. We were ignorant of this promise to restore captives. They were made prisoners in lawful warfare. They belong to us. They are our property. Our people have also been made captives by the Mexicans. If we had known of this thing, we should not have come here. We should not have placed that confidence in you.
"Commissioner :- Our brother speaks angrily, and without due reflection. Boys and women lose their temper, but men reflect and argue, and he who has reason and justice on his side, wins. I have no doubt but that you have suffered much by the Mexicans. This is a question in which it is impossible for us to tell who is right, or who is wrong. You and the Mexicans accuse each other of being the aggressors. Our duty is to fulfill our promise to both. This opportunity enables us to show to Mexico that we mean what we say, and when the time comes, we will be ready and prompt to prove the good faith of our promises to you.
"Ponce :- I am neither a boy nor a squaw. I am a man and a brave. I speak with reflection. I know what I say. I speak of the wrongs we
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have suffered and those you do us now. (Very much excited). You must not speak any more. Let some one else speak (addressing himself to Mr. Cremony, the interpreter).
"Commissioner :- I want you to understand that I am the very one to speak; the only one here who can speak (peremptorily). Now do You sit down. I will hold no more talk with you, but will select a man (beckoning to Del- gadito). Do you come here and speak for your nation.
"Dalgadito :- Let my brother declare the mind of his people.
"Commissioner :- I wish to explain to our Apache brethren the reasons that have actuated us in this thing. We know that you have not done this thing secretly or in the dark. You came as braves in open day, and brought your captives amongst us. We are obliged to obey the orders of our great chief in Washington as much as you warriors are obliged to obey your com- manders. The great chief of our nation says: 'You must take all Mexican captives that you meet among the Apaches, and set them at lib- erty.' Now this you must know we cannot dis- obey. For this reason we have taken your cap- tives from you.
"Dalgadito :- We do not doubt the word of our brave white brethren. The Americans are braves, we know it; and we believe a brave scorns to lie. But the owner of these captives is a poor man; he cannot lose his captives, who were ob- tained at the risk of his life, and purchased by the blood of his relatives. He justly demands his captives. We are his friends, and we wish
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to see this demand complied with. It is just, and as justice we demand it.
"Commissioner :- I will now tell my Apache brethren what can be done for them. The cap- tives cannot be restored. The Commissioner cannot buy them, neither can any American buy them; but there is here in our employ a Mexican who is anxious to buy them, and restore them to their homes. We have no objection that this Mexican should do so; and if he is not rich enough, we will lend him the means.
"Dalgadito :- The owner does not wish to sell; he wants his captives.
"Commissioner :- I have already told my brother that this cannot be. I speak not with two tongues. Make up your minds.
"Dalgadito :- The owner wants twenty horses for them.
"Commissioner :- The Apache laughs at his white brother! He thinks him a squaw, and that he can play with him as with an arrow! Let the Apache say again.
"Dalgadito :- The brave who owns these cap- tives does not wish to sell. He has had one of those (two) boys six years. He grew up under him. His heart-strings are bound around him. He is as a son to his old age. He speaks our lan- guage, and he cannot sell him. Money cannot buy affection. His heart cannot be sold. He taught him to string and shoot the bow and to wield the lance. He loves the boy, and cannot sell him.
"Commissioner :- We are sorry that this thing should be. We feel for our Apache brother, and would like to lighten his heart. But it is not
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our fault. Our brother has fixed his affections on the child of his enemy. It is very noble. But our duty is stern. We cannot avoid it. It wounds our hearts to hurt our friends; but if it were our own children, and the duty and the law said, 'Part with them,' part with them we should. Let our Apache brother reflect, and name his price.
"Dalgadito :- What will you give ?
"Commissioner :- If my brother will come with me, I will show him.
"Here the council dissolved and repaired to the commissary's stores, attended by the Mex- ican purchaser, where goods to the amount of two hundred and fifty dollars were laid out, which they accepted, and thus the business was concluded."
In the meantime the boys had been sent by the Mexican Commissioner to Janos, the nearest military post in Mexico, from whence they were taken to their families.
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CHAPTER XIII.
TROUBLES WITH TIIE INDIANS (Continued).
KILLING OF AN INDIAN BY JESUS LOPEZ-RESTI- TUTION BY THE MURDERER-APACHES STEAL STOCK - DISCOVERY OF GOLD MINES -- APACHES STEAL MORE STOCK-SHOOTING OF DALGADITO-HISTORY OF MANGUS COLORADO.
Another difficulty arose between the Commis- sioner and the Apaches upon the killing of an Apache by one of Bartlett's men, the Apaches contending with forcible logic and conclusive oratory, that the murderer should, then and there, be executed in their presence. Of this occurrence, Commissioner Bartlett gives the fol- lowing account :
"About one o'clock word was brought to me, that an Indian had been shot by Jesus Lopez, the Mexican teamster to whom I have before al- luded. I at once ran to my door, and saw the greatest consternation in the place. The In- dians, of which there were many about us at the time, were screaming and running in all direc- tions, as though fearful of a general rising and massacre of their people. Our own party, too, were in great alarm, and every man ran for his arms, not knowing but that the Indians, who had so often been treacherously dealt with by the whites, might at once attack us, to be re- venged for the loss of their companion. Man- gus Colorado, Dalgadito and Coletto Amarillo, who were in our camp, seized their arms, and, mounting animals, retreated to a small hill a few
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hundred yards from the fort, where they stopped to see what was to follow, and make their escape in case of necessity. Many of their people crowded around them for protection and guid- ance. Some remained many minutes beckoning them to come back, and assuring them that they would not be hurt. They remained quiet until Colonel Craig, with the courage and determina- tion which he exhibited in every trying scene, advanced alone toward them, told them he and all of us were still their friends, and invited them to the garrison where the man who had shot one of their people should be brought before them. They at once came forward; and while we all stood on the parade ground in front of the garri- son, the prisoner was brought up with his feet in chains, by a file of the soldiers. We then passed into the quarters of Colonel Craig, for an examination of the case. On questioning the prisoner why he had shot the Indian, he made no reply, except to say that on returning from the Mimbres, some Indians he met had threatened to kill him; although he did not pretend to say that the man he had shot was the one.
"It appeared on examination, that Gordon, a cook, was the only person who witnessed the affair. He states that there was some dispute between Jesus and the Indian, about a whip, be- longing to the latter, and which the former wished to buy. Jesus had the whip under his arm, and on failing to agree about it, the Indian attempted to pull it from him. The Mexican, becoming enraged, first picked up a stone, and then seized his rifle. He levelled it at the In- dian, when scarcely beyond the reach of the
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muzzle, and deliberately shot him down, the ball passing through his body just above the heart. Jesus ran to the Indian's horse which stood near the tent, intending to make his escape. Mr. J. B. Stewart, who was not far off, and heard the report, levelled his rifle, threatening to shoot him if he stirred. The fellow stopped, and the next moment was a prisoner. When these facts were made known to Mangus Colorado and the other chiefs present, they were satisfied that the Americans were in no way implicated in the affair, and that it was a private quarrel between a Mexican and an Indian. They were equally satisfied when assured that the prisoner should be kept in chains and punished if the man died ; and the conference ended in good feeling. The chief, Ponce, made a long speech on the occa- sion, and said they 'all believed it the work of one bad man, and that the Commissioner had nothing to do with it. If the man died, they should require the punishment of the murderer. If he lived the Mexican should be compelled to labor, and the proceeds of it be given to the family of the wounded man, as a remuneration for the loss of his services.'
"The wounded man was taken to the hospital where he was attended by the surgeons of the Commission and the escort, and the best possible care taken of him. His wife and mother were in constant attendance, and his friends had access to him at all times. The chiefs were in daily, and expressed their satisfaction with my course. The poor man lingered for a month when he died. I ordered a coffin made for him, and intended having him decently buried; but
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his friends, refusing both the coffin and burial, laid him across a mule, and carried him to their camp for interment, according to their own customs.
"The Indians now waited upon us in consider- able numbers, accompanied by their chiefs, and demanded that the prisoner should be at once delivered into their hands. I told them that as the offense was committed in our territory, the man must be punished according to our laws. Most of the chiefs were assembled on this occa- sion, and presented a strange and picturesque appearance, as they were distributed about my quarters in various attitudes. Some standing, others sitting on benches, while the larger num- ber adopted the common Indian position of sitting on their haunches with their knees drawn up before them, clasped by their hands. Had there been room to lie down, that posture would have been preferred. They came professedly as advocates of the woman's cause, and would listen to nothing but the unconditional delivery of the murderer, preferring their demand with con- siderable eloquence. Three or four would start upon the same point together, and he who could talk the fastest would be allowed to go on with the subject. As in the former controversy with these people, the arguments between the chiefs and myself were taken down. I began by ad- dressing them through Mr. John C. Cremony, the interpreter of the Commission, as follows :
" 'I feel sad, as well as all the Americans here, and sympathize with our Apache brothers for the death of one of their braves. We were all friends. The dead man was our friend, and we
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regret his loss. I know that he had committed no offense; that he even did not provoke the at- tack upon him. But our Apache brothers must remember that it was not by the hand of an American that his death was caused. It was by a Mexican, though a man in the employ of the commission. For this reason, it is my duty to see justice done you, and the murderer punished.
" 'I am here, as I have told you, in command of the party engaged in making the dividing line between the United States the country of the Americans, and Mexico. I have explained this to you fully before, which you now understand. Beyond this, I have no powers. The great chief of the American people lives far, very far, towards the rising sun. From him I received my orders, and those orders I must obey. I can- not interfere in punishing any man, whether an Indian, a Mexican or an American. There is another great chief who lives at Santa Fe. He is the governor of all New Mexico. This great chief administers the laws of the Americans. He holds a court wherein all persons charged with crimes are judged. He alone can inflict punishment when a man has been found guilty. To this great chief, this governor, I will send the murderer of our Apache brother. He will try him, and, if found guilty, will have him punished according to American laws. Such is all I can do. Such is the disposition I will make of this man. It is all that I have a right to do.'
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