Endnotes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Betrayal and Broken Treaties

  Cochise was lured into a military camp under promise of a treaty, then handcuffed; Mangus-Colorado was murdered after surrendering.

• Injustice and Oppression

  The Mexican government offered bounties for Apache scalps; Victoria died opposing forced removal; Geronimo's family was captured.

• Cultural Preservation and Identity

  Apache customs regarding marriage, property of deceased relatives, the sacred number four, and the use of Usen for God are detailed.

Characters to notice

• Geronimo

  Geronimo's words and actions are frequently clarified or corrected by the editor; he is noted for his refusal to eat bacon or pork, his use of a shrill call to summon horses, and his shy laugh when told of Prewitt's pistol incident.

• Victoria

  Victoria, chief of the Hot Spring Apaches, met his death opposing the forcible removal of his band to a reservation.

• Mangus Colorado

  Mangus-Colorado was foully murdered after he had surrendered, as noted by General Miles; his head was severed and brain weighed, with the skull sent to the Smithsonian.

• Cochise

  Cochise and his tribe were lured into a military camp under promise of a treaty, but handcuffs were put on them; Cochise cut his way out and surrounded the camp with warriors.

• General O. O. Howard

  General Howard was sent by President Grant in 1872 to make peace with the Apaches; he remembered the treaty and meeting Geronimo.

• General George Crook

  Geronimo's criticism of General Crook is noted, with the editor disclaiming responsibility.

• General Nelson A. Miles

  General Miles telegraphed about the surrender of the Apaches and noted the foul murder of Mangus-Colorado.

• Asa Deklugie

  Asa, son of Whoa, interpreter, remembers a little captive Mexican girl who played with Apache children.

Key passages

• “Geronimo’s exact words, for which the Editor disclaims any responsibility.”

  The editor states that Geronimo's words are quoted directly and the editor is not responsible for them.

  Editorial disclaimer regarding Geronimo's statements.

• “These are the exact words of Geronimo. The Editor is not responsible for this criticism of General Crook.”

  Geronimo's criticism of General Crook is presented verbatim, with the editor disclaiming responsibility.

  Editorial note on Geronimo's criticism of General Crook.

• “The criticisms of General Miles in the foregoing chapter are from Geronimo, not from the Editor.”

  The criticisms of General Miles in the previous chapter are Geronimo's own words, not the editor's.

  Clarification that criticisms of General Miles originate from Geronimo.

• “The wily old chief laughed shyly and said, “What if Prewitt’s pistol had been knocked out of his hand? Other men have tried to shoot me and at least some of them failed. But I’m glad he didn’t try it.””

  Geronimo laughed shyly and remarked that if Prewitt's pistol had been knocked away, others had tried to shoot him and failed, but he was glad Prewitt did not attempt it.

  Geronimo's reaction to a story about Prewitt.