Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Chapter
Introductory explained
The introductory chapter explains how S.
What happens
The introductory chapter explains how S. M. Barrett first met Geronimo in 1904 and eventually secured permission from President Theodore Roosevelt to record Geronimo's autobiography. It details the process of gathering the story, Geronimo's insistence on telling it in his own way, and the subsequent review by the War Department, which raised objections to certain passages critical of U.S. military actions and officers. The chapter sets the stage for Geronimo's first-person narrative, emphasizing his perspective and the controversial nature of his account.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Oppression
The chapter highlights the War Department's objections to Geronimo's criticisms of U.S. military actions, reflecting the systemic suppression of Native American perspectives.
Resistance and Survival
Geronimo's determination to tell his story despite official opposition and his insistence on keeping promises even when ill demonstrate his enduring resistance and will to survive.
Betrayal and Broken Treaties
Geronimo accuses General Miles of bad faith regarding the treaty, and the War Department's response implicitly acknowledges the government's failure to uphold its promises.
Characters to notice
- Geronimo
The subject of the autobiography; he agrees to tell his life story in his own way, insists on keeping promises despite illness, and is initially reserved but opens up when a connection to General Howard is mentioned.
- Theodore Roosevelt
President Roosevelt grants permission for Geronimo to tell his story and later advises Barrett to disclaim responsibility for any criticisms of individuals.
- Dr. J. M. Greenwood
Superintendent of schools from Kansas City who visits Geronimo with Barrett; Geronimo adopts him as a 'father' according to Apache custom.
- Lieutenant Purington
Officer in charge at Fort Sill who initially denies Barrett permission to write Geronimo's life, citing Geronimo's depredations and the cost of subduing the Apaches.
- General O. O. Howard
Mentioned as a friend of Dr. Greenwood; Geronimo warms up when Greenwood says he is a friend of General Howard.
- General George Crook
Geronimo criticizes General Crook in the manuscript; the War Department considers this a personal matter and leaves it without comment.
- General Nelson A. Miles
Geronimo accuses General Miles of bad faith regarding the treaty; the War Department notes that Miles is not responsible for the government's subsequent treatment of prisoners.
- Asa Deklugie
Geronimo sometimes chose to tell his story at Asa Deklugie's house.
Key passages
“I first met Geronimo in the summer of 1904, when I acted for him as interpreter of English into Spanish, and vice versa, in selling a war bonnet.”
Barrett first encountered Geronimo in the summer of 1904 while serving as his interpreter during the sale of a war bonnet.
Describes the initial meeting between Barrett and Geronimo.
“I wrote to President Roosevelt that here was an old Indian who had been held a prisoner of war for twenty years and had never been given a chance to tell his side of the story, and asked that Geronimo be granted permission to tell for publication, in his own way, the story of his life.”
Barrett petitioned President Roosevelt to allow Geronimo, a prisoner of war for two decades, to publish his life story in his own words.
Barrett's request to the President for permission to record Geronimo's autobiography.
“When he once gives his word, nothing will turn him from fulfilling his promise.”
Geronimo is unwavering in keeping his promises, no matter the circumstances.
Illustrates Geronimo's strong sense of honor and commitment.
“The objection is raised to the mention on pages seventy-three and seventy-four of the manuscript of an attack upon Indians in a tent at Apache Pass or Bowie, by U.S. soldiers.”
The War Department objected to Geronimo's account of a U.S. soldier attack on Indians in a tent at Apache Pass or Bowie.
Highlights the controversial content in Geronimo's manuscript.
