Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Chapter
IX: Varying Fortunes explained
Geronimo recounts several raids into Mexico between 1865 and 1868, describing both successes and failures, including the loss of booty near Arispe, a successful raid with thirty warriors, a disgraceful expedition led by Mangus-Colorado, and
What happens
Geronimo recounts several raids into Mexico between 1865 and 1868, describing both successes and failures, including the loss of booty near Arispe, a successful raid with thirty warriors, a disgraceful expedition led by Mangus-Colorado, and a clever recovery of stolen tribal horses from a Mexican ranch.
Themes in this chapter
Resistance and Survival
Geronimo and his warriors repeatedly raid into Mexico to reclaim horses and supplies, demonstrating ongoing resistance despite setbacks.
Loss and Vengeance
The chapter details losses of booty and ponies, followed by retaliatory raids to recover stolen stock and seek vengeance.
Warrior Culture and Honor
The disgrace of Mangus-Colorado's failed expedition and the subsequent successful raid led by Geronimo highlight the importance of honor and martial prowess.
Characters to notice
- Geronimo
Narrator and leader of multiple raids into Mexico, taking command after Mangus-Colorado refused to lead.
- Naiche
Mentioned as one of three Apache chieftains during a raid.
- Mangus Colorado
Led a raid into Mexico in 1867 with eight warriors, which ended in disgrace; refused to lead another raid.
- Victoria
Mentioned as father of Charley, one of the three Apache chieftains.
- Asa Deklugie
Mentioned as Asa, son of Whoa, one of the three Apache chieftains.
- Major Charles W. Taylor
Mentioned as Charley, son of Victoria, one of the three Apache chieftains.
Key passages
“In the fall of 1865 with nine other warriors I went into Mexico on foot. We attacked several settlements south of Casa Grande, and collected many horses and mules.”
In autumn 1865, Geronimo and nine warriors raided settlements south of Casa Grande on foot, capturing horses and mules.
Describes the beginning of a raid into Mexico.
“When near Arispe we made camp one evening, and thinking that we were not being trailed, turned loose the whole herd... Just as we had begun to eat our supper our scouts came in and announced Mexican troops coming toward our camp.”
Camping near Arispe, they released the herd, but were surprised by Mexican troops while eating supper.
Illustrates a sudden reversal of fortune during the raid.
“This expedition was considered disgraceful. The warriors who had been with Mangus-Colorado on this last expedition wanted to return to Mexico. They were not satisfied, besides they felt keenly the taunts of the other warriors.”
Mangus-Colorado's failed raid was seen as shameful, and his warriors, stung by taunts, wanted to go back to Mexico.
Highlights the cultural importance of successful raids and honor.
“We turned these horses in with the herd and fell back to again intercept anyone who might trail us. What these nine cowboys did next morning I do not know, and I have never heard the Mexicans say anything about it; I know they did not follow us, for we were not molested.”
After stealing the cowboys' horses, Geronimo and his men rejoined their herd and were not pursued.
Describes a clever escape and the end of the raid.
