Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Chapter
Other Raids explained
This chapter provides context for Apache raids by recounting lawless acts committed by white men and Mexicans along the border, as well as Apache depredations from the white man's perspective.
What happens
This chapter provides context for Apache raids by recounting lawless acts committed by white men and Mexicans along the border, as well as Apache depredations from the white man's perspective. It includes stories of a massacre of Mexican traders by white men, a Mexican ambush on cowboys, and various Apache attacks on settlers and prospectors. The chapter also describes a tense encounter between cowboys and a band of Apaches, and concludes that the Apaches learned lawlessness from the examples set by others.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Oppression
The chapter highlights the double standard of law enforcement, where white and Mexican raiders faced no consequences while Apaches were vilified.
Resistance and Survival
Apaches are shown as survivors adapting to a hostile environment, using raids and warfare to sustain themselves.
Betrayal and Broken Treaties
The lawlessness of white settlers and Mexicans broke any trust or agreements, fueling Apache retaliation.
Characters to notice
- William Berne
Cowboy who encountered an Apache while out of camp and had a tense standoff that ended peacefully.
- Geronimo
Geronimo disclaims involvement in the events of this chapter and refuses to discuss depredations he was not responsible for.
- Hunt
Wounded in a saloon row in Tombstone; later attacked by Apaches in the mountains, where his brother was killed.
Key passages
“In 1882 a company of six Mexican traders, who were known as 'smugglers' because they evaded duties on goods which they brought into United States and sold in Arizona, were camped in Skeleton Canyon, ten miles north of the north line of Old Mexico.”
In 1882, six Mexican smugglers camped in Skeleton Canyon, just north of the Mexican border.
Describes the setting of a raid by white men on Mexican traders.
“The two instances above narrated will serve to show the reader what kind of an example was set for the Apaches by at least a portion of the inhabitants of the two Christian nations with whom they came in contact.”
These two stories illustrate the poor example set for the Apaches by some people from the Christian nations they encountered.
Author's commentary on the hypocrisy of the settlers.
“Geronimo says he was in no wise connected with the events herein mentioned, but refuses to state whether he knows anything about them. He holds it unmanly to tell of any depredations of red men except those for which he was responsible.”
Geronimo denies involvement in these events and considers it dishonorable to speak of raids he did not lead.
Geronimo's stance on accountability and honor.