invested with discretionary powers in the matter, to be used as the circumstances which may develop themselves upon his arrival in those Territories may demand. I suggest that he be authorized to do whatever in his judgment may appear most wise and proper in locating the roving tribes in those Territories on suitable reservations, in bringing them under the supervision of the respective agents, and in arranging issue of the necessary supplies for their wants, as will be for the best interests of the Indians, the Government, and citizens of said Territories. SIR: Yours of June 15 was duly received, giving me the information I requested, &c., for which accept my thanks. I was also pleased to hear from Captain Stevens, although sorry to hear he is so sick; he is a noble, good man. Since the receipt of your letter I have been notified of several Indian depredations being committed on the Mimbres River on the 19th of June. Indians stole three horses from the Upper Mimbres while picketed within four hundred yards of the house of George O. Perrault, justice of the peace of that precinct, who at the time was trying a case for the parties whose horses were stolen. They were followed about thirty miles in the direction of your reservation by the owners of the horses on foot. About the same time two or three horses were stolen from a ranch about seven miles above the town of Rio Mimbres; since then some cattle were stolen from the same ranch and followed to your reservation, where they were recovered, for which I thank you. About a week ago two horses and one mule were stolen by Indians from near Fort Bayard, which stock was followed some distance in the direction of your reserve. I am reliably informed, by prominent citizens who have seen and conversed with the Mexicans who followed and recovered their oxen from the Indians on your reservation, that they saw, in possession of Indians under your charge, other stolen stock that they identified, but that you was not able to recover it from the Indians, and that they positively refused to give it up to the owners or to yourself; therefore I hope that this matter will be fully explained to Superintendent Pope, to see how long this state of affairs is to exist. What we want to know is, whether our stock can be recovered or not from Indians on your reservation, when fully proved and identified, or if we are to be forever at the mercy of these thieving, murderous Apaches, who have a house of refuge at Alamosa? If so, the sooner we know it the better, because the citizens of this country are determined to put a stop to it, and, if they carry out their programme, the Camp Grant massacre will be thrown entirely in the shade, and Alamosa will rank next to Sand Creek. I have done my best to keep the people of Grant County from committing any overt act; but unless we have some reliable protection furnished us soon from the thieving, murderous villains, whom you are feeding and have not power to keep from robbing and plundering our people, I shall hereafter do nothing to prevent an armed body of true bold frontiersmen from leaving this county on one of the numerous trails that lead to Alamosa, to find their stock and punish the robbers and murderers wherever they may find them. do hope you may do all in your power to prevent such a thing, but I can assure you unless something is done soon, our indignant citizens will turn out en masse aud settle the Alamosa reservation question fully. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, yours truly, O. F. PIPER, Esq., Indian Agent at Cañada Alamosa, New Mexico. R. HUDSON. UNITED STATES INDIAN AGENCY FOR SOUTHERN APACHES, DEAR SIR: Yours of the 17th instant received. You have been misinformed of what occurred here when the two Mexicans from Rio Mimbres were here looking for stock stolen from them. The chiefs came in the morning these men came, to inform me that two or three of their young men had stolen some animals (giving the number and kind) from the Mimbres, and wished to know what to do. I told them that they must bring the stock to me, which they promised to do. As soon as I got a description of these men's animals, I sent one of the chiefs and an Indian after the oxen and one horse, said to be in the mountains. That night they brought in the oxen, but could not find the horse. I sent for all the chiefs and principal men, and told them that those horses that had been identified by these men as theirs must be given up by the parties that had them, and that neither they nor their families could have rations until this was done. They did bring in all the animals identified by the Mexicans. One horse that they claim to have lost, has not been found. I think it has not been brought here; if it is brought in, I have no doubt but I will get it. Had the two Mexicans acted prudently, I could have obtained the animals with much less trouble, and they could have had them to take back with them. The Indians never did refuse to give the animals up to me, but always said that they should be given up. One of the Mexicans, I was confident, would misrepresent what had occurred here. I again, through you, say to the people of Grant County, that if they trace their lost stock to the reservation, and will come to me in a peaceful manner, I have no doubt that they will recover them. I also assure you that the Indian Department is doing, and will do, all that is possible to protect the people of this Territory, and settle the Indian troubles. A little patience and forbearance by the people at this particular time will go far to assist in this object. I will refer your letter to the superintendent of Indian affairs for this Territory. Yours truly, Hon. R. HUDSON, O. F. PIPER, United States Indian Agent. Pinos Altas, New Mexico. CAÑADA ALAMOSA, NEW MEXICO, July 27, 1871. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a private letter from Judge Hudson, of Grant County, and a copy of my reply. The letter contains severe threats that I thought you should be notified of. I recovered all the stolen stock claimed by the parties mentioned in the Judge's letter, except one horse, which I have good reasons for believing was not brought here. I am confident that the chiefs and leading men are doing all in their power to prevent any of their people from committing depredations on the citizens of the Territory. Respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHANIEL POPE, Esq., Superintendent Indian Affairs, Santa Fé, New Mexico. O. F. PIPER, United States Indian Agent. APPENDIX A b, No. 8. PINOS ALTAS, NEW MEXICO, COLONEL: I have the horor to inclose herewith resolutions of the people at Rio Mimbres, New Mexico, so as to show you the feeling of the citizens of Grant County, which I hope will call your immediate attention to affairs at the Alamosa reservation, as our citizens are determined to take the law in their own hands, if it is impossible to get justice from you or your subordinates. I have used my best endeavors, and have kept our citizens from going to Alamosa on former occasions, in hopes that some measures would be taken to return stolen stock to persons claiming it and proving their property personally to the agents. I have no fault to find with Mr. Piper, but our citizens say he is powerless with the Indians at Alamosa at present. Hoping you will give this matter your prompt attention, and keep our citizens from doing an overt act that I should very much regret, I am, yours respectfully, Colonel POPE, RICHARD HUDSON, Probate Judge, Grant County, New Mexico. Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Santa Fé, New Mexico. Proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of the town of Rio Mimbres, Grant County, New Mexico, which assembled spontaneously at the store of R. V. Newsham, at 3 o'clock p. m. on Wednesday, July 19, 1871. The meeting organized by electing R. V. Newsham as president, and Henry Schwenker as interpreter and secretary. The president explained the object and wish of the meeting to be, to take what steps were deemed necessary in view of the incessant robberies by Indians. A committee, consisting of Agapito Balencia, Marshall St. John, and Henry Schwenker, was appointed to draught resolutions. The following preamble and resolutions were introduced by the committee and unanimously adopted by the meeting : Whereas the people of Rio Mimbres, Grant County, New Mexico, have been continually robbed and plundered of their stock and household goods, and have, by actually following their stock, found it on the Indian reservation at Cañada Alamosa, and, upon identifying their property, could not recover it or get any satisfaction from the Indian agent; and whereas the Constitution of the United States grants to every American citizen the right of life, liberty, and property; and whereas they have until now supplicated in vain to the authorities, both civil and military, for a redress of their grievances; therefore, be it Resolved, That our own is all we ask, and will and must have, even at the peril and sacrifice of our lives and property. Resolved, That the people of Grant County, New Mexico, organize themselves into a posse, and follow their stock to wherever it may be, and take it by force wherever found, even if it be at the sacrifice of every Indian man, woman, and child, in the tribe. Resolved, That if opposed by Indians or their accomplices, be they Indian agents, Indian traders, or Army officers, let them be looked upon as our worst enemies, and the common enemies of New Mexico, and be dealt with accordingly. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the probate judge of this county. No other business being before the meeting, it adjourned sine die. HENRY SCHWENKER, Secretary. R. V. NEWSHAM, President. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, SIR: Inclosed herewith I send you a copy of resolutions passed on the 9th July, 1871, by the citizens of Rio Mimbres, New Mexico, regarding the depredations of the Indians of your agency; also a copy of a letter from Hon. R. Hudson, probate judge, dated Pinos Altas, New Mexico, 30th July, 1871, upon the same subject. You are directed to make every effort to recover any stolen property that may be brought to your reservation, and to secure the thieves for punishment. If necessary, you will call upon the commanding officer of the nearest military post for troops to enforce your demands for thieves and stolen property. If you cannot secure the thieves, drive them from the reservation. You will keep your Indians on the lookout for scouting parties, and send them far enough to enable you to learn of the approach of scouts in time to call for troops, if you consider it necessary to prevent an attack. I have requested the commanding officer of this district to hold a sufficient force in readiness to enable you to carry out these instructions, and to prevent a repetition of the Camp Grant affair. With much respect, your obedient servant, O. F. PIPER, Esq., Indian Agent, Cañada Alamosa, New Mexico. NATHANIEL POPE. APPENDIX A b, No. 9. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter rom Hon. R. Hudson, dated Pinos Altas, New Mexico, 20th July, 1871, transmitting a series of resolutions passed by the citizens of Rio Mimbres, New Mexico, dated 19th July, 1871, regarding the depredations of the Apache Indians located at Cañada Alamosa, New Mexico; also copies of a letter from Hon. R. Hudson to Agent Piper, dated Pinos Altas, New Mexico, 18th July, 1871, and Agent Piper's reply, dated Cañada Ala mosa, New Mexico, 27th July, 1871, and a copy of a letter to me from Agent Piper, all upon the same subject. I have directed Agent Piper to make every effort to recover any stolen property that may be brought to his reservation, and, if necessary, to call upon the commanding officer of the nearest military post for troops to enforce his demands for thieves and stolen property, and have also directed him to keep his Indians on the lookout for scouting parties, so that he may be advised of their approach in time to call for troops, if he considers it necessary to prevent an attack. Therefore I have to request that at least one company of troops may be held in readiness to move at short notice to assist Agent Piper should he consider it desirable to apply for a force to prevent an attack upon the Indians of his agency, or to secure thieving Indians and recover stolen property. With much respect, your obedient servant, The COMMANDING OFFICER, District of New Mexico, Santa Fé, New Mexico. NATHANIEL POPE, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. APPENDIX A b, No. 10. CAMP APACHE, ARIZONA TERRITORY, July 26, 1871. DEAR SIR: According to promise, I drop you a few lines to let you know what is going on in the "land of the Apaches." I returned from Tucson on the 24th instant. General Crook left that place on the 11th, with five companies of cavalry, en route to Apache Pass, supposed to be after Cochise. Arizona people expect great things of him, and say that he has unfurled the black flag, and goes in for extermination or a permanent peace. Indians about Tucson are numerous, committing many depredations which you undoubtedly have seen account of ere this. Miguel, the chief of the Coyoteros near this place, has refused to leave his country, and has offered his services to Colonel Green to fight any of the Apaches. We all believe in him, and are satisfied that he has always acted in good faith with the whites, and will continue to do so. He and his people have a large amount of corn planted this year, and have prospects of a fine crop. There have been no rations given to Indians at this post for over two months; still, Miguel and his people are quiet, and have committed no depredations. Hawkins, who was lately shot at Prescott, has two 'thousand head of cattle on the Little Colorado, and at present has but two herders, and the cattle scatter for several miles, but as yet the Indians have not taken or killed any of them. Miguel says that all the Indians of his band have promised him pot to go near or interfere with them in any way. We are making preparations for a big campaign, and will fight Apaches with Apaches. Miguel and some of his people go with us. I want you, governor, to try and do something for old Miguel. I assure you that he deserves it more than any other Indian in the country, and I know, governor, that you have the influence and the power, and that you take great interest in the Indian; so turn your attention over this way and help old Miguel. If you can possibly do so, come over and see us, and have a talk and see for yourself. Colonel Green sends his regards. I gave Charley Franklin a note to you while in Tucson; I hope you will give it your attention; it will be for the benefit of the Quenas. I will send you, by next chance, a note to Vincent Colyer, in regard to what we spoke about at Wingate. I have talked to Miguel about you, and he is very anxious to see you; so come on. I am, governor, very respectfully, yours, &c., &c., W. F. M. ARNY, Esq., C. E. COOLEY. Santa Fé, New Mexico. APPENDIX A b, No. 11. Order to N. Pope, superintendent Indian affairs New Mexico, to forward supplies to Apache Indians on White Mountains, Arizona Territory. SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO, August 14, 1871. SIR: You will please see that the peaceable band of the Coyotero Apaches, under their chief Miguel, at Camp Apache, Arizona, are supplied with beef, corn, and clothing, (blankets, manta, &c.,) to an amount not exceeding $2,000; and I would suggest that Agent W. F. M. Arny be directed to extend his visit from the Zuni Pueblo village to the Apache reservations, to execute these instructions. I would have given this order to the superintendent of Indian affairs in Arizona but for the fact that this reservation is more accessible from your superintendency, and Mr. Arny is going so near it on his present visit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHANIEL POPE, Esq., Superintendent Indian Affairs, New Mexico. VINCENT COLYER. APPENDIX A b, No. 12. [Telegram. Hon. C. DELANO, SANTA FÉ, NEW MEXICO, August 14, 1871. Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.: The roving Apaches rapidly coming in; twelve hundred now at Cañada Alamosa; five hundred at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. Cochise heard from. Runners sent out from several points to give Indians fair warning, if they want peace, must come to reservations. I leave for Alamosa this morning with Superintendent Pope. All the Utes seriously discontented Should be promptly attended to. Navajoes quiet; have over forty thousand sheep; will be self-sustaining in few years. The schools among Pueblos well attended. VINCENT COLYER. APPENDIX A b, No. 14. CAÑADA ALAMOSA, NEW MEXICO, August 21, 1871. SIR: Mr. Trujillo has just got in without seeing Cochise. He says that he very unexpectedly met General Crook, who ordered him back, and refused to recognize his authority to go to Cochise's camp, and threw his letter down in disdain, saying that the superintendent of Indian affairs in New Mexico nor any of the Indian agents had any authority to send parties to Arizona; that his instructions authorized him to capture any American or Mexican that was found in his route. He also says that they attempted to arrest his Indian, but Lieutenant Ross knew Loco, and interceded for him. General Crook would not let him get his rations, which were at some distance from where he met the party. The general told them that they were lucky to get back with their lives without their rations. If you can return here, I think that this affair should be investigated further. Yours truly, NATHANIEL POPE, Esq. O. F. PIPER. I should also state that General Crook selected the route for him to return, and told him not to go by any other. APPENDIX A b, No. 15. WASHINGTON, D. C., November 7, 1871. SIR: Reservations for the roving Apache Indians of New Mexico and Arizona were selected under your instructions of 30th July, 1871, as follows: For the Mimbres and Coyoteros, at Tularosa Valley, in New Mexico. See accompanying paper marked A. For the Coyoteros and Chileons, of Arizona, at Camp Apache, in White Mountains, Arizona. See paper marked B. For the Aravapas and Pinals, at Camp Grant, Arizona Territory. See paper marked C, and accompanying map. For the Mohave Apaches, at Camp Verde, Arizona Territory. See paper marked D. A detailed description of the Camp Apache reservation, which was established by Major General Thomas, will be found on file in the War Department. |