Geronimo in Mexico: “Two small forays and defense of the Homeland”

Most of us know of the Apache leader Geronimo but most of what most of us know we learned at the movies.  Leader of the Chiricahua Apaches, Geronimo led the fight against the expansion into Apache tribal lands by the United States during the Apache Wars.  But you knew that much from the movies.  The greatest wrongs that were visited upon the Apaches were from the United States government.  But it all started in Mexico…and we continue with the story.

Almost all of the other Apaches were satisfied after the battle of Arispe, feeling that Kas-Ki-Yeh had been avenged.  But Geronimo still desired more revenge. For several months the Apaches were busy with the chase and other peaceful pursuits. Finally, Geronimo succeeded in persuading two other warriors, Ah-koch-ne and Ko-deh-ne, to go with him to invade the Mexican countryside.

The three warriors left their families with the tribe and went on the warpath. They were on foot and carried three days’ rations. The Apaches entered Mexico on the north line of Sonora and followed the Sierra de Antunez Mountains to the south end of the range. Here the three decided to attack a small village. History does not remember the name of the village because Geronimo himself could not remember. 

At daylight the Indians approached from the mountains.  Five horses were hitched outside of a dwelling. The war party advanced cautiously, but just before they reached the horses, the Mexicans opened fire from the houses.  Geronimo’s two companions were killed.  Mexicans swarmed on every side; some were mounted; some were on foot, and all seemed to be armed. Three times that day Geronimo was surrounded, but he kept fighting, dodging, and hiding.  Several times during the day, while in concealment, Geronimo had a chance to take deliberate aim at some Mexicans, who, gun in hand, were looking for him. Geronimo’s aim was perfect each time.  

With the gathering darkness, Geronimo found more time to retreat toward Arizona.  But the Mexicans did not quit the chase.  Several times the next day, mounted Mexicans tried to head Geronimo off.  The Mexicans fired at Geronimo many times.  But since Geronimo had no more arrows and could not return the fight, he depended upon running and hiding.  Geronimo very tired, had not eaten since the chase began, nor had he dared to stop for rest.  During the second night, Geronimo got clear of his Mexican pursuers, but he never slackened his pace until he reached his home in Arizona.  Geronimo came into the camp without booty, without his companions, exhausted, but not discouraged.

The wives and children of his two dead companions were cared for by their people. Some of the Apaches blamed Geronimo for the evil result of the expedition, but he said nothing.  Having failed, it was only proper that Geronimo should remain silent.  But his feelings toward the Mexicans did not change—he still hated them and longed for revenge. Geronimo never ceased to plan for their punishment, but it was hard to get the other warriors to listen to his proposed raids.

Within a few months after this last adventure, Geronimo persuaded two other warriors to join him in raiding the Mexican frontier. On Geronimo’s former raid, they had gone through the Nedni Apaches’ range into Sonora. This time the war party of three went through the country of the Cho-kon-en and entered the Sierra Madre Mountains. The Apaches traveled south, secured more rations, and prepared to begin their raids.

Geronimo had selected a village near the mountains which they intended to attack at daylight.  While the Indians slept that night, Mexican scouts discovered their camp and fired upon them, killing one warrior. In the morning the braves observed a company of Mexican troops coming from the south.  The Mexicans were mounted and carried supplies for a long journey.  The Apaches followed their trail until they were sure that the Mexicans were headed for the Apache range in Arizona.  At that point, Geronimo hurried past them and in three days the two warriors reached their own settlement.

The two Apache braves arrived at their village at noon, and that afternoon, at about three o’clock, those Mexican troops attacked the settlement. Their first volley killed three small Indian boys.  Many of the warriors of the tribe were away from home, but the few who were in camp, under Geronimo’s leadership, were able to drive the Mexican troops out of the mountains before nightfall. The Apaches killed eight Mexicans and lost five of their own—two warriors and the three boys.

The Mexicans rode due south in full retreat. Four warriors were detailed to follow them, and in three days these trailers returned, saying that the Mexican cavalry had left Arizona, going southward. Geronimo was quite sure that the Mexicans would not soon return to Apacheria.