When the U.S. – Mexican War ended in 1848, the United States claimed sovereignty over most of the Chiricahua Apache homeland. On July 1, 1852, the United States signed a treaty with Chiricahuas that called for peace and cooperation. Apaches surrendered nothing to the United States.

” … this treaty is to receive a liberal construction, at all times and in all places, to the end that the said Apache Indians shall not be held responsible for the conduct of others, and that the government of the United States shall so legislate and act as to secure the permanent prosperity and happiness of said Indians.” (Article 9)

During the Civil War, Union General J. H. Carlton assumed command of New Mexico and Arizona. Beginning in 1862, Carlton issued orders for a “war of extermination” against Apaches and other Indians.

“… immediately organize a suitable expedition to chastise what is known as Mangus Colorado’s Band of the (Chiricahua) … Apaches. The campaign to be made by this expedition must be a vigorous one and the punishment of that band of murderers must be thorough and sharp.”  (General J. H. Carlton to Brigadier-General Joseph Rodman West, General Order Number 1, February 1, 1863. Quoted in Sweeney 1998:447.)

“Your whole attention will be devoted to hunting and killing Indians until none are to be found….”(General J. H. Carlton to Major Joseph Smith,Commander, Fort Stanton, NM, July 29, 1863. Quoted in Darlis Miller1970:76.)

“The Mimbres River … (Chiricahuas) must be exterminated to a man.”  (Brigadier-General Joseph Rodman West to Captain William McCleave, June 21, 1863. Quoted in Darlis Miller 1970:75.)

Carlton was motivated not only by racist hatred, but also by greed.

“If I can but have troops to whip away the Apaches, so the prospecting parties can explore the country … you will without the shadow of doubt find that our country has mines of the precious metals unsurpassed in richness, number, and extent by any in the world.” (General J. H. Carlton, to Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, September 20, 1863. Quoted in Darlis Miller 1970.)

Carlton’s “final solution” mirrored the attitude of immigrants, who supported his brutality.

“The desperate onslaught … and the brutal murders perpetuated (sic) by the savage hordes, has aroused a feeling of indignation and retaliation. Vengeance (sic) and extermination are the order of the day.”(Mealtimes, February 1861.)

“If for these common foes, there be among us any whining sympathetic citizens, let them go and join the foes and live their brutal, filthy life of crime and enmity to civilization.” (Santa Fe New Mexican, January 31,1864.)

We came from California

With hopes bright and strong

To struggle for the nation

Be she right or wrong.

We’ll whip the Apache

We’ll exterminate the race

Of thieves and assassins

Who the human form disgrace.

(Col. Oscar M. Brown, Santa Fe Weekly Gazette, December 17, 1864.

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