Mexico, from Colonels Forsyth and Beaumont, commanding Huachuca and
Bowie districts, confirms the following: Geronimo with forty
Indians is endeavoring to make terms of peace with Mexican
authorities of Fronteraz district. One of our scouts, in returning
to Fort Huachuca from Lawton's command, met him, Naiche, and
thirteen other Indians on their way to Fronteraz; had a long
conversation with them; they said they wanted to make peace, and
looked worn and hungry. Geronimo carried his right arm in a sling,
bandaged. The splendid work of the troops is evidently having good
effect. Should hostiles not surrender to the Mexican authorities,
Lawton's command is south of them, and Wilder, with G and M troops,
Fourth Cavalry, moved south to Fronteraz, and will be there by
20th. Lieutenant Lockett, with an effective command, will be in
good position to-morrow, near Guadalupe Canon, in Cajon Bonito
Mountains. On the 11th I had a very satisfactory interview with
Governor Torres. The Mexican officials are acting in concert with
ours.'
"O. O. HOWARD,
Major General."
[Illustration: KAYTAH NAHTEEN Apache Scouts who were with Gen. Lawton]
General O. O. Howard telegraphed from Presidio, San Francisco,
California, September 24, 1886, as follows:
" ... The 6th of September General Miles reports the hostile
Apaches made overtures of surrender, through Lieutenant Gatewood,
to Captain Lawton. They desired certain terms and sent two
messengers to me (Miles). They were informed that they must
surrender as prisoners of war to troops in the field. They promised
to surrender to me in person, and for eleven days Captain Lawton's
command moved north, Geronimo and Naiche moving parallel and
frequently camping near it.... At Skeleton Canon they halted,
saying that they desired to see me (Miles) before surrendering."
After Miles's arrival he reports as follows:
"Geronimo came from his mountain camp amid the rocks and said he
was willing to surrender. He was told that they could surrender as
prisoners of war; that it was not the way of officers of the Army
to kill their enemies who laid down their arms."
" ... Naiche was wild and suspicious and evidently feared
treachery. He knew that the once noted leader, Mangus-Colorado,
had, years ago, been foully murdered after he h
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