Cochise, a name synonymous with fierce independence and unwavering dedication to his people, remains a legendary figure in the history of the American West. A prominent leader of the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache, Cochise led a decade-long resistance against the encroachment of the United States government onto Apache lands. Notably, unlike many other prominent Native American leaders of the era, no verified photograph of Cochise exists, further adding to the mystique surrounding his persona. His words, preserved through oral tradition and historical accounts, offer a powerful glimpse into his worldview, his motivations, and the tragic circumstances that defined the Apache experience in the 19th century. This article explores some of the most poignant Quotes from Cochise, Apache, offering insight into the heart and mind of this remarkable leader.
The encroachment of settlers and the U.S. military fundamentally altered the Apache way of life, a transformation that Cochise witnessed with growing concern. One of his most quoted reflections speaks to this dramatic shift: "When I was young I walked all over this country, east and west, and saw no other people than the Apaches. After many summers I walked again and found another race of people had come to take it. How is it?" This lament encapsulates the shock and bewilderment experienced by many Native American tribes as their ancestral lands were rapidly overtaken. It highlights the inherent injustice of the situation, questioning the legitimacy of the newcomers’ claim to territory that had belonged to the Apache for generations. The simplicity of the question, "How is it?" underscores the profound disconnect between the Apache understanding of land and belonging and the expansionist ideology driving westward expansion.
Cochise further elaborates on the breakdown of peaceful coexistence and the events that precipitated the devastating Apache Wars: "We were once a large people covering these mountains. We lived well: we were at peace. One day my best friend was seized by an officer of the white men and treacherously killed. At last your soldiers did me a very great wrong, and I and my people went to war with them." This statement underscores the fact that conflict was not the Apache’s initial desire. They had established a sustainable way of life within their territory, living in relative harmony with the land. However, acts of betrayal and violence by the U.S. military, particularly the murder of Cochise’s close friend, shattered this fragile peace. This injustice served as a catalyst, igniting the flames of war and setting in motion a cycle of violence that would forever alter the fate of the Apache people. It’s a stark reminder that many conflicts stemmed from broken treaties and unjust actions by the government, fueling resentment and resistance.
Apache Pass, a strategic passage through the mountains of southeastern Arizona, became a site of particular significance and unspeakable tragedy in the Apache Wars. Cochise’s words reflect the deep pain and anger associated with this location: "The worst place of all is Apache Pass. There my brother and nephews were murdered. Their bodies were hung up and kept there till they were skeletons. Now Americans and Mexicans kill an Apache on sight. I have retaliated with all my might." The desecration of his family’s remains, the gruesome display of their bodies left to rot, was a profound act of disrespect and cruelty. This horrific event fueled Cochise’s resolve and justified, in his eyes, the retaliatory actions taken by the Apache against American and Mexican settlers. It highlights the brutality of the conflict and the dehumanization that both sides inflicted upon each other. The phrase "I have retaliated with all my might" speaks volumes about the depth of Cochise’s grief and his commitment to avenging the deaths of his loved ones.
Despite his unwavering commitment to defending his people, Cochise was not blind to the changing realities of the American West. He recognized the overwhelming numerical superiority of the white settlers and the diminishing numbers of the Apache: "My people have killed Americans and Mexicans and taken their property. Their losses have been greater than mine. I have killed ten white men for every Indian slain, but I know that the whites are many and the Indians are few. Apaches are growing less every day." This quote demonstrates a pragmatic understanding of the situation. Cochise acknowledges the Apache’s successes in battle but recognizes the unsustainable nature of their resistance. He understands that despite their fierce fighting spirit and strategic prowess, the Apache were ultimately outnumbered and outmatched. The poignant realization that "Apaches are growing less every day" underscores the impending doom that hung over his people.
Cochise’s perception of the Apache’s dwindling numbers led him to reflect on their sense of fatalism and their willingness to embrace death rather than surrender their way of life: "Why is it that the Apaches wait to die – That they carry their lives on their fingernails? They roam over the hills and plains and want the heavens to fall on them. The Apaches were once a great nation; they are now but few, and because of this they want to die and so carry their lives on their fingernails." This passage reveals a deep understanding of the psychological impact of displacement and cultural destruction. The metaphor of "carrying their lives on their fingernails" vividly illustrates the precariousness of their existence and their acceptance of imminent death. The longing for the "heavens to fall on them" suggests a desire for a swift and decisive end to their suffering. This fatalistic outlook was born from the realization that their traditional way of life was disappearing, and their future was bleak. This part of Quotes from Cochise, Apache reveals the spiritual and emotional toll the conflict had on the Apache people.
Cochise’s deep connection to his ancestral lands is evident in his refusal to leave the Dragoon Mountains: "I am alone in the world. I want to live in these mountains; I do not want to go to Tularosa. That is a long way off. I have drunk of the waters of the Dragoon Mountains and they have cooled me: I do not want to leave here." This statement speaks to the profound spiritual and emotional bond between the Apache people and their homeland. The Dragoon Mountains were not simply a geographical location; they were an integral part of Cochise’s identity and his connection to his ancestors. The phrase "I have drunk of the waters of the Dragoon Mountains and they have cooled me" suggests a deep sense of belonging and nourishment derived from the land itself. His reluctance to relocate to Tularosa, a distant reservation, underscores his desire to remain connected to his roots and preserve his cultural heritage.
Despite his unwavering resistance, Cochise ultimately sought peace and a path forward for his people. His words reveal a desire for coexistence and a yearning for the freedom to live according to their own traditions: "Nobody wants peace more than I do. Why shut me up on a reservation? We will make peace; we will keep it faithfully. But let us go around free as Americans do. Let us go wherever we please." This statement challenges the rationale behind the reservation system, which sought to confine Native American tribes to designated areas and control their movements. Cochise argues for the right to self-determination and the freedom to live without restrictions. He expresses a willingness to make peace and abide by its terms, but only if his people are granted the same liberties enjoyed by American citizens. His plea for freedom and equality resonates even today, highlighting the enduring struggle for Native American rights and self-governance. The desire for peace expressed in Quotes from Cochise, Apache is a testament to his leadership and his hope for a better future.
In conclusion, the Quotes from Cochise, Apache provide a powerful and moving testament to the life, struggles, and enduring spirit of a remarkable leader. His words offer a glimpse into the heart of the Apache people during a period of immense upheaval and change. They speak of loss, betrayal, resistance, and a deep connection to the land. Cochise’s legacy as a symbol of Apache resistance and a champion of his people’s rights continues to inspire generations. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures, honoring treaty obligations, and striving for a more just and equitable future for all.