Letter from Governor Ross Supporting Apache Removal
8/14/1886
Add to Favorites:
Add all page(s) of this document to activity:
Add only page 1 to activity:
Add only page 2 to activity:
Add only page 3 to activity:
Add only page 4 to activity:
Governor Edmond Ross of New Mexico sent this letter to President Grover Cleveland supporting Apache removal to eastern reservations.
Transcript
Santa Fe N. M. August 14 1886.Hon. Grover Cleveland,
President,
Sir,-
We are much surprised to learn that opposition is being made to the proposition of Gen. Miles to remove portions of the Apache Indians from their present reservation in Arizona.
It does not seem possible that such opposition could originate with persons who comprehend the situation here and the need of radical measures for the pacification of our Indian troubles, or that it could be inspired by a desire to promote the civilization and welfare of these Indians, or the peace and successful development of these territories.
Many of us have resided here for years, have seen this country the victim of Indian raids year after year, and have a right to be credited with intelligent and practical views on this subject. We are firmly convinced that no permanent cessation of these raids, or enduring safety to the isolated camps of miners and ranchmen, can be secured so long as the Chiricahua and Warm Springs bands of these Apaches are permitted to remain in any part of these territories. For two hundred years they have been traditional enemies and at constant war with the white race. It is true there are but few of them, less than five hundred all told, but there are enough, owing to the generally rugged and inaccessible character of the country they infest and raid, and the isolated nature of the settlements, to keep a very large scope of country in a state of ferment, and thereby to retard the development of valua-
ble mining, ranching and grazing properties upon which this country largely depends for its prosperity.
Generations of hostility show them to be implacable, and that nothing short of extermination will stop their raids so long as they remain here in proximity to their traditional enemies. So long as they are here, that process of extermination will go on, but at a fearful cost of life and property to our people and of treasure to the government. For every warrior killed some boy is now growing up to take his place.
The boys of today are the outlaws and bandits--the Jus, the Nanes and the Geronimos--of tomorrow. It has been so for generations and will continue so, if they remain here, till they are exterminated; all the interests of these territories, in the meantime languishing and their development paralyzed, by the presence of an element that momentarily threatens destruction to our most important industries.
The other bands of the Apaches are peaceful, and in the main, self-sustaining. There is no special occasion or desire for their removal, but the removal of the others named we deem imperative to the restoration of confidence and tranquility to these territories. The lives and property of large numbers of people, and the development of the extraordinary sources of wealth to the country found here are at stake in this matter, and we sincerely hope and pray that the suggestions of Gen. Miles, in the premises, may be adopted.
Gen. Miles has so far since he has been placed in command here, by the wisdom of his plans and the vigor of their execution, kept the actively hostile portion of these bands out of New Mexico and finally
driven them out of Arizona. They are practically conquered and are understood as being desirous to return to the reservation. To permit them to do so would be simply to tempt fate, and a repetition of the folly of two years ago--another drunken debauch and a murder of some of their number at the first opportunity, and a return to the warpath of pillage and murder to escape punishment. That will be the inevitable result if they are permitted to return.Of this we repeat that we are firmly convinced, and that no permanent peace can come to New Mexico or Arizona till these bands are removed to distant and isolation localities.
Very respectfully,
Edmund G. Ross, Governor
Geo W Lane, Secretary
Geo. W. Julian Surgeon General
H. M. Atkinson
Chas T Earley Register Lane Office
Leigh O Knapp U. S. Receiver
J N Snuthee Special Agt G.L.O.
Henry L Waldo
L Bradford Prince
Executive Mansion.
2087 HGA (?) 1886
The within communication is respectfully
[numbers]
referred to the
File with 1066 [unintelligible]
Secretary of War.
By direction of the President:
Daniel S. Lamont, Private Secretary.
Santa Fe N. M.
Aug 14 86
Governor E. G. Ross et al
For removal Chiricahua and Warm Springs bands of Apache Indians from Arizona to distant and isolated localities.
[2087 HGA 1886
File with 1066 Ogo 1886
Read Oco Sept 22 86
Lieutenant General [rec'd back?] Sept 20/86]
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., Sept 22d, 1886
Respectfully ret? to the Secretary of War
All of the Indians herein referred to have been removed from Arizona. P. A. Shid? Lieut General Commanding
[EB 44 / 262
EB Secy - [unintelligible]]
This primary source comes from the Records of the Adjutant General's Office.
National Archives Identifier: 4662605
Full Citation: Letter from Governor Edmond Ross of New Mexico to President Grover Cleveland Supporting Apache Removal to Eastern Reservations; 8/14/1886; Letters Received, 1805 - 1889; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, Record Group 94; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/governor-ross-apache-removal, April 23, 2025]Activities that use this document
- Evaluating Perspectives on Westward Expansion
Created by the National Archives Education Team - The Impact of Westward Expansion on Native American Communities
Created by the National Archives Education Team
Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.