Oroblanco
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- Jan 21, 2005
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Cubfan wrote
I understand - much the same reasons why I prefer to stick to primary sources when possible, rather than modern authors. A person writing their own story will not have an unbiased view. Unfortunately nearly all historians are impressing their own stamp on the events they are writing of.
I think you might be pleasantly surprised to read Miles own words, for instance he does talk about Lt Gatewood and his contribution, perhaps not granting enough credit but then perhaps Gatewood's contributions have been over-credited by other sources? Miles does not attempt to steal all the credit from Crook either, and states how impressed he was with Geronimo as a man. The incident in which Geronimo is shown the heliograph is also interesting, as Miles put it, similar to the introduction of the telegraph to the plains Indians and seen as spirits or power rather than technology.
Last point here but while there was a lot of hard feelings over Crook being replaced as commander in Arizona, most forget that Crook had in fact requested to be relieved of his command. As to his reasons, we can only surmise but the fact that he was taking the blame for the Apaches escaping from the reservation and in effect breaking their trust with him, might have been a big factor. This was also a major factor in Miles pushing for the Apaches to be exiled out of the southwest, and Florida was not his idea, but accomplished the effect of breaking the cycle of treaties and warfare.
Please do continue.
I understand - much the same reasons why I prefer to stick to primary sources when possible, rather than modern authors. A person writing their own story will not have an unbiased view. Unfortunately nearly all historians are impressing their own stamp on the events they are writing of.
I think you might be pleasantly surprised to read Miles own words, for instance he does talk about Lt Gatewood and his contribution, perhaps not granting enough credit but then perhaps Gatewood's contributions have been over-credited by other sources? Miles does not attempt to steal all the credit from Crook either, and states how impressed he was with Geronimo as a man. The incident in which Geronimo is shown the heliograph is also interesting, as Miles put it, similar to the introduction of the telegraph to the plains Indians and seen as spirits or power rather than technology.
Last point here but while there was a lot of hard feelings over Crook being replaced as commander in Arizona, most forget that Crook had in fact requested to be relieved of his command. As to his reasons, we can only surmise but the fact that he was taking the blame for the Apaches escaping from the reservation and in effect breaking their trust with him, might have been a big factor. This was also a major factor in Miles pushing for the Apaches to be exiled out of the southwest, and Florida was not his idea, but accomplished the effect of breaking the cycle of treaties and warfare.
Please do continue.
Fascinating bit of history with lots of research material out there. I've spent a great deal of money acquiring all I could afford on the subject, as I prefer to have those books on hand. There are works from both sides of the subject and all are worth considering. You will need a pretty good bankroll, unless you have access to a really good library. I would assume such library's (on the Southwest) would be scarce back there. If there is any way I could be of assistance, I would be happy to do so.
