Availing himself of the innate Apache love of fighting, he offered full army pay to warriors willing to turn against their own people {he had plenty of takers}.
The quote reflects a significant moment in the history of the American West, highlighting the manipulation of internal divisions within Indigenous tribes. It portrays how certain figures exploited the Apache warriors' fighting spirit, offering them army pay as a means to betray their own people. This tactic reveals the complexities of tribal loyalty and the pressures of external forces during the Indian Wars. The willingness of some to take up the offer illustrates the desperation and the harsh realities faced by Indigenous communities amid conflict.
Peter Cozzens' book, "The Earth Is Weeping," delves into these intricate dynamics, emphasizing the broader narrative of conflict between Indigenous peoples and the expanding American frontier. The passage underscores the tragic consequences of coercion and betrayal that were prevalent during this tumultuous period, shaping the relationships among tribes and between Indigenous peoples and the U.S. military. Cozzens effectively captures the nuanced realities of a war that often turned allies into adversaries, complicating the fight for sovereignty and survival.
