Friday, February 25, 2011

Cochise Sweat Reflection With Coyuntura

Today I narrated a meeting that Cochise and his brother Coyuntura had in a Sweat to reflect on Chokonen's relations with Mexico , especially Sonora. In it  details of Sweat Ceremony are expressed revolving around 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water. Cochise inside the Sweat seeks insight/guidance from the Spirit World, the Grandfathers, about how to handle Mexicans and Americans. The successful Raid to avenge the death of Mangas sons has consequences which can jeopardize  Apache - Mexican trade relations which are vital to his people's well being. He struggles over how to  reconcile with state of Sonora which boarders his lands and decides to return to Fronteras only to fall into a trap which brings about serious losses but will catapult him to undisputed leader of his Band.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Cochise/Mangas/Mexicans

Today I wrote an account that touches on Cochise's relationships with Mexicans. Historically they were enemies but practically the Apaches needed them for trade, commerce, especially horses/guns and population as they often captured young Mexicans and brought them back to camps to raise them as Apache. This relationship with Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua became even more critical after Apacheria passed to United States in 1853 with Gadsden Purchase. What triggers the matter is that Cochise joins Mangas to avenge death of his two sons in1858.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Cochise/Mangas Meeting Regarding Bartlett Expedition

Greetings:

  Today I wrote a fictional account of a meeting between Mangas and Cochise regarding Mangas encounter with John Bartlett's expedition in 1851 into Apacheria to finalize boundary between US and Mexico. The Apaches, whose territory the Gadsen Purchase impacted, were of course not even included in the negotiations! Unfortunately from Mangas point of view the meeting went poorly  as he strongly communicated to Cochise and his warriors in Cochise's stronghold. "Pindah never really understood Apache culture" and even worse rebuffed Mangas' offer of support against the Mexicans "on the grounds that America was at peace with Mexico!"

Monday, February 7, 2011

One more thought for the day

This is a life-long project that began when I was twelve years of age, a period of time in which Cochise entered into my heart and became my spiritual father, filling the vacuum left by my biological father. Since then I have always wanted to bring the humanity of Cochise, the person, to full view. For I see him as an exemplar of qualities that modern people badly need.

The story begins

I am in the midst of writing a biography of Cochise, who I consider to be my spiritual grandfather. I will share more about my personal journey and my connection to Cochise as this blog unfolds. I have started this blog in an effort to engage others in conversation about Cochise, to gain deeper insight about him and his times, and to share the materials that I uncover along the way. I invite you to join me in this venture and to share your knowledge and experiences about Cochise, his times, and the Chiricahuas, his band of Apaches.
Here are some of my research questions, which I will explore through this blog.
  1. What accounts for Cochise’s enduring mythology?
  2. Who was Cochise's father? Somewhat unclear.
  3. Birth dates of Cochise also unclear.
  4. What was the nature of Cochise’s relationship with Magnas Coloradas?
  5. How did the 1854 Gadsden Purchase from Mexico impact Cochise’s relationship with Mexicans and Americans?
  6. What was Cochise’s initial strategy and response to growing American presence in Apacheria?
  7. What was his relations to Butterfield Stage Line?
  8. What were the immediate and long term consequences of the Bascom affair in 1861 known by Apaches as “Cut the Tent” affair?
  9. How did the Battle of Apache Pass in 1862 along with the Civil War change Apache military strategies/tactics?
  10. How did the Apache Cochise War change from 1865-72?
  11. Who is the “Mysterious” Tom Jeffords and how was he able to gain Cochise’s trust thereby bridging Two Worlds? Has he left any writen documents of his relationship?
  12. What historical factors brought General Howard, Cochise, and Jeffords to peace in 1872?
  13. Why was the premature death of Cochise in 1874 tragic for the Chiricahuas and how did it lead to the Geronimo Wars, 1875-85?
  14. Why the continued Cochise Mythos!