On the return march, the Indians left General Crook’s command and fled. Geronimo became “a bad Indian” in every sense of the word. He says: “We were reckless of our lives, because we felt that every man’s hand was against us. If we returned to the reservation we would be put in prison and killed: if we stayed in Mexico they would continue to send soldiers to fight us; so we gave no quarter to anyone and asked no favors.”
The American troops in one action killed seven children, five women and four men. Again, three Apache children were slain. Later, all Geronimo’s family was captured.
Naiche, son of the famous fighting chief, Cochise, fought for years with Geronimo and surrendered when further resistance was useless.
The end came suddenly. Geronimo, driven from one side of the American-Mexican border to the other, found no rest for his band, and told Captain Lawton’s scouts that he would surrender to General Miles under certain conditions. When Geronimo met General Miles, the interpreter said, “General Miles is your friend.” Even in so critical a situation his grim humor asserted itself. Geronimo retorted, “I never saw him, but I have been in need of friends. Why has he not been with me?”
According to the narrative of the Indian chief and other witnesses, Geronimo was to live with his family and be supported by the Government, under certain restrictions. “I said to General Miles: ‘All the officers that have been in charge of Indians have talked that way and it sounds like a story to me; I hardly believe you.’
“He said: ‘This time it is the truth.’”
Geronimo gave up his arms saying:
“‘I will quit the warpath and live at peace hereafter.’”
“Then General Miles swept a spot of ground clear with his hand and said:
“‘Your past deeds shall be wiped out like this, and you will start a new life.’”