In 1861, war between the U.S. and the hostile Chiricahua Apaches seemed inevitable. When a young boy was kidnapped, Lieutenant George Bascom confronted Apache leader Cochise-an act some blamed for setting the smoldering conflict ablaze. This book analyzes that legend, versus what really happened, within the historical context of the Indian Wars.

In 1861, war between the United States and the Chiricahua seemed inevitable. The Apache band lived on a heavily traveled Emigrant and Overland Mail Trail and routinely raided it, organized by their leader, the prudent, not friendly Cochise. When a young boy was kidnapped from his stepfather’s ranch, Lieutenant George Bascom confronted Cochise even though there was no proof that the Chiricahua were responsible. After a series of missteps, Cochise exacted a short-lived revenge. Despite modern accounts based on spurious evidence, Bascom’s performance in a difficult situation was admirable. This book examines the legend and provides a new analysis of Bascom’s and Cochise’s behavior, putting it in the larger context of the Indian Wars that followed the American Civil War.