Bascom affair facts for kids
The Bascom Massacre was a serious event between Apache Indians and the United States Army. It happened in the Arizona Territory in early 1861. This confrontation is often seen as the direct start of the long-lasting Apache Wars. These wars lasted for decades between the United States and several Native American tribes in the southwestern United States. Before this event, the Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise had generally avoided fighting Americans. However, he had stolen livestock from the Overland Mail and Fort Buchanan. He had been forced to return stolen animals twice by Captain Richard S. Ewell.
What Started It?
The Bascom Affair began on January 27, 1861. Tonto Apache groups raided the ranch of John Ward at Sonoita Creek. They stole several animals and kidnapped Ward's 12-year-old stepson, Felix Ward. John Ward reported the raid to the nearby military leader, Lt. Col. Morrison. Morrison was in charge of Fort Buchanan, Arizona.
He ordered Lt. George Nicholas Bascom and a large group of soldiers to find the boy. Bascom and his men could not find Felix or the tribe. Because Ward said the kidnappers went east towards the Chiricahua Mountains, people thought the Chiricahua Apaches were involved. This kind of raid was common for local Apache groups. Later, it was discovered that Coyotero Apaches were actually responsible for the kidnapping.
Things Get Worse
Lt. Col. Morrison told Bascom to do whatever was needed to punish the kidnappers. He also wanted Bascom to get the boy back. Bascom, Ward, and 54 soldiers traveled east to Apache Pass. They arrived on February 3, 1861. There, they met Sgt. Daniel Robinson, who joined their group.
Bascom managed to convince a Chiricahua Apache leader named Cochise to meet with him. Cochise was suspicious of Bascom's plans. So, he brought his brother Coyuntwa, two nephews, his wife, and his two children to the meeting. At the meeting, Cochise said he knew nothing about the raid. Bascom did not believe Cochise. He tried to trap Cochise and his family in a tent, planning to hold them hostage. But Cochise was able to escape alone by cutting a hole in the tent wall.
Two days later, on February 5, Cochise sent a message to Bascom. He asked for his family to be released. But Bascom refused. He told Cochise that his family "would be set free just so soon as the boy was released." The next day, Cochise and a large group of Apaches attacked some American and Mexican teamsters. After harming the nine Mexicans, he took three Americans hostage. He offered to trade them for his family. But Bascom insisted he would only accept the return of the boy and the stolen animals. On February 7, Cochise and his men attacked Bascom's soldiers while they were getting water.
Cochise quickly left with his hostages for Sonora, Mexico. This area was outside American control. On the way, he harmed and killed the American prisoners. He left their bodies to be found by Bascom. Several days later, on February 19, 1861, Lt. Isaiah Moore arrived. He had led a group of cavalry soldiers to Apache Pass. Moore killed Cochise's brother and nephews before he and his soldiers went home.
What Happened Next?
When Cochise found his brother and nephews dead, it was a turning point. Many believe this moment made the Apache people, especially the Chiricahua, start to hate Americans as much as they had hated Mexicans. Cochise then began a war of revenge. He led many raids and attacks. This was the start of the 25-year-long Apache Wars.
This event also led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor to Bernard J.D. Irwin. His actions were the earliest to receive this medal, even though the medal was created later during the Civil War.
Felix Ward, the kidnapped boy, was later found living with the Coyotero Apaches. He became an Apache Scout for the U.S. Army. He was known by the name of Mickey Free.
In Popular Culture
- The Bascom Affair is mentioned in the 1950 film Broken Arrow.
- This conflict is a main part of the graphic novel series Blueberry. This includes the first three books: Fort Navajo, Thunder in the West, and Lone Eagle.
- In the TV western series The High Chaparral (1967–1971), the Bascom Affair is discussed in the episode "Best Man for the Job."
