The Black Legend: George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

by Doug Hocking

The Black Legend is a historical story of Lt. George Bascom at Apache Pass in February 1861 as he confronted the Chiricahua Apache chief Cochise over his perceived abduction of a white boy, Felix Ward, age about 12 and a herd of cattle.

Some years ago, I wrote, “Lieutenant George Bascom falsely accuses Cochise and starts a quarter of a century of needless and horrific bloodshed between the White Eyes and the Chiricahua Apaches who try desperately to expel the invaders and hold on to their ancestral homeland.”

You can read my original Bascom story, by clicking here.

I continued, “On January 27th, Tonto Apaches raid the ranch of John Ward at Sonoita Creek, steal livestock and kidnap Ward’s 12-year-old stepson. Ward reports the raid to the nearby military authority who direct Lieutenant Bascom and his infantry to attempt to recover the boy and cattle. Bascom is unable to locate the boy or the raiders.

For whatever reason, probably Ward’s testimony, Bascom concludes that the Chiricahua Apaches are responsible for the raid. Bascom is ordered to use whatever means necessary to punish the kidnappers and recapture the boy.

Bascom, Ward, and 54 soldiers head east to Apache Pass and arrive on February 3rd. Bascom convinces Cochise to meet with him under a flag of truce. Cochise brings with him his brother, two nephews, his wife, and his two children.