Alchesay

Alchesay, a Chief of the White Mountain Apache of Eastern Arizona, was for most of his life a friend of the white man.

During the Apache Wars, Alchesay became a scout for the U.S. Army. It was during General Crooks campaign of 1872-73 against the Apache that Alchesay was hand picked by Crook to convince the hostile Apache to surrender. Alchesay, along with Kaahteney, the Chiricahua who was earlier released from Alcatraz, were to try to convince Geronimo, who was the last holdout to submit. Upon learning that Alchesay and Kaahteney were being sent to discuss his surrender Geronimo asked them if they would speak to the hostiles. Kaahteney refused declaring he had a sore throat but Alchesay was glad to speak with them.

"They have surrendered. I don't want you to have any bad feelings towards them. They are all good friends now...because they are all the same people -- all one family with me; just like when you kill a deer, all of its parts are of the one body....No matter where you send (them) we hope to hear that you have treated them kindly....I have never told you a lie, nor have you ever told me a lie, and now I tell you that (they) really want to do what is right and live at peace....I want you to carry away in your pocket all that has been said here today."

Geronimo and the hostiles were moved by Alchesay's speech but did not surrender on this occasion due to an all night drinking spree.

Because of his gallant conduct and courage Alchesay, who was listed as Sergeant Alchesay Indian Scout, received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

In his later years, while living in Arizona he became a prominent cattleman and model citizen. He remained friends with Geronimo since Geronimo was clever enough to understand the part Alchesay played during the wars.