#white mountain apache

3-289a

(For typewriter)

Case of William Alchesay

No. 20440

On this 4 day of June, 1926, at Whiteriver county of Navajo, State of Arizona before me, G. M. Milburn, an inspector of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared William Alchesay, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says:

I am a claimant for pension.  I have heretofore testified, My Indian name is Chuzzin.  I was known by that name when I was a boy, was so called by that name by all Indians when I was a scout and I am this day called Chuzzin by the Indians.  I was given the name "Alchesay" (or similar spelling), by old man Cooley (dead), a white man.  I was known under the name "Alchesay" (or similar spelling) throughout all of my service as scout.  I am now known, to the white man, as Alchesay, and most, if not all, of the Indians on this reservation know me as Alchesay.  Yet, however, when an Indian makes any reference to me, he will always refer to me as Chuzzin, in speaking with another Indian.  In talking with a white man, they will understand the name "Alchesay" as referring to me.  Many of the more intelligent Indians will refer to me as Alchesay when speaking with a white man.

I have never, in all my life, known another Indian by the name of Alchesay, nor have I ever known an Indian by the name of "Alchisea" (as variously pronounced by Inspector and Interpreter).  I am a very old man, and as a leader of my people I have known practically every Indian who has ever lived in this vicinity.  I have never known an Indian, scout or other, having the name Alchesay or Alchisea (or similar pronunciation).  All during my service I was either 1st Sgt. or Sgt.  If I ever held the rank of Private or Corpl. I have no recollection of it.  When I enlisted the first time, General Crook was the white officer.  I do not know the name of another white officer.  I do not speak nor understand the English language, and cannot carry on conversation with the white man, other than through an interpreter, except for a very few

Page 5 Deposition A

[page 2] 

Page 6

simple words (but no complete sentence), and I did not learn the names of my white officers, other than General Crook with whom I was associated for so many years.

The first time I enlisted, I was made 1st Sgt.  That was at a time when the Indians below San Carlos had killed a number of white men and stole many horses.  Another bunch of Indians over by Ft. Grant committed similar acts.

I was serving as a scout at the time "Chies" was a chief.  He was called "Cochise" by the white man.  (Note: Cochise died in 1874).  This Chief had 2 sons, Taza and Nachies.  Taza took Chies' place after he died, and later Nachies was made Chief.

During the forepart of my service, I recall that we had a gight [fight] "down in the valley".  I do not know name of place.  Many Indians were killed at that time, and we captured a number of the enemy.

There are very few of the old scouts living who served with me when I enlisted the first time.  So far as I now recall, the following are the only ones alive, living on this reservation;

Che ne to en (20994, Cheney),  It e gay ah, now called General Crook (20465, Crook Danford),  Yaz nan cha (Jack),  Yuen (John or Johnny).  It is my recollection that all 4 of these were with me in same Co, on my second enlistement, and after that, I recall that Yas nan cha (Jack) was the only one who remained.  Then, later on I recall that Yuen (John) was with me again.  I am unable to be more accurate, only to my many terms of service.  My brother, Esh kay clenny (dead), who was called "Mike" also served with me, and my recollection is that he was with me on my second enlistment, and he continued to serve with me until he was finally discharged.  I am quite certain that all of these scouts were with me before the death of "Cochise".  I remember another, Ilth to eh (or El to ay) who was with me during my early service, but just when he first enlisted, I am unacertain.  I think it was after Cochise died, but do not know how long after, whether 1,2,3,4 years.  I am unable to figure the time in that way.

No, I never deserted at any time.  No, I never ran away and then return and surrender.  I remember one time that General Crook told me to stay at Forrest Dale and watch the Indians over there, as they

his

William  X  Alchesay

mark  "Alchesay"

Deponent

Carter Johnson