Sherman's Shift: From Diplomacy to Destruction
The Adobe Walls Incident: A Turning Point in Native American Relations
General William Tecumseh Sherman, the Union Army's legendary commander, was known for his strategic brilliance and ruthless efficiency. His campaigns in the American Civil War were marked by a relentless pursuit of victory, often at any cost. However, his approach to Native Americans in the Texas Panhandle underwent a dramatic transformation following a seemingly insignificant event: the attack on Adobe Walls.
Adobe Walls: A Fort in the Wilderness
Adobe Walls was a small, remote trading post located along the Canadian River in the Texas Panhandle. It was a strategic location for both Native Americans and white settlers, serving as a hub for trade and communication. In 1874, a group of approximately 1,000 Plains Indians, led by Quanah Parker, attacked the fort. The battle that ensued was fierce, but the Indians ultimately withdrew, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Sherman's Initial Approach: A Policy of Peace
Prior to the Adobe Walls incident, Sherman had adopted a more conciliatory approach towards Native Americans. He believed that peaceful coexistence was possible and had sought to establish diplomatic relations with various tribes. His strategy involved providing them with supplies, encouraging them to settle on reservations, and protecting them from white encroachment.
The Impact of Adobe Walls: A Change of Heart
The attack on Adobe Walls had a profound impact on Sherman's perception of Native Americans. He was outraged by the violence and the loss of life. The incident convinced him that the Indians were incapable of peaceful coexistence and that they posed a constant threat to white settlers. As a result, he abandoned his previous policy of conciliation and adopted a more aggressive stance.
The Red River Campaign: A Brutal Campaign of Destruction
In 1875, Sherman launched the Red River Campaign, a military expedition aimed at destroying the Comanche and Kiowa tribes. The campaign was marked by a brutal level of violence, with Sherman's forces burning villages, slaughtering livestock, and capturing women and children. The goal was to break the spirit of the Indians and force them to submit to federal authority.
The Legacy of Adobe Walls
The attack on Adobe Walls was a pivotal moment in the history of the American West. It marked a turning point in the relationship between the United States government and Native Americans. Sherman's shift from diplomacy to destruction had a devastating impact on the Plains tribes, who were forced to surrender their way of life and live on reservations. The legacy of Adobe Walls continues to be felt today, as Native Americans continue to struggle with the consequences of historical injustices.
A Humorous Aside: Sherman's Unique Perspective
While the Red River Campaign was a tragic event, it is worth noting that Sherman had a somewhat unconventional sense of humor. In one of his letters, he described the campaign as a "picnic," suggesting that he found the experience to be enjoyable. This incongruous remark highlights the stark contrast between Sherman's perspective and the suffering he inflicted on the Native American people.