General James H. Carleton as the military commander of New Mexico launched an active campaign against the Indians, employing the infamous Kit Carson's militia against the Mescalcros Apache. Those who were not killed were imprisoned on the notorious Bosque Redondo reservation (An unhealthy and arid tract of land some 49 miles square).
He then ordered Carson to round up the Navajo and bring them into the Bosque in what was to become known as the 'Long Walk', one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Navajo people. He gave these orders despite the fact that the Mescalcros and the Navajo were traditional enemies.
'There is to be no council held with the Indians, nor any talks. The men are to be slain wherever and whenever they can be found. The women and children may be taken prisoners....I trust that these....demonstrations will give the Indians an wholesome lesson.'