During my [childhood] we had never seen a missionary or a priest. We had never seen a white man. Thus quietly lived the Be-don-ko-he Apaches.
Geronimo on the murder of his family
In the summer of 1858, being at peace with the Mexican towns... we went south into Old Mexico to trade... Late one afternoon when returning from town we were met by a few women and children who told us that Mexican troops... had attacked our camp...when all were counted, I found that my aged mother, my young wife, and my three small children were among the slain. Within a few days we arrived at our own settlement. There were the decorations that [my wife] Alope had made and there were the playthings of our little ones. I burned them all... I was never again contented in our quiet home... and whenever I... saw anything to remind me of former happy days my heart would ache for revenge upon Mexico.
Geronimo and the resistance
We were reckless of our lives, because we felt that every man's hand was against us. If we returned to the reservation we would be put in prison and killed; if we stayed in Mexico they would continue to send soldiers to fight us; so we gave no quarter to anyone and asked no favors.
Geronimo and Indian Agents
They never explained to the Government when an Indian was wronged, but always reported the misdeeds of the Indians. Much that was done by mean white men was reported at Washington as the deeds of my people.
Geronimo as a prisoner of war
What is the matter that you don't speak to me I'd be better satisfied if you would talk to me once in a while. Why don't you look at me and smile at me? I am the same man; I have the same feet, legs, and hands, and the sun looks down on me a complete man. I want you to look and smile at me.
To General George Crook, United States Army
There is no climate or soil which, to my mind, is equal to that of Arizona... that land which the Almighty created for the Apaches. It is my land, my home, my fathers' land, to which I now ask to be allowed to return. I want to spend my last days there, and be buried among those mountains... Could I but see this accomplished, I think I could forget all the wrongs that I have ever received...