Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Character

General Nelson A. Miles

U.S. Army general who met Geronimo at Skeleton Canyon, drew a line in the dirt for the ocean, and promised the Apaches they would see their families in Florida.

supporting

Also known as General Miles, Miles, Nelson, Brigadier General Miles

First appearance: Surrender of Geronimo

As a supporting figure in Geronimo’s Story of His Life, General Nelson A. Miles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Geronimo accuses General Miles of bad faith regarding the treaty; the War Department notes that Miles is not responsible for the government's subsequent treatment of prisoners.

In the storyIntroductoryOpen this moment free

Miles is the government's negotiating face at the surrender, assuring Geronimo and Naiche that they can lay down their arms as prisoners of war and that it is not the Army's way to kill enemies who surrender. He draws a line on the ground to represent the ocean and speaks through two interpreters, English to Spanish to Apache, while Naiche watches him with the memory of Mangus-Colorado's murder after surrender. The promises he makes at Skeleton Canyon become the disputed heart of the surrender's terms, and the separation of the warriors from their families afterward is what Geronimo and Naiche regard as a violation of everything Miles pledged.

See General Nelson A. Miles in Introductory Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how General Nelson A. Miles sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Key Figures in Geronimo's Story
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Geronimo experiences his greatest emotional and psychological low—…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

General Nelson A. Miles appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introductory
Geronimo accuses General Miles of bad faith regarding the treaty; the War Department notes that Miles is not responsible for the government's subsequent treatment of prisoners.
Geronimo’s Story of His Life
U.S. general who accepted Geronimo's surrender at Skeleton Canyon.
XII: Geronimo's Mightiest Battle
Mentioned as the U.S. general with whom Geronimo later made a treaty at Skeleton Canyon.
The Final Struggle
Commander who makes treaty with Geronimo; promises protection, land, and supplies.
Surrender of Geronimo
Commands the Department of Arizona; negotiates the surrender and outlines terms.
XIX: A Prisoner of War
Promised Geronimo land and implements; later visited Fort Sill and relieved Geronimo from labor.
Part IV: The Old and the New
Represents the U.S. military authority enforcing the new order.
Hopes for the Future
Mentioned as the signatory of the treaty with Geronimo on behalf of the U.S. Government.
Endnotes
General Miles telegraphed about the surrender of the Apaches and noted the foul murder of Mangus-Colorado.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for General Nelson A. Miles unlock in the free preview.

See General Nelson A. Miles in Surrender of Geronimo

See General Nelson A. Miles in Introductory