In December 1839 , Kirker was given a contract by the government of Chihuahua to fight Apaches .
Beginning in 1831 , Apache raids became a serious problem in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora .
In December 1839 , Kirker was given a contract by the government of Chihuahua to fight Apache .
Beginning in 1831 , Apache raids became a serious problem in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora .