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KIT CARSON'S 
 
 LIFE AND ADVENTURES, 
 
 FROM FACTS NARRATED BY HIMSELF, 
 
 EMBRACING EVENTS IN THE LIFE-TIME OF AMERICA'S 
 
 GREATEST HUNTER, TRAPPER, SCOUT AND GUIDE, 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 VIVID ACCOUNTS OF THE EVERY DAT LIFE, INNER CHARACTER, AND 
 PECULIAR CUSTOMS OF ALL 
 
 INDIAN TRIBES OF THE FAR WEST. 
 
 ALSO, AN ACCURATE 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY, 
 
 ITS CONDITION, PROSPECTS, AND RESOURCES; ITS CLIMATE AND SCENERY; ITS 
 
 MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, VALLEYS, DESERTS AND PLAINS, AND NATURAL WONDERS. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH A FULL AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE 
 
 MODOC INDIANS AND THE MODOC AB. 
 
 BY 
 
 DEWITT C. PETEKS, 
 
 BBEVET LT.-COLONEL AMD SURGEON U. S. A. 
 
 HARTFORD, CONN.: 
 AUSTIN, GMLMA3ST <fc CO. 
 
 QUEEN CITY PUBLISHING CO., CINCINNATI ; M. A. PARKER & CO., CHICAGO, 
 ILL. ; FRANCIS DEWING & CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 
 
 1874. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1873, by 
 
 DUSTIN, GILMAN & CO., 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
TO THOSE NOBLE MEN, 
 
 WHO WERE THE COMPANIONS OF 
 
 Kit a#sxxt* ; 
 
 IN THE WILD SCENES OF THE CHASE, 
 
 ON THE WAR PATH, 
 
 UPON THE FIELD OF BATTLE, 
 
 AND DURING THE TERRIBLE HARDSHIPS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LONG, DANGEROUS AND WEARY EXPLORATIONS, 
 IN A NEW AND DESOLATE COUNTRY, 
 
 THIS BOOK 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
TAGS, NEW MEXICO. 
 
 THIS is to certify, that my friend, De Witt C. Peters, 
 Brevet Lieutenant - Colonel and Surgeon, United States 
 Army, is the only person I ever authorized to write my 
 life. 
 
 Brigadier General V. $. Vols. 
 
FERNANDEZ DE TAGS, NEW MEXICO. 
 
 WE, the undersigned, citizens of the Territory of New 
 Mexico, were acquainted with Mr. CHRISTOPHER CARSON, almost 
 from the time of his first arrival in the country. We were 
 his companions both in the mountains and as private citizens. 
 We are also acquainted with the fact, that for months, during 
 his leisure hours, he was engaged dictating his life. This is, 
 to our certain knowledge, the only authentic biography of him- 
 self and his travels, that has ever been written. We heartily 
 recommend THIS BOOK to the reading community for perusal, 
 as it presents a life out of the usual routine of business, and 
 is checkered with adventures which have tried this bold and 
 daring man. We are cognizant of the details of the book, 
 and vouch for their accuracy. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
THE AUTHOR'S PBEFACE. 
 
 THE pages here presented to the public form a book of 
 facts. They unfold for the student, as does no other work 
 yet extant, the great interior wilderness of the Territories be- 
 longing to the United States. The scenic views, though 
 plainly colored and wrought by the hand of an unpretending 
 artist, inasmuch as they portray a part of the North American 
 continent which is unsurpassed by any other country on the 
 face of the earth, will not fail to interest the American pub- 
 lic. In addition to this, the reader is introduced to an inti- 
 mate acquaintance with the Indian races of the countries 
 which lie east and west of the Rocky Mountains. The savage 
 warrior and hunter is presented, stripped of all the deco- 
 rations with which writers of fiction have dressed him. He 
 is seen in his ferocity and gentleness, in his rascality and 
 nobility, in his boyhood, manhood, and old age, and in his 
 wisdom and ignorance. The attentive reader will learn of 
 his approximations to truth, his bundle of superstitions, his 
 acts at home and on - the war-path, his success while follow- 
 ing the buffalo, and engaging the wild Rocky Mountain bear, 
 that terror of the western wilderness. He will also behold 
 him carrying devastation to the homes of the New Mexican 
 settlers, and freely spilling their best blood to satiate a savage 
 revenge. He will see him attacking and massacring parties 
 of white men traveling across the prairies, and trace him in 
 his savage wars with the early settlers and frontiersmen. 
 
 In order to acquire these important data, that they might 
 be added to the pages of American history and form a reli- 
 
viii THE AUTHOE'S PREFACE. 
 
 able record, it was necessary that some brave, bold and deter- 
 mined man should become an actor on the scenes and among 
 the races described. Such an actor has been Christopher Car- 
 son, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains ; and, it is the expe- 
 rience, as well as the acts of his stirring life, which the fol- 
 lowing pages present. 
 
 In olden times there existed, in the Rocky Mountains, a 
 race familiarly known by the name of " Trappers and Hunt- 
 ers." They are now almost extinct. Their history has not 
 yet been written. Pen paintings, drawn from the imagina- 
 tion, founded upon distant views of their exploits and adven- 
 tures, have occasionally served, as do legends, to " adorn a 
 tale." The volume now offered to the public, gives their 
 history as related by one whose name, as a trapper and hunter 
 of the " Far West," stood second to none ; by a man who, 
 for fifteen years, saw not the face of a white woman, or slept 
 under a roof; who, during those long years, with his rifle 
 alone, killed thousands upon thousands of buffalo, deer, ante- 
 lope, bears and elk, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., etc., 
 in numbers beyond calculation. On account of their origi- 
 nality, daring and interest, the real facts concerning this race 
 of trappers and hunters, will be handed down to posterity as 
 matters belonging to history. 
 
 As is the case with the Indian, the race of the " Simon 
 Pure Trapper " is nearly run. The advance of civilization, 
 keeping up its untiring march to the westward, is daily en- 
 croaching upon their wild haunts, and bringing the day close 
 at hand when warrior and trapper will depart forever to their 
 " Happy Hunting Grounds." 
 
 With the extinction of the great fur companies, the trap- 
 pers of " Olden Time," disbanded and separated. 
 
 The greatest number of these men, to be found at the pres- 
 ent day, reside in the Territory of New Mexico, which, in the 
 time of their prosperity, was the country where they located 
 their head-quarters. In this Territory, Christopher Carson 
 resided. His name, in the Rocky Mountains, has been famil- 
 iarly known for nearly half a century ; and, from its associa- 
 
Two huge and terribly angry grizzly bears were bounding towards him, their eyes 
 flashing fiery passion, their pearly teeth glittering with eagerness to mangle his n'esh, 
 and their monstrous forearms, hung with sharp, bony claws, ready and anxious to hug 
 his body in a close and most loving embrace. PAGE 93. 
 
THE AUTHOR S PREFACE. ix 
 
 tion with the names of great explorers and military men, is 
 now spread throughout the civilized world. It has been gen- 
 erally conceded, and the concession has become strengthened 
 by time, that no small share of the benefits derived from these 
 explorations and campaigns, as well as the safety of the com- 
 mands themselves, was due to the sagacity, skill, experience, 
 advice and labor, of Christopher Carson. 
 
 His sober habits, strict honor, and great regard for truth, 
 endeared him to all who called him friend ; and, among such, 
 may be enumerated names belonging to some of the most dis- 
 tinguished men, whose deeds are recorded on the pages of 
 American history. His past life was a mystery which this 
 book will unveil. Instead of Kit Carson as by imagination 
 a bold braggart, and reckless, improvident hero of the rifle 
 he will appear a retired man, arid one who was very reserved 
 in his intercourse with others. 
 
 It is years since the writer of this work first met Christo- 
 pher Carson. It needed neither a second introduction, nor 
 the assistance of a friendly panegyric, to enable him to dis- 
 cover in Christopher Carson those traits of manhood, which 
 are esteemed by the great and good to be distinguishing 
 ornaments of character. This acquaintance ripened into 
 a friendship of the purest stamp, and to the time of his 
 death, the writer was the intimate friend and companion of 
 Carson, at his home, in the wild scenes of the chase, on the 
 war trail, and upon the field of battle. For a long period, in 
 common with hundreds, and, we might with truth add, thou- 
 sands, the writer desired to see Christopher Carson's wonderful 
 career made public for the world of readers ; but, while this 
 idea was germinating in his brain, he did not, for an instant, 
 flatter himself that the pleasant task would ever be assigned to 
 him. Finally, however, at the urgent solicitation of many 
 personal friends, Christopher Carson dictated the facts upon 
 which this book is written. They were placed in the writer's 
 hands, with instructions to add to them such information as 
 had fallen under his observation, during a long and intimate 
 acquaintance with Kit Carson, and during extensive travels 
 
X THE AUTHOli's PREFACE. 
 
 over a large part of the wide expanse of country, which has 
 been Carson's theatre for action. 
 
 Owing to unfortunate circumstances, however, the work 
 has been kept out of the market, until the urgent demands 
 of the hundreds of admirers of the world-renowned " Kit," 
 for an authentic history of his life and adventures, has encour- 
 aged the author to place the work before the public in its 
 present form. 
 
 The book is a book of solid truth ; therefore, the faults in 
 the style, arrangement and composition, become affairs of 
 minor consideration. For this reason, the writer makes no 
 apologies to embarrass the critics. 
 
 Christopher Carson, physically, was small in stature, but 
 of compact frame-work. He had a large and finely developed 
 head, a twinkling gray eye, and hair of a sandy color, which 
 he wore combed back d la Franklin mode. His education 
 having been much neglected in his youth, he was deficient in 
 theoretical learning. By natural abilities, however, he greatty 
 compensated for this defect. He spoke the French and Span- 
 ish languages fluently, besides being a perfect master of sev- 
 eral Indian dialects. In Indian customs, their manners, habits, 
 and the groundwork of their conduct, no man on the Ameri- 
 can continent was better skilled. 
 
 The writer, while on a foreign tour, once had the opportu- 
 nity and pleasure of hearing Gordon Gumming, and other 
 hunters of less note, discourse on their hunting exploits ; fur- 
 thermore, in our own country, while seated around camp- 
 fires and in log-houses, he has listened to the adventures of 
 ancient and modern Nimrods in the chase. Besides these 
 facts, he has both seen and read much of hunting exploits ; 
 but no hunter ever filled his fancy so perfectly as did Christo- 
 pher Carson, a man who was always quick to act and never 
 known to boast. Although he has passed to the Happy 
 Hunting Grrounds of eternity, his name will always stand 
 bright in the annals of history, as one that has contributed in- 
 no small degree to the success of some of the greatest and 
 most successful exploring expeditions known to the world. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGB. 
 
 Carson's Birthplace His Emigration to Missouri Early Prospects 
 Is an Apprentice Stories of the Rocky Mountains He Enlists 
 to go there Adventures on the Prairies Broader is Wounded 
 Carson's Nerve put to the Test Rude Amputation Safe Arrival 
 at Santa Fe Goes to Taos and Learns the Spanish Language 
 Early Vicissitudes Disappointment and Attempt to return to Mis- 
 souri Wants a Woolen Shirt Is Employed as an Interpreter, 
 , Teamster, etc., 19 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The News of the Defeat of Mr. Young's Trapping Party by the Indi- 
 ans reaches Taos Young raises a Tarty to Chastise the Indians 
 Kit Carson becomes a Conspicuous Member of the Expedition 
 The Indians are found on Salt River The Fight Trapping Ex- 
 ploits A new Country Trials and Vicissitudes Sacramento Val- 
 ley California and its Roman Catholic Missions in 1829 Another 
 Indian Fight Sale of Furs Indian Depredations Kit Carson and 
 Twelve Trappers engage with the Indians in a Battle Return to 
 the Camp with recovered Property, .36 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The Return from California to New Mexico San Fernando and the 
 Peublo of Los Angelos Description of these Peublos Passports 
 demanded at Los Angelos Trouble with the Mexican Authorities 
 Kit Carson sent on with the Pack Animals One Trapper Shoots 
 Another The Mexicans Become Frightened Indians come into 
 Camp with their Weapons Concealed Cool Reception by Kit Car- 
 son Paying off Old Scores Recovering Stolen Property Arrival 
 at Santa Fe and Taos Money realized soon parted with Carson 
 joins another Expedition The Rivers trapped on Four Men Killed 
 by Blackfeet Indians Kit Carson joins Gaunt's Party The Parks 
 Winter Quarters Crow Indian Depredations Kit Carson and 
 his Party in Pursuit The Fight Winter on the Arkansas An- 
 other Expedition Two Deserters Kit Carson sent in Pursuit 
 The Fate of the Runaways Adventures with Indians Hair- 
 breadth Escape made by Kit Carson, 48 
 
Xll CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PAQK. 
 
 Kit Carson and two Companions plan a Hunt for themselves The 
 Great Success met with Return to Taos Sale of the Beaver 
 Fur Kit Carson joins Captain Lee and goes on a Trading Expe- 
 dition Winter Quarters Kit Carson is sent in Pursuit of a Thief 
 Overtakes and is obliged to Shoot the Runaway Property Re- 
 covered The Return to the Camp The Sale of Goods Kit Car- 
 son joins Fitzpatrick and Party Kit Carson organizes a Hunting 
 Party His Encounter with two Grizzly Bears The Summer Ren- 
 dezvous Kit Carson joins fifty Trappers and goes to the Country 
 of the Blackfeet Indians Annoyances received from these Indians 
 Winter Quarters in 1832 Horses Stolen Kit Carson and eleven 
 Men in Pursuit A Parley A Fight Kit Carson severely 
 Wounded His great Sufferings and Fortitude His Convales- 
 cence The Retreat A New Expedition A Braggadocio Kit 
 Carson Fights a Duel and Wounds his Man Duels in the Rocky 
 Mountains in Olden Times, 77 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Fall Hunt McCoy of the Hudson's Bay Company organizes a 
 Trapping Party which Kit Carson joins The Hunt Scarcity of 
 Beaver on Humboldt River The Party is divided Kit Carson 
 with a majority of the Men goes to Fort Hall Hardships and Pri- 
 vations met with Bleeding Mules and Drinking the warm Blood to 
 keep from Starving Buffalo Hunt All their Animals Stolen in the 
 Night by a Party of Blackfeet Indians Arrival of McCoy from 
 Fort Walla Walla The Rendezvous Kit Carson joins a Strong 
 Band The Small-Pox among the Blackfeet Indians The Crow 
 Indians on good terms with the Whites Intense Cold Immense 
 Herds of Buffalo Danger of their Goring the Horses to Death 
 The Spring Hunt The Blackfeet Indian Village Overtaken A 
 desperate Fight with these Indians The Rendezvous Sir Wil- 
 liam Stuart and a favorite Missionary Kit Carson goes on a 
 Trading Expedition to the Navajo Indians The Return He ac- 
 cepts the post of Hunter of the Trading Post at Brown's Hole, 117 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Bridger and Carson trapping on the Black Hills The Main Camp 
 The Rendezvous Winter Quarters on the Yellow Stone Carson 
 with forty men in a Desperate Fight with the Blackfeet Indians A 
 Council Sentinel Posted One Thousand Warriors come to Pun- 
 ish the Trappers The War Dance The Courage of the Savages, 
 deserts them Winter Quarters The Spring Hunt Another Fight 
 with the Blackfeet Continued Annoyances The Trappers aban- 
 don the Country Scenery on the Columbia The Rocky Moun- 
 tains and Alps Compared Other Trapping Expeditions Beaver 
 becoming Scarce Prices of Fur Reduced Kit Carson and the 
 Trappers give up their Vocation The Journey to Bent's Fort- 
 Mitchell the Mountaineer His Eccentricities, 143 
 
CONTENTS. X1U 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PAOB. 
 
 Kit Carson is employed as Hunter to Bent's Fort His Career for 
 Eight Years Messrs. Bent and St. Vrain The Commencement of 
 his Acquaintance with John C. Fremont on a Steamboat Is em- 
 ployed as a Guide by the Great Explorer The Journey Arrival 
 at Fort Laramie Indian Difficulties The Business of the Expedi- 
 tion Completed Return to Fort Laramie Kit Carson goes to 
 Taos and is Married He is employed as Hunter to a Train of 
 Wagons bound for the States Meeting with Captain Cook and 
 four Companies of U. S. Dragoons on Walnut Creek Mexicans 
 in Trouble Kit Carson carries a Letter for Them to Santa Fe 
 Indians on the Route His safe Arrival Amijos' Advance Guard 
 Massacred by the Texans The one Survivor The Retreat Kit 
 Carson returns to Bent's Fort His Adventures with the Utahs 
 and Narrow Escape from Death The Texans Disarmed The Ex- 
 press Ride Performed, 167 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Kit Carson visits Fremont's Camp Goes on the Second Exploring 
 Expedition The Necessary Arrangements Trip to Salt Lake 
 Explorations There Carson is dispatched to Fort Hall for Sup- 
 
 Slies Their Operations at Salt Lake The Great Island The 
 ourney to the Columbia River in Oregon Incidents on the 
 Route Klamath Lake The Journey to California The Trials 
 and Privations met with while crossing the Sierra Nevada Moun- 
 tains Mr. Preuss is Lost but Finds the Party again Arrival at 
 Sutter's Fort in a Destitute Condition Two of the Party become 
 Deranged The Route on the Return Trip Mexicans come into 
 their Camp asking Aid and Protection Indian Depredations 
 Carson and Godey start on a Daring Adventure The Pursuit 
 The Thieves Overtaken These Two White Men attack Thirty In- 
 dians The Victory Horses Retaken The Return to Camp 
 One of their Companions Killed The Journey Continued Ar- 
 rival at Bent's Fort The " Fourth of July" Dinner, .... 200 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Kit Carson concludes to become a Farmer He is joined in the En- 
 terprise by a Friend They build a Ranch on the Cimeron River 
 Descriptions of Mexican Customs and Country Fremont once 
 more at Bent's Fort Express sent for Kit Carson to join the Ex- 
 pedition as Guide The Ranch sold, and the Departure The 
 Third Expedition and its Explorations Difficulties with the Mex- 
 ican-Califomians General Castro's Orders to leave the Country 
 Determination to Fight Fremont goes to Lawson's Fort Fre- 
 mont and his Men encounter a Thousand Indians The Battle 
 and the Victory The news that War had been declared between 
 the United States and Mexico reaches Fremont Lieutenant Gil- 
 lespie Rescued from the Indians Three of the Party Killed in 
 the Night by Indians The Savages Repulsed The Burial of 
 Comrades, . 228 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Fremont en route for California His Men are Anxious to Punish the 
 Klarnath Indians Kit Carson, in command of Ten Men, is sent on 
 ahead to Reconnoitre He discovers the main Village of these In- 
 dians The Attack and the Victory Beautiful Lodges The Tro- 
 phies mostly." Destroyed Fremont saves Kit Carson's Life The 
 Journey resumed The Sacramento Valley An Indian Ambus- 
 cadeOne Savage defies the Party Kit Carson shoots him The 
 Klamath Indians still on the War Path Another Lesson given to 
 them A Thief is Shot Arrival at Lawson's Trading Post A 
 period of Inactivity A Detachment sent to capture Sonoma 
 Prisoners taken The Mexicans come to punish the Americans 
 Their Courage deserts them The Retreat The Pursuit Fre- 
 mont goes to Sutter's Fort and establishes a Military Post Mon- 
 "iefey is Taken by the American Squadron Fremont marches 
 there Further Operations The Taking of Los Angelos, . . . 261 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Kit Carson is sent Overland as Bearer of Dispatches to Washington 
 The Preparation and the Start The Journey Privations and Suf- 
 ferings Meeting with General Kearney The General takes Car- 
 son as his Guide and Sends on his Dispatches by Fitzpatrick The 
 March Arrival at Warner's Ranch Mexicans on the Road Prep- 
 arations for a Battle The Battle Disastrous Consequences Kit 
 Carson and Lieutenant Beale Offer to Run the Lines of the Mexi- 
 can Sentinels and Carry Information to San Diego of Kearney's 
 Critical Position The Daring Undertaking The Sufferings they 
 Encountered Their Arrival Re-inforcements Sent Out Lieuten- 
 ant Beale is Delirious from the Privations he has Undergone 
 General Kearney and his Command Finally Reach and Join the 
 other American Forces in California, 278 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A Command of Six Hundred Men is sent against Los Angelos 
 The Mexican Army Evacuates the Town Its Capture Rumors 
 of an Attack to be Made on Fremont's Command The Mexicans 
 Surrender The Winter Quarters Kit Carson is ordered to Carry 
 Dispatches Overland to Washington Lieutenant Beale Accompa- 
 nies him A Night Attack Made by the Indians Arrival in the 
 United States Kit Carson's Introduction to Colonel Benton and 
 Mrs. Fremont Hospitality offered to him at Washington Kit 
 Carson receives the Appointment of Lieutenant in the Rifle Corps 
 of the United States Army from President Polk He is ordered 
 to Carry Dispatches to California The Journey A Brush with 
 the Camanche Indians Arrival at Santa Fe More Trouble with 
 Hostile Indians Arrival at Los Angelos Dispatches Delivered 
 Kit Carson is Assigned to do Duty with the Dragoons Is ordered 
 to Guard Tajon Pass The Winter Spent there Is Ordered again 
 to Carry Dispatches to Washington The Journey and its Adven- 
 turesThe Return to New Mexico, 300 
 
CONTENTS. XV 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 PAOB. 
 
 Kit Carson at his Home The Apache Indians become Hostile An 
 Expedition Sent Against them It is not Successful Another is 
 Organized, with which Kit Carson goes as Guide Two Indian 
 Chiefs Captured Other Incidents of the Trip Colonel Beall At- 
 tempts to force the Indians to give up Mexican Captives Two 
 Thousand Savages on the Arkansas River The Visit to them jilt 
 Carson Emigrates and Builds a Ranch at Rayado Description ot 
 the Valley The Massacre of a Santa Fe Merchant His Wife is 
 made Prisoner The Expedition Sent to Rescue her The Indians 
 Overtaken Bad Counsel and Management The Commanding 
 Officer Wounded Mrs. White's Body Found Severe Snow Storm 
 on the Plains One Man Frozen to Death Kit Carson Returns to 
 Rayado The Occupation of a Farmer Resumed The Apaches 
 Steal from the Settlers nearly all of their Animals Kit Carson 
 with thirteen others in Pursuit The Surprise A Running Fight 
 The Animals Recovered A gallant Sergeant and his Fate Kit 
 Carson and Goodel go on a Trading Expedition to meet Cali- 
 fornia Emigrants at Fort Laramie Humorous Adventures The 
 Dangers that beset the Road to New Mexico Hair-breadth Es- 
 capeArrival at Taos, .............. 326 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Kit Carson reaches Home Himself and Neighbors Robbed by the 
 Apaches Major Grier goes in Pursuit of, and Recaptures the 
 Stolen Stock A Plot organized by White Men to Murder two 
 Santa Fe Traders for their Money The Disclosure Kit Carson 
 goes to the Rescue of the Traders The Camp of United States 
 Recruits Captain Ewell with twenty Men joins Kit Carson The 
 Arrest of Fox Gratitude Expressed by the Traders Money Of- 
 fered but Refused The Prisoner taken to Taos and Incarcerated 
 Kit Carson receives a Magnificent Pair of Revolvers as a Present 
 from the grateful Traders The Return to Rayado A Trading 
 Expedition to the United States The Return Journey An En- 
 counter with the Cheyenne Indians A State of Suspense The 
 Deliverance from Danger by a Message sent by a Mexican Runner 
 
 ang 
 Rayad 
 
 The arrival at Raado, .............. 366 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Kit Carson's last Trapping Expedition He Embarks in a Specula- 
 tion His Trip to California with a large Flock of Sheep The 
 Methods Employed by Mexicans in driving Herds, and their Dex- 
 terity Kit Carson goes to San Francisco Its wonderful Growth 
 
 Maxwell joins Kit Carson at Sacramento City The Lucky 
 Speculation The Return Trip to New Mexico and its Adventures 
 
 The Mormon Delegate to Congress informs Kit Carson of his 
 Appointment as Indian Agent Kit Carson enters upon the Duties 
 Of his Office Bell's Fight with the Apaches on Red River Kit 
 Carson's Interview with the same Indians High-handed Measures 
 on the Part of the Apaches Davidson's Desperate Fight with them 
 
XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 The Soldiers Defeated with Severe Loss Davidson's Bravery is 
 Unjustly Questioned Kit Carson's Opinion of it The Apaches 
 Elated by their Victory Their Imitations of the Actions of Mili- 
 tary Men, 394 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 A fresh Campaign set on foot Colonel Cook in Command Kit Car- 
 son goes as,Guide The Apaches and Utahs leagued together The 
 Roughness of the Country and the Privations to which the Com- 
 mand was exposed The Indians Overhauled A Running Fight 
 The Advantages gained The Chase resumed The Apaches resort 
 to their old Tricks Colonel Cook is obliged to Return to Abiquiu 
 A Utah taken Prisoner through Mistake Kit Carson goes to 
 Taos and has a Conference with the Chiefs of the Utah Nation 
 Cook's second Scout He is caught in a furious Snow-storm and 
 is obliged to Return to Rio Colorado Major Brooks and Re-inforce- 
 ments come to the Rescue Major Brooks on the Lookout, but fails 
 to find the Indians Carlton's Expedition Kit Carson goes with 
 it as Guide The Adventures met with Kit Carson's Prophecy 
 comes true The Muache Band of Utahs summoned by Kit Carson 
 to a Grand Council Troubles brewing among these Indians 
 The Small-Pox carries off their Head Men, Ml 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The Commencement of a Formidable Indian War High-handed 
 Measures on the Part of the Indians The Governor of New Mex- 
 ico raises Five Hundred Mexican Volunteers and places them under 
 the Command of Colonel St. Vrain Colonel Fauntleroy placed in 
 Command of all the Forces Kit Carson is chosen as Chie Guide 
 The Campaign Commenced The Trail Found The Indians are 
 met and the first Fight and its Consequences An Excitement in 
 Camp The Indians again Overtaken The Return to Fort Massa- 
 chusetts Intense Cold Weather experienced The Second Cam- 
 paign Colonel Fauntleroy Surprises the Main Camp of the Enemy 
 The Scalp Dance Broken Up Terrible Slaughter of the Indians 
 The Great Amount of Plunder Taken and Destroyed Another 
 Small Party of Indians Surprised and Routed St. Vrain equally 
 Fortunate in his Campaign The Indians Sue for Peace The Coun- 
 cil held and Treaties signed Kit Carson opposes the making of 
 them The poor Protection Indian Treaties usually afford to Set- 
 tlers Kit Carson's House at Taos and his Indian Friends His 
 Attachment for his Family put to the Test Cowardice of a Mex- 
 ican Kit Carson's Friends as they looked upon him His Influ- 
 ence over Indians, 472 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Carson not allowed to Remain Idle His Position in our late Civil 
 War He is Needed on an Important Field of Army Operations 
 His Love for the Union His Promise to Stand by the Old Flag 
 His Fulfillment of the Promise Is Appointed Colonel of the First 
 
Before, however,- Captain Shunan could discharge his gun, the ball from Kit Carson's 
 pistol shattered his forearm. PAGE 112. 
 
CONTENTS. XV11 
 
 RAM. 
 
 New Mexico Volunteers His Friendship with General Canby 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Pfiefer Valuable Service against the Caman- 
 ches, Arrapahoes and Cheyennes Overpowered and Defeated 
 Fearful Loss A Brilliant Campaign against the Navajoes In- 
 creased Fame The War Department sound his Praises in Flatter- 
 ing Terms Brigadier General of Volunteers Detailed for Re- 
 sponsible Duty Appointed Peace Commissioner to the Sioux A 
 Delicate Mission The Indian Policy of our Government A Refor- 
 mation Movement A Wise and Humane Policy Kit Carson's 
 Opinion as to what Should be Done His Wonderful Success in 
 Treating with the Savages Beloved and Feared The Visit of In- 
 dian Chiefs to Washington The Effects of Civilization Recep- 
 tions and Speeches of Buffalo Good and Little Raven The Indian 
 Question, and What Has Been Done, and What Must Be Done, to 
 Secure Lasting Peace The Death of General Kit Carson, at Fort 
 Lyon. Colorado His Death Hastened by the Loss of his Wife 
 A Man of Striking Virtues Kit Carson as a Free Mason Ma- 
 sonic Signs among the Indians, 548 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 The Modocs at Home Their Habits and Customs Life Among the 
 Lava Beds Continual Warfare Between the Modocs and Klamaths 
 Scraps of Modoc History Unfriendly to the Whites A Division 
 of the Tribe Captain Jack the Ruling Turbulent Spirit Refusing 
 to go upon the Reservation Determined to Shed Blood Schon- 
 chin and Captain Jack The Efforts of the Peace Commission A 
 Peaceable Settlement Desired General Canby and the Indians 
 His Kindness Toward Them Provisions, Calico, and Tobacco 
 Treachery of the Modocs Going Out for a Talk Murder of Gen- 
 eral Canby and Dr. Thomas Description of the Murderers Scar- 
 Faced Charley, Bogus Charley, Schack Nasty Jim and Ellen's 
 Man Captured Indignation of the Troops Mourning the Loss of 
 a Brave Man General Canby ; His Noble, Heroic Life and Deeds 
 Capture of Captain Jaek Trial of the Murderers Finis, . . 566 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 1. PORTRAIT OP KIT CARSON, (From a photograph taken 
 
 shortly before his death,) Frontispiece. 
 
 2. PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR, Facing frontispiece. 
 
 3. SHOSHONKE FALLS, 57 
 
 4. FIGHT WITH GRIZZLY BEARS, 91 
 
 5. THE SUMMER RENDEZVOUS, 103 
 
 6. PUNISHING THE BRAGGADOCIO, 113 
 
 7. UPPER FALLS, YELLOW STONE RIVER, 119 
 
 8. YELLOW STONE LAKE 119 
 
 9. A BLACKFEET WARRIOR, 129 
 
 10. THE DEATH SHOT, 137 
 
 11. AN INDIAN WAR DANCE, 147 
 
 12. BASIN ON COLUMBIA RIVER, . 155 
 
 13. KIT AND HIS FAVORITE HORSE, "APACHE," 170 
 
 14. BUFFALO HUNT, 175 
 
 15. A PERILOUS PASSAGE DOWN THE PLATTE, 193 
 
 16. LAKE KLAMATH, 205 
 
 17. MEXICAN CART, 235 
 
 18. PEUBLO AT TAOS, 235 
 
 19. MOUNT SHASTA, 253 
 
 20. FIGHT IN LAVA BEDS, 265 
 
 21. FREMONT SAVES CARSON'S LIFE, 271 
 
 22. CAMANCHE HORSEMANSHIP, 315 
 
 23. A TERRIFIC SNOW STORM, 347 
 
 24. Lo! THE POOR INDIAN, 379 
 
 25. A PRAIRIE ON FIRE, 419 
 
 26. FORT MASSACHUSETTS IN 1855, 485 
 
 27. THRILLING ADVENTURE WITH APACHE, 503 
 
 28. INDIAN SCALP DANCE, 509 
 
 29 AN INDIAN VILLAGE ON THE MOVE, 513 
 
 30. CARSON'S HOME AT TAGS, 537 
 
 31. AMONG THE NAVAJOES 550 
 
 32. CAPTAIN JACK, 589 
 
 83. MODOC WARRIORS, 595 
 
 34. STRONGHOLD OF THE MODOCS, 601 
 
LIFE OF 
 
 KIT CARSON. 
 
 OHAPTEE I. 
 
 Carson's Birthplace His Emigration to Missouri Early Prospects Is 
 an Apprentice Stories of the Rocky Mountains He Enlists to go 
 there Adventures on the Prairies Broader is Wounded Carson's 
 Nerve put to the Test Rude Amputation Safe Arrival at Santa Fe 
 Goes to Taos and learns the Spanish Language Early Vicissitudes 
 Disappointment and Attempt to return to Missouri Wants a Woolen 
 Shirt Is Employed as an Interpreter, Teamster, etc. 
 
 IT is now a well-established fact, that no State in the 
 American Union has given birth to so many distin- 
 guished pioneers and explorers of its boundless Terri- 
 tories, as the commonwealth of Kentucky. An author, 
 whose task is to tell of a hero, his bravery, endurance, 
 privations, integrity, self-denial and deeds of daring, 
 carries the morale with which to gain at once for these 
 characteristics the assent of the reader, by the simple 
 assertion, "My hero was born a Kentuckian." In- 
 deed, in America, to be a native of the State of Ken- 
 tucky, is to inherit all the attributes of a brave man, a 
 safe counselor and a true friend. It is, at least, cer- 
 tain that this State, whether the fact is due to its in- 
 land and salubrious climate, or to its habits of physical 
 training, has added many a hero unto humanity. 
 
22 EAKLY PROSPECTS. 
 
 ily from their midnight dreams by the wild, death- 
 announcing war-whoop ; hair-breadth escapes from the 
 larger kinds of game, boldly bearded in their lair ; the 
 manly courage which never yields, but surmounts every 
 obstacle presented by the unbroken and boundless for- 
 est; all these are subjects and facts which have already 
 so many counterparts in book-thought, accessible to the 
 general reader, that their details may be safely omitted 
 during the boyhood days of young Carson. It is bet- 
 ter, therefore, to pass over the youthful period of his 
 eventful life, until he began to ripen into manhood. 
 
 Kit Carson, at fifteen years of age, was no ordinary 
 person. He had at this early age earned, and well 
 earned, a reputation, on the basis of which the prediction 
 was ventured in his behalf, that he would not fail to 
 make and leave a mark upon the hearts of his country- 
 men. Those who knew him at the age of fifteen hesi- 
 tated not to say, " Kit Carson is the boy who will grow 
 into a man of influence and renown." 
 
 The chief points of his character which elicited this 
 prediction were thus early clearly marked. Some of his 
 traits were kindness and good qualities of heart, deter- 
 mined perseverance, indomitable will, unflinching cour- 
 age, great quickness and shrewdness of perception, and 
 promptitude in execution. The predictions uttered by 
 the hardy rangers of the forest concerning a boy like 
 Carson are seldom at fault ; and Kit was one who, by 
 many a youthful feat worthy the muscle of riper years, 
 had endeared himself to their honest love. It was among 
 such men and for such reason that Kit Carson, thus 
 early in life, had won the influence and rewards of a 
 general favorite. 
 
 His frame was slight, below the medium stature, 
 
A BLACKFEET WARRIOR. 
 
26 TRUE INDIAN CHARACTER. 
 
 curiosity the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth 
 Bock, should have been attracted by the wonderful 
 inventions of the white-man intruder. A very short 
 period of time served to turn this ungovernable curi- 
 osity into troublesome thieving. Knowing no law but 
 their wild traditionary rules, they wrested from the ad- 
 venturous pioneer his rifle, knife, axe, wagon, harness, 
 horse, powder, ball, flint, watch, compass, cooking uten- 
 sils, and so forth. The result was, sanguinary engage- 
 ments ensued, w r hich led to bitter hostility between the 
 two races. Doubtless the opinion may be controverted, 
 but it nevertheless shall be hazarded, that, until the 
 weaker party shall be exterminated by the stronger, 
 the wild war-whoop, with its keen-edged knife and 
 death-dealing rifle accompaniments, will continue, from 
 time to time, to palsy the nerve, and arouse the cour- 
 age of the pioneer white man. The Indian, in his at- 
 tack, no longer showers cloth-yard arrows upon his foe. 
 He has learned to kill his adversary with the voice of 
 thunder and the unseen bullet. 
 
 The bold traveler, whose pathway lies over those 
 great high-roads which lead to the Pacific must still 
 watch for the red man's ambush by day, and by night 
 sleep under the protecting vigilance of the faithful, 
 quick-sighted sentinel. The savage never forgives his 
 own or his ancestor's foe. Every generation of them 
 learns from tradition, the trials and exploits of its 
 tribe. From earliest boyhood these form the burden 
 of their education in history ; and, on performing the 
 feat of courage or strength which admits them to 
 the councils of the braves, their nation's wrongs are 
 uppermost in their thoughts, causing them to thirst 
 for a revenge which sooner or later gives them a 
 
SO KIT'S NERVE PUT TO THE TEST. 
 
 citing and intensely painful. The members of the 
 council, however, took it upon themselves to designate 
 the persons, and chose Carson with two others. These 
 immediately set at work to execute their sad but neces- 
 sary task. The arrangements were all hastily, but care- 
 fully made, and the cutting begun. The instruments 
 used were a razor, an old saw, and, to arrest the hemor- 
 rhage, the king bolt taken from one of the wagons was 
 heated and applied to serve as an actual cautery. The 
 operation, rudely performed, with rude instruments, by 
 unpractised hands, excited to action only by the spur 
 of absolute necessity, proved, nevertheless, entirely 
 successful. Before the caravan arrived at Santa Fe, the 
 patient had so far recovered that he was able to take 
 care of himself. 
 
 Besides this unfortunate affair, nothing worthy of note 
 transpired, beyond the general record of their route, 
 during the remainder of their journey. The latter would 
 be too voluminous for the general reader, and has 
 already served its purpose as an assistant to other ex- 
 ploring parties, both from published account and con- 
 versational directions. The party entered Santa Fe in 
 the month of November. Very soon after, Kit Carson 
 left his companions and proceeded to Fernandez de 
 Taos, a Mexican town, which lies about eighty miles to 
 the north-east of the capital of New Mexico. During 
 the winter that followed his arrival in the territory of 
 New Mexico, Kit lived with an old mountaineer by the 
 name of Kin Cade, who very kindly offered him a home. 
 It was at this period of his life that he commenced 
 studying the Spanish language. His friend Kin Cade 
 became his assistant in this task. At the same time 
 Kit neglected no opportunity to learn all he could 
 
46 GROWING POPULARITY. 
 
 were like the good ship to the hardy sailors on the 
 mighty ocean. The joyful reaction which followed 
 such complete success was in ratio to the fears which 
 the continuing suspense had excited. 
 
 Kit Carson, though at that day a youth in years and 
 experience when compared with the other members of 
 the party of which he was then an associate, had risen 
 rapidly in the estimation of all, and had excited the 
 admiration and enlisted in his behalf the confidence of 
 the entire band. When called upon to add his counsel 
 and advice to the general fund of knowledge offered by 
 the trappers concerning any doubtful or difficult enter- 
 prise, his masterly foresight and shrewdness, as well as 
 clearness in attending to details, alone gave him willing 
 auditors. But it was the retired manner and modest 
 deportment, which he invariably wore, that won for him 
 the love of his associates. Such characteristics failed 
 not to surprise, in no ordinary degree, those who could 
 boast a long life-time of experience in Indian countries. 
 Kit Carson's powers of quickly conceiving thoughts, on 
 difficult emergencies, which pointed out the safest and 
 best plans of action, "just the things that ought to be 
 done," and his bravery, which, in his youth, sometimes 
 amounted to rashness, were the component parts of his 
 ability which thus caused his companions to follow his 
 leadership. His courage, promptitude, willingness, self- 
 reliance, caution, sympathy, and care for the wounded, 
 marked him at once as the master-mind and safest coun- 
 sellor. His first trapping expedition gained him so 
 much credit that, from the time it was concluded, he 
 found no difficulty in joining any band of trappers, no 
 matter how select the party. In this respect the 
 mountaineers resemble sea-faring men, w r ho invariably 
 
INDIANS YS. BEATER. 61 
 
 dowed with an extraordinary amount of instinct. His 
 handiwork and habits sufficiently attest this. 
 
 There are bands of Indians living in the north-west- 
 ern part of America who really believe that the beaver 
 has almost as much intelligence as an Indian, holding 
 and maintaining that all the difference that exists be- 
 tween a beaver and an Indian is, that the latter has 
 been endowed by the Great Spirit with power and 
 capabilities to catch the former. Some of the stories 
 which old mountaineers occasionally inflict upon an in- 
 quisitive traveler are somewhat startling ; nevertheless, 
 what this amphibious animal really performs is truly 
 astounding, and oftentimes the truth fails to gain cre- 
 dence. 
 
 During the winter the trappers had many very 
 pleasant times, for they had little work beyond the 
 task of making themselves comfortable. The snow 
 fell to a great depth, which proved rather hard for 
 their animals. By dint of cutting down cotton-wood 
 trees and gathering the bark and branches for fodder, 
 they managed to prevent them from dying of starva- 
 tion. The buffalo existed about there in great abun- 
 dance ; and, early in the winter, they had taken the 
 precaution to kill and prepare a large supply of this 
 kind of game, while it was in good condition. As the 
 season advanced, therefore, the trappers found them- 
 selves living quite sumptuously. 
 
 In the month of January, the daily routine of their 
 lives was rather unpleasantly disturbed. A party of 
 fifty Crow Indians made an unfriendly visit to their 
 camp on one very dark night. They succeeded in 
 stealing nine of their loose animals, with which they 
 escaped unperceived. Early the next morning, the 
 
$m&& i>-, 
 
 7.-''"- 
 
 KIT AND HIS FAVORITE HORSE "APACHE/ 
 
NO TIME TO COGITATE. 93 
 
 and cause of which he well knew by his experienced 
 woodman's ear, educated until its nicety was truly won- 
 derful, he saw two huge and terribly angry grizzly 
 bears. As his eye first rested upon these unwelcome 
 guests, they were bounding towards him, their eyes 
 flashing fiery passion, their pearly teeth glittering with 
 eagerness to mangle his flesh, and their monstrous fore- 
 arms, hung with sharp, bony claws, ready and anxious 
 to hug his body in a close and most loving embrace. 
 There was not much time for Kit to scratch his head 
 and cogitate. In fact, one instant spent in thought 
 then would have proved his death-warrant without hope 
 of a reprieve. Messrs. Bruin evidently considered their 
 domain most unjustly intruded upon. The gentle elk 
 and deer, mayhap, were their dancing boys and girls ; 
 and, like many a petty king in savage land, they may 
 have dined late, and were now enjoying a scenic treat 
 of their ballet troupe. At all events, Kit required no 
 second thought to perceive that the monarchs of the 
 American forest were unappeasably angry, and were 
 fast nearing him with mighty stride. Dropping his 
 rifle, the little leaden bullet of which would now have 
 been worth to him its weight in gold if it could, by 
 some magic wand, have been transferred from the heart 
 of the elk back into its breech, he bounded from his 
 position in close imitation of the elk, but with better 
 success. The trees ! he hoped and prayed, as he fairly 
 flew over the ground with the bears hot in chase, for 
 one quick grasp at a sturdy sapling. By good fortune, 
 or special Providence, his hope, or prayer, was answered. 
 Grasping a lower limb, he swung his body up into the 
 first tier of branches just as passing Bruin brushed 
 against one of his legs. Bears climb trees, and Kit 
 
98 A FORMIDABLE ENEMY. 
 
 could not tell ; but, on becoming again conscious, he 
 found that the victory was on his side, for the bear 
 had already breathed his last. The poor boy, notwith- 
 standing his wounds, as soon as the battle was de- 
 cided, and, as he supposed, at the cost of his friend's 
 life, started for a neighboring fort, and, reaching it the 
 following morning, reported the affair. A party of 
 men well armed immediately marched to the rescue. 
 They found the brave hunter in a most pitiful condi- 
 tion, with his flesh terribly mangled, his clothes torn 
 into ribbons, and his back and shoulders one mass of 
 lacerated wounds. His reason had already become 
 unseated. In his native language he would call out to 
 his now visionary foe, " If you are a brave man, come 
 on." Although the most delicate care and assistance 
 was rendered to Sanchez, it was many weeks before he 
 was able to resume his occupation ; and, even then, he 
 owed his life to the wonderful recuperative powers of 
 his healthy and iron constitution. Had the fact been 
 otherwise, he could not have survived his injuries. One 
 more brave heart must have yielded its last drop of he- 
 roic blood in defence of youthful weakness. This pic- 
 ture, because it does not exaggerate the facts, we leave 
 with regret, for it is a pleasure to contemplate such 
 nobility of character, whatever be the name which de- 
 clares the governmental allegiance to the hero. 
 
 It is not going beyond the bounds of truth to assert 
 that the grizzly bear of the Rocky Mountains is as 
 formidable an enemy as the hunter is called upon to 
 meet, wherever the hunting-ground and whatever the 
 animal which opponents to our assertion may set up. 
 When caught out on the open prairie, where he can 
 be attacked on horseback and lassoed, the chances 
 
iiiiiiiiil 
 
CARSON SEVERELY WOUNDED. 107 
 
 whites. The council then commenced. The head men 
 among the savages led off by making several lengthy 
 and unmeaning speeches. In their replies, the trappers 
 came directly to the point, and said they could hear 
 no overtures for peace, until their property was re- 
 stored to them. The Indians, hearing this demand 
 several times repeated, began to presume upon their 
 strength, assuming an overbearing demeanor. After 
 considerable talk among themselves, they sent out and 
 brought in five of the poorest horses, declaring that it 
 was the only number they could return. The trappers 
 upon hearing this, ran for their arms ; when the Indians 
 instantly started for theirs. The fight was renewed 
 by both parties. Kit Carson, in the rush made for 
 the rifles, and one of his companions named Markhead, 
 succeeded in getting hold of their weapons first ; and 
 consequently, they formed the advance in the return 
 to the contest. They selected for their antagonists, 
 two Indians who were close together ; but who were 
 partially concealed behind separate trees. As Kit was 
 on the point of raising his rifle to fire, he saw by a quick 
 side glance at Markhead, that he was working at the 
 lock of his gun without paying attention to his adver- 
 sary, who was aiming at him with, almost, a certainty 
 of killing him. Kit instantly changed the direction of 
 his rifle and fired, sending a bullet through the heart 
 of Markhead's adversary ; but, in thus saving the life 
 of his friend, he was obliged, for the instant, to neglect 
 his own adversary. A quick glance showed him the 
 fellow sighting over his rifle and that the mouth of the 
 Indian's gun covered his breast. Upon the instant he 
 endeavored to dodge the bullet, but he was unsuccess- 
 ful in doing so completely. It struck him in such a way 
 
FACING A BULLY. Ill 
 
 of the company seemed disposed to put a check upon 
 such unmanly behavior, he quietly determined to make 
 the affair his own. 
 
 An opportunity soon presented itself. A number of 
 the company had congregated together and were en- 
 gaged in conversation, when Captain Shunan began 
 anew his bullying language, this time a little more 
 boisterous than usual. Kit Carson, advancing into the 
 centre of the company, and placing himself in front of 
 the Captain, thus addressed him : 
 
 " Shunan, before you stands the humblest specimen 
 of an American in this band of trappers, among whom 
 there are, to my certain knowledge, men who could 
 easily chastise you, but, being peaceably disposed, they 
 keep aloof from you. At any rate, I assume the re- 
 sponsibility of ordering you to cease your threats, or I 
 will be under the necessity of killing you." 
 
 To this Captain Shunan did not reply ; but, im- 
 mediately after Kit Carson had closed his remarks, 
 he turned upon his heel and walked directly for his 
 lodge. 
 
 Kit Carson was too well versed in trapper rules not 
 to read the meaning of this action. He, therefore, 
 walked off also, but in the direction of his own lodge. 
 In a brief space of time both men appeared before the 
 camp, each mounted on their respective horses. The 
 affair had drawn together the whole band, and there 
 were many witnesses of the facts here recorded. 
 
 Captain Shunan was armed with his rifle. Kit Car- 
 son had taken merely a single-barrel dragoon pistol, 
 which happened to be the first weapon that had fallen 
 in his way, because of his hurry to be on the ground. 
 The two men now rode rapidly towards one another, 
 
OllDEft AND PEACE IN THE CAMP. 115 
 
 Last, had Kit Carson not gained a second in advance in 
 the firing, he would have lost his own life, inevitably ; 
 and, the emphatic " No ! " the lie of his antagonist, 
 would have been crowned with success. Such plain 
 deception seldom is allowed to triumph by an all-wise 
 Providence. 
 
 In judging Kit Carson in this matter, the reader will 
 commit an ungenerous error if he fails to allow to be 
 placed, in the balance of judgment, the stirring deeds 
 and daily hair-breadth risks Kit Carson, during so 
 many years of his eventful life, was constantly called 
 upon to take a part in and undergo. We take leave 
 of this unfortunate scene in his life, feeling confident a 
 just public opinion will see in it no cause to pluck from 
 the brow of Kit Carson any of the laurels which it has 
 been called upon to place there. As a man of truth, 
 honor, virtue, and reverence for the laws of his coun- 
 try, Kit Carson had few equals and no superior among 
 Americans. It needed not this incident to establish his 
 courage ; that had long been proven to be undoubted. 
 Nor did the result elate his feelings in the least. He 
 met his companions without a smile, and invariably 
 expressed his regrets that he felt it to be his duty, for 
 the good order and peace of the camp, to interfere in 
 the matter. On the other hand, when he espoused the 
 cause of the majority in maintaining the right, he 
 was not a man to be easily thwarted. When the affair 
 was ended, Kit was congratulated, and received the 
 thanks of nearly every individual present; for, each 
 felt that a load of most vexatious and troublesome 
 responsibility had been taken from his shoulders. The 
 good fellowship immediately introduced into the camp 
 was also a circumstance of mark. 
 
124 JUDGED NOT BY HIS COAT. 
 
 their saddles, clothing, and moccasins. With the aid 
 of a few buckskins, procured from Indians, and a few 
 rude tools, they soon accomplished wonders. 
 
 To give the reader an appropriate view of the genius 
 to conquer obstacles displayed by the mountaineers, he 
 must picture one of them just starting upon a long 
 journey over the prairies and through the mountains. 
 His wagon and harness trappings, if he chances to be 
 possessed of worldly effects sufficient to warrant him in 
 purchasing a first-class outfit, present a neat and trim 
 appearance. Follow him to the point of his destina- 
 tion, and there the reader will discover, perhaps, a 
 hundredth part of the original vehicle and trappings. 
 While en route, the bold and self-reliant man has met 
 with a hundred accidents. He has been repeatedly 
 called upon to mend and patch both wagon and har- 
 ness, besides his own clothing. Though he now pre- 
 sents a dilapidated appearance, he is none the less a 
 man ; and, if his name is known as a regular trapper 
 and mountaineer, he is immediately a welcomed and 
 honored guest. If the broadcloth of a prince covered 
 his back, spotless, scientifically shaped and foreign 
 woven, his reception would not be more heartfelt and 
 sincerely cordial. It is amusing to see the rawhide 
 patches of harness, wagon and clothing, now become 
 dry and hard as oak. To have dispensed with the use 
 of buckskin on his route, would have been like cutting 
 off the right arm of the gallant pioneer. Buckskin and 
 the western wilds of America are almost synonymous 
 terms ; at least, the one suggests the other, and there- 
 fore they are of the same brotherhood. The traveler 
 in these regions of this day fails not to learn and ap- 
 preciate its value. It has not only furnished material 
 
AN INDIAN WAR DANCE. 
 
146 AN INDIAN WAR -DANCE. 
 
 breastworks. This task was so successfully accomplished 
 that, in a few hours, they had prepared a little fortress 
 which, covered with their unerring rifles, was impreg- 
 nable against any force the Indians could bring against 
 it. The advance party of the savages soon appeared in 
 sight, but when they discovered the strength of the trap- 
 pers, they halted and awaited, distant about half a mile 
 from the breastwork, the arrival of the rest of the band. 
 It was three days before the whole force of the Indians 
 had arrived. They mustered about one thousand war- 
 riors. It was a sight which few white men of the 
 American nation have looked upon. Arrayed in their 
 fantastic war costume and bedaubed with paint, armed 
 with lances, bows and arrows, rifles, tomahawks, knives, 
 etc., some mounted and some on foot, they presented a 
 wild and fearful scene of barbaric strength and fancy. 
 Soon after their last company had reported, the fright- 
 ful war-dance, peculiar to the American savages, was 
 enacted in sight of the trappers' position. The battle 
 songs and shouts which accompanied the dance reached 
 the ears of the whites with fearful distinctness. Any 
 other than hearts of oak with courage of steel would 
 have quailed before this terrible display of savage en- 
 mity and ferocity. This dance, to men so well skilled 
 in the ways of the Indian warrior, was a sure signal that 
 the next day would be certain to have a fearful his- 
 tory for one party or the other, and doubtless for both. 
 The odds, most assuredly, were apparently greatly in 
 favor of the savage host and against the little band of 
 hardy mountaineers. 
 
 The following day the expectations of the trappers 
 were realized. The Indians, at the first dawn of day, 
 approached the breastwork, eager for the battle. They 
 
158 MAGNIFICENT SCENERY. 
 
 refreshing sight both to the physical and mental eye. 
 They appear as if descending from the heavens to the 
 surface of the earth, perpendicularly, as though in- 
 tended to present a perfect barrier over which no living 
 thing should pass. This view never fails to engross the 
 earnest attention of the traveler, and hours of gazing 
 only serve to enwrap the mind in deeper and more 
 fixed contemplation. Is there not here presented a 
 field such as no other part of this globe can furnish, in 
 which the explorer, the geologist, the botanist may sow 
 and reap a rich harvest for his enterprise ? To the 
 hunter, the real lover of, and dependent upon the chase, 
 there can be >no comparison between the mighty Alps 
 and the huge Eocky Mountain Barrier of the American 
 Prairies. The one is destitute of animal life, while the 
 other bears a teeming population of the choicest game 
 known to the swift-leaden messenger of the white man's 
 rifle. He who wishes to behold in the same gaze beautiful 
 valleys, highly cultivated by a romantic and interest- 
 ing race, in rich contrast with wonderfully moulded 
 masses of earth and stone, covered with a medley of 
 green foliage and white snow, let him go the Alps. 
 
 In the following spring, Kit Carson, accompanied by 
 only one trapper, started out to hunt the streams in 
 the vicinity of Big Snake River. The Utah nation of 
 Indians inhabited this country, and with them Kit Car- 
 son stood on friendly footing. The business of trap- 
 ping was therefore carried on without fear of molesta- 
 tion. The labors of the two were crowned with great 
 success. 
 
 Loaded with a full cargo of fur, they soon after set 
 out for Robidoux's Fort, which they reached in safety, 
 selling out their stock to good advantage. 
 
Although some distance off, Kit sprang from his saddle, and, with the leap of an 
 antelope, and the rallying cry for his men, was on the ground, ready to made a cer- 
 tain shot. His aim and the crack of his rifle almost belonged to the same instant of 
 time. PAGE 135. 
 
DRINKIXG MULE'S BLOOD. 121 
 
 some time, when it was divided. McCoy and a small 
 escort started for Fort Walla Walla. Kit Carson and 
 the majority of the men took up their line of march for 
 Fort Hall. While en route, the latter division was sub- 
 jected to the greatest privations imaginable. Among 
 the worst of these was hunger, as their trail led through 
 a barren region of country. For a short time they 
 managed to subsist upon a small supply of nutritious 
 roots, which had been provided in advance. This source 
 finally gave out, when their affairs assumed a most 
 desperate attitude. To keep from starving, they bled 
 their mules, and drank the warm red blood with avidity, 
 so acutely had the days of fasting sharpened their ap- 
 petites. This operation, however, could not be repeated 
 without endangering the lives of their animals. These 
 also were on a short allowance of food, for the grass was 
 very poor and scanty. The whole party had become 
 frightfully reduced in strength, and began to think it 
 necessary to kill some of their animals, which at this 
 time they could but ill spare. In this terrible condition 
 they met with a band of Indians, w r ho proved to be of a 
 friendly disposition. The party was then only about 
 four days' journey from Fort Hall. Most unhappily, 
 the Indians themselves possessed but. a scanty supply 
 of provisions, and no more than their immediate wants 
 required. It was not without considerable manoeuver- 
 ing and talk, during which all the skill and Indian expe- 
 rience possessed by Kit Carson were brought into active 
 requisition, that the savages were prevailed upon to trade 
 with the trappers. By the trade, the half-famished men 
 obtained a fat horse, which was immediately killed, and 
 on which they regaled with as much relish as the epicure 
 in the settlements enjoys his "joint of roast beef." 
 
132 IMMENSE HERDS OF STARVING BUFFALOES. 
 
 season advanced, the cold became more severe, until 
 at last, it was more intense than ever before experi- 
 enced by the trappers or Indians. Fuel, however, was 
 abundant, and, excepting the inconvenience of keeping 
 unusually large fires, they suffered but little. Not so 
 with their animals. It was with the greatest difficulty 
 that they preserved them from starvation. By the 
 most unwearied exertions, however, they succeeded in 
 obtaining food enough barely to keep them alive until 
 the weather became more mild and auspicious. At 
 one time the crisis was so imminent, that the trappers 
 were compelled to resort to cotton-wood trees, thawing 
 the bark and small branches, after gathering them, by 
 their fires. This bark was torn from the trees in shreds 
 sufficiently small for the animals to masticate. The 
 Indians of the Rocky Mountains, when suffering from 
 hunger, are often driven to the extremity of eating 
 this material. For miles, not unfrequently, the trav- 
 eler discovers these trees denuded of their bark, after a 
 party has passed through on their way to find the buf- 
 falo. The rough, outside cuticle is discarded, and the 
 tender texture, next to the body of the tree, is the part 
 selected for food. It will act in staying the appetite, 
 but cannot, for any great length of time, support life. 
 It is dangerous to allow starving animals to eat 
 freely of it; the trappers, therefore, fed it to them 
 but sparingly. 
 
 The intense cold operated to bring upon them 
 another serious annoyance, in the shape of immense 
 herds of starving buffalo, which, goaded on by the 
 pangs of hunger, would watch for an opportunity to 
 gore the animals and steal their scanty allowance of 
 provender. It was only by building large fires in the 
 
UNEARTHLY YELLS, ASD DESPERATE COURAGE. 151 
 
 treat. They did so, succeeding in joining their com- 
 rades without the loss of a single man. The pursuit 
 had been close and well sustained by the savages ; 
 hence, it became necessary to take instant measures in 
 order to insure the safety of the advance. Kit Carson, 
 who was the commander of the party, after quietly 
 surveying the scene, gave orders for the men, with 
 their animals, to conceal themselves, as best they could 
 in the brush. His orders had been issued but just in 
 time, for the concealment was barely attained, when 
 the Indians were upon them. They were received 
 with a well-directed volley from the rifles of the little 
 party, which brought down several of the fierce assail- 
 ants. They recoiled and retreated for a moment. The 
 moment was golden to the few white men. Like men 
 who were fighting for their lives, but who were cool 
 in danger, they made no mistakes in reloading their 
 rifles. They were but just ready, however, for the sec- 
 ond charge. This time the savages came on with un- 
 earthly yells and desperate courage, seemingly well 
 satisfied that before them stood the men whose faithful 
 rifle-talk they had heard before. Kit warned his men 
 to keep cool and fire as if shooting game, a warning 
 which was entirely unnecessary, for the result was that 
 the savages were again driven back with a brave bleed- 
 ing or dying for nearly every shot fired. It was very 
 fortunate that Kit had chosen this position, for the en- 
 gagement lasted nearly the entire day. The loss on 
 the part of the Indians was very severe. They did 
 everything in their power to force Kit and his party 
 from their cover, but without avail. Every time they 
 attempted to charge into the thicket the same deadly 
 volley was poured in with never-failing aim, which in- 
 
HUNTER TO TIIE FOKT. 167 
 
 OHAPTEE VII. 
 
 Kit Carson is employed as Hunter to Bent's Fort His career for Eight 
 Years Messrs. Bent and St. Vrain The Commencement of his Ac- 
 quaintance with John C. Fremont on a Steamboat Is employed as a 
 Guide by the Great Explorer The Journey Arrival at Fort Lara- 
 
 mie Indian Difficulties The business of the Expedition completed 
 
 Return to Fort Laramie Kit Carson goes to Taos and is m.-irried 
 He is employed as Hunter to a Train of Wagons bound for the 
 States Meeting with Captain Cook and four companies of U. S. 
 Dragoons on Walnut Creek Mexicans in Trouble Kit Carson car- 
 ries a letter for them to Santa Fe Indians on the route His safe 
 Arrival Amijos' advance Guard massacred by the Texans The one 
 Survivor The Retreat Kit Carson returns to Bent's Fort His Ad- 
 ventures with the Utahs and narrow escape from Death The Tex- 
 ans disarmed The Express Ride performed. 
 
 IT has already appeared that Kit Carson was now at 
 Bent's Fort ; also, that his occupation as a trapper of 
 beaver had become unprofitable. His services were, 
 however, immediately put into requisition by Messrs. 
 Bent and St. Yrain, the proprietors of what was called 
 Bent's Fort, which was a trading-post kept by those 
 gentlemen. The position which he accepted was that 
 of hunter to the Fort. This office he filled from that 
 time with the most undeviating fidelity and prompti- 
 tude for eight consecutive years. During all of this 
 long period not a single word of disagreement passed 
 between him and his employers, which fact shows better 
 than mere words that his duty was faithfully and satis- 
 factorily performed. It is but seldom that such a fact 
 
174 KIT CARSON MARRIED. 
 
 forced, against our own conviction of the duty we owe 
 the public as Kit Carson's chosen biographer, to pass 
 by all such acts of his personal daring and triumph, be- 
 cause of his own unwillingness to relate them for pub- 
 lication. Notwithstanding our urgent requests, backed 
 up by the advice and interference of friends, Kit Car- 
 son was inflexibly opposed to relating such acts of him- 
 self. He was even more willing to speak of his failures, 
 though such were few, rather than of his victories in 
 the chase. While the description of these adventures 
 could not fail to furnish useful and interesting data, 
 most unfortunately, Kit Carson considered that they 
 were uninteresting minutiae which pertained to the 
 every-day business of his life, and no persuasion could 
 induce him to enter upon their relation. Not so when 
 he was entertaining some of the brave chiefs of the 
 Indian nations, whose friendship he had won by his 
 brave deeds. If they were his guests, or he himself 
 theirs, then their delight to hear kindled a pride in his 
 breast to relate. He knew that he would not by them 
 be called a boaster. 
 
 Before quitting the Mountains, Kit Carson married 
 an Indian girl, to whom he was most devotedly at- 
 tached. By this wife he had one child, a daughter. 
 Soon after the birth of this child, his wife died. His 
 daughter he watched over with the greatest solicitude. 
 When she reached a suitable age, he sent her to St. 
 Louis for the purpose of giving her the advantages of 
 a liberal education. Indeed, most of Kit Carson's hard 
 earnings, gained while he was a hunter on the Arkan- 
 sas, were devoted to the advancement of his child. On 
 arriving at maturity she married, and with her hus- 
 band settled in California. 
 
178 HORRIBLE BUTCHERY OF YOUNG GIRLS. 
 
 her back and breast as far as her waist, to march before 
 the line of warriors, within ten paces of their front, 
 and, if she lived to reach it, take possession of the 
 crown. On the other hand, it was the duty of any 
 warrior, who knew aught by word or deed against the 
 virtue of the advancing maiden, to kill her upon the 
 spot. If one arrow was shot at her, the whole band 
 instantly poured a flight of arrows into her bare and 
 defenceless bosom until life was extinct. Again, it 
 was the belief of the untutored savage that whatever 
 warrior failed to make his knowledge apparent, if he 
 possessed any, by sending his arrow at the aspirant, 
 would always be an object of revenge by the Great 
 Spirit, both here and hereafter ; and, that he would al- 
 ways live in the hereafter, in sight of the Happy Hunt- 
 ing Grounds, but never be allowed to enter them. 
 This latter belief made it a rare thing for young girls 
 to brave the attempt ; but, sometimes, the candidates 
 were numerous, and the horrible butchery of the 
 young girls which took place formed a terrible expose 
 of their lewdness. To kill an innocent girl was equally 
 a matter which would be forever avenged by the Great 
 Spirit. 
 
 The warm friendship which sprang up between Kit 
 Carson and the proprietors of Bent's Fort, under whom 
 he held his situation as Hunter, is a sufficient index of 
 the gentlemanly conduct and amiability of heart evinced 
 towards him on their part. The names of Bent and St. 
 Train were known and respected far and near in the 
 mountains, for, in generosity, hospitality, and native 
 worth, they were men of perfect model. 
 
 Mr. Bent was appointed, by the proper authority, the 
 first Civil Governor of New Mexico, after that large 
 
MEETING OF FREMONT AND CARSON. 183 
 
 Engineering, about to enter upon the exploration of in- 
 land North America. 
 
 Kit Carson wandered over the boat, studying its 
 mechanism, admiring the machinery, which, so like a 
 thing of life, subserved the interests of human life ; 
 watched with quiet reserve the faces and general ap- 
 pearance of his fellow-passengers occasionally modestly 
 addressed an acquaintance, for some present were known 
 to him ; and, finally singled out from among the stran- 
 gers a man on whose face he thought he discovered the 
 marks of true courage, manhood and nobility of charac- 
 ter. The impression which Kit Carson had thus re- 
 ceived was nothing fleeting. The eagle eye, the fore- 
 head, the form, the movements, the general features, 
 the smile, the quiet dignity of the man, each and all 
 of these attributes of his manhood had been carefully 
 noted by the wary and hardy mountaineer, and had 
 not failed to awaken in his breast a feeling of admi- 
 ration and respect. While on this boat Kit Carson 
 learned the fact that the man whom he had thus studied 
 was Lieut. John C. Fremont of the U. S. corps of topo- 
 graphical engineers ; also, that Lieutenant Fremont had 
 been earnestly seeking Captain Drips, an experienced 
 mountaineer, but that he had been disappointed in 
 finding him. Upon learning this, Kit Carson fell 
 into a deep reverie which lasted some little time, when, 
 having brought it to a conclusion, he approached Lieu- 
 tenant Fremont and modestly introducing himself, said : 
 
 " Sir ! I have been some time in the mountains and 
 think I can guide you to any point there you wish to 
 reach. " 
 
 Lieutenant Fremont's answer indicated his satisfac- 
 tion in making the acquaintance which Kit Carson had 
 11 
 
190 READY AND WILLING TO FACE DANGER. 
 
 ion expressed, viz. : that, as sure as he entered upon 
 the journey, the entire party would be massacred. To 
 all these admonitions and warnings Colonel Fremont 
 had but one reply. His government had directed him 
 to perform a certain duty. The obstacles which stood 
 in his way, it was his duty to use every means at his 
 command to surmount ; therefore, in obedience to his 
 instructions, he was determined to continue his march. 
 Finally he said that he would accomplish the object or 
 die in the attempt, being quite sure that if the expedi- 
 tion failed by being cut to pieces, a terrible retribution 
 would be in store for the perpetrators of the act. Kit 
 Carson, his guide, openly avowed that the future looked 
 dark and gloomy, but he was delighted to hear this 
 expression from his commander. He now felt that he 
 had a man after his own heart to depend on, and should 
 danger or inevitable death be in store for them, he was 
 ready and willing to face either with him. In order to 
 be prepared for the worst, Kit Carson felt it his duty, 
 considering the dangers apprehended, to make his will, 
 thereby showing that if he had to fight he was ready 
 to count it his last battle. Colonel Fremont resumed 
 his journey, and very fortunately arrived at the South 
 Pass of the Rocky Mountains without, in any way, be- 
 ing annoyed with Indians, not even meeting any on 
 the route. 
 
 He had now reached the field where his chief labors 
 were to commence. Without loss of time he set ear- 
 nestly about his work, making and recording such ob- 
 servations as he deemed to be essential, and examining 
 and exploring the country. Having finished this part 
 of his labors, the ascent of the highest peak of the 
 mountains was commenced. The length of the journey 
 
BUFFALO HUNT. PAGE 173. 
 
220 FEEMOXT'S ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIK. 
 
 power of man to do, set out to return and soon rejoined 
 their friends, whom they found anxiously waiting for 
 them. Colonel Fremont concludes his account of this 
 affair in the following words : 
 
 " Their object accomplished, our men gathered up 
 all the surviving horses, fifteen in number, returned 
 upon their trail, and rejoined us at our camp in the 
 afternoon of the same day. They had rode about one 
 hundred miles in the pursuit and return, and all in 
 thirty hours. The time, place, object, and numbers 
 considered, this expedition of Carson and Godey may 
 be considered among the boldest and most disinterested 
 which the annals of western adventure, so full of dar- 
 ing deeds, can present. Two men, in a savage desert, 
 pursue day and night an unknown body of Indians 
 into the defiles of an unknown mountain attack them 
 on sight, without counting numbers and defeat them 
 in an instant and for what ? To punish the robbers 
 of the desert, and to avenge the wrongs of Mexicans 
 whom they did not know. I repeat: it was Carson 
 and Godey who did this the former an American, 
 born in Kentucky; the latter a Frenchman by descent, 
 born in St. Louis ; and both trained to western enter- 
 prise from early life." 
 
 The stolen property was restored to the Mexicans 
 without one cent being demanded or received by either 
 Carson or Godey. 
 
 It was not for the love of Indian fighting, as many 
 may suppose, that Kit Carson was moved to take part 
 in such expeditions ; but, when the life of a fellow- 
 creature was exposed to Indian barbarities, no living 
 man was more willing, or more capable of rendering a 
 lasting service than Christopher Carson. A name that, 
 
THE DIGGER INDIAN. 223 
 
 of the party, they were near enough to civilization. 
 The command was dissolved, and Colonel Fremont pro- 
 ceeded on his route to Washington. Kit Carson, about 
 the same time, started for Taos, where he had been for 
 a long time anxiously expected by his family and 
 friends. 
 
 During this expedition, they had met, for the first 
 time, that most abject of human beings, the " Digger." 
 The Digger Indians, inhabiting the Great Basin, are of 
 the very lowest form of humanity. Dispersed in single 
 families, without fire-arms, eating seeds and insects and 
 digging roots (and hence their name), such is the con- 
 dition of the greater part. It seems incredible that a 
 desert so devoid of all nourishment, could have native 
 inhabitants. Yet such is the fact. When the few 
 edible roots that grow in low grounds or marshy places 
 fail them, they subsist by hunting crickets, " hoppers," 
 and field mice. 
 
 Nothing can be more abject than the ap'pearance of 
 the Digger Indian in the fall, as he roams about with- 
 out food, almost naked, and without weapons, save, 
 perhaps, a bow and arrows, with his eyes fixed upon 
 the ground, looking for crickets, with which to appease 
 his ever present appetite. So despicable is he that he 
 has neither friends or enemies, and the neighboring 
 tribes do not condescend to notice his existence, unless 
 he should happen to come in their way, when they 
 would not consider it more than a playful diversion to 
 put an end to his miserable life. It is to be hoped that, 
 with the rapid advance of civilization, this degraded 
 race may be brought into a happier state. 
 
 Colonel Fremont, in his beautiful and instructive 
 description of the country through which this expe- 
 
A PERILOUS PASSAGE DOWN THE PLATTE. 
 
234 PUEBLO INDIANS. 
 
 the ground until a favorable opportunity offered to 
 steal them into the country. When there was great 
 danger that these secreted goods would be discovered, 
 the smugglers would so arrange a keg of powder with 
 a loaded pistol pointing at it, with strings running to 
 the shrubbery near by, so as to cause it to explode 
 and kill the searchers should the bushes about be dis- 
 turbed. One old smuggler once fixed things in this 
 manner, but performed his task too well ; for, on going 
 to remove his property, he came very near blowing 
 himself up, as the mine was sprung and he was thrown 
 in the air, but miraculously escaped. Many of the 
 adventures of these men would be interesting ; but 
 they are too voluminous to be embodied in our work. 
 The valley of Taos is well watered by mountain streams 
 which flow into the Rio Grande. On one of these 
 creeks and near the mountains, to the east of Fernan- 
 dez de Taos, is located an Indian Pueblo which is very 
 interesting to the traveler. Its houses are built one 
 on top of another until a sort of pyramid is formed. 
 The people enter their respective domiciles through 
 the roofs, which form a kind of steps. At the foot of 
 this queer building there is a church ; and around, the 
 scenery is very picturesque, as the w r hole is bounded 
 on one side by a gap in the mountains, while on the 
 other is the open valley. This band of Indians at first 
 offered great resistance and fought with much bravery 
 against the United States ; but now they are counted 
 among its most faithful allies, and are great in their 
 admiration of Kit Carson. The farming utensils of 
 the New Mexicans are rude in the extreme ; but the 
 agricultural implements of the Anglo-Saxon are slowly 
 replacing these articles. The old plow, as frequently 
 
262 FIGHT WITH KLAMATH INDIANS. 
 
 also, their commanding officer thought it best, while 
 the opportunity offered, for the benefit of his country- 
 men, whom he felt sure would some day possess this 
 territory, to impress these savages with the power and 
 bravery of the white men. Whatever was the object 
 to be gained, it matters not in relating the particulars. 
 The next morning he sent Kit Carson on ahead, with 
 ten chosen men, giving him orders to the effect that if 
 he discovered a large village of Indians, which was the 
 general surmise, without being himself seen, he was to 
 send back word, when he (Fremont) would hasten on 
 with re-inforcements, in order to make the assault. If it 
 should happen that the Indians were the first to be ap- 
 prised of his near approach, then, without delay, Carson 
 was to engage them as he thought best. Acting under 
 these instructions, Kit Carson, with his detail of men, 
 set out, and fortunately soon found a fresh trail that 
 led directly to where the savages had established their 
 village. This Indian village numbered fifty lodges; 
 and to each wigwam the mountaineers estimated three 
 braves, as this is the complement of men who live in 
 one of these huts on the prairies and in the Kocky 
 Mountains, thus making the force of the Indians to be 
 in the neighborhood of one hundred and fifty. From the 
 commotion noticed in the village it was evident to all 
 present that the tribe had become aware of danger, and 
 that there was no time to be lost in sending back the 
 desired information. Kit Carson, notwithstanding the 
 strength of his enemies, determined to hazard an attack; 
 and, after a brief consultation with his companions, he 
 decided to take advantage of the confusion that was ex- 
 isting among the red men by charging right in among 
 them. If ever there is a time when Indians will stand 
 
264 WATCHING IN THE LAVA-BEDS. 
 
 truth." The gloom which had prevailed over the 
 party, while the men recounted to their friends the 
 details of the fight, was temporarily dispelled ; and, 
 while thus engaged, the command moved on about 
 two miles from the Indian village. Having here 
 selected a site, they went into camp. After comfort- 
 ably stowing themselves away in this resting-place, 
 another " war talk " was called, and what was best to 
 be done was canvassed over. After the adjournment 
 of the council, Fremont decided to send back twenty 
 men, under Richard Owens, to the neighborhood of 
 the ruins of the village, there to conceal themselves in 
 the Lava-beds and await the return of the Indians, 
 who, it was thought, might come back to look after 
 their dead. 
 
 The Lava-beds are located in the country along the 
 boundaries of Oregon and California, and near the 
 Klamath River and Lakes. It is cut up by fissures, 
 abysses, lakes, high mountains and caves, and covers 
 an area of one hundred square miles. Here and there 
 are vales bounded by walls more than one thousand 
 feet high, composed of dark lava-like trap or red scoria, 
 the interval between which forms a sort of congealed 
 sea, whose ragged, crested waves, with volcanic ori- 
 fices, seem to have been frozen in the upheaval, and 
 never had time to subside. The miniature vents or 
 chimneys, which had been formed no doubt by the 
 bursting of steam or gases from below, led to subter- 
 ranean galleries or caverns, from fifteen to twenty feet 
 wide and of indefinite length. 
 
 Our party had not been secreted a great while be- 
 fore about fifty savages returned, and, by the moon's 
 light, were quite visible. As had been previously 
 
296 AGONIZING SUSPENSE. 
 
 by one of the sentinels riding up near to where they 
 were, dismounting from his horse and lighting, by his 
 flint and steel, his cigarette. On seeing this, Kit Car- 
 son, who was just ahead of Lieutenant Beale, pushed 
 back his foot and kicked softly his companion, as a sig- 
 nal for him to lie flat on the ground as he (Carson) was 
 doing. The Mexican was some time, being apparently 
 very much at his leisure, in lighting his cigaretto ; and, 
 during these moments of suspense, so quietly did Kit Car- 
 son and his companion lie on the ground, that Carson said, 
 and always after affirmed, that he could distinctly hear 
 Lieutenant Beale's heart pulsate. Who can describe 
 the agony of mind to which these brave hearts were 
 subjected during this severe trial. Everything the 
 lives of their friends as well as their own so hung on 
 chance, that they shuddered ; not at the thought of 
 dying, but for fear they would fail in accomplishing 
 what was dearer to them than life, the rescue of the 
 brave men whose lives hung on their success. After 
 quite a long time, the Mexican, as if guided by the 
 hand of Providence, mounted his horse and made off in 
 a contrary direction from the one where these bold ad- 
 venturers were biding their time to accept either good, 
 if possible, or evil, if necessary, from the wheel of for- 
 tune. For a distance of about two miles, Kit Carson 
 and Lieutenant Beale thus worked along on their hands 
 and knees. Continually, during this time, Kit Carson's 
 eagle eye was penetrating through the darkness, ever 
 on the alert to discover whatever obstacle might pre- 
 sent itself on which was stamped the least appearance 
 of danger. Having passed the last visible image in 
 the shape of a sentinel and left the lines behind them 
 at a suitable distance, both men regained their feet, 
 
TERRIBLE SUFFERING. 297 
 
 and once more breathed freely. Their first thought 
 was to look for their shoes, but, alas, they were gone. 
 In the excitement of the journey, they had not given 
 them a thought since depositing them beneath their 
 belts. Hardly a word had hitherto passed between 
 these two companions in danger, but now they spoke 
 hurriedly and congratulated each other on the success 
 that so far had attended them, and thanked God in 
 their hearts that He had so mercifully aided them. 
 There was no time for delay, as they were by no 
 means yet free from danger, though they thought that 
 the worst was over. Kit Carson was familiar with the 
 country, and well knew the necessity of avoiding, for 
 fear of being discovered, all the well trodden trails and 
 roads which lead to San Diego, everyone of which was 
 closely watched by the enemy. He chose a circuitous 
 route, over rocks, hills and wild lands. The soil was 
 lined with the prickly pear, the thorns of which were 
 penetrating, at almost every step, deep into their bare 
 feet, which, owing to the darkness and thickness of the 
 plants, they could not avoid. The town of San Diego 
 was located many miles in a straight line from the 
 point from whence they had started, but, by the round- 
 about route they were obliged to travel, this distance 
 was much lengthened. All the following day they 
 continued their tramp and made as much progress as 
 possible. Their mental excitement kept them in good 
 spirits, though, from previous fatigue, the want of food 
 during this time, and by the rapid pace at which they 
 were traveling, they were putting their physical powers 
 to their full test. Another night closed in around them, 
 yet " ONWARD " was their watchword, for they thought 
 not of rest while those behind them were in such im- 
 
KIT CARSON IN WASHINGTON". 305 
 
 tions. It was very dark, and the Indians, from the 
 above precautions being taken, were frustrated in their 
 plans. His men lay very still ; and, having previously 
 received the order so to do, they awaited the near ap- 
 proach of the red men, when they were to use their 
 rifles as clubs. The reason which made this latter 
 command best was, because no man could see to shoot ; 
 hence, were they to fire at random, they would only 
 expend their ammunition, a loss they were in no situa- 
 tion to sustain. However, the Indians became weary 
 of their shooting after a few hours, and did not hazard 
 a close attack, but went away to parts unknown. 
 
 Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale arrived at Wash- 
 ington in the following June, having accomplished their 
 journey overland, a distance of nearly 4,000 miles, in 
 about three months, a record which shows that they 
 had not been idle while on the route. With the ex- 
 ception of the Indian attack sustained on the Gila, they 
 w r ere not again annoyed by the red men, although over 
 the vast tract of wild territory which they had traversed 
 there roam thousands of savages who often, for the 
 slightest pretext, and frequently without any reason 
 whatever, will murder the unsuspecting traveler, as it 
 chances to please them. Hence, to accomplish this 
 journey, it was not only necessary to know the direc- 
 tion to shape their course, but also to be familiar with 
 the haunts and habits of these various tribes, in order 
 to avoid them. All of this knowledge Kit Carson, the 
 mainspring of this little party, was well possessed of, 
 and, as a matter of business, guided himself and men 
 in a direct and safe course. 
 
 The hardships and privations of this trip were trivial 
 affairs when compared to most of Kit Carson's previous 
 
A MEXICAN CART. 
 
 THE PUEBLO OF TAOS. 
 
STIMULATING SIGNS. 341 
 
 everything would have been considered as well done; 
 but he failed, and the cause of his failure is plain. 
 
 The party being thus constituted, and no delay hav- 
 ing been occasioned by any unforeseen accident, the 
 party arrived in good season at the place where the 
 cold-blooded murder had been consummated. Around 
 the spot, there were strewn, in great confusion, boxes, 
 trunks, pieces of harness, and many other things, which 
 had belonged to the unfortunate party, and which the 
 villains did not fancy and carry away with them. The 
 path taken by these Indians was soon found, and on it, 
 the command traveled in full chase for twelve days, 
 without seeing the outline of a savage. Carson de- 
 scribes this as being the most difficult trail to follow he 
 remembers ever to have undertaken, for the rascally 
 Apaches, on breaking up their camps, would divide into 
 parties of two and three, and then scatter over the vast 
 expanse of the prairies to meet again at some precon- 
 certed place, where they knew water could be had. In 
 several of these camps the pursuers found remnants of 
 dress and other articles, that were known to have be- 
 longed to Mrs. White. By these signs, they were led 
 to believe that she still lived. Although these things 
 would have been trifles on ordinary occasions, yet, at 
 the present time, they were the cause of stimulating 
 the white men to their utmost exertions ; and, as they 
 grew fresher, the excitement among the party in- 
 creased. At last the camp, and even the per.^ons of 
 the savages, became visible to the foremost of the pur- 
 suers ; and, among the first to get a glimpse of them 
 was Kit Carson. At the time the discovery was made, 
 Kit Carson was considerably in advance of most of the 
 men. Turning to those near him, he shouted to have 
 
 20 
 
366 KIT CARSON BEACHES HOME. 
 
 OHAPTEE XIY. 
 
 Kit Carson reaches Home Himself and Neighbors Robbed by the Apaches 
 Major Grier goes in Pursuit of, and Recaptures the stolen Stock 
 A Plot organized by White Men to Murder two Santa Fe Traders for 
 their Money The Disclosure Kit Carson goes to the rescue of the 
 Traders The Camp of United States Recruits Captain Ewell with 
 twenty Men joins Kit Carson The Arrest of Fox Gratitude ex- 
 pressed by the Traders Money Offered but Refused The Prisoner 
 taken to Taos and Incarcerated Kit Carson receives a Magnificent 
 Pair of Revolvers as a Present from the grateful Traders The Re- 
 turn to Rayado A Trading Expedition to the United States The 
 Return Journey An Encounter with the Cheyenne Indians A State 
 of Suspense The Deliverance from Danger by a Message sent by a 
 Mexican Runner The arrival at Rayado. 
 
 AFTER finishing the pleasant visit which he was thus 
 enabled to make, while recruiting himself among the 
 good people of Taos, Kit Carson bent his way to his 
 home at Rayado. He safely reached there and had 
 but just dismounted at his own door, when he was in- 
 formed of a recent calamity that had befallen himself 
 and neighbors during his absence. It was the old story, 
 viz., that the Indians had come in and boldly stolen all 
 the animals belonging to the settlement. At the time 
 this depredation had been committed, there was a small 
 detachment of United States troops stationed in the 
 place, but the soldiers were too few in number to at- 
 tempt a rescue of the property from the savages. The 
 latter had visited the little town with a strong force 
 on this occasion ; the settlers, therefore, made applica- 
 
A moment more and in all probability Kit Carson would have been breathing his 
 last. Fremont saw the danger his friend was in, although Kit had tried to avoid the 
 arrow by throwing himself on one side of his horse. PAGE 267. 
 
384 "TICKLISH TIMES." 
 
 did it, too. With any other man, we would have gone 
 under. The Indians were more afraid of him than all 
 the rest of us put together. There were red fellows 
 enough there to eat us up, and at one time I could 
 almost feel my hair leaving my head. We had two 
 women traveling with us, and their crying made me 
 feel so bad that I was sartin there was no fight in me. 
 Women (he added) are poor plunder to have along 
 when going out on a war party, but Kit talked to 
 them, and then to the Indians, and put them both 
 finally on the right trail. Wah ! ! but them were 
 ticklish times." 
 
 As soon as the Indians, in their excitement, began 
 to speak their own language, they became very vio- 
 lent, and so unguarded were they in expressing their 
 individual sentiments that they treated Kit and his 
 party with perfect indifference, and openly, though se- 
 cretly as they thought, arranged for the massacre. 
 
 Little did they imagine that Kit Carson, whom they 
 had at first sight selected as the leader of the company, 
 understood every word that was said. Kit listened at- 
 tentively to their plans and heard them decide that the 
 time to kill him was, when he again took the pipe to 
 smoke ; for, in so doing, he would lay down his weap- 
 ons. They could be instantly seized, and therefore he 
 would be prevented from doing them any harm. As 
 to the Mexicans who accompanied him, they said they 
 could kill them as easily they could buffalo. Already 
 enough had passed among the Indians to arouse in Kit 
 Carson's breast the greatest feeling of alarm as to what 
 would be the result of the position in which he was 
 placed. He had with him fifteen men, two only of 
 which number, were men on whom he felt that he could 
 
394 THE LAST TKAPPIHG EXPEDITION. 
 
 CHAPTEE XV. 
 
 Kit Carson's last Trapping Expedition He Embarks in a Speculation 
 His Trip to California with a large Flock of Sheep The Methods em- 
 ployed by Mexicans in driving Herds and their Dexterity Kit Carson 
 goes to San Francisco Its wonderful Growth Maxwell joins Kit 
 Carson at Sacramento City The Lucky Speculation The Return 
 Trip to New Mexico and its Adventures The Mormon Delegate to 
 Congress informs Kit Carson of his Appointment as Indian Agent 
 Kit Carson enters upon the Duties of his Office Bell's Fight with the 
 Apaches on Red River Kit Carson's Interview with the same Indians 
 High-handed Measures on the Part of the Apaches Davidson's Des- 
 perate Fight with them The Soldiers defeated with Severe Loss 
 Davidson's Bravery is unjustly Questioned Kit Carson's Opinion of 
 it The Apaches elated by their Victory Their Imitations of the Ac- 
 tions of Military Men. 
 
 THE expedition into the United States, which termi- 
 nated with the last chapter, proved to be valuable in 
 its results, so far as the parties engaged in it were con- 
 cerned. Kit Carson was once more trying hard to 
 keep quiet in his comfortable home at Rayado. But 
 his restless spirit was not proof against this inactivity. 
 His stay at home, therefore, was short. The memories 
 of other days came upon him, and he longed once more 
 to enjoy, in company with the " friends of his youth," 
 the scenes, excitements and pleasures of his old life as 
 trapper. Throughout his eventful life, as the reader 
 has been able clearly to see, Kit Carson seldom spent 
 his time in idle thinking. His thoughts almost invari- 
 ably took form in actions. This eager longing resulted, 
 
418 A ROUGH AND RUGGED ROAD. 
 
 While pursuing this experimental journey. Kit Car- 
 son, who was well acquainted with the general outline 
 of the country, but was not equally conversant with it 
 in reference to the certainty of finding eligible camp- 
 ing-sites, where wood, water and grass, presented them- 
 selves in abundance, was frequently made the subject 
 of a tantalizing joke by the men of the party. 
 
 Occasionally his memory would not solve the ques- 
 tion, what is the next course ? He had neither map, 
 chart, nor compass, and depended entirely upon old 
 landmarks. Occasionally the resemblance of different 
 mountains, one to another, would serve to embarrass 
 him. For a time, he would become doubtful as to the 
 exact course to pursue. At such moments, the mis- 
 chievous dispositions of the men would get the better 
 of their judgment, and they would exert their lungs 
 in shouting to him, as he spurred his riding animal to 
 keep out of the sound of their raillery. He was not 
 always successful in this, and occasionally a few sen- 
 tences reached him like the following : 
 
 Hurrah ! " 
 
 " I say ! are you the famous Kit Carson, who knows 
 this country so well ? " 
 
 "Are you really a good pilot, or are you lost ? " 
 
 These and similar expressions saluted Kit's ear a 
 language to which he had not been heretofore accus- 
 tomed as some impediment, such as a fallen tree, a 
 rock, a swamp, or a creek staid, for a brief period, 
 his progress, thus allowing the party to approach 
 within speaking distance. The remarks might have 
 temporarily chafed his spirit ; but he had too much 
 good sense to allow his friends to see that they had 
 gained any advantage over him. He rode boldly on, 
 
A FRESH CAMPAIGN. 441 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 A fresh Campaign set on foot Colonel Cook in Command Kit Carson 
 goes as Guide The Apaches and Utahs leagued together The Rough- 
 ness of the Country and the Privations to which the Command was 
 exposed The Indians overhauled A running Fight The Advantages 
 gained The Chase resumed The Apaches resort to their old Tricks 
 Colonel Cook is obliged to return to Abiquiu A Utah taken Pris- 
 oner through Mistake Kit Carson goes to Taos and has a Conference 
 with the Chiefs of the Utah Nation Cook's second Scout He is 
 caught in a furious Snow-storm and is obliged to return to Rio Col- 
 orado Major Brooks and Re-inforcernents come to the Rescue Major 
 Brooks on the Lookout, but fails to find the Indians Carleton's Ex- 
 pedition Kit Carson goes with it as Guide The Adventures met 
 with Kit Carson's Prophecy comes true The Muache Band of Utahs 
 summoned by Kit Carson to a Grand Council Troubles brewing 
 among these Indians The Small-Pox carries off their Head Men. 
 
 To retrieve the ground lost, and also, to show the 
 Jiccarilla Apaches that their recent victory had tended 
 only to stimulate the movements of the Americans to a 
 display of greater activity and energy, after a brief 
 space of time, a large body of regular troops were made 
 ready to take the field against them. The commander 
 of this expedition was Colonel Cook of the Second Eegi- 
 ment of United States Dragoons. That officer chose 
 for his principal guide Kit Carson, whose peace duties 
 as Indian Agent had been abruptly arrested by the war- 
 like attitude of some of his Indians. It was necessary, 
 also, that Kit Carson should be on the ground in case 
 the red men were overtaken, in order to ascertain 
 
482 A MERE BOY, AS INDIAN AGENT. 
 
 we remember to have met with an Indian agent who 
 was, both in years and experience, but a mere boy. 
 To him had been entrusted the affairs of a large tribe, 
 notorious in the country where they reside as being 
 great thieves. These Indians had so little respect for 
 their agent, that they would openly boast of the 
 crimes which they had committed, in his very pres- 
 ence. Not only this, but, on horses stolen from neigh- 
 boring settlers, they would ride by him, thus defying 
 his power. The settlers were loud in their complaints 
 against the Government for thus neglecting to protect 
 them, and sending them a block of wood for a king. 
 The young man of whom we speak bore an exemplary 
 character, but it was plainly and painfully apparent 
 that he was, in no way whatever, fitted for the office 
 he held, and which he had attained through the influ- 
 ence of powerful political friends. This is but a fair 
 example by which many of the so-called Indian agents 
 may be rated, who are the actual managers of Indian 
 affairs on our frontiers. 
 
 The Utahs and the Apaches, having now openly 
 combined, met with such success in their endeavors to 
 attack the whites, that, during the course of a few 
 months, they overran almost the entire northern part 
 of the Territory of New Mexico. They utterly defied 
 the power of the American Government; and, when- 
 ever the opportunity offered, boasted to the Mexicans 
 " that they no longer stood in fear of the white men." 
 The subsequent cruel and barbarous crimes of which 
 they were guilty, clearly demonstrated that they were 
 elated by their success. It soon became apparent that, 
 unless checked, they would exterminate the population 
 and burn or otherwise destroy their settlements. 
 
508 AN INDIAN SCALP DANCE. 
 
 that is, desperately fighting for his life, and never for 
 once showing fear, they take two scalps, one from either 
 side of the head. The object of this is, to have scalp 
 dances for each, as they consider such a man as deserv- 
 ing the fate of two ordinary men. These scalps are 
 often stretched, dried, decorated and frequently kept 
 for years as trophies. The more scalps a warrior takes, 
 the greater favorite he becomes with his tribe ; and 
 finally, having obtained a given number, he is consid- 
 ered eligible to fill the office of War Chief, provided he 
 has other qualifications, such as the power of quickly 
 conceiving the right plan on which to act in case of 
 emergency. When a party of Indians in the Rocky 
 Mountains have been on a war trail, met the enemy 
 and vanquished them, they appoint a brave who is hon- 
 ored as being the scalp-bearer. This warrior carries a 
 long pole, to which, at suitable distances from each other, 
 the scalps are attached. When the party returns to, 
 and enters their own village, this brave is the observed 
 of all observers. Eagerly, by the old men, women and 
 children, these bloody trophies are counted, for each of 
 them offers an occasion for rejoicing, to be at separate 
 intervals of time. They are, then, each synonymous 
 with the phrase, a fete day, and the scalp-bearer is 
 looked upon with the same jealous eye which greets 
 the color-bearer of an army, after having been engaged 
 in some great battle which has proved successful to his 
 standard. An Indian will not remove, as a general 
 thing, a scalp which contains gray hairs. This he con- 
 siders to be a business fit only for women. The scalp 
 which is to cause a general jubilee, on an appointed 
 evening, is attached to the top of a long pole, planted 
 in the. earth at a suitable place. The warriors who 
 
r'OKT MASSACHUSETTS, NEW MEXICO, IN 1855. 
 
548 VAKIED AND VALUABLE EXPERIENCES. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Carson not allowed to Remain Idle His Position in our late Civil War 
 He is Needed on an Important Field of Army Operations His Love 
 for the Union His Promise to Stand by the Old Flag His Fulfill- 
 ment of the Promise Is Appointed Colonel of the First New Mexico 
 Volunteers His Friendship with General Canby Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Pfiefer Valuable Service against the Camanches, Arrapahoes and 
 Cheyennes Overpowered and Defeated Fearful Loss A Brilliant 
 Campaign against the Navajoes Increased Fame The War Depart- 
 ment sound his Praises in Flattering Terms Brigadier General of 
 Volunteers Detailed for Responsible Duty Appointed Peace Com- 
 missioner to the Sioux A Delicate Mission The Indian Policy of our 
 Government A Reformation Movement A Wise and Humane Policy 
 Kit Carson's Opinion as to what Should be Done His Wonderful 
 Success in Treating with the Savages Beloved and Feared The Visit 
 of Indian Chiefs to Washington The Effects of Civilization Recep- 
 tions and Speeches of Buffalo Good and Little Raven The Indian 
 Question, and What Has Been Done, and What Must Be Done, to Se- 
 cure Lasting Peace The Death of General Kit Carson, at Fort Lyon, 
 Colorado His Death Hastened by the Loss of his Wife A Man of 
 Striking Virtues Eat Carson as a Free Mason Masonic Signs among 
 the Indians. 
 
 FOLLOWING on the varied and valuable experiences 
 that Kit Carson had, in his strangely eventful career, 
 prior to his appointment as Indian agent, he might have 
 treasured the hope that he should live out the rest of 
 his days in peace and quiet, so far as a man with such 
 surroundings might expect repose. With him rest 
 would not be the absolute calm that one might have in 
 a settled, law-abiding community. Indeed, to him, that 
 kind of repose would be the most tiresome of all ex- 
 
554 BRIGADIER GENERAL OF VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 breveted with the rank of Brigadier General of Volun- 
 teers, and entirely without any solicitation. The cap- 
 tured Indians were afterwards sent to a reservation on 
 one of the tributaries of the Arkansas Biver, and later, 
 following General Sherman's Indian negotiations, they 
 were sent by their own request to their original grounds 
 in the Navajo country, where they have since remained 
 in a well-behaved condition. They are peaceful, and are 
 gradually becoming accustomed to the more advanced 
 wa} T s of civilization. They are measurably indus- 
 trious, and to a considerable extent are self-supporting. 
 During the remainder of the war, General Carson was on 
 different details of responsible work, mainly courts mar- 
 tial and matters relating to the Indians, and in one of 
 which he made himself useful to the Government. The 
 war history of affairs in New Mexico, during this period, 
 as contained in official reports, will show that his services 
 were fully recognized by the department whose inter- 
 ests he served. He was retained in his rank and posi- 
 tion at the close of the war, long after nearly all the 
 volunteer officers had been mustered out, and was then 
 made a peace commissioner to visit the Sioux and other 
 tribes, his long experience, honesty, and loyalty to the 
 Government qualifying him in all respects for the re- 
 sponsibilities of such a delicate mission. 
 
 The settlement of the trouble with the Sioux Indians, 
 which was assigned to General Carson, was a matter of 
 great consequence, more, indeed, than appeared upon 
 the surface of things at the time. Hostilities had 
 grown out of bad faith in the first place, and a bloody 
 war, attended with frightful massacres, followed, in- 
 volving a cost of millions of dollars to the Government. 
 Indian wars have always been costly; they are con- 
 
326 DOMESTIC LIFE. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Kit Carson at his Home The Apache Indians become Hostile An Ex- 
 pedition sent against them It is not Successful Another is organ- 
 ized, with which Kit Carson goes as Guide Two Indian Chiefs 
 captured Other Incidents of the Trip Colonel Beall attempts to force 
 the Indians to give up Mexican Captives Two Thousand Savages on 
 the Arkansas River The Visit to them Kit Carson emigrates and 
 builds a Ranche at Rayado Description of the Valley The Massa- 
 cre of a Santa Fe Merchant His Wife is made Prisoner The Expe- 
 dition sent to rescue her The Indians overtaken Bad Counsel and 
 Management The Commanding Officer Wounded Mrs. White's 
 Body found Severe Snow Storm on the Plains One Man frozen to 
 D ea th Kit Carson returns to Rayado The Occupation of a Farmer 
 resumed The Apaches steal from the Settlers nearly all of their Ani- 
 malsKit Carson with thirteen others in Pursuit The Surprise A 
 running Fight The Animals recovered A gallant Sergeant and his 
 Fate Kit Carson and Goodel go on a Trading Expedition to meet 
 California Emigrants at Fort Laramie Humorous Adventures The 
 Dangers that beset the Road to New Mexico Hair-breadth Escape 
 Arrival at Taos. 
 
 BEIXG comfortably housed in his own pleasant home 
 at Taos, Kit Carson made up his mind to treat himself 
 to a more lengthy stay there than he had for some 
 time enjoyed. While he was quietly enjoying the 
 pleasures of home, active operations were transpiring 
 about him, for the neighboring Indians had dug up the 
 tomahawk and buried the calumet, and were holding in 
 defiance the United States forces, which had been sta- 
 tioned in New Mexico to protect its inhabitants. Col- 
 onel Beall was at that time commanding officer of the 
 district, and had established his head-quarters at Taos. 
 
472 A FORMIDABLE INDIAN WAR. 
 
 OHAPTEE XVII. 
 
 The Commencement of a Formidable Indian War High-handed Measures 
 on the Part of the Indians The Governor of New Mexico raises Five 
 Hundred Mexican Volunteers and places them under the Command of 
 Colonel St. Vrain Colonel Fauntleroy placed in Command of all the 
 Forces Kit Carson is chosen as Chief Guide The Campaign Com- 
 menced The Trail Found The Indians are met and the first Fight 
 and its Consequences An Excitement in Camp The Indians again 
 Overtaken The Return to Fort Massachusetts Intense Cold Weather 
 experienced The Second Campaign Colonel Fauntleroy Surprises 
 the Main Camp of the Enemy The Scalp Dance Broken Up Terrible 
 Slaughter of the Indians The Great Amount of Plunder Taken and 
 Destroyed Another Small Party of Indians Surprised and Routed 
 St. Vrain equally fortunate in his Campaign The Indians Sue for 
 Peace The Council held and Treaties signed Kit Carson opposes 
 the making of them The poor Protection Indian Treaties usually 
 afford to Settlers Kit Carson's House at Taos and his Indian Friends 
 His Attachment for his Family put to the Test Cowardice of a 
 Mexican Kit Carson's Friends as they looked upon him His Influ- 
 ence over Indians. 
 
 THE Muache band of Utahs, under their renowned 
 Chief, Blanco, after trading for all the powder and 
 lead which they required, joined the Apaches and com- 
 menced the war in earnest. They waylaid and mur- 
 dered travelers on the roads, attacked towns, killed and 
 made prisoners the people who inhabited them, and 
 became so formidable that for a length of time every- 
 thing was at their mercy. They lost no opportunity 
 in showing their power and in possessing themselves 
 of the finest herds of horses, mules, cattle and sheep 
 within their reach. 
 
578 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODOCS. 
 
 "It is difficult even to approximate the probable 
 number of this people, when in their undisturbed abor- 
 iginal glory, and before their contact with the superior 
 civilization, whose vices, only, seem to be attractive to 
 the savage nature. Indians have no Census Bureau ; 
 and, indeed, nearly all tribes have a superstitious aver- 
 sion to answering any questions as to their numbers. 
 The Modocs are like all others, and, when questioned 
 on the subject, only point to their country, and say, 
 that < once it was full of people/ The remains of their 
 ancient villages, found along the shores of the lakes, 
 on the streams, and in the vicinity of springs, seems to 
 corroborate this statement ; and one ranch alone, the 
 remains of which are found on the western shore of 
 Little Klamath Lake, must have contained more souls 
 than are now numbered in the whole Modoc nation. 
 Only four hundred, by official count, left of a tribe 
 that must have numbered thousands ! Some of the 
 causes of the immense decrease of this people can be 
 traced to their deadly conflicts with the early settlers 
 of Northern California and Southern Oregon. They 
 were in open and uncompromising hostility to the 
 Whites, stubbornly resisting the passage of -emigrant 
 trains through their country ; and the bloody atrocities 
 of these Arabs of the West are still too well remem- 
 bered. As early as 1847, following the route taken by 
 Fremont the previous year, a large portion of the Ore- 
 gon immigration passed through the heart of the Modoc 
 country. From the moment they left the Pit River 
 Mountains, their travel was one of watchful fear and 
 difficulty, the road winding through dangerous canons, 
 and passing under precipitous cliffs that afforded secure 
 and impenetrable ambush. Bands of mounted war- 
 
A TERRIBLE REVENGE. 581 
 
 stead of scalping them, he took them to his camp, 
 treated them kindly, and making them a sort of Peace 
 Commission, sent them with olive-branches, in the 
 shape of calico and tobacco, back to their people. Ne- 
 gotiations for a general council to arrange a treaty 
 were opened. Others visited the white camp; and 
 soon the Modocs, who had but a faint appreciation of 
 the tortuous ways of white diplomacy, began to think 
 that Ben was a very harmless and respectable gentle- 
 man. A spot on the north bank of Lost River, a few 
 hundred yards from the Natural Bridge, was selected 
 for the council. On the appointed day, fifty-one In- 
 dians (about equal in number to Wright's company) 
 attended, and, as agreed upon by both parties, no 
 weapons were brought to the ground. A number of 
 beeves had been killed, presents were distributed, and 
 the day passed in mutual professions of friendship; 
 when Wright whose quick, restless eye had been 
 busy quietly filled his pipe, drew a match, and lit it. 
 This was the pre-concerted signal. As the first little 
 curling wreath of smoke went up, fifty revolvers were 
 drawn from their places of concealment by Wright's 
 men, who were now scattered among their intended 
 victims ; a few moments of rapid and deadly firing, 
 and only two of the Modocs escaped to warn their 
 people ! 
 
 " In 1864, when old Schonchin buried the hatchet 
 and agreed to war with the pale-faces no more, he 
 said, mournfully: 'Once my people were like the 
 sands along yon shore. Now I call to them, and only 
 the wind answers. Four hundred strong young men 
 went with me to the war with the whites ; only eighty 
 are left. We will be good, if the white man will let 
 
LO ! THE POOR INDIAN." 
 
UNFRIENDLY TO THE WHITES. 585 
 
 spirit of the majority of the tribe is broken ; they are 
 content to be cooped up within the limits of a reserva- 
 tion in a country where once they were lords, and the 
 superior race claims their former possessions by the 
 right of might. They are part and parcel of that un- 
 solved problem the Red race, created by the same 
 Power as we, for God's own purposes. Like the rest 
 of the red people, they are destined to speedy extinc- 
 tion; and the last of the Modocs, powerful as they 
 have been, will probably be seen by the present gen- 
 eration of white men." 
 
 The tribe of Modocs have always been unfriendly and 
 opposed to the whites. It first entered into formal 
 relations with the Government by a treaty to which 
 the Klamaths and Yabooskin band of Snakes were also 
 parties; made in October, 1864, and ratified by the 
 Senate, with certain verbal amendments, in July, 1866 ; 
 and after the Indians had consented to these amend- 
 ments, in December, 1869, proclaimed by the Presi- 
 dent in 1870. Under the provisions of Article 1 of this 
 treaty, and of the Executive order of March 14, 1871, 
 issued thereunder, a tract of land, estimated to contain 
 seven hundred and sixty-eight thousand acres, was set 
 apart for the Indians, parties to the treaty, in the 
 southern part of Oregon. In 1865, while this treaty 
 was pending before the Senate, Mr. Lindsley Apple- 
 gate, sub-agent in charge of the Klamaths and Snakes, 
 commenced operations for their benefit. 
 
 The Modocs, presumedly acting under the advice of 
 certain interested whites, had previously withdrawn 
 from the country to their former home, near Clear 
 Lake, sixty miles south-east of Klamath. They, how- 
 ever, informed Mr. Applegate, by messenger, that they 
 
LOYED AND RESPECTED. 597 
 
 attended to and carried back for medical treatment. 
 Fifty yards further was the body of the Rev. Dr. 
 Thomas, lying on his face and stripped to the waist. 
 Life was extinct from pistol-shot wounds in his head. 
 
 The body of General Canby, the hero of many a 
 fight, was stripped of every vestige of clothing, and 
 lay about one hundred yards to the south-west, with 
 two pistol-shot wounds in the head. Pausing only to 
 cast a glance on the body of the man they both loved 
 and respected, the troops dashed on, and the two lead- 
 ing batteries were within a mile of the murderers when 
 the bugle sounded a " halt." Lieutenant Eagan and 
 Major Wright's companies of the Twelfth Infantry 
 were behind the artillery, and then came the cavalry. 
 General Gillem and Colonel Green and staff were up 
 with the men, but as soon as they found that the In- 
 dians had all got back to their stronghold, the troops 
 were ordered to fall back. 
 
 The murder of General Canby cast a gloom over 
 the whole country. No officer was more universally 
 respected and esteemed. He was a true Christian and 
 brave soldier, and died in the discharge of his duty. 
 For the past few days he had clothed and fed these 
 Indians giving them blankets, food and tobacco. 
 When the squaws came into camp, they rushed to 
 General Canby, and went back laden with provisions 
 and calico. Yet the first to fall was their kindest 
 and noblest benefactor. 
 
 General Canby was one of the best educated and 
 most highly esteemed of all the officers in the regular 
 army. He served with great distinction during the 
 War of the Rebellion, and held several very important 
 commands. 
 
A TERRIFIC SNOW-STORM. 
 
INDIAN SCALP DANCE. 
 
KIT CARSON'S HOME AT TAGS, NEW MEXICO. 
 
CAPTAIN J A C K . 
 
L M 
 
THIS OIKOTJI^A.11 THROUGH 
 
 A Valuable and Intensely Interesting New Book, 
 
 OF AMERICA'S 
 
 S 
 
 KIT CARSON 
 
 The Nestor of the Hocky Mountains, 
 
 mw 
 
 By his Comrade and Friend, 
 
 DE WITT C. PETERS, Brevet Lt. Colonel and Surgeon, U. S. A. I 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 The Only True and Authentic Life and Adventures of 
 this Renowned Man, ever -written, 
 
 as the following testimonials will show: 
 
 Mexico. 
 
 Tills is to certify that my friend, De Witt C. Peters, Brevet Lieut. 
 Colonel and Surgeon, U. S. A., is the only person I ever authorized to 
 write my life. 
 
 Briqadier General U. S. Vols. 
 
FEKNANDEZ DE TAGS, NEW MEXICO. 
 SIR : 
 
 We, the undersigned, citizens of the Territory of New Mexico, have been acquainted with 
 Mr. CHRISTOPHER CARSON almost from the time of his first arrival in the country. We have been 
 companions both in the mountains and as a private citizen. We are also acquainted with the fact, that 
 for months, during his leisure hours, he was engaged dictating his life. This is, to our certain 
 knowledge, the only authentic biography of himself and his travels that has ever been written. We 
 heartily recommend THIS BOOK to the reading community for perusal, as it presents a life out of the 
 usual routine of business, and is checkered with adventures which have tried this bold and daring 
 man. We are cognizant of the details of the book, arid vouch for their accuracy. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 The name Of Kit CarOH 9 in the Rocky Mountains, has been familiarly 
 known for more than forty years, and from its association with the names of great 
 explorers and military men, is now spread throughout the civilized world. It has 
 been generally conceded, that no small share of the benefits derived by these explora- 
 tions and campaigns, \\as due to the sagacity, skill, experience, advice, and 
 labor of CHRISTOPHER CARSON. His sober habits, strict honor, and great 
 regard for the truth, endeared him to all that called him friend ; and among such, may 
 be enumerated names belonging to some of the most distinguished men, whose deeds 
 are recorded on the pages of American History. His life was a mystery which this 
 book will unveil. Instead of KIT CARSON, as by imagination a bold braggart, and 
 reckless improvident hero of the rifle he will appear a retired man, and one who 
 was reserved in his intercourse with others, and one to whom it needed not a second 
 introduction, or a friendly panegyric, to enable one to discover those traits of man- 
 hood which are esteemed by the great and good, to be distinguishing ornaments 
 of character. 
 
 In olden times there existed in the Rocky Mountains, a race of men familiarly 
 known as " HUNTERS AND TRAPPERS." They are now almost extinct. Their history 
 has never been fully and accurately written. This volume, now offered to the public, 
 gives their history as related by one whose name as a Hunter, Trapper, Indian 
 Fighter, and Guide, stood second to none ; by a man who for fifteen years saw not 
 the face of a white woman, or slept under a roof. On account of their originality, 
 daring, and absorbing interest, the real facts concerning this brave race of hunters and 
 trappers, will be handed down to posterity as matters belonging to history. 
 
 While the country was being flooded with " yellow-covered literature," purporting 
 to be " Lives of Carson," but which were merely imaginary pen-paintings, founded, 
 perhaps, upon distant reports of his almost incredulous exploits and adventures, the 
 intimate friends of KIT CARSON, in common with thousands of others, desired to see 
 something published, which they could be assured was a TRUE and AUTHENTIC account 
 of his singularly exciting and wonderful life and adventures ; but it was only upon 
 the constant and urgent solicitations of personal friends that CARSON could be induced 
 to dictate the facts upon which this book is written, and only then upon the express 
 condition that Dr. Peters, his friend his companion at home in the wild scenes of 
 the chase on the war-path, and upon the field of battle would put them into con- 
 venient form, adding such information as had fallen under his observation, during ex- 
 tensive travels over the wide expanse of territory which had been KIT CARSON'S 
 theatre of action, as would make it a book to be valued and sought for. 
 
 Although unfortunately delayed, Dr Peters has done his work faithfully, and the 
 publishers take pleasure in presenting it to the public, feeling assured that it will be 
 truly appreciated, and will meet with an unprecedented sale. 
 
IT IS A BOOK OF SOLID TKUTH, 
 
 FROM FACTS WAKRATSEI) BY IOT CARSOW HIMSELF. 
 
 It abounds in Thrilling Incidents and Adventures ; Tragic Scenes ; Wonderful 
 
 Escapes ; Deeds of Daring ; Ludicrous Occurrences ; and Instances of Hero- 
 ism, Devotion, and Self-sacrifice? which have no parallel in history, 
 
 It tells of KIT CARSON'S adventures with the Indians, with the Mexicans, 
 of hair-breadth escapes of fights with grizzly bears of hunting the buffalo, and 
 of trapping the beaver. 
 
 It gives a full and complete account of the every day life, inner character, and 
 peculiar customs of all the tribes of Indians inhabiting the Far West, with whom 
 KIT CARSON was intimate, among whom were the Sioux, BLACKFEET, CAMANCHE, 
 APACHE, ARRAPAHOE, CHEYENNE, KIOWA, KLAMATH, MODOC, and many others. 
 
 It Shows the savage Warrior stripped of all the decorations with 
 which writers of fiction have clothed him. In it he is seen in his ferocity and 
 gentleness, in his rascality and nobility, in his boyhood, manhood, and old age, and in 
 his wisdom and ignorance. 
 
 It gives a full, complete history of the Modoc Indians of the late war, and 
 of CAPT. JACK, SHACKNASTY JIM, BOGUS CHARLIE, and other Modoc warriors. 
 
 It tells of KIT CARSON as Indian Agent of his wonderful skill as an Indian 
 Fighter as the red man's best friend in time of peace, and worst enemy in time of war. 
 
 It liaifolds for aSI ? as does no other work, the great interior wilderness 
 of the United States, giving accurate descriptions of MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, DESERTS, 
 PLAINS, and RIVERS, and portraying a part of the North American Continent unsur- 
 passed by any other country in the world, in scenic beauty and grandeur. 
 
 It tells of the great exploring expeditions of Fremont, in which KIT CARSON 
 was the trusted guide and adviser, and, as a work of HISTORY, is invaluable. 
 
 It tells of the terrible suffering the trappers were often subjected to, during which 
 they were obliged to bleed their mules and drink the warm blood ; during which 
 they were obliged to kill their horses and mules, and eat the flesh ; during which 
 they were forced to dig and eat roots, to sustain life. 
 
 It tells of agriculture and farming, of stock raising of the growth and extent 
 of grain raising, details of harvesting, &c., in that country once the hunting- 
 ground and battle-field of Indian and Trapper. 
 
 It tells of Mexico its inhabitants, their manners and customs, &c. of the 
 fandango of bull-fights of the war between the United States and Mexico, in 
 which KIT CARSON took an active and honorable part. 
 
 It tells of the wonderful deeds of daring by which KIT CARSON, as a soldier 
 of the REPUBLIC, won the rank of Brigadier General U. S. Vols. 
 
 IN FACT, THIS WORK ABOUNDS 
 
 In scenes of adventure and danger to which it is impossible to find a parallel in the 
 annals of history ; cruelty at which the heart sickens ; vindictiveness which knows no 
 end, and no mitigation; skill, ingenuity, and endurance, during the long, dangerous, 
 and weary explorations in a new and desolate country ; heroism, gratitude to friends, 
 treachery towards enemies; stoicism, keen observation, the most delicate sense 
 of honor ; history, manners, customs and descriptions, are all to be found in these 
 fascinating pages. 
 
 THE MECHANICAL EXECUTION OF THE BOOK is beyond praise, the THIRTY-FOUR superu 
 illustrations being remarkable for their accuracy. The paper is of the best quality, 
 the printing absolutely perfect, and binding first-class. All possible pains has been 
 taken to produce the handsomest volume extant. 
 
 This work is printed from new electrotype plates, will contain over GOO royal 
 octavo pages, and will be furnished as follows : 
 
 In Green English Morocco dolt, wltt Handsome Design in Black and Gold, $s.oo 
 
 In Leate, Library Style, 3.50 
 
 In Morocco Clott, Paneled Sides, Gilt Edges, (Parlor Edition.) , , . , , *.oo 
 
 ir AGENTS WANTED IN EVERY TOWNSHIP.JST 
 
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