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 Carson--Arrival at Santa
Fé 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--Another Expedition--Two Deserters--Kit Carson
sent in Pursuit--The Fate of the Runaways--Adventures with
Indians--Hair-breadth Escape made by Kit Carson.
In September, Mr. Young, having accomplished all that he had intended,
informed his men that he was going to New Mexico. The homeward
route was through most of the country over which they had previously
traveled. The preparations for the journey having been completed, the
party started, touching on the way at the Mission of San Fernando, and
thence through to the Peublo of Los Angelos. Scattered over various
parts of the dominion of Old Mexico are these Peublos, or Indian
villages, called so because they are inhabited by Indians who bear
that name. These are the true descendants of the ancient Aztecs, who
were once the subjects of the Montezumas. They are usually a quiet
and industrious race, and are most devout in their religious worship,
according to the principles, forms, and ceremonies of the Roman
Catholic Church. They have not failed to inherit the superstition of
their forefathers. Not withstanding the changes which time, with its
cohorts of emigration, books, religious teachings, association with
other races, mechanics, science and art, in greater or less degree,
has introduced into their country, and accomplished under their eyes,
they still believe that some day their great chief will return to
them; accordingly, in each and every one of their towns, they keep a
watch-fire burning, in order, on his advent, to let him know where his
children live.
At Los Angelos the Mexican authorities came to the trappers and
demanded their passports. On finding that such articles of paper
authority did not form any part of a trapper's outfit, they determined
to arrest them. Fear, however, prevented their determination from
assuming any very formidable action. Former experience in a similar
matter of official duty had taught those Mexicans that the American
trappers were men of a peculiarly resolute nature. Fair and legitimate
means were therefore laid aside, and a foul policy adopted. They
commenced supplying them with "firewater," thus attacking them in a
weak point. When they should become fully inebriated they considered
the matter of their arrest both easy and certain.
Mr. Young, seeing the intentions of the authorities, and their
underhanded method of carrying them out, determined to thwart them.
He directed Carson to take three men, the loose animals and the camp
equipage, and move on, with the instructions, that if he did not soon
join him, to push on; that if he did not eventually overtake him, to
report in New Mexico that the main party had been massacred. Young
succeeded in collecting his men as best he could, for they were yet
sufficiently sober to retain a little of their reason. The treacherous
Mexicans, however, continued annoying the commander of the trappers by
gratuitously offering the men all the liquor they desired. One by one,
the trappers were allowing themselves to be easily conquered, as the
effects of the liquor began to be more active. They would soon have
fallen a complete prey to their enemies, had not a most singular
circumstance put the Mexicans to flight. One of the trappers, named
James Higgins, without any provocation and without any excuse, except
that he was intoxicated, shot a man named James Lawrence, inflicting
a slight wound. Such conduct so terrified the Mexicans that they took
sudden and precipitous leave. This happened, very fortunately, before
the party arrived at the mission of San Gabriel, where they would
all have been arrested, and perhaps killed, by the Mexicans, aided by
parties and reinforcements at the mission.
About dark, Young, by urging his half-drunken men into a forced march,
succeeded in overtaking Carson. At the first supply of water, they
went into camp. A night of sleep soon set the brains of Young's
trappers once more to rights. The next day the party, most of them
sufficiently ashamed of their drunken debauch, commenced with vigor
the homeward march. They continued nine days almost upon their former
track, when outward bound. On the ninth day, they once more stood on
the banks of the Colorado River.
While encamped on this stream, a band of five hundred Indians made
their appearance and entered the camp. The rascals professed the
greatest friendship for the trappers, but their actions not fully
measuring their words, the white men looked to Carson for advice. He
had discovered that beneath their articles of dress their weapons were
very carefully concealed; and from this circumstance it became quite
clearly apparent the Indians intended to massacre the entire party.
Here Carson's boldness proved, as it had before, and did many a time
afterwards, the safety of himself and friends or associates. At the
time the Indians entered the camp, Carson, with only a few of the
party, occupied it; the rest were out visiting their traps, which it
was their general custom to set whenever they arrived at a suitable
stream. Kit having thus become satisfied concerning the design of the
savages, and feeling that the salvation of the entire party rested
upon his courage and wisdom, made up his mind that boldness was the
wisest policy he could adopt. He found present among the warriors one
who could speak the Spanish language. Through him he ordered the
red men "to leave the camp. In the event of their not doing so
immediately, he and his friends would, without further parley,
commence hostilities, and would be sure each in killing his man,
although they might all in the end lose their own lives."
The Indians had been accustomed to act about as they chose with such
small parties of Mexicans as they chanced to meet, and consequently
were taken completely by surprise at Kit's unusual boldness. Seeing
that they would inevitably lose several of their braves if they
made any hostile demonstration, they chose the discreet part of best
policy, and departed. As a general rule, no matter what the profit or
urgent necessity which chance offers, these Indians will not hazard a
contest when, to a certainty, they must expect their own killed will
equal the number of scalps which they can obtain. This rule, and
doubtless some fearfulness on the part of the Indians, saved the lives
of the entire band.
As has already appeared, the trappers were on the banks of the
Colorado at the time this affair happened. They continued their work
on it, descending the south side until they reached tide water, when
they changed their camp on to the Gila, and continued trapping up this
river as far as the mouth of the San Pedro. Near the outlet of this
river, they discovered a large herd of horses and mules; on a closer
examination, they found that they were in the possession of a band
of Indians who had formerly given them some of their gratuitous
hostilities. Not having forgotten their former troubles with these
people, they determined to pay them off in their own coin by depriving
them of the herd. A short search sufficed to discover the Indian camp.
Without waiting an instant, they put their horses to their speed and
charged in among the huts. The Indians were so completely taken by
surprise, that they became panic-struck and fled in every direction.
They, however, rallied somewhat, and a running fight commenced which
lasted some time, but which did not change matters in favor of the
Indians. The entire herd fell into the possession of the trappers.
On the same evening, after the men had wrapped themselves up in their
blankets and laid down for a sleep, and while enjoying their slumbers,
a noise reached their ears which sounded very much like distant
thunder; but a close application of the sense of hearing showed
plainly that an enemy was near at hand. Springing up, with rifle in
hand--for generally in the mountains a man's gun rests in the same
blanket with himself on all sleeping occasions--they sallied forth to
reconnoitre, and discovered a few warriors driving along a band of at
least two hundred horses. The trappers comprehended instantly that the
warriors had been to the Mexican settlements in Sonora on a thieving
expedition, and that the horses had changed hands with only one party
to the bargain. The opportunity to instill a lesson on the savage
marauders was too good to be lost.
They saluted the thieves with a volley from their rifles, which, with
the bullet-whizzing about their heads and bodies, so astonished them,
that they seemed almost immediately to forget their stolen property,
and to think only of a precipitous flight. In a few moments, the
whites found themselves masters of the field, and also of the
property. To return the animals to their owners was an impossibility;
Mr. Young, therefore, selected as many of the best horses as he needed
for himself and men, and game being very scarce, killed two and dried
most of the meat for future use, turning the remainder loose. Such
either became wild mustangs or fell again into the clutches of the
Indians. The company then renewed their trapping, and continued it up
the Gila to a point opposite the copper mines of New Mexico. Here they
left the river and proceeded to the copper mines, where they found Mr.
Robert McKnight engaged in trading with the neighboring Indian tribes.
These mines were not then, and ever since have not been, worked. The
holes which had many years before been made by the miners--but who
they were is unknown--formed a safe hiding-place for their skins. The
stock of beaver was therefore placed under the care of Mr. McKnight.
Young and his men then renewed their march, and in due time arrived
safely at Santa Fé. Here they purchased licenses to trade with the
Indians who live about the copper mines. With these licenses as
protection papers, they returned to where the skins were concealed.
Having once more recovered their fur, they returned with it to Santa
Fé. The deserted mines of New Mexico show incontrovertible signs
of having been successfully and extensively worked, at some remote
period, for various kinds of metals. They have proved a knotty
historical problem to many an investigating mind; for their authentic
history has fallen, and probably will ever remain in oblivion. It
may have been that about a century ago the Spaniards, with Indian
assistants, worked them; and the savages becoming hostile to their
employers, in some sudden fit of frenzy may have massacred the
Spaniards. There is a legendary story circulating, similar to the
traditions of the Indians, giving this explanation. The more probable
hypothesis, however, is that the Indians themselves, many centuries in
the past, were versed to some extent in the art of mining, and carried
on the business in these mines; but from indolence or, to them,
uselessness of the metals, the work was abandoned, and their
descendants failed to obtain the knowledge which their ancestors
possessed. These mines, and those which exist nearer to the large
towns, will some day render New Mexico a profitable and rich field for
the learned antiquary.
The ruse which Mr. Young found absolutely necessary to employ, in
order to blind the Mexican authorities, succeeded so well, that when
the fur arrived at Santa Fe, every one considered the trappers had
made a very good trade. The amount of beaver thus brought in amounted
to two thousand pounds. The market price was twelve dollars the pound.
The proceeds, therefore, of the entire trip were nearly twenty-four
thousand dollars. The division of this handsome sum gave to each man
several hundred dollars. It was during the month of April, 1830, that
Mr. Young's party again reached the town of Taos. Here they disbanded,
having completed their enterprise. Like as Jack, when he returns
from his battles with old ocean, having a pocket well lined with hard
earnings, fails not to plunge into excess, with the determination to
make up for the pleasure lost by years of toil, the brave mountaineers
courted merrymaking. From their own accounts, they passed a short
time gloriously. This similarity of disposition between trappers and
sailors, in regard to pleasure's syren cup and its consequent draft
upon their treasures, causing them to forget the risk of life and
limb and the expense of their valuable time, is most remarkable. These
hardy trappers, like reliable old salts, proved to be as true to the
bowl as they had been to their steel; for, most of the party, in a
very brief space of time, were penniless and ready to be fitted
out for another expedition. Young Kit, at this period of his life,
imitated the example set by his elders, for he wished to be considered
by them as an equal and a friend. He, however, passed through
this terrible ordeal, which most frequently ruins its votary,
and eventually came out brighter, clearer and more noble for the
conscience-polish which he received. He contracted no bad habits,
but learned the usefulness and happiness of resisting temptation, and
became so well schooled that he was able, by the caution and advice of
wisdom founded on experience, to prevent many a promising and skillful
hand from grasping ruin in the same vortex.
The scenes of pleasure lasted until the fall of 1830. Kit then joined
his second trapping expedition. This band had been formed for the
purpose of trapping the principal streams of the Rocky Mountains. Mr.
Fitzpatrick, a trapper well known and respected by the mountaineers,
had charge of the party. He was, at that time, well acquainted by
experience with the Rocky Mountains, and has, since then, gained an
enviable fame as an Indian Agent. The new party travelled North and
commenced operations on the Platte River, which they followed down
stream to one of its tributaries, the Sweet Water River. From
here they worked on until they reached the Green River. Hence they
journeyed to Jackson's Hole, which is a fork of the Great Columbia
River. After making a short stay at this point they started for the
Salmon River. Here they were joined by a band of their own party, who
had left Taos some days in advance of the main body, and for whom they
were then hunting. The whole party, as now organized, remained where
they were throughout the winter of 1830 and 1831, employed in killing
only the amount of game necessary for their sustenance. An unfortunate
affair here happened to them. Four of their men, while hunting
buffalo, were attacked and killed by a party of Blackfeet Indians.
No other incident occurred during the winter to change the everyday
routine. In April of 1831, they recommenced trapping, shaping their
course for Bear River. This is the principal stream that empties into
GREAT SALT LAKE. Thence they returned to Green River, where they found
some Trappers under the command of Mr. Sinclair, who left New Mexico
soon after Mr. Fitzpatrick's party and had wintered on the Bear River.
Among many other facts, they learned from this party that Captain
Gaunt, who was an old mountaineer well known to most of the whites
present, had passed the winter on the Laramie River, and that he
was then with his men in the New Park. Kit Carson and four of his
companions determined to join him. For this purpose they started, and,
after ten days of steady travel, found his party.
There are two of these natural Parks in the Rocky Mountains. To
distinguish them they are called the Old Park and the New Park. As
their names imply, they are fair natural examples of the manufactured
parks of civilization. In some things nature has lavished upon them
charms and beauties which no human skill can imitate. These parks are
favorite haunts of the deer, antelope and elk, while the streams which
run through them are well stocked with otter and beaver. Kit and
his companions were graciously received by Gaunt; and, with him they
trapped the streams in the vicinity of the New Park and the plains of
Laramie to the South fork of the Platte. Having finished here, they
left for the Arkansas, remaining there while their captain went to
Taos to dispose of their stock of furs and to make such purchases of
necessaries as the men required. Gaunt returned after an absence of
two months; when, trapping operations were resumed on the Arkansas
River, which they trapped until it froze over. The party then went
into Winter Quarters.
The business of trapping for beaver is no child's play. A person
unaccustomed to it may possibly look upon it as no very difficult
task. A single trial is usually sufficient to satisfy the uninitiated
on this point; for, the beaver, above all other wild animals of
America is endowed with an extraordinary amount of instinct. His
handiwork and habits sufficiently attest this.
There are bands of Indians living in the Northwestern 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
between 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 inquisitive traveller are somewhat startling; nevertheless, what
this amphibious animal really performs is truly astounding, and
oftentimes the truth fails to gain credence.
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 cottonwood trees and gathering the
bark and branches for fodder, they managed to prevent them from dying
of starvation. The buffalo existed about there in great abundance;
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
themselves 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 _signs_ of the Indians were
discovered. Kit Carson, with twelve of his companions, immediately
saddled their horses and started in pursuit. It was very difficult
to follow the trail of the Indians from the fact that many herds of
buffalo had crossed and repeatedly recrossed it during the night,
making the tracks very indistinct. Having traveled forty miles, their
horses, which were very poor in flesh, became fatigued, causing them
to think of making a halt. After due consultation, it was agreed that
they had best go into camp. With this object in view they traveled
towards some timber which was near by. On arriving at the woods,
the advance of the party, to their surprise and not less to their
satisfaction, discovered the smoke of their enemies' fires. The
distance between the parties was inconsiderable; but, in order that
their movements might be made unobserved, the trappers retreated to
a secluded spot where they awaited the night, judging it best to take
the party by surprise. Their first care was to secure and provide for
their animals. The second was to prepare their arms. As soon as it
would do for them to move, they started, eager for the strife. It was
judged best first to make a half circuit and then approach the Indians
from the direction they themselves were travelling, as from this
source, they wisely judged the red men would be less apprehensive of
an attack. Their movements were made slowly and with great care in
order not to alarm the savages. Having obtained a position close
enough to observe the strength of their enemies, they stopped to
reconnoitre. The men then crept for a long distance on their hands and
knees until finally they obtained a full view of the Indians, which
showed them that the savages had erected two rough forts and that they
were now divided into two parties. A dance was in progress in honor of
the robbery so recently perpetrated, which proved conclusively, that
they were without even a suspicion of danger. Just outside one of the
forts, the nine stolen animals were securely tied. This sight did not
tend to allay the wrath of the trappers. They resolved that come what
might the attempt to regain their property and punish the Indians
should be made notwithstanding their strength. To insure success in
spite of their weakness, they determined to conceal themselves and
wait quietly until the Indians had lain down for sleep. During this
time of suspense the trappers were subjected to great suffering
for the weather was intensely cold and they possessed but a scanty
allowance of clothing fit for such work. But as there is an end to all
things, there was an end to the dance and other festivities and the
savages sought their rest. At last the time for action arrived. Kit
Carson and five of his companions commenced crawling towards the
stolen horses, which, on reaching, were easily set free by cutting
their halters. They then threw snow-balls at them and by this means
drove them away without disturbing the sleeping Indians. The trappers
who acted as a reserve party soon after joined Kit and his companions;
and, after retreating some distance in order to be out of the hearing
of the enemy, they held a council to obtain the views of each member
of the party as to their next step. It appeared that a difference of
opinion existed; some of the men were in favor of returning, having
recovered their property and sustained no damage. The remainder,
those who had lost no animals, wanted satisfaction for the trouble
and hardship they had undergone while in pursuit of the thieves.
Kit Carson and two others composed this latter party and thus were
determined to punish the thieves, let the consequences of the attempt
be ever so fatal. The more peaceful party, seeing this earnestness,
could not do otherwise than lend their aid in the fight and cheerfully
did so.
There always existed such a feeling of brotherly love among the old
trappers of the Rocky Mountains, that the hour of peril was never the
hour for separation or desertion. This instance affords a fair example
how the minority could easily rule the majority when the minority held
to the side of danger. The whole band were now unanimous in favor of
the attack.
Kit Carson, who had from the first acted as captain, ordered three
men to take the recovered animals back to where they had secured their
saddle horses. Then, with his comrades, he marched directly for the
Indian camp. A dog belonging to the enemy first gave the alarm of
approaching danger to the Indians; but not until Kit and his party
were within a few paces of the first fort. As soon as the occupants
of the fort heard the noise they sprang to their feet, and thus became
fair marks for the unerring rifles of the trappers. The whites did not
throw away a single shot; every ball struck a warrior in some vital
spot. Those who survived retreated to the fort occupied by their
friends, and, as soon as possible, commenced returning the fire; but
without execution, as the trappers, on discharging their first volley,
had well concealed themselves behind trees, from whence they were
shooting only when sure of an object. It was now nearly daybreak; and
as the savages discovered the weakness of the attacking party, they
resolved to charge, feeling sure of success. They did so; but the
white men, who were expert fighters in this kind of warfare, quietly
waited until the Indians were fully exposed. They then fired and
killed five warriors. The remainder immediately retreated into the
fort.
After considerable deliberation, the Indians decided once more to make
a sortie. On they came, and this time with such determination that
the trappers could not withstand the assault, but were compelled to
retreat. They disputed, however, every inch of ground over which they
trod, as they fell back from one tree to another, continually making
their bullets tell with terrible effect on their foes. The three men
who had been sent back with the horses had joined their comrades soon
after they had commenced retreating. They had heard the incessant
firing and had become convinced that the fight was hotly contested and
that their services were required. On their joining, the whole party
resolved to make one more stand, and as soon as the Indians saw this,
they wavered and finally drew off. Both sides had now, seemingly, had
enough of fighting, and hostilities soon after entirely ceased, the
savages marching back and leaving the whites masters of the field.
Several of the trappers were slightly, but none dangerously, wounded.
The Indians had paid dearly, in numbers killed, for their rascality.
Finding the coast clear, Carson and his men set out and soon rejoined
their comrades on the Arkansas River. In the Spring, after having
_cached_ their fur, the whole band departed for Laramie River on
another expedition.
While on the south fork of the Platte, two of the party deserted,
taking with them three of their best animals. Suspecting their design,
Gaunt sent Kit Carson and another man in pursuit of the fugitives, who
had one day the start. As was suspected, the two deserters had gone
to the camp where the beaver fur was concealed and buried. They had
succeeded in digging it up and stealing about three hundred pounds of
this valuable property, belonging to the company in general, share and
share alike. Carson and his companion failed entirely in their
efforts to find the two men. Doubtless they never lived to enjoy their
ill-gotten wealth; for, notwithstanding careful search was made, the
men were never heard from afterwards. It is probable that they were
killed by Indians, a fate which they, at least, richly merited.
This old camp, the reader will please bear in mind, was on the
Arkansas River. Kit Carson and his comrade, after finding that the two
deserters had thus succeeded in stealing the fur which had been buried
by the company, made every further effort which lay in their power
to recover it. As has also been seen, they were unsuccessful. It now
remained for them to determine their future course. The country was so
infested with hostile Indians that it made their position, thus
alone, very precarious. To regain their commander's company was almost
impracticable; at least, without a more important object to make the
risk necessary, it was a foolhardy attempt. Time in learning the loss
was of no great importance either to their leader or their party.
Sooner or later this, as a matter of course, would be fully shown. Kit
and his comrade, therefore, determined to remain where they were, in
the old camp; and, to this end, immediately arranged everything so
that they could make a successful defence in case they should be
attacked by the savages. They did not dare to venture out far from
their fortifications; but, this was no great trial to them, as game
existed in great plenty and came very near their fortifications. While
one slept, the other stood on guard. It was their intention to await
the return of their party; but, at the expiration of one month,
they were quite happily relieved from their perilous position. Mr.
Blackwell, Mr. Gaunt's partner, arrived from the United States. He was
accompanied by fifteen men, and brought with him a complete outfit
for the entire band. Kit and his comrade had been expecting and were
anxiously looking for this party. They were also made quite happy in
obtaining the articles of outfit which would render their wild life
more agreeable and easy. Shortly after this arrival, four men from
the trapping party came into camp and brought the news as to the
whereabouts of Gaunt and his men. They were overjoyed at finding Kit
and his comrade, as they said that they had hunted for them in all
directions; and, finally had given up all hopes of ever seeing them
again. The whole party now began the march to join Gaunt at the Ballo
Salado.[3]
[Footnote 3: Salt Springs.]
These Springs form the head waters of the south fork of the River
Platte. When four days' journey had been accomplished, and while they
were partaking of their breakfast in camp, an alarm of Indians was
given by one of the men. He had accidentally discovered the red skin
rascals as they were prowling about the camp. A rush was instantly
made by the trappers, with rifles in hand, to save their horses.
Shots were fired and one Indian fell. The rest of the band made off as
empty-handed as they came, with one exception. One brave had succeeded
in capturing and mounting a horse before the white men could reach
him. Notwithstanding he had a dead brother lying on the ground, he
appeared to be altogether too polite to make the trappers a longer
visit; at least, without a proper introduction. On the contrary, he
galloped off; seemingly, quite proud of his trophy. Had it not been
that the trappers had taken the precaution to hobble their horses
before turning them out to graze, they would have lost them all in
this attempted stampede.[4]
[Footnote 4: These stampedes are a source of great profit to the
Indians of the Plains. It is by this means they deprive the caravans
of their animals. The Camanches are particularly expert and daring
in this kind of robbery. They even train horses to run from one given
point to another in expectancy of caravans. When a camp is made which
is nearly in range they turn their trained animals loose, who at once
fly across the plain, penetrating and passing through the camp of
their victims. All of the picketed animals will endeavor to follow,
and usually succeed in following, the trained horses. Such are
invariably led into the haunts of the thieves, who easily secure them.
Young horses and mules are easily frightened; and, in the havoc which
generally ensues, oftentimes great injury is done to the runaways
themselves. The sight of a stampede on a grand scale requires steady
nerves to witness without tremor; and, woe to the footman who cannot
get out of the way when the frightened animals come along. At times,
when the herd is very large, the horses scatter over the open country
and are irrecoverably lost; and, such as do not become wild, fall a
prey to the ravenous wolves. Such, most frequently, is the fate of
stampeded horses which have been bred in the States, not being trained
by a prairie-life experience to take care of themselves. Instead of
bravely stopping and fighting off the wolves, they run. The whole pack
are sure to leave the bolder animals and make for the runaways, which
they seldom fail to overtake and dispatch. Four years since, one of
these stampedes occurred on the Plains of a band of horses, in which
there were several hundred valuable animals. It was attended with very
heavy loss to the owners. Through the courage and great exertions of
those who had the animals in charge, many were recovered, but none
without having sustained more or less injury.
A favorite policy of the Indian horse thieves is to creep into camp,
cut loose one animal and thoroughly frighten him. This animal seldom
fails to frighten the remainder, when away they all go with long ropes
and picket pins dangling after them. The latter sometimes act like
harpoons, being thrown with such impetus as to strike and instantly
kill a valuable steed from among the brother runaways. At other times,
the limbs of the running horses get entangled in the ropes, when they
are suddenly thrown. Such seldom escape without broken legs or severe
contusions, which are often incurable. The necessity of traveling on,
at any rate, renders it an impossibility to undertake the cure, when
it might be practicable under other circumstances.]
This day the party travelled fifty miles and thought themselves clear
of Indians, as there were no visible signs of their presence. The
experience of the day, however, had admonished them to be on their
guard against surprise. To make things sure as to their animals, they
fastened them to stakes driven in the earth, sufficient rope being
given them for grazing. The place selected for their camp was a
beautiful spot, being on a small stream which empties into the
Arkansas, the water of which is sparkling and clear. There are many of
these charming little brooks which, emptying into, form this river.
To the general traveler, however, they present one great drawback as
eligible camping sites. Their banks are usually pretty thickly lined
with rattlesnakes. The mountaineer is quite well accustomed and
reconciled to this venomous reptile, as they abound in nearly every
section of his hunting and trapping grounds. Not so however with the
mere visitor of, or casual traveller over, the Western Territories. To
them his rattlesnake-ship is a formidable personage.
The rattlesnake rarely moves after sunset. The night air is generally
too chilling for him. In the day time they are a noble enemy, always
warning their antagonist of their hostile intentions by springing
their rattles, thus giving a person warning of his danger. By these
two wise provisions of the Creator the power of this otherwise
terrible reptile, is so limited or restrained, that the trapper rarely
gives him a thought unless he comes in direct contact. Although they
are so numerous, it very seldom happens that either the Indian or the
trapper is bitten by them.
The party had not been long at rest before their suspicions were
aroused that hostile Indians were near them. A faithful dog belonging
to the camp kept up a furious barking, much more lustily than when
wolves annoyed him. An extra guard was therefore immediately posted,
when the remainder of the party lay down; but, not for sleep. They
expected at every moment that their services would be needed to defend
the camp. Everything however passed as usual during the night; and,
with the morning, all suspicion was laid aside. Kit Carson, with three
companions, proposed a visit to a fork of a river close by, to look
for signs of beaver. They had been informed that these animals were
numerous in this particular stream. Carson and the three men had
been absent about one hour when the signs of Indians proved to be
realities, in the shape of a bold and well-sustained charge upon their
camp. The rascals succeeded in running off all of their loose animals.
Four of the men immediately saddled the fleetest of the remaining
horses and instantly gave chase. After a quick run they came up with
the savages and immediately gave them battle. A sharp skirmish ensued
in which one of the warriors was killed, when the remainder fled,
leaving the property once more in the hands of its rightful owners.
The men however did not come off entirely safe. One of them received
a very severe wound; which, eventually, gave him considerable
difficulty; but from the effects of which he finally recovered.
Kit and his companions in the mean time, in order to reach their
destination, found it necessary, unless they should take a long and
circuitous route, to cross one of those lofty peaks for which the
Rocky Mountains are so famous. The ascent was however commenced and
successfully accomplished; but, not without labor and an occasional
resting-place being sought for breathing their animals. In due time,
they reached the desired stream; but, the beaver signs did not appear.
Finding their errand had proved entirely useless, they started to
return into camp. Experience had taught them that the longest way
round was, in this case, the quickest way home. Taking therefore a
circuitous route, they avoided recrossing the lofty mountain peak
already alluded to. As they were riding carelessly homeward, beguiling
the time with anecdote and remark upon their future prospects, the
scenery around them, with an occasional sight at some kind of game,
what should appear ahead of them but four Indian warriors, remarkably
well mounted, painted and decked with feathers, showing, conclusively,
that they were out upon the war-path. As soon as Kit and his
companions saw the warriors, and without one word as to their proper
and best action being interchanged, they simultaneously put spurs to
their horses and dashed at the Indians in order quickly to bring
them within range of their rifles. The pace became a hot one; but, as
suddenly as the charge had been commenced, so suddenly the trappers
found that they had, this time "caught a Tartar;" for, as they dashed
on, sixty warriors, fully armed and splendidly mounted, came into view
from beneath a hill where they were awaiting in ambush.
There was but one course for the trappers to take and that was to run
the gauntlet, which they did in gallant style, although twenty yards
would have frequently measured the distance between them and the
hostile savages. The bullets from the rifles of the Indians flew about
their ears thick and fast, for a heavy fire was opened upon them,
as they passed, and incessantly kept up until they were out of their
reach. The trappers did not return a shot. It would not have been
according to their custom. There is no one thing Simon-pure trappers
consider to be a greater folly than firing their rifles on such an
occasion as is here described. There is nothing they so much dread as
being left on foot with an empty gun and no time to load, when perhaps
a single shot might change defeat into victory; sure captivity into
freedom, or a dead companion into a laughing, jolly and lovable
help-mate, ready for setting a trap or to engage in the next bloody
skirmish. This must inevitably happen if, after the rider has fired,
among the score or so of passing bullets, one of them, perchance, took
a peculiar fancy for a vital organ of his horse. The mortally wounded
animal would make no account of dismounting his master and leaving
him to the tender mercies of the refined savages. In every close and
unequal contest, such as above detailed, they only think of the surest
and speediest method of escape, leaving revenge to be obtained on some
more fitting and favorable occasion. For some unaccountable reason the
savages did not give chase.
As soon as Carson and his comrades had got out of the reach of the
Indians they began to recall the suspicions concerning signs of
Indians which their faithful dog had aroused. Fears for the safety of
their companions arose accordingly. Therefore, giving spurs to their
horses they pushed on with vigor to know the worst. The facts that
awaited them at camp concerning the attack by the Indians, stealing
and rescue of the horses gave them therefore but little surprise. They
had already surmised the reason why the Indians had thus set a trap
for them. Having been watching the camp during the night and finding
the white men fully on the alert and carefully guarding against any
surprise, they had quietly waited until suspicion of their proximity
had been entirely laid aside. The departure of Carson and his
companions from camp was doubtless seen by the savages and afforded
them a clear proof that the white men had forgotten their fears. As
Kit's departure with the men weakened the camp party the Indians had
gathered together sufficient courage to make a bold charge for the
coveted plunder. The final result, however, which led to their losing
the stolen property, and the life of one of their braves, had caused
them to think of an attack upon Kit's party; thus, obtaining by its
massacre, revenge for their dead companion; and, the horses which Kit
and his comrades rode would have been a consolation for their failure
to retain the horses obtained at the camp. The attack was skillfully
planned and would undoubtedly have succeeded, but for the unexpected
daring and promptitude displayed by Kit and his comrades. The Indians
had not looked for the bold charge upon their advance party; but,
on the contrary, they had been prepared for a chase and fight in the
opposite direction. Had such a skirmish taken place, nothing beyond
an absolute miracle, or change of the laws of nature, could have saved
the little band. Kit and his friends had reason, therefore, to be very
thankful for their safety. They all felt that they had retained their
scalps by a very close shave. To use the expressive language of Carson
employed in narrating the event "The red skins made a good attempt
but, thank God, failed."
Two of the trappers had received, in this affray, wounds; which proved
to be of a serious nature: much more so than they or their companions
thought on the first examination given them. In consequence, the whole
party was obliged to halt and again go into camp, having accomplished
but a very short remove from their savage foes. It became necessary
to maintain a strong and careful guard during the succeeding night,
notwithstanding the labors of the past day and night had been more
than usually arduous. However, they succeeded in passing the night
without further molestation. The next morning, it was found necessary
to make a litter for one of the wounded men whose condition had grown
to be much worse.
The method which the mountaineers adopt for making a litter, they have
taken from the Indians, and is as follows. Take two strong poles, six
feet of which, at either extremity, is allowed for shafts, or handles,
while the patient lies in the intermediate space on a buffalo robe, or
strong sacking, which-ever is most convenient. Two mules or horses
of the same size are then selected; and, to saddles upon each of the
animals, the poles, at their extremities, are fastened. Another and
simpler plan, but one not so comfortable to the patient, is to take
the two poles as before and attach them strongly to a saddle on but
one animal, while the two ends are allowed to drag upon the ground.
Directly in the rear of the horse the patient's bed is affixed. If the
poles are long they will act as springs, especially when the wood used
is of a kind which has considerable elasticity.
Having arranged everything to the satisfaction and comfort of the
wounded men, the party commenced their march and in four days reached
Gaunt's camp where they rested until the wounded men had nearly
recovered. This simple fact shows the careful and sympathizing care
which the mountaineers of the west ever exhibit towards each other in
distress. It speaks more than would volumes of mere praise, concerning
their character for true manhood.
When the wounded men had so far recovered that they could safely
proceed, the whole party, now quite strong in its numerical power, as
well as skill and mountaineer experience, departed for, and, in due
time, arrived at the Old Park. The coveted beaver however were scarce
there, for other trappers had preceded them; and, to employ trapping
phrase, "had caught all the fur in those streams that could be taken
that season." This was an unpleasant condition for their business
prospects; but, as the old adage hath it, "what could not be cured was
quietly endured." Catching beaver is not always a matter of choice.
The beaver themselves have considerable to say on the subject.