Kit Carson is sent Overland as Bearer of Dispatches
to Washington--The Preparation and the Start--The
Journey--Privations and Sufferings--Meeting with General
Kearney--The General takes Carson as his Guide and sends on
the Dispatches by Fitzpatrick--The March--Arrival at Warner's
Ranche--Mexicans on the Road--Preparations for a Battle--The
Battle--Disastrous Consequences--Kit Carson and Lieutenant
Beale offer to run the lines of the Mexican Sentinels
and carry Information to San Diego of Kearney's critical
position--The Daring Undertaking--The Sufferings
they encountered--Their Arrival--Reinforcements sent
out--Lieutenant Beale is Delirious from the Privations he has
undergone--Gen. Kearney and his Command finally reach and join
the other American Forces in California.
On the 15th day of September, 1846, Kit Carson was placed in the
command of fifteen men, with orders to make an overland journey to
Washington, as bearer of very important dispatches.
At the time of which we write, there was no steam communication, as
now, _viâ_ the two great oceans, consequently, the intercourse between
our brave countrymen in California and the government at Washington
was attended with extreme difficulty. Fortunately, Fremont had in Kit
Carson just the man to make such a journey through an enemy's country.
Kit Carson was instructed to use his utmost endeavors to make the
journey in sixty days, which was no small undertaking, when we
consider the great distance to be traveled over and the obstacles that
lay in his path; he undertook it, however, with a determination not to
be easily frustrated.
By judicious management and watchfulness, Kit was making good
progress, and had reached a point within two days' travel of the
Copper Mines in New Mexico without being in any way annoyed. Here he
came into full view of a village of Apache Indians, who were then, as
they nearly ever since have been, at war with the Americans. He had
been discovered by these Indians, and there was but one true way to
act, which was not to show the white feather by attempting to evade
them. Fremont's dispatch bearer had not the least idea of that; he
was too well schooled in Indian stratagem to be out-manoeuvered, so he
rode on as if nothing had happened until he came to some timber that
lay within one hundred yards of their village, when he halted. At
first the Indians were disconcerted at the boldness of the whites,
and were showing it by hurrying to and fro, either for the purpose
of leaving or to be better prepared to offer fight. On arriving near
enough so to do, Kit Carson called to the savages and informed them
that his party were friends and wished a parley. To this an assent was
given, when Kit made them understand that he and his men were simply
travelers, en route for New Mexico; that they carried the olive branch
of peace with them, and had come among them bearing it, in the hopes
of being able to exchange their fatigued animals for others that were
fresh. With this the Indians were satisfied; therefore, Carson chose a
camping-ground for himself and men, and selected the site so that they
could best contend against the treachery of the red men, should they
attempt any. When the camp was arranged, the Indians were allowed to
come in; and, soon after, the trading commenced, which proved to be
very successful, for the men obtained very good riding animals in
place of their old ones. Their intercourse with this band of Apaches
closed early the next day, when both parties bid each other good bye
on the most friendly terms.
A few days more of travel brought Kit Carson and his men to the first
Mexican settlement which then stood in their road. Their arrival in
the town happened very opportunely, having for the past few days been
suffering severely from hunger. They had started from California with
but a small stock of dried meat and corn, not being able conveniently
to carry more without impeding their progress; therefore, they were
left to depend on their rifles. Game they found to be scarce; and, in
a short time, their meat was expended. Being reduced to the corn,
they were, as a matter of necessity, very sparing of it. The maize was
parched, and for several days they derived their entire subsistence
from it; though, on account of the short allowance, they but poorly
satiated their appetites. About the time succor appeared to them in
the shape of this Mexican town, even the maize was nearly used up.
They were delighted to reach a place where they would be able to
replenish their provisions. It was well known to their commander that,
as a _dernier resort_, he could kill and live upon his riding animals,
but in so doing, he would cripple his means so much, that the business
he was on might prove a failure. While so much depended on it, he felt
that he ought not to leave any other means untried before resorting to
such a procedure. It was true, the Mexicans at that time were at
war; but, there were scattered over New Mexico, in almost every town,
former friends of Kit Carson, who would, he felt confident, serve him
in the hour of trial. At the first ranche they came to, they halted
and made a rest of two or three days, while Kit employed himself
in purchasing supplies, in which he succeeded beyond even his
expectations.
It was while obeying instructions, in traveling as fast as possible,
that one day, the sixth of October, 1846, the party discerned
something which, at first, looked like a mere speck moving on the
prairies. Watching it with intense anxiety, the little speck increased
in size until they saw it emerge, as it were, from the apparent
junction of the heavens with the earth, and form a visible line; as
the front of this column came nearer to view, they discovered that
it was a strong detachment of United States troops. The truth was now
evident to them all that this was an expedition sent out by government
to operate in California. Spurring on their animals, Kit and his men
soon met the advance guard of the soldiers and learned that their
commander was Gen. Kearney, who was further back in the lines. On
coming to the general, Kit Carson reported himself, informed him
of the business he was on, and also furnished him with all the
intelligence in his power in reference to the disposal of the American
forces in California, besides detailing to him what had already been
accomplished in that quarter.
After due deliberation, Gen. Kearney determined to send Mr.
Fitzpatrick on to Washington with the dispatches and to order Kit
Carson to join him as guide. In fulfilling this duty, he well knew
that Kit would be invaluable to him. Acting on this decision, he
sent for Kit Carson and informed him of what he wished him to do. Kit
Carson replied, "As the general thinks best." The fact was, that Kit
well knew he could be of great service to the command, and he was too
honest not to confess it, though he was now nearly in reach of his
happy home and its loved inmates, from whom he had been so long
separated and whom he fondly wished to see. In facing about, Kit took
upon his shoulders the prospect of encountering fearful dangers; but,
he undertook his new duties without allowing a murmur to escape his
lips, and without even asking additional pay; though, had he but
mentioned it, the general could not have well refused the demand. A
noble motive engrossed Kit Carson's mind. He has ever labored to win
and wear the confidence and respect of his countrymen, being ambitious
to leave a name behind him that shall be an honor to his friends and
family.
On the eighteenth day of October, 1846, General Kearney and his
command left the Rio Del Norte, in New Mexico. The services of Kit
Carson in directing the route, proved the wisdom of General Kearney
in making the change in the bearers of dispatches. So true was Kit
Carson's guidance, that the command traveled with so much dispatch as
to reach Warner's Ranche, in California, on the third day of December
following. From this place it took up a line of march for San Diego.
While on their march, news was brought in by their spies that a strong
command of Mexican Californians had taken up a position on their
route, evidently awaiting their advance with the view of attacking
them. This occurred on the sixth day of the same month. General
Kearney made no change in his route, but advanced to within fifteen
miles of the enemy's encampment. Here he commanded a halt. A
reconnoitering party, consisting of fifteen dragoons, commanded by
Lieutenant Hammond, was sent on in advance to note the position and
force of the enemy. He proceeded upon the duty, but was discovered
by the Mexicans. Nevertheless, he fortunately succeeded in making his
observations previous to being seen. His report to General Kearney,
among other facts, stated that these Mexican soldiers had strongly
established themselves in an Indian village.
General Kearney determined, without delay to attack them. Orders were
given to resume the march; and, by one o'clock the next morning the
American soldiers had fastened all their packs on their mules, and
were themselves mounted and ready for the command to move. The order
came without delay, and the little army was immediately in motion.
Fourteen miles of the space which separated the two parties were
passed without interruption. When within one mile of the Mexican
position, the advance guard of the Americans suddenly came upon a
small advance guard of the Mexicans, who were evidently posted
to watch their approach and guard the road. As soon as they were
discovered, the trumpets of the dragoons sounded, in quick succession,
the orders to trot, and to gallop. The Americans were so prompt in
making their charge that they came upon the Mexicans, when a sharp
skirmish ensued, in which several of the enemy were killed. The
remainder of the outpost were driven in, bearing the news of the
attack to their friends. Captain Johnson, Kit Carson and fifteen
American soldiers formed the attacking party in this affair. They had
been ordered to secure the loose animals belonging to the enemy. In
this they failed, the animals being too strongly guarded, and because,
upon the first alarm, they were driven out of harm's way.
This attack, however, proved to be the commencement of a serious
fight. Seeing that his orders could not be obeyed in regard to the
animals of the enemy, Captain Johnson and his party joined a party
under Captain Moore. The force of the latter consisted of twenty-five
American volunteers from California, who had attached themselves to
General Kearney's command since its arrival in the country. Moore's
command also comprised parts of two companies of United States
dragoons. Captain Moore had been ordered to make an attack on the
centre of the enemy, in order to cut their forces in two, and thereby
cause confusion in their ranks. As has been stated, Captain Johnson,
with his little force, joined Captain Moore in making this attack.
While the charge was in progress, and when within one hundred yards of
the Mexican camp, Kit Carson's horse, occupying a leading position in
the column of attack, accidentally fell, and threw his rider with such
force as to break the wood part, or stock, of his rifle into several
pieces, rendering it useless. His position, for a short time, was
precarious. Being foremost in the charge when the accident happened,
the whole troop of horse came galloping over him as he lay upon the
ground. His escape was almost a miracle. When the last horseman had
passed, Kit arose, and was quite happy to find that he had received
only slight contusions, which did not in the least impair his
movements or strength of body. Casting a hasty glance over the field,
he discovered a dead dragoon, not far distant from the spot where
he himself had fallen. Instantly running up to the poor fellow, he
relieved him of his gun and cartridge-box. Being once more armed, he
rushed forward at the top of his speed and plunged into the thickest
of the fight, which was then severely contested. Captain Johnson and
several of the more advanced soldiers had been killed by the bullets
of the enemy, almost at the same instant that Kit Carson's horse had
fallen. It is not at all unlikely, therefore, that the accidental
falling of his horse had been the means of saving Kit Carson's life.
After a desperate and deadly conflict, Moore and his men dislodged the
enemy, causing them to retreat. They were followed by the Americans,
but, unfortunately for their complete success, the large majority of
the latter were mounted on mules. These, when the firing commenced,
became almost unmanageable. But forty of the entire command of General
Kearney were mounted on horses, and these were none the best for
cavalry purposes, having been but recently broken to the saddle. They
had been captured since the arrival of the American forces in the
country, from a party of Mexicans, who were en route to Sonora, by
Lieutenant Davidson and twenty-five dragoons, assisted by Kit Carson.
By the uncontrollable actions of the stubborn mules, Moore's men
became greatly separated and could not act in concert. This rendered
the pursuit, so far as the enemy was concerned, nearly harmless.
The Mexicans, quickly perceiving the condition of their assailants,
and comprehending the chances, which the apparent difficulty gave
them, at once rallied and turned on their pursuers. The fight was
renewed with most determined courage. The Mexicans fought with a
bravery and success which turned the hitherto, comparatively speaking,
bloodless victory of the Americans, into a terrible slaughter. Every
moment saw some brave dragoon yield up his life to the deadly bullets
or blows of the exasperated Mexicans. Out of the forty dragoons who
were mounted on horses, thirty-six were either killed or severely
wounded. Among the names to be added to the sad list already killed,
was Captain Moore, "as brave a man," says Kit Carson, "as ever drew
breath in any service." As fast as the scattered American soldiers
could reach the scene of carnage, they joined in the battle; but, the
Mexicans, elated by their success, fought like demons, and seemed to
sweep everything before them.
General Kearney, seeing his officers thus shot down, drawing his
sword, placed himself at the head of his remaining forces; and, though
severely wounded, he made a desperate attempt to cause the enemy,
once more, to retreat. At this crisis of affairs, Lieutenant Davidson
arrived on the ground with two mountain howitzers. Before he could get
his guns unlimbered and ready to commence firing, nearly every man he
had to work them was shot down, being either killed or badly wounded.
Following up their success, the Mexicans charged right up to the guns,
and, with the lasso, unerring in their hands, captured the horses
attached to, and, on the instant, made off with one of the guns. On
reaching a distance of three hundred yards, they halted and prepared
to turn the fire of the howitzer upon the Americans. From some
unaccountable reason, it would not go off. Lieutenant Davidson did
his utmost to prevent the loss of this gun, and after several narrow
escapes from dangerous lance wounds, as his clothing and saddle
sufficiently attested, he was finally stricken down, and nearly gave
his life a sacrifice to his heroism.
After being thus badly cut up, and with not more than one or two
officers left who had not been either killed or wounded, while the men
had been handled with equal severity, the Americans were obliged to
take refuge at a point of rocks which chanced to be near where
their advance had been defeated. A rally was made at this place. The
Mexicans, however, did not venture to attack them. Both sides were
apparently weary of fighting for that day. The firing ceased, and soon
after, night closed over the scene of the battle field.
These California Mexicans, previous to the war with the United States,
were considered by the mountaineers as the bravest Spanish blood in
the Mexican provinces. During the war, they proved that they had not
been over-estimated, as they met their foes, at the commencement of
hostilities, with a determination to win, or sell their lives dearly.
The reason of this difference of courage in their favor over their
countrymen who inhabited the internal States, is supposed to be owing
to their opportunities for intercourse with the bold mariners from
different countries who visited them in ships for the purpose of
trade. This commerce consisted in the transporting into the country of
such articles as arms, ammunition, groceries, and dry goods, for which
were bartered, hides, tallow, and furs. The currency of California
at that time was hides, which were estimated as so many dollars. The
raising of cattle and horses was the leading employment of the people,
and occupied most of their time. On the discovery of gold, these
affairs underwent a change, and the rapid strides of civilization has
left this people far in the minority. The horses of California were
celebrated as being larger than the ponies of New Mexico, and also for
being much fleeter of foot. The California rider, at that time,
was looked upon as being unrivaled by those who had witnessed his
performances. However, the intercourse between the two countries was
very limited among the Mexicans, and it was difficult to find a New
Mexican who had seen the Pacific. Their dialects were also slightly
different, as much so as happens in the dependencies of any other
country. It was fear of the Indians that put a damper on the travel
between these adjoining districts. The society of the man who had
had the boldness to make a journey to California from New Mexico was
courted, he being considered a renowned traveler. His amusing stories
of large ships and the men who managed them, and also, of the great
expanse of the ocean, amazed his auditors and made them deeply
interested in his conversation and information. It has become a
strange sight to look upon whole communities of men, who have
only heard of steamboats, telegraphs, railroads and other great
improvements and inventions of the age, yet there are thousands of men
living in the great interior of the North American continent who
have only vague ideas of these things; and many there are, who cannot
realize them, but believe that they are fabulous stories, and will
meet the narrator of them with equal wonders, which they manufacture
to suit the occasion. To give a specimen: we remember one night to
have tried to explain these advancements to an old Mexican of some
eighty winters, while we were the guest of his house. He listened
attentively, but evidently could comprehend but little that we said.
We changed the subject, and began to describe to him the great beasts
of the forest, such as the lion, the tiger, and the elephant, and soon
found that we had struck the theme which pleased him. In reply, he
told us that in his younger days he himself was a famous hunter; and
that, on one occasion, while on the chase, he met _Adam_, who, he
informed us, was the greatest hunter of his age. We were somewhat
surprised to hear this old man thus annihilate time and space, but
not more so than when we heard him relate the conversation that passed
between himself and Adam. It was both short and sweet. The Mexican
demanded of Adam what was the particular game he was seeking in these
parts, and the reply was deer. He said that he wished to kill a few
choice bucks, in order to get their skins to clothe _Eve_ with, and
hence he had come to the Rocky Mountains. The flavor of this yarn
was so good, I attempted to try the old man on another adventure, by
asking him if he ever, by chance, in his travels, met the _Evil One_.
Immediately, he informed me that at one time, that gentleman lived in
a salt marsh, which is to be found in the valley of _San Louis_. The
object of his staying there was to watch a very fine band of horses
which he was raising near by. The Indians and Mexicans one day
determined to deprive Satan of his stock, and arranged things
accordingly; but, on coming upon the horses, they were surprised
to find that they could not overtake them, and that the horses ran
directly into the swamp and vanished by easily sinking out of sight.
While looking for a path that led into this marsh, they were all
at once scared nearly out of their senses by seeing the devil raise
himself up in the midst of the bog. The sequel was, that the Mexicans
and their Indian friends retreated as fast as possible, and never
stopped until they had reached a place of safety. My companions became
vexed to think any man could perpetrate such a story on travelers, who
considered they knew a thing or two, and commenced quizzing the old
gentleman by asking him what the Indians knew of Satan; but the old
Mexican evaded the answer by taking down the little wooden cross which
hung on the wall of the room and expressed the desire to confirm the
truth of his story by swearing to it; this, of course, was said to be
entirely unnecessary. From it, we had learned the lesson never to try
to impress on the minds of the ignorant too weighty matters. This is
true with the Indian also; for, he is incredulous of anything beyond
the grasp of his own mind; which fact is illustrated by the following
incident. An American had some business to transact with a certain
band of Indians, who were celebrated as being very treacherous. Being
a bold man, he thought he would beard the lions in their den, and
accordingly, traveled alone to where the band was located; but,
instead of being received with open arms, as he expected, he was made
a prisoner, and so held until it could be decided what was to be done
with him. At last, a council was formed, before which he was to be
tried. The first question asked by the head chief was, "How do your
white people get gunpowder?" The reply was instantaneous: "We sow it
in a peculiar soil and it grows up like wheat." This was responded to
by a grunt from the examiner. A pause ensued, when the chief looked
the captive full in the eyes, and thus addressed him: "Know you, young
man, that the Great Spirit came into our camp this morning, and after
resting a short time he took yonder large hill and placed it on the
top of its fellow, and after leaving it there two hours, he returned
it to its former site. He then bid his Indian children good bye. Young
man, your tongue is split: one fork is for telling lies, and the other
is for telling truths." This was enough to convince the white man that
he had made a mistake, and, that if he had attempted to presume on too
much knowledge, his scalp might soon be dangling on some lodge-pole.
The Indians admired the brave and manly course he had pursued in
coming to them single-handed, and this, with the importance of the
business he came on, saved his life.
The California Mexicans were so remote from their capital, that,
although they acknowledged their allegiance to the general government,
yet they were accustomed, in many things, to act with great
independence. Whenever a governor was sent to them who would not
conform to their rules and regulations, or made himself in the least
obnoxious, he was immediately placed on board ship, with orders to
take himself out of the country as fast as possible, which he never
failed to obey, in order to save his life. Attempts were made by the
home department to make them suffer for these disobediences of the
general laws, but, in all of these contests, the Californians came
out victorious, and hence they believed they were beyond the power of
being vanquished. They were taught differently by the Americans.
These few cursory remarks will serve to show the reader that General
Kearney had no despicable foe to overcome and subdue. His care now
was to attend to the wounded. There was no rest for his command that
night, as, during the hours of darkness, his men were busy interring
their dead and looking after the wants of the sufferers. A sharp
look-out, also, was kept on the movements of the enemy, who were
continually receiving reinforcements. A council of war was held in
the American camp, when Gen. Kearney, after taking the advice of his
remaining officers, decided to move on early in the morning, with the
hope of meeting reinforcements. He had dispatched three men as bearers
of dispatches to Commodore Stockton at San Diego before the battle;
but, whether they had been successful, or not, in reaching the
commodore, the general did not know. Just before the late fight, they
had returned to within sight of their friends, when they were taken
prisoners by the Mexicans. The order of the march on the following
day was as follows: Kit Carson, with a command of twenty-five men,
proceeded in the advance, while the remainder, of the now very much
crippled band of soldiers, followed after on the trail made by their
guide. Steadily and compactly these brave men moved forward, being
continually in expectancy of a charge from the enemy, who would show
themselves, from time to time, on the neighboring hills, and then
again, for a time, disappear. During the previous day, a Mexican
lieutenant had his horse shot from under him and he himself had been
taken prisoner. On a favorable opportunity occurring, General Kearney
ordered the "halt" to be sounded; when, through a flag of truce, he
asked a parley. It being granted, he succeeded in making an exchange
of the lieutenant for one of his expressmen. He gained nothing by
this, for the man stated that he and his companions had found it
impossible to reach their point of destination, and hence they had
turned back. The manoeuvering on the part of the Mexicans, which we
have alluded to as consisting of making temporary stands on the hills,
and then changing their positions as the Americans drew near to them,
continued for the greater part of the day. Finally, as Gen. Kearney
and his men were approaching the water, where they, intended to camp,
and were not over five hundred yards from it, down came the Mexicans,
divided into two separate commands, for the purpose of making a
charge. They were at first warmly received by the Americans, who,
after a time, were obliged to give way to superior numbers; but, in
doing so, they retreated in good order to a hill about two hundred
yards to their left. Here they halted and determined to decide the
battle; but the wary Mexicans, on seeing the strength of the position
taken by their foes, declined to attack them and drew off to a
neighboring height, from which they commenced and maintained a
deadly fire on the Americans. Captains Emery and Turner, with all
the available dragoons, were sent to dislodge them. This they did in
splendid style, after a sharp encounter, and when their companions saw
them take possession of this position, General Kearney, with all
his wounded and luggage trains, joined them there. Here a permanent
resting-place, for the time being, was made. In fact, the men had
no other choice, as they were now pretty effectually used up from
fighting, severe loss and fatigue. The Americans found on this hill
water barely sufficient for their own use, and were obliged to exclude
the idea of sharing it with their animals. Although within sight of
abundance of this much-needed article, yet they did not dare to drive
the latter to it, for they were too weak to defend them from the
assaults of the enemy. The situation of Gen. Kearney's force was now
critical in the extreme; as, besides the dangers that surrounded him,
the men were reduced to living on their mules. That afternoon another
council of war was called, at which desperate efforts to be made for
immediate relief were discussed. When every spark of hope had almost
died within them, and when they were in a dilemma as to what still
remained for them to do, Kit Carson was found to act as the reader
has previously seen him act to parties almost similarly situated--the
right man in the right place. Rising to his feet, he addressed a few
simple words to those present, saying that he was willing to make the
attempt of creeping through the Mexican lines. Should he succeed, he
pledged his word that he could carry information to Commodore Stockton
at San Diego, and thus bring them succor. No sooner had he made this
proposition than he was seconded by Lieutenant Beale, then of the
United States Navy, who, equally as brave and daring as Kit Carson,
volunteered his services in the undertaking.
This gentleman, since the time he first turned landsman up to the
present date, has been adding fresh laurels to his fame. His recent
career in exploring new routes across the great western girdle of
prairies and mountains is so well known through his valuable and
interesting reports as not to require recapitulation at our hands. His
life has been one series of rare adventures; while, to the scientific
world, he has proved a valuable acquisition. To the United States
Government his services are inestimable; and, as an explorer, he has
but few equals.
General Kearney at once accepted the noble and generous offers of
these two men, knowing that if he waited until the following day
and then attempted to leave the hill, the consequences would be most
disastrous; for, in so doing, a sanguinary battle must certainly
ensue, with the chances greatly against him. Having made the few
preparations necessary, Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale waited the
setting in of night, under the cover of which they had both resolved
to succeed in the performance of their mission or die in the attempt.
Having got well under way, and while stealthily crawling over the
rocks and brush, they found their shoes would often, even with the
greatest preventive care being taken, strike against the various
impediments to their progress and make sounds which might lead to
their detection. To avoid this, they took them off and pushed them
under their belts. Slowly, but surely, they evaded the vigilant guard
of the Mexican sentinels, who they found to be mounted and three rows
deep, evidently being determined not to be eluded. So near would they
often come to these Mexican sentinels, that but a few yards would
measure the distance between them and their enemies; yet, with brave
hearts they crept along over the ground foot by foot; they were almost
safe beyond these barriers, when all their hopes came near being
dashed to pieces. This alarm was caused by one of the sentinels riding
up near to where they were, dismounting from his horse and lighting,
by his flint and steel, his cigarretto. On seeing this, Kit Carson,
who was just ahead of Lieutenant Beale, pushed back his foot and
kicked softly his companion, as a signal 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 cigarretto; and,
during these moments of suspense, so quietly did Kit Carson and his
companion lie on the ground, that Carson said, and still affirms, 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 adventurers were
biding their time to accept either good, if possible, or evil, if
necessary, from the wheel of fortune. 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 that might present 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, 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 led to San Diego, every one 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 the 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 imminent peril. Kit Carson's only compass was his eye, which
served him so well that soon the dark outlines of the houses of San
Diego could just be discerned. Both men were ready to leap with joy.
They were challenged by the American sentinels about the town,
and answered in pure English, "Friends," which same English was
unmistakable proof to the guard from whence they came. On stating
their important business, they were conducted into the presence
of Commodore Stockton, to whom they related what we have tried to
describe. Commodore Stockton, with his usual promptitude, immediately
detailed a command of about one hundred and seventy men to make forced
marches in order to reach and relieve their besieged countrymen. With
as much dispatch as possible, this force set out, taking with them
a piece of heavy ordnance, which, for want of animals, the men
themselves were obliged to draw, by attaching ropes to it. Kit Carson
did not return with them, for it was considered that he had seen
service enough for the present; besides, his feet were badly swollen
and inflamed from the rough usage they had recently been obliged to
submit to. He graphically described the position of Gen. Kearney,
so that the relief party could have no difficulty in finding him. He
remained to recruit in San Diego; though, had the commodore expressed
the least wish to have Kit Carson return, every man who knows him
can bear witness with me that he would have been the last person to
object, so long as there was life in his body. Unused then to such
hardships and mental excitements on land, as was his more experienced
companion, Lieutenant Beale, from the trials of the service performed,
became partially deranged; and for treatment, was sent on board the
frigate Congress, which ship lay in the harbor, being one of the
vessels attached to the commodore's fleet. Two long years elapsed
before the gallant lieutenant fully recovered from the effects of this
adventure, which, for the bravery and unselfishness evinced in its
planning, and the boldness with which it was carried out, without
mentioning the good results it produced, was not excelled by any one
feat performed during the Mexican War. Better than all, had these
two men known previously the poor rewards which were afterwards to
be bestowed upon them by their government for this heroic deed, I
hesitate not in saying, that it would have had no effect in changing
their purpose. The reinforcements sent out to meet General Kearney,
by traveling both by day and night, soon reached and released him,
without coming in contact with the enemy. They kept a bright look-out
and were early apprised, through their spies, of what was transpiring
among the Americans; hence, as the naval brigade drew near, they
retreated. The road being now clear, General Kearney, with his
soldiers and the marines, marched on to San Diego, where his wounded
men were comfortably housed and received the attentions of skillful
surgeons.