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
accompanies him--A Night Attack made by the Indians--Arrival
in the United States--Kit Carson's Introduction to Col.
Benton and Mrs. Fremont--Hospitality offered to him at
Washington--Kit Carson receives the Appointment of Lieutenant
in the Rifle Corps of the U.S. Army from President Polk--He
is ordered to carry Dispatches to California--The Journey--A
Brush with the Camanche Indians--Arrival at Santa
Fé--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 Adventures--The return to New
Mexico.
One month elapsed before the forces of the United States that were
concentrated at San Diego were entirely recruited, and in fine trim
for taking the field again. At the expiration of this time, a command
of six hundred men was detailed for the purpose of capturing Los
Angelos. The commanding officers of this force were General Kearney
and Commodore Stockton. At Los Angelos was assembled the main strength
of the Mexicans then in California; the number of their fighting men
was about seven hundred. Towards this town the Americans took up their
line of march, and, in the course of a few days, they arrived within
fifteen miles of it. The Mexican forces had taken a strong position
on a hill, near by where they had pitched their tents and strongly
fortified their camp. Between the Americans' and the enemy's camp
ran a small river. It was decided to postpone the attack until the
following day. Early the next morning, General Kearney ordered two
pieces of artillery to be brought to bear upon the Mexican position.
The guns were so well and successfully served, that the Mexicans were
forced to break up their camp. As soon as this state of things became
apparent, General Kearney and Commodore Stockton crossed the river and
marched on the town. On entering Los Angelos, they found that it
had been evacuated by the Mexicans, and that only a few stragglers
remained in or near the place. From some of these they learned that
the retreating army had gone to attack Col. Fremont; who, with a force
of four hundred Americans collected in Monterey, was also on the march
for Los Angelos. It turned out afterwards that the Mexicans succeeded
in finding Col. Fremont, but, for unknown reasons, failed to give him
battle, as they had boasted they would; but instead, they gave him the
preference over the other American commanders by surrendering to him.
Col. Fremont continued his journey, and finally reached Los Angelos,
where he and all the officers and men heretofore spoken of as engaged
in this campaign, rested for the winter, and managed to pass the time
very agreeably, considering their remote position. Carson, who had,
for a great length of time, been rendering valuable services to
Kearney, rejoined Fremont, when that officer arrived in town, and once
more enrolled himself on his old commander's muster roll.
We have said that the cold and dreary winter days were passed at Los
Angelos as agreeably and happily as the circumstances of the case
would permit. This is only true to a certain extent. It was at Los
Angelos, and during this winter, that the seeds of discord were first
sown between the rival commanders, and the plot carefully laid,
which finally led to Colonel Fremont's court martial. Rank, with its
green-eyed monster, jealousy, which is ever watching with a restless
and caustic determination to snatch from the subaltern his hard-earned
laurels, was actively at work during these winter months. By the
programme, cut and dried, the ambitious young soldier, who was nobly
breasting the conflicts against the enemies of his country, was to
be summarily put down, and his career quickly guillotined. These
ungenerous plans had their birth and were carefully fostered at Los
Angelos; but, the wise decrees of the American people, ever just in
the cause of truth, although tardy, came at last to the rescue, and
stamped the course with its approval and complete indorsement which
had led the bold Explorer to unfurl the standard of his country over
the modern El Dorado. In this view the course of the Mexican forces
at Los Angelos in surrendering their swords to Colonel Fremont becomes
significant. A brave though fallen enemy, seldom fails to admire
a heroic, chivalrous and discreet victor. The choice here plainly
indicated between Colonel Fremont and General Kearney, we repeat, is
sufficiently significant. In Colonel Fremont the fallen chieftains of
the brave Californian-Mexicans discerned all the qualities which make
up true nobility of character. Many of the men under him were well
known to the Mexicans as being upright, honorable and generous. For
many years they had lived among them. Hence we discover the reason of
their preference in laying down their arms in their presence.
Kit Carson took no active part in these unhappy differences, but, his
simple action in leaving General Kearney's command and reenlisting
under his old commander shows plainly to a discerning public, that he
could not be alienated from his friend by acts of injustice. It also
spoke more significantly than words that he adjudged his friend to
have performed in behalf of his country, meritorious actions and a
great service. Such was Kit Carson's view; and no man was capable of
forming a better judgment in the premises than he. As an occupant of
an inferior rank, he then kept his counsel to himself; the time has
at last arrived when he should fully and appropriately express his
opinion, though that opinion he is well aware has been rendered
entirely unnecessary by the honorable mention since attached to the
name of Fremont by the highest officer in the American service, by
the recommendation to the President of the officers of the court to
commute the sentence, and by the President of the United States in
appointing, unsolicited, the court-martialed Conqueror of California
to the high and important trust of commissioner to run the boundary
line between the United States and Mexico, and finally, by the
spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm which greeted the name of John C.
Fremont, from around the firesides of the American people, when his
name was placed at the head of one of the great political parties of
the nation.
It is not for or against regulations that these remarks are directed.
The transactions with which they deal have not been forgotten. They
are recorded as historical facts, and, as such, are always open for
investigation or deductions. In the month of March, 1847, Kit Carson
was ordered to carry important dispatches to the war department at
Washington. Lieutenant Beale, who was still a great invalid, was
permitted to accompany him. In order to show the regard which Kit
Carson entertained for this brave officer, and also to portray to the
reader the goodness of heart which has ever been the actuating impulse
in all of Kit Carson's actions, we will give his own words in relating
this part of his adventures. He says: "Lieutenant Beale went with me
as bearer of dispatches intended for the Navy Department. During the
first twenty days of our journey, he was so weak that I had to lift
him on and off of his riding animal. I did not think for some time
that he could live; but, I bestowed as much care and attention on
him as any one could have done under the circumstances. Before the
fatiguing and dangerous part of our route was passed over, he had so
far recovered as to be able to take care of himself. For my attention
(which was only my duty) to my friend, I was doubly repaid by the
kindness shown to me by his family while I staid in Washington, which
was more than I had any reason for expecting, and which will never be
forgotten by me." On the river Gila, Kit Carson's party was attacked
by Indians during the night, while they were encamped. These savages
threw a good round number of arrows into the midst of his men, which,
however, did no damage, as, early in the commencement of the assault,
he had directed them to hold up before them their pack-saddles, behind
which they could pretty securely conceal themselves while lying upon
the ground. He also directed the men not to talk, lest they should
indicate their positions. 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 approach 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 situation 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 Washington 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 exception of the Indian
attack sustained on the Gila, they were 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
direction 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 adventures, and not
considered by him as worthy of mention. Indeed, Kit Carson appears so
hardened in all kinds of vicissitudes, that a man, in his eyes,
must have stood on the brink of death before he has seen much real
suffering; but, probably, if the reader had been one of the members of
this party, he would, unless equally experienced in Western frontier
life, have considered that he had seen something of the world, and the
rough side of it at that.
It requires no small amount of courage and determination to start out
with but a handful of men to perform the difficult and dangerous task
of threading the American continent from tide to tide, even at the
present epoch; but, eleven years ago, there were few men living who
had ever performed, or were able to perform the feat at all; much less
with the certainty and speed which lay within the power and experience
possessed by Kit Carson. In describing these trips, he now speaks of
them as lightly as a man would after making a journey of a few hundred
miles in a railroad car. He seems to have acted with the idea that
this duty was expected of him, and it required but the official orders
to send him bounding over the country, without regard to obstacles or
dangers. His final object was his destination; which, on reaching, he
was ready to quit at a moment's warning, with as much _sang froid_ as
a Russian courier possesses when doing his master's bidding. Yet so
cautious is he when traveling, that, at first, to a new companion, he
often appears to be wanting in courage. Not a bush, a tree, a rock,
or any other hiding-place on his path, escapes his notice. Towards the
heavens, in search of smoke ascending from, or crows, as they hover
about Indian encampments which are deserted, or for ravens, and back
again to the earth, on the look-out for moccasin or horse tracks, his
eyes are continually turning. There is a nervous action about the man
that shows he is ever alive to meet and be ready for any emergency.
These traits are sure to instill confidence in his followers.
On starting from Los Angelos, Kit Carson took but a few rations of
provisions with him, as he could not burden the few animals he had,
too heavily; hence, he was compelled to depend on the rifle and the
chances of meeting with game. This, of course, is always an uncertain
mode of supporting life, and, consequently, it not unfrequently
happened, that the party were out of food and went fasting; yet, not
a murmur was heard. On they sped, in the hopes of reaching their homes
and firesides, where kind friends were awaiting them, and where
their cares and troubles would be buried in the past, and appear like
dreams. In the breast of the leader of this expedition, there was
throbbing a heart that was anxious to do its duty well, for he was
approaching, not his family circle, but instead, the fireside of
strangers to whom he was only known by name. Yet, in the common cause
of his country's honor, he recognized in every American with whom
he came in contact his true friend, and therefore he, also, was very
happy as he neared Washington. There he looked confidently forward
to hear the words: "Well done thou good and faithful servant." At St.
Louis, Kit Carson had the honor of an introduction to the Hon. Thomas
H. Benton, who was greatly interested in him, and who kindly invited
him to make his house in Washington his home during his stay there. Of
this invitation Kit Carson availed himself, and since considers that
he was very fortunate in doing so, for the best of everything was
heaped upon him, while he enjoyed the satisfaction of meeting and
conversing with the great men of his country.
Mrs. John C. Fremont, daughter of Colonel Benton, and wife of the
distinguished explorer, was in attendance at the railroad dépôt,
when the train of cars in which Kit Carson was traveling arrived
in Washington. It was quite late in the evening when he reached the
terminus of his journey; yet, notwithstanding this, Kit had hardly
landed on the platform of the dépôt, before he was addressed by a lady
who said that she knew him from her husband's descriptions of him, and
that he must accept the hospitalities of her father's house.
The distinguished father-in-law of John C. Fremont became, from the
time of their first meeting in St. Louis, the warm friend and patron
of Kit Carson; and, up to the time of his death, he had no cause to
change his first impressions of him. There was not a friendly favor
within his power which would not have been freely given, had it been
asked. It is one thing to make a friend, but another to keep him; and
those who knew the true character of Mr. Benton are cognizant of the
fact, that he was not easily won; but, when gained, that he was true
as steel, as is beautifully illustrated by the able and devoted manner
in which he stood by General Andrew Jackson.
It is indeed a valuable possession to know that one has friends who
cannot be bought by wealth or other sordid attractions; men, who can
discern through the rough garb of the working, as well as thinking
man, those noble qualities which place them on a par. This acquisition
Kit Carson holds. He easily makes a friend, and never deserts him;
hence, those, with whom he comes in contact, who are worthy of this
name, are enrolled on his side; and he seldom has occasion to call
a man his enemy. Kit Carson was so embarrassed and overcome by the
expressions of kindness and hospitality which greeted his first
arrival at Washington, that he could hardly essay a reply; and yet,
he was almost too happy at the opportunity presented of accepting Mrs.
Fremont's invitation. If there was anything wanted to cement Carson
more firmly in his friendship and admiration for Colonel Fremont, it
was thus to know his accomplished and gifted lady. The situation
of Jessie Fremont has often been comparable with that of the
noble-hearted Lady Franklin. Again and again has she been compelled
to part from her husband when he started out to battle in the cause of
science, and, in the words of the poet, she seemingly said:
"Go, wondrous creature! mount where science guides;
Go, measure earth, weigh air, and state the tides."
Kit Carson remained some time in Washington; but had it not been for
the many tokens of kindness which he there received, he would
have grown weary of the restraints of civilization. As it was, he
continually longed to be once more in the mountains and prairies. His
desire, in time, was granted; for, having received the appointment of
lieutenant in the rifle corps of the United States army from President
Polk, he was ordered, as bearer of dispatches, to return across the
continent from whence he had but recently come. Lieutenant Beale
had intended to return with him, but did not eventually proceed any
further than St. Louis. There he became too ill to continue on the
journey. After arriving at Fort Leavenworth, Kit Carson was furnished
with an escort of fifty men, who were volunteers in the war which was
then being carried on against Mexico. With his usual promptness
and dispatch, Kit Carson was soon under way crossing the plains. At
Leavenworth he had learned that the Camanche Indians were at war with
the whites. As he knew them to be a numerous and treacherous tribe,
he had taken this strong escort in order to give them battle, if they
should be anxious for it. However, he arrived at a place called the
"Point of Rocks," which is not far from the Rocky Mountains, and on
their east side, without discovering any signs of these Indians. At
this place they made their appearance.
The "Point of Rocks" appears to be a favorite place of resort for
the Indians of the plains. It is notorious as being one of the most
dangerous places for the traveler in all the far West. It is a series
of continuous hills, which project out on the prairies in bold relief.
They end abruptly in a mass of rocks, out of which gushes a cold and
refreshing spring, which is the main attraction about the place. The
road winds about near this point, and therefore it is a chosen spot
for the Indians to lurk, in order to catch the unwary pilgrim. Several
encounters with the savages have taken place here, which has caused it
to be pointed out as the scene of bloody tragedies, thereby making it
quite historical. The Indians themselves have made this spot the stage
on which has been enacted several desperate battles. In making the
journey to Santa Fé, when these rocks are passed, the traveler
counts his march as being drawn to a close. Government troops, on the
look-out for Indians on the plains, rarely fail, when they come from
New Mexico, to give this place a visit.
Kit Carson had arrived at the place with his escort, and was about
establishing his camp. His men were under orders to keep a vigilant
watch for Indians, while Kit Carson's restless eye was searching
the country in every direction to discover their signs. About three
hundred yards distant he discovered white men, and found there was
encamped a company of United States volunteers, under the command of
Lieutenant Mulony. With this company was a large train of wagons bound
for New Mexico. Kit Carson ordered his men to go into camp. The night
passed by without any signs of the Indians; but, early in the morning
of the subsequent day, as Lieutenant Mulony's men were leading out
their animals to picket them in fresh grass, the savages suddenly
made their appearance and began an attack upon the picketing party,
capturing all their cattle and twenty-six horses. Mulony's men had
left their rifles in camp, and therefore, in order to escape being
killed, they retreated to their wagons. The cattle, in the confusion
which ensued, turned and came towards Kit Carson's camp. He and his
men, who were instantly on the alert, made an unexpected charge upon
the Indians and recaptured the oxen. During the skirmish which ensued,
two of his men dismounted, in order to be more certain of a deliberate
aim, but, in so doing, they accidentally let their own horses go
loose, and lost them, as they ran away with those that were being
stampeded by the red men.
In this affair three of the volunteers were wounded. With the
two horses lost by Kit Carson's men, twenty-eight riding animals,
belonging to the United States government, were stolen by this band of
Camanches. But, had it not been for Kit Carson and his men, Lieutenant
Mulony would have lost his cattle likewise.
Young oxen, when stampeded, are sometimes lost by the Indians. When
not killed by wolves they usually join with the herds of buffalo and
soon become wild. In this state, they are represented as being quite
fleet of foot. More generally, they fall a prey to the wolves, and
sometimes, again into the hands of the savages. A party was crossing
the plains in the year 1854; the advance of the party sent back word
that the first buffalo was in sight. Many amateur hunters eagerly
volunteered for the chase, and soon, quite a squad of men were
traveling at a good round gallop towards the supposed game. On
approaching the game, it was found to be an old lame ox, which had
been turned out by some caravan to die. The disappointment which
prevailed in this crowd of neophyte hunters, on discovering this
mistake, can be better imagined than described. The poor ox,
apparently, had no idea of giving up the ghost quite yet. He was in
good health and spirits, and showed signs of being pleased to see a
white man again. The little birds of the prairies had used him as a
perch. This office he appeared quite accustomed to perform, for he
did not disturb the flock that was then occupying his back. How he had
escaped the wolves is a miracle.
From signs discovered after the Indians had decamped, it became
evident that several of the thieves had been mortally wounded; but,
being tied on their horses, they were carried out of sight before they
died. This is a fair sample of many of the Indian fights which have
occurred, and are yet not unfrequent, on the prairies; the object of
the savages is to plunder; therefore, an unguarded moment is selected
for their attacks. In this instance, by the time the whites had got
their firearms and men ready to commence the contest, the Indians had
perpetrated their intended assault and were off.
[Illustration: CAMANCHE WARRIOR.]
The Camanches are excelled by no men in the world in their
horsemanship, not excepting the famous Cossacks of Europe. The level
prairies are beautiful fields for them to act on. It is in a skirmish
similar to the one we have endeavored to describe, that they put these
qualifications to the test. The arena where these scenes are enacted
is a very undesirable place for a mere spectator. Kit Carson and party
resumed their march the same day, and arrived safely at Santa Fé,
without meeting with any other adventures. At this town he left his
escort of fifty volunteers, and hired sixteen other men with which
to perform the remainder of his journey. This was in obedience to
the orders he had received at Fort Leavenworth. Pursuing his route on
Muddy Creek, a tributary of Virgin River, he came upon a village of
some three hundred Indians, so suddenly, as his route twisted about
among the hills, that he had to make a bold matter of it, and go into
camp, for the purpose of having a "talk." Kit Carson had learned some
time before that these very red men had massacred seven Americans. For
this reason he determined not to trust them, even if they professed
friendship. The Indians wished to come into his camp, but this
privilege he would by no means grant to them. He posted his men and
selected a place so that he himself could talk, and at the same time
let them see that if the least hostile demonstration was made by their
side, it would be answered by a volley of bullets from the rifles of
the white men. Kit Carson harangued them and informed them that he
knew of the murders they had committed on his people during the past
year. He told them that they bore a treacherous character and could
not be treated as friends, and wound up his discourse by adding, that
he would not allow himself to be deceived, for he knew that their only
object in gaining admission into his camp was to repeat their bloody
acts. He now gave them a limited period of time in which to be off,
at the expiration of which, several lounged about, apparently doubting
his words. He now gave the order to fire. In consequence, a few shots
were aimed at them, which killed one and wounded three or four others.
This had the tendency to hurry the movements of the remainder, who
retired from the dangerous proximity to his camp. This was a case
which required some nerve and great experience in the commander of the
little party. Nothing but the personal courage and promptness of Kit
Carson saved his command. The success of fifteen men against three
hundred Indians in this manner, is chiefly due to their commander.
The party proceeded on their journey, but soon were troubled for food.
Having used up all the game they could find, they were obliged to kill
two mules, on which they lived until they arrived at Los Angelos. Kit
Carson, finding that the officers to whom he was ordered to deliver
his dispatches were at Monterey, journeyed thither, and having reached
that town in safety, gave the documents to Col. Mason, then of the
First Regiment of United States dragoons, who was in command. Obeying
orders, Kit Carson, now an acting lieutenant in the United States
army, returned to Los Angelos and was assigned to do duty in the
company of United States dragoons commanded by Captain Smith. Kit was
allowed little time to recruit, but his restless disposition did
not ask, nor his habits require it; consequently, he remained at Los
Angelos only a short period. With a command of twenty-five dragoons,
he was ordered to proceed to Tajon Pass, the main outlet through which
hostile Indians went out of California, bearing the proceeds of their
incursions, such as cattle, horses, sheep and captives. Kit Carson's
duty in this place was to intercept the Indians and examine their
_papers_ and _cargoes_. He spent the winter in doing much good in this
service. In the spring, he was again ordered to proceed overland to
Washington, with dispatches. An escort being furnished him, he was
soon under way, and had reached Grand River without encountering any
serious difficulty. At this place an accident happened to his party
while crossing the river on rafts.
During the early part of summer, the fording of streams which have
their source in the Rocky Mountains is no safe or easy task. When the
sun and the warm south winds begin to melt the immense piles of snow
and ice in the mountains, the water comes tumbling down in torrents;
and, having overflowed the rivers' banks, floods the adjacent country.
By this means, new gullies and ravines are continually forming, which,
when the melting process ceases, are converted into dry beds. With
this rush of angry water, large rocks and masses of earth are swept
from their natural seat, leaving a wreck behind that is fearfully
grand to behold. The roaring of these torrents as they come leaping
past and over every obstacle, resembles a low, rumbling thunder, which
is reechoed through the deep forests and cañons. Sometimes travelers
are compelled to wait weeks before these rivers fall sufficiently
to allow a safe transit. Heavy rains have the same effect to enlarge
them; and, in one instance, a body of soldiers, while crossing the
plains, were overtaken by these rains, which fell with such rapidity
and in such quantity as to make the level prairies almost one sheet of
water, while every ravine was converted into a river, swift and deep.
To cross these, the men were obliged to use their best exertions with
very poor means to guard against loss; and, even with the best care,
one man was drowned, while several mules shared the same fate. In the
prospective construction of bridges for highroads and railroad tracks
across the continent, in certain seasons of the year, this sudden
accumulation and explosion of water may cause trouble by sweeping them
suddenly away.
This accident crippled the resources of Kit Carson's party very much
and caused them afterwards great suffering. The accident occurred
something after the following manner. One division of the men, with
their leader as a companion, had constructed a float of logs, on which
they had crossed the stream in safety; but the second branch of the
party, under charge of Lieutenant Brewerton, then of the United States
army, and who was traveling in company with Kit Carson, were not so
successful with their raft; for, no sooner did they get it into the
swift current than it became unmanageable, and finally precipitated
its contents, among which were included several of the men and their
luggage, into the water. The wrecked men with great difficulty saved
their lives by swimming to the shore from which they had started. The
day was far spent and no attempt to succor them could be made that
evening; so, in their semi-state of nudity, and without the means of
making a fire, they passed a miserably cold night; but, early the next
morning, one of their friends recrossed and carried them an axe, by
the aid of which a new raft was made, on which they embarked a second
time and were soon safe with their companions. Among the very useful
articles that were lost by this mishap there were several saddles and
six valuable rifles. What made this loss peculiarly unpleasant was,
that they could not be replaced until the party could reach the
settlements. The owners of the saddles were now in a sad plight; for,
neither to the rider or his horse is it a very pleasant prospect to
make a long journey without these useful articles. After repairing
their damages as best they could, they struck out afresh. Setting
aside hunger and the suffering experienced from exposure to cold,
they were not again incommoded in any way until they had come to the
vicinity of the Mexican towns. Here they met several hundred Utah and
Apache Indians. These red skins showed some warlike symptoms which
Kit Carson did not in the least fancy; but, to make the best of his
situation, he ordered his men to post themselves in a neighboring
thicket and be ready to act on the defensive. Kit Carson then informed
the Indians that they must keep at a proper distance, or otherwise he
would direct his men to fire into them. He told them that if they were
disposed to be friendly, which they professed to be, towards the white
men, they could show it by leaving and not annoying his party, who,
being nearly naked and in a destitute condition, could give them
nothing. Evidently the savages saw this was true, and so did not
hazard a fight, but departed. Kit Carson traveled that night ten miles
further. It was late in the day when he again ventured on the trail,
but this distance was all that his animals could accomplish without
food and rest, for they were fatigued and poor. His object in thus
resuming his march, was to separate himself and men as far as he
could from the Indians, fearing that they might change their minds and
conclude to attack him. Being too weak, his party was in no condition
for an engagement. At the end of this distance he fortunately met
with a party of volunteers, who had been out in search of these very
savages, in order that they might punish them for some rascality they
had been recently guilty of. The next day Kit Carson reached
Taos, where he allowed himself a short respite for the purpose of
recruiting, and also to have the pleasure of a visit to his family
and friends. These were privileges which, during his life in the
mountains, had been seldom granted to him, though his feelings of
attachment for relatives and intimate acquaintances are not exceeded
by those of any living man. Indeed, his love for his children is
unbounded. We have several times heard him assert, that if there was
any one thing that could make him a coward, it would be the thoughts
of his little ones. When his party was sufficiently recruited, Kit
Carson left Taos and proceeded to Santa Fé. At this time Colonel
Newby, of the Illinois Volunteers, was in command of the United States
forces stationed there. This gentleman informed Kit Carson that his
appointment as lieutenant, made by President Polk, was not confirmed
by the United States Senate. Many of Kit's friends, on hearing this,
came to him and advised him not to carry the dispatches any further;
but, instead, they counseled him to deliver them to the commanding
officer of the post he was at, advising him that he was doing duty as
an officer in the army and yet was not recognized by government. The
language used by Kit Carson on this occasion, in reply to his friends,
is so much to his credit and is so like the man, that every American
citizen ought to know it. It was as follows: "I was intrusted with
these dispatches, having been chosen in California, from whence I
come, as the most competent person to take them through safely. I
would try to fulfill this duty even if I knew it would cost me my
life. It matters not to me, while I am performing this service for my
country, whether I hold the rank of a lieutenant in the United States
army, or am known merely as an experienced mountaineer. I have gained
some little honor and credit for the manner in which I have always
conducted myself when detailed on any special and important business,
and I would on no account now wish to forfeit the good opinion formed
of me by a majority of my countrymen because the United States Senate
did not deem it proper to confer on me an appointment which I never
solicited, and one which, had I been confirmed, I would have resigned
at the termination of the war."
The reasons why the wishes of the President were not carried out by
Congress in this instance, we know not; but, certain it is, that the
lucky aspirant who eventually received this office at the hands of the
same United States, had no credentials to present that could, as far
as merit was concerned, compare with those held by Christopher Carson.
It is fair to infer, that Kit Carson had but few friends at court,
though it cannot for one moment be supposed that his name was not
well known at Washington, when for five long years he had been the
right-hand man of John C. Fremont in his explorations. The privates
and the hardships which that commander and his guide willingly
submitted to during those years, it is impossible to describe through
reports. The whole newspaper press of the United States, together with
several volumes of well-written books, have attempted it, but all have
failed in giving a true picture of the reality. These things availed
nothing when brought in contact with political moves; and Kit Carson
was doomed to go by the board. He had, however, met, during his
eventful life, with too many disappointments to be much chagrined at
this, and we find him, soon afterwards, making inquiries in relation
to the state of feeling among the Indians who inhabited the country
through which he had to pass.
The appointment of civilians to the responsible duties of a command in
the United States army has, of late years, become, in many instances,
very unfortunate. Perhaps it is this that has taught our legislators
a lesson. But there is a truth which lies above this difficulty. The
severe ordeal necessary to be gone through with at West Point, in
order to make military men of the proper standard, has very naturally
raised a jealousy between these two classes of men. This is very
healthy for the country, as it stimulates each to noble exertions.
In order to make the army less secluded, it is necessary to appoint
a certain per-centage of men from the walks of private life, and
therefore the most meritorious should be selected. West Point men, as
a body, are a great credit to our country; and, as a scientific corps,
they cannot be surpassed; but, the fact is incontrovertible, that
many, if not most of the leading officers of the United States army,
are self-educated, and have risen to their exalted positions by
untiring industry and distinguished services. For frontier work, men,
to be capable of taking command, are required to have great experience
in Indian strategy, and to become accustomed to endure privations and
vicissitudes. These cannot be taught by schools or books. For these
positions those are best fitted who have been trained to the mountains
from earliest boyhood, and where is the man in North America who has
battled in this service longer or more successfully than Christopher
Carson? But Kit Carson could see no reason why the votes of the United
States Senators, refusing to confirm the President's effort to reward
him for his services to his country, should cause him for one moment
to swerve from his duty. He pocketed at once his disappointment, and
went to work. Colonel Newby informed him that the Camanches had
of late been very hostile, and that they were then roaming in war
parties, numbering from two to three hundred, scattered along the old
Santa Fé road, on which their depredations had, so far, been mostly
committed. On learning this, Kit Carson determined to make a trail of
his own, and endeavor thus to avoid them. He reduced the number of his
escort to ten trusty followers. With them, he returned to Taos, and
after a halt there of two days, once more was on the march. At first,
he traveled to the northward, until he reached a tract of country
which these Indians seldom visited; then, changing his route by
compass, he struck the Bijoux River, which is a tributary of the
Platte River, and followed it down stream. At about twenty-five miles
from the mouth of the Bijoux, he quit that stream, and struck out
diagonally across the prairies, and soon reached the Platte itself,
down which he journeyed to Fort Kearney. Here he again changed his
course for the Republican Fork. On leaving this last-named stream, he
traveled direct to Fort Leavenworth, finally reaching that post with
his men and animals in fine condition, for the journey had been as
pleasant as could have been expected. Here he left his escort, and
set out alone for Washington. After reaching the land of railroads and
steamboats, he was but a few days in bringing the latter part of his
journey to an end. Handing his dispatches to the proper authorities,
Kit Carson turned right about and made his way to New Mexico, where he
arrived in the month of October, 1848.
It will be seen by following on a map the route which Kit Carson
planned on this occasion, that it was very circuitous, and led him a
great distance out of his way. Indeed he was, at times, far beyond the
roaming grounds of the Camanches, but this was necessary. He was not,
however, free from danger; but was obliged to be on the lookout for
their allies, the Kiowas, who are usually at war whenever the Camanche
nation is. His trail led him through a country which is celebrated as
abounding in game, and also in being well watered, and last, but not
least, the desideratum of finding grass of a good quality, whenever
he desired it, was proved a valuable assistant on the march. It may be
well to mention here, that one of the most curious of the phenomena of
the plains, to the inexperienced traveler, are those mirages which,
on every clear day, are sure to meet and delude his eyes. So wonderful
are these deceptions, that often the vision leads one to believe he is
beholding, in the distance, a beautiful city which is located on the
banks of some attractive lake. The outlines of the palaces, spires of
cathedrals, and even the lesser buildings themselves, all surrounded
with trees, bearing luxuriant and green foliage, together, form
an imaginary picture which throws into the background any of the
realities which are the work of man. The shading is oftentimes very
captivating, and on it the traveler can be entertained for hours,
until a change in the rays of light or intervening clouds, or else by
approaching the delusion itself, the magic scene fades away. A mirage
and a prairie on fire, seen by night, the one a delusion, the other a
fearful reality, are two of the grandest sights to be seen in the far
West; we might add, on the American continent.