Kit Carson reaches Home--Himself and Neighbors robbed by the
Apaches--Major Grier goes in Pursuit of, and recaptures the
stolen Stock--A Plot organized by White Men to murder two
Santa Fé Traders for their Money--The Disclosure--Kit Carson
goes to the Rescue of the Traders--The Camp of United States
Recruits--Captain Ewell with twenty Men joins Kit Carson and
they two make the Arrest of Fox--Gratitude expressed by the
Traders--Money offered but refused--The Prisoner taken to Taos
and incarcerated--Kit Carson receives a magnificent Pair of
Revolvers as a Present from the grateful Traders--The return
to Rayado--A Trading Expedition to the United States--The
return Journey--An Encounter with the Cheyenne Indians--A
State of Suspense--The Deliverance from Danger by a Message
sent by a Mexican Runner--The arrival at Rayado.
After finishing the pleasant visit which he was thus enabled to make,
while recruiting himself among the good people of Taos, Kit Carson
bent his way to his home at Rayado. He safely reached there and had
but just dismounted at his own door, when he was informed of a recent
calamity that had befallen himself and neighbors during his absence.
It was the old story, viz. that the Indians had come in and boldly
stole all the animals belonging to the settlement--At the time this
depredation had been committed, there was a small detachment of United
States troops stationed in the place, but the soldiers were too few
in number to attempt a rescue of the property from the savages.
The latter had visited the little town with a strong force on this
occasion; the settlers, therefore, made application to the commanding
officer of the territory, who promptly dispatched Major Grier with
a command of dragoons to hunt up the guilty parties and punish them.
This the major did and was so fortunate as to recover nearly all of
the stolen stock which he had the satisfaction of returning to its
owners.
Kit Carson remained through the following summer months at his ranche
at Rayado, busying himself in efforts to improve his house and lands.
In his employment Kit Carson had several faithful Mexicans. His task
was to superintend their labors, which occupied only a part of his
time. When anything required it he lent a hand to assist them; but,
these men had to be provided with provisions which, to purchase in
those distant parts, would have entailed a great item of expense;
indeed, more than equal to the profits arising from their labor.
Therefore, a certain amount of time had to be set apart for hunting,
which kind of employment he truly enjoyed. Mounted on a fine horse,
with his faithful gun and dog, early each day, he would start out on
the prairies to engage in the chase. In a few hours he would return on
foot, with his noble hunter loaded down with choice game. Sometimes
it would be antelope or elk; on another occasion, it would consist of
black tailed deer, which are celebrated as being the largest and the
finest species of venison that roam the forests of any country and are
only to be found in the Rocky Mountains; on another, wild-turkeys; and
then mountain grouse and prairie chickens helped to complete the load.
When thus provided for, it is no wonder that Kit's workmen loved their
employment and labored with good will. While thus engaged Kit Carson's
weather eye was always open for Indian signs. His horses, cattle and
sheep which he had bought since the last depredation were watched with
great vigilance, as no one could foretell what the next hour would
bring forth. In his mountain home Kit was often visited by Indian
friends who came to smoke the pipe of peace with him and enjoy his
hospitality. When thus surrounded by rival hunters worthy of his
steel, who had sprung up, like oaks of the forest, he felt truly
happy. This happiness was greatly enhanced and augmented by the
thrifty appearance of everything that pertained to him.
He saw himself in the possession of fine lands, well watered and well
timbered. Also plenty which was ready for the plow. It was almost a
farm, made to order by the most perfect Workman. The soil, unsurpassed
in richness and fertility, was a safe and sure depository for his
seeds, telling him, in its silent, but unmistakable language, of the
rich harvest in store for him. His stock was the best which heart
could wish; and last, but with him not least, he was within a stone's
throw of splendid hunting grounds, which, to his unerring rifle, as
the reader has already seen, proved as safe an assistant, as would
have been a Wall street bank with a large credit side to his account.
We have here a picture of Kit Carson enjoying the rewards of a home
congenial to his taste and knowledge of life, while around him are
gathered the objects which his manly soul had learned to love and
live for. The painting is one which we find beautiful to the sight
and which is rich in its lessons of life. But these deductions must be
left for the sensitive and honest hearted imagination to draw. It is
not fitting to add them to these pages, however truthful they may be,
until the last sad rites which are measured out to all, shall have
been performed for the brave man of whom we write, and his noble
soul shall have winged its flight to the happier hunting grounds of
eternity.
The duties of farming and hunting were only once interrupted during
the summer which Kit Carson thus enjoyed with his family. The exploit
which called him, on this occasion, from his home, was caused by an
effort to save the lives of two well known traders. To accomplish
this, he assumed the character and duties of a detective police
officer. The circumstances of the case were as follows.
An American, by the name of Fox, had organized a party to accompany as
a guard over the plains, and, while professedly engaged in this duty,
to murder Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead, two gentlemen who were
traveling into the United States, as the rascal and party supposed,
with a large sum of money which they expected to expend in the
purchase of goods to be used for trading purposes. Fox played his part
so well that when he offered himself and men as an escort, the offer
was accepted by the intended and unsuspicious victims, as if it had
been a mark of particular favor. Before the route was entered upon,
Fox visited Taos for the purpose of enlisting among his band of
desperadoes, a fellow who resided in that town. He was a person
who bore a very bad character, but for some reason, which has never
transpired, he refused to go; yet, proving true as a wicked confidant,
he waited until he thought his friend Fox was sufficiently advanced on
the road to accomplish his hellish purposes without any chance of his
being overtaken and arrested. He then saw fit to divulge the plot.
Every new country is the favorite place of resort for desperadoes and
rascals of all grades, who cannot live in their native districts on
account of their many crimes.
Until the machinery of law and order begins to work smoothly, these
fellows, in their new homes, have every thing their own way unless
they go to too great excesses, when their neighbors will rise
for their own protection and treat them with summary and severe
punishment. Often, by thus making an example of a few, large numbers
are prevented from doing further mischief. In the early history
of nearly every one of our western territories, escaped convicts,
murderers, thieves and the worst sort of humanity, mingled in with
good men, have commenced their nefarious practices on a grand scale.
These things have brought such sections of our country into bad
repute abroad. It needs but time for communities to ferret these
human monsters out and visit upon them a just retribution. The inland
position of New Mexico and the consequent difficulty of intercourse
with the General Government of the United States, made it an inviting
place, from time to time, for men of this stamp to visit; but, as they
have met on most occasions with a reception from the friends of order,
not in the least suited to their tastes, they have almost ceased their
coming, thereby showing what a few resolute men can accomplish at the
commencement of such trouble. The reforming work of mitigating the
evil, which is sure to result among a mixed population under the best
regulations, is slowly progressing, and the day is not far distant,
when New Mexico, in this respect, will compare favorable with her
sister (and older) territories.
The purport of this diabolical plot accidentally came to the ears of
an officer in the army, who chanced to be in Taos at the time. This
gentleman was one of the first to hear of it, and at once sought Kit
Carson; but instead of directly telling him what he had just heard,
from some strange reason of his own, he demanded of Kit whether
he would be willing to pursue and apprehend Fox for debt. To this
proposition Kit Carson replied in the negative.
On hearing Kit's indignant refusal to be employed in such a menial
undertaking, the officer concluded to lay the true state of the case
before him, who, he naturally enough thought, could, above all others
in that territory, devise some plan that would result in rescuing
Brevoort and Weatherhead from their impending fate. Here it may be
proper for us to add that the officer who had thus indiscreetly acted,
must have had previously a very slight acquaintance with Kit Carson,
or he would not have selected him as a man ready and anxious for any
dirty job which might offer, as it is entirely foreign to his
true character. Kit Carson, on being apprised of the facts, became
interested, and took the management of the affair, for the most part,
into his own hands; and, on investigating it more thoroughly, he came
to the conclusion that Fox and his companions contemplated committing
the crime on the Cimaron River.
This river is nearly east from Taos; and the point at which Carson
anticipated overhauling the party was between two and three hundred
miles distant. At this time, the Mountain Indians were unusually
hostile; but Kit Carson was always well informed of their
movements--as much so as it was in the power of any one to be. With
the little command under him he was willing, where so weighty a matter
as saving the lives of two of his countrymen demanded his services,
to march anywhere--even if he had to contest his way. One hour was
sufficient time for him to make ready for the undertaking, but not
so with the soldiers. They had to put their horses and themselves in
trim, for it might be severe and taxing duty. The route taken by the
party was a trail, which leads direct to Rayado, and on which, just
before reaching the last-named place, there are many curious piles
of stones, which are scattered over the side of a mountain, and have
formed a puzzle to many an inquiring mind. By some they are supposed
to be Indian graves; but, by others, they are thought to have been
made as a sort of landmark by the older inhabitants of the plains,
when they started into New Mexico on some marauding incursion. These
latter persons believe that the Indians were unacquainted with the
country they were invading, and had left these marks to assist them in
making their way out again. Most likely the first hypothesis is true,
and that the stones were thus heaped up to protect the corpses from
being devoured by the wolves. On quitting Rayado Kit Carson struck out
on the open prairies.
By making an expeditious march, Kit Carson felt that the traders could
yet be saved. His party consisted of ten picked men of the dragoons,
and it was splendidly mounted on horses furnished him to assist in the
undertaking. The pace which Kit commanded and required was one which
would try the nerves and courage of most good horsemen. Onward, over
the level prairie, the party galloped--every man feeling proud of the
guide, whose spirit they caught and imitated. The second night out
from Taos they came upon the camp of a detachment of United States
recruits who were under the command of Captain Ewell, and who were
bound for New Mexico, where they were to reinforce the regiments of
the army which were stationed in that territory.
It is customary to send out, each year, detachments of recruits to
the different departments of the West. These men are enlisted and
collected at the dépôts within the States; and, whenever a sufficient
force is collected to fill up the requisitions, they are dispatched,
at the proper seasons, to their respective regiments. Those intended
for New Mexico set out during the summer months. They are rarely sent
at the same time, or as the same command of men. These recruits are
a hard set to manage, especially when traveling through the States,
where they are exposed to temptation. On arriving at the commencement
of their hardships, on the plains, it is usually found that many have
deserted, and also that many might have done so with benefit to the
government. Military service with recruits, and the same with old
soldiers, are two different things. With the former, officers are
obliged to command, threaten and punish, to accomplish in one day,
what the latter would perform without much trouble in half the time.
Recruits know little or nothing about marching or camp duty; and,
in taking care of them, an officer has his hands full. Even the most
minute items have to be looked to; for example, they are men rarely
used to fire-arms, being, for the most part, foreigners by birth, and
are just as apt to load a gun with the ball of the cartridge first
down, as with the powder. Old soldiers look upon these new comers as
verdant in the extreme, and the pranks they often play upon them are
very humorous. With patient discipline, they become serviceable men,
and are an honor to the standard which they carry; and, what appears
to be the strangest fact of all, frequently the poorest looking
recruit may make the best soldier. This is a fair picture of the men
Capt. Ewell was commanding.
Kit Carson at once informed the captain of the duty he was on, when
that distinguished officer, generously determined to assist in putting
a damper on the wicked designs of the wretches. Taking with him twenty
men, Captain Ewell joined Kit Carson, and together they proceeded in
the pursuit. By using every precaution in their power, and forcing
their marches, they entered into the camp of the traders, and arrested
Fox before he had time even to suspect the business upon which
the party had come. After Fox was secured, Messrs. Weatherhead and
Brevoort, were informed of the dangers through which they had passed.
These gentlemen, at first were astounded, but they soon became assured
of the truth of what they heard. They then selected fifteen men whom
they knew to be innocent, and ordered the remainder of their escort,
numbering thirty-five souls, to leave their camp instanter, which
command was promptly obeyed. To Kit Carson, they offered any sum of
money that was in their power to bestow, in return for the invaluable
service he had rendered them. Kit Carson replied, "that it was reward
sufficient for him to have been instrumental in saving the lives of
two worthy citizens, and that he could not think of receiving one cent
of money."
A long colloquy was held that night around a good camp fire, that was
freely fed with "buffalo chips."[21] At midnight, most of the party
were asleep, and nothing could then be heard except the barking of
wolves and the heavy tread of the guard, as they walked to and fro
on their respective beats. On the first appearance of day-light, all
hands were up and preparing to strike their tents. Soon after the
parties separated, but, before doing so, the traders again expressed
their thanks, and then resumed their journey. Fox was first taken
to Captain Ewell's camp, then he was turned over to Kit Carson, who
conveyed him to Taos, where he was imprisoned for some time; but was
finally released, as nothing positive could be proved against him,
chiefly because he had committed no overt act, but had only, thus far,
engaged in plotting the double murder and robbery. This is always a
difficult crime to establish. In this instance, the difficulty was
greatly augmented from the fact that the witnesses in the case, as
soon as they heard of Fox's capture, scattered and left for parts
unknown. He was finally set at liberty.
[Footnote 21: Buffalo chips form the principal fuel of the plains. It
is dry buffalo manure.]
At that day the keeping of a prisoner in close confinement in New
Mexico, or of having him continually under the surveillance of the
military was no ordinary, or easy matter. The only places which
could be converted into jails, were the common _adobe_ houses of the
inhabitants. From these a wide awake and determined prisoner with the
free use of his hands, and the assistance of the smallest kind of
a tool, as a jack-knife or pair of scissors, could dig out of his
dungeon in five or six hours. The large majority of the criminals who
were thus incarcerated, managed to effect their escape. In the case of
Fox, however, he had a man to deal with who was seldom thwarted in any
of his undertakings. With so much convicting evidence of his wicked
intentions, and with so much trouble to bring him to trial, it was
greatly regretted, that he did not receive a suitable punishment. As
soon as he was set free, Fox made his way out of the country; but his
further history is not known.
The general impression left upon the minds of the people who were
familiar with the minutiæ of this affair was, that Fox was guilty.
As he was known to be a finished villain, it was universally believed
that, after murdering and plundering the two traders, he intended to
grasp the "lion's share," and with his portion, to proceed to Texas,
where, as he was there entirely unknown, he hoped to enjoy the rewards
of his rascality.
This valuable service rendered to Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead,
was most gracefully and handsomely rewarded by them. In the course of
the following spring, they presented Kit with a pair of magnificent
revolvers. Upon the silver mountings, there were engraved a very few,
but expressive words, indicating the obligations which the donors
considered themselves laboring under towards their deliverer. Such a
testimonial to an unselfish heart like that which beats in the breast
of Kit Carson, is a prize of greater value than any more substantial
gift, which money could purchase. These beautiful weapons, Kit Carson
prizes very highly; and, the donors may here learn the fact that, in
the hands of their owner, they have since been duly initiated into
active service, and found to perform their necessary duties most
admirably.
After the task of the arrest of Fox was thus successfully undertaken
and consummated, by his being securely lodged in jail and placed under
suitable guard, Kit Carson returned to Rayado, where he spent the
winter in a very quiet manner. We use the term quiet manner: it should
be qualified with the phrase, quiet manner for him. He found plenty
of employment in looking after his animals, besides spending a large
share of his time in hunting. This, however, although always attended
with paying practical results, he did as much for pleasure as from
necessity. He always found a large number of hungry mouths ready to
relieve him from any superabundance of game; and, as his hospitality
to all classes is unbounded, he took especial delight in feeding and
liberally bestowing his bounties upon his poor Mexican neighbors, to
whom powder and lead were more of a desideratum than to himself,
and with whom his experience and skill as a hunter, were a source of
support which they could only wish for.
Early the next summer Kit Carson, in charge of a train of wagons
belonging to himself and his friend Maxwell, set out for the United
States. After an unusually pleasant journey, he reached the Missouri
River, and proceeded down it, in a steamboat, to St. Louis. Here he
purchased a large stock of goods. With this freight, he returned to
Kansas, where he had left his caravan, into which, on his arrival, he
transferred his merchandise. He then started on his return trip to
New Mexico. In order that his animals might take advantage of the fine
grass to be found there, he chose the route, known to all traders on
the plains, as well as to the reader, as the road by Bent's Fort. He
was progressing on his journey quite happily, when unfortunately, at
a point that is located about fifteen miles above the fording of the
Arkansas, he fell in with a village of Cheyenne Indians who were just
at that time violently hostile towards the whites and were waiting an
opportunity to wreak their vengeance on them. This state of feeling
had been brought about only a few days previous, and was due to an
officer who was attached to a command of recruits that some ten days
before Kit Carson's arrival had passed by. He had flogged a warrior
for some liberty which the fellow had taken while he was in the camp
of the soldiers. These Cheyennes are very fond of dress and show; but,
as a body, they are as noble and athletic looking men as tread this
earth. Singular though the contrast may appear, a greater set of
rascals never went unhung; yet, they are Indians, and, as such, they
ought to command sympathy and forbearance.
The young men who belong to the Cheyenne nation, are fond of dress,
and when arrayed in full costume one of them is a picture to look
upon; when thus gilded no man could be prouder. These Indians wear
their hair in a long cue à la Chinese style. They take great pleasure
in ornamenting this cue with innumerable pieces of silver, which are
made from half dollar pieces, and are beat out in the shape of small
shields. With their blue, or red blankets, long ribbons of different
colored flannel, fancy leggins and bead decorations, and finally (as
I once saw one) with a red cotton umbrella, they represent the very
Paris tip of Indian fashion. Their squaws do not possess as regular
and fine features as the men; but, this may be said to be true of most
of the wild tribes of savages in North America, for it requires an
enormous stretch of the imagination to call them handsome, while many
of the men are fine looking. Hard work spoils the beauty of the Indian
women. To admire an Indian woman one must seclude himself from the
society of other females; under such circumstances it may be that
a person might be inclined to change his opinion and think the race
lovely. The lazy brave considers it beneath his station to work;
therefore all camp labor and the packing, saddling and looking after
the ponies devolves upon the squaw. When there is a scanty supply of
horses, she is obliged to give her lord the preference in taking his
ease, and go herself on foot and carry her pappoose. In fact it is
lowering to the Indian's pride to do else than hunt and fight.
Owing to the scarcity of timber on the western prairies the Indians
transport their lodge poles from camp to camp. This is done by
attaching them to the sides of the pack animals while the free ends
drag on the ground, and in time of war this constitutes one of the
signs of the trail by which to follow when in pursuit of them.
The reason why the commanding officer of this party of recruits
inflicted the summary punishment referred to, is not known to the
writer; but, it surely does appear as if the person who ordered its
execution or perhaps courageously performed it himself, might have
reflected, that a savage, least of all men, allows a supposed injury
done to him or his tribe to pass by unrevenged, and also that it is a
matter of perfect indifference to him as to who the victim is, if he
only gets the chance to strike a blow on the same nation. This revenge
will quench his cruel thirst for blood quite as effectually as if
he had the satisfaction of scalping the perpetrator of his real or
supposed injury. It is a fact--alas too frequently true--that the
parties who are strong in numbers, courage, and equipment, while
crossing the plains, are prone to treat, in an overbearing and
insolent manner, the bands of Indians with whom they chance to come
into contact. For these insults and injuries weaker parties who travel
upon the same road are held to a strict and revengeful account by
being made to suffer even with their lives, as well as effects. Kit
Carson and his small force, unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, so
far as Kit himself was concerned, for no man could be better fitted to
deal with such a crisis of trouble than he, were the first white men
who came along after the flogging of their warrior had wrought up the
temper of the Cheyenne nation to a degree which nearly bordered on
frenzy.
As soon as the whites were discovered, the Indians went into council
evidently to decide on the best mode of attacking and making away with
them. Kit Carson, though he did not know that this tribe had declared
war, and much less their reasons for so doing, when he first saw them,
was not long in coming to a conclusion, from their actions, that there
was a screw loose somewhere. He, therefore, began to act with more
than usual sagacity and caution. He ordered his men to keep their
wagons close together, to have their rifles in good trim and be ready
for an instant fight. In this manner, with every man on the watch,
he pushed on for a distance of twenty miles. Although he had left
the Indians far behind, he did not relax his vigilance, being still
impressed with the belief that a storm was brewing. His surmises began
to be verified soon after, for the Indians, in parties of two, three,
and four, appeared in sight, arrayed and painted in their full
war costume. Having approached some of them to within a distance
sufficiently near so to do, Kit Carson commenced talking to them in
a conciliatory manner. They were inclined to heed his words; and, in
order to make it appear that he was not intimidated by their actions,
he went into camp, and invited these advance parties of the Indians to
come in and have a talk and smoke with him. The savages accepted the
invitation and were soon seated in a circle. After the pipe had passed
from one to the other, until all present had had a puff or two from
it, they began to talk loud among themselves.
At the time we now speak of, several years, as the reader can readily
compute, had elapsed since Kit Carson was a hunter at Bent's Fort, and
then well known to most of the Cheyenne nation; but, these few years
had so altered him, together with his new style of dress, that it is
no doubt that, at first, not one of the Indians remembered ever having
seen him before.
Kit Carson remained quiet and allowed the Indians to open the talk, as
he was watching to find out what had so suddenly aroused their anger,
and he well knew, that if they supposed that he and his men did not
understand what they were conversing about, they might refer to the
cause of the trouble, and thus give him a clue whereby he might take
advantage and form a line of conduct. It was clear to his mind that
the Indians were resolved to have revenge on his party, and that
there was time enough to let himself be known to them, which, in their
present excited state, would serve him but little. The Indians had
at first conversed in the Sioux tongue. The reason for this was, to
conceal their own nationality and thus, if necessary, in the future,
they could shield themselves by laying the massacre, which they were
about to commit, on the shoulders of that tribe. This is a ruse often
employed by the Indians; but, in this case, in their heated state they
forgot their native cunning and commenced conversing in the language
which was most familiar to them. A Frenchman, called in the mountains
Pete, who spoke English fluently and who was with Carson during these
trying scenes, informed the writer, on one occasion, that he never
fully knew or appreciated Kit Carson until this occurrence. "Why,"
said he in his enthusiasm, "Kit knew just what was to be done and did
it too. With any other man, we would _have gone under_[22] The Indians
were more afraid of him than all the rest of us put together. There
were red fellows enough there to eat us up, and at one time I could
almost feel my hair _leaving my head_. We had two women traveling with
us and their crying made me feel so bad that I was sartin there was
no fight in me. Women (he added) are poor plunder to have along when
going out on a war party, but Kit talked to them and then to the
Indians, and put them both finally on the right trail. Wah!! but them
were ticklish times."
[Footnote 22: A trapper phrase for being killed.]
As soon as the Indians, in their excitement, began to speak their
own language, they became very violent, and so unguarded were they in
expressing their individual sentiments that they treated Kit and his
party with perfect indifference, and openly, though secretly as they
thought, arranged for the massacre.
Little did they imagine that Kit Carson, whom they had at first sight
selected as the leader of the company, understood every word that was
said. Kit listened attentively to their plans and heard them decide
that the time to kill him was, when he again took the pipe to smoke;
for, in so doing, he would lay down his weapons. They could be
instantly seized, and therefore he would be prevented from doing them
any harm. As to the Mexicans who accompanied him, they said they could
kill them as easily as they could buffalo. Already enough had passed
among the Indians to arouse in Kit Carson's breast the greatest
feeling of alarm as to what would be the result of the position in
which he was placed. He had with him fifteen men, two only of which
number, were men on whom he felt that he could rely. The other members
of the party, who counted thirteen in all, were Mexicans of whom he
had a poor opinion as to their bravery. Nothing daunted by such an
accumulation of unfavorable circumstances, he at once saw that a bold
face was to be put on in order to extricate himself from the grasp
of the Indians. Springing to his feet with his weapons ready for
immediate use, Kit Carson, as he advanced into the centre of the
seated warriors, gave directions for his men to be ready to defend
their lives. Then, turning to the Indians, who sat rooted to the
earth, as it were, with astonishment at the suddenness of such actions
and such coolness, he commenced addressing them. He informed them
"that they might readily see from the fluency with which he spoke
their language, that he had comprehended all that they had been
talking about. What puzzled him most, however, was the cause of their
wishing to have his scalp. Never," said he, "to his knowledge had he
been guilty of any wrong to their tribe; that, on the contrary,
there were braves among those present, who, if they turned to their
memories, would recognize his face as that of an old friend in years
gone by, and who could testify to the many acts of kindness which he
had performed in their behalf." He reminded them "how that, even
now, he had received them into his camp and treated them with all the
hospitality in his power; and yet they persisted in repaying him by
taking his life." In the end, he wound up his discourse by giving
peremptory orders for them to leave his camp, and should any one
refuse, he would be shot. The Indians were completely nonplused, and
not feeling inclined to risk a fight without their usual accompaniment
of a surprise, after saying something about returning, to which they
were answered "that if they did they would be received by a volley of
bullets," they departed to join their friends who were in swarms upon
the neighboring hills. It is supposed that a grand council was called,
in which the proceedings that had transpired in the camp of the
white men were fully reported, and perchance, many of the braves, in
refreshing their memories, began to recollect some of the daring deeds
which Kit Carson had performed when he lived in their country.
This, doubtless, led them to the conclusion that they had caught
an experienced traveler; for, certain it was, that afterwards their
actions became somewhat disconcerted and not so rash as they had
been. No sooner had the savages retired from the camp, than Kit Carson
ordered his men to harness their animals to the wagons so that they
could resume their journey.
As the train moved on, the Indians were once more left behind,
although they had, by no means, formed the idea of allowing the white
men to depart in peace. They were busy concocting some scheme whereby
they could accomplish their ends without loss to themselves. The
muleteers, as they walked beside their teams, by order of Kit Carson
held in one hand their rifles, while in the other were their whips,
which, from time to time, they were obliged to apply freely to their
animals in order to keep the caravan in compact order. Mounted on a
fine horse, with his rifle and pistols so adjusted that he could lay
his hands on them at a moment's notice, Kit Carson rode from one end
of the line to the other, inspiring his men with his own courage. He
felt that upon him was rested the responsibility of saving the lives
of his companions, and that it was to him they all looked to be
rescued from the perils that surrounded them. As he rode along, his
eyes were busy scanning the prairies in every direction. Now and then
he rested from this duty as his mind became somewhat relieved, when he
could discover nothing except bands of antelope, or, here and there,
a hungry wolf, who, with his white, canine looking teeth, seemingly,
spoke volumes of the empty condition of his stomach. For the remainder
of that day, the train traveled on in apparent safety. When the shades
of evening had fairly set in, a camping-ground was selected on a small
stream. The wagons were formed in a circle, in which were huddled the
men and animals so that both could be protected by the weapons of the
former. Grass was cut with the butcher knives belonging to the
members of the party and was laid before the mules. In this dangerous
locality, they could not be allowed to procure this food for
themselves. As strong a guard as their forces would permit of was
posted. The remainder of the party gathered some wood that had floated
down the stream from the mountains and was sparingly scattered along
the shores of the river near to the camp. This was brought in, when
small fires were made over which their frugal meal was prepared, after
which the men lay down to rest. Many persons there are who would
think that after escaping such perils once, it would take very
great inducements to make them thus expose themselves a second time.
Nevertheless, there exist in our land hundreds upon hundreds of men
who take delight in returning into the midst of these dangers.
A life on the prairies of the "Far West" has its good chances as
well as its counter chances, and no man can be happier than the
true mountaineer. At first, to one accustomed to luxuries and modern
refinement, nothing can be more unpleasant than a journey over the
plains; but each day thus spent, hardens the traveler until meals,
that a beggar in our towns or cities would hardly deign to touch, are
by him eaten with a relish to which he has long been a stranger. It
is on these long tramps that the dyspeptic and melancholic man becomes
the liveliest of the party; his sociability often increases to such a
degree that he soon can spin a yarn in a true Baron Munchausen style.
Eat Carson, as he rode silently along all the following day, had been
meditating over the scenes through which he had so recently passed,
and also the most practicable means to be employed for the future.
When the night had fully set in, without saying one word to the other
members of the party, he called to a young Mexican whom he knew to be
very fleet of foot and whose powers of endurance were wonderful. On
his coming to him he led him one side, when, after he had depicted to
the boy their fearful situation in its true colors, he told him that
he held the power of saving the lives of the whole party.
The New Mexicans of the north are famous as being very fleet of foot,
and the great distance which they can run in a short period of time is
astonishing. As a general rule, they are very partial to horses,
but, when they have no riding animal, they will start on a journey
of hundreds of miles and accomplish it in an incredibly short time. A
journey of forty or fifty miles in a day is an ordinary circumstance
with them, even when the inducement for making it has in its behalf
only a minor consideration. Owing to want of mail routes, it sometimes
becomes necessary to dispatch them on express duty, such as carrying
one, or several letters to some distant point. Their charge is wrapped
up in a handkerchief and tied about their waists to prevent being
lost. Then, on a jog trot, they will start out; and over mountains
and broken country they will not alter the pace for many consecutive
hours, and this for a reward of one or two dollars per diem. It is not
uncommon to meet traveling companions where one is on horseback and
the other on foot; but notwithstanding, they will keep together for
an entire journey, and complete it as quickly as if the horseman
had undertaken it alone. When, by chance, they come to and stop at
a village where there is a fandango or other festive scene in full
blast, they will, notwithstanding their long tramp, join in and
dissipate as hard as any member present. Their healthy climate, coarse
but plain diet, and the great amount of exercise which they take in
the open air, make them capable of a wonderful amount of physical
endurance, under which they seem never to grow weary. In this respect,
the only successful rivals which they have, are the Indians. This was
the kind of material Kit Carson had in the Mexican boy, whom he was
now about to part with, having detailed him for a very important duty.
That youth had long been known by and had the full confidence of
his employer. He was ready at his bidding to undertake anything.
Therefore, on hearing the mission which Kit proposed sending him on,
he promised to use every exertion in its accomplishment, and at once
set about its execution. Having obtained a few rations of provisions,
he soon rejoined Carson. They then proceeded outside of the camp,
where he was to receive his final instructions. By the dim light of
the moon, Kit pointed in the direction of Rayado, where he was to
travel; and, after warning him of the dangerous places that lay in
his route, and giving him the message that he was to deliver to the
commanding officer at Rayado, he bid him good bye, with the words, "be
sure and leave a good many miles between us, by to-morrow's sunrise."
The distance to the settlement of Rayado, from Kit Carson's camp, was
between two and three hundred miles, yet, this runner was capable
of travelling it in as short a period of time, as could any ordinary
horse. Kit now returned among his men, not to sleep, but to watch.
This he did until the break of the following day, when he summoned
all hands to hitch up the teams and proceed. Until twelve o'clock no
Indians were visible; but, at about that hour, five of the savages
were seen approaching. On they came, and when within speaking
distance, Kit Carson ordered them to halt. They obeyed his command. On
scanning them closer he bade them come nearer, when, he informed
them, "that the night before he had sent an express to Rayado, for the
purpose of letting the troops there know of the annoyances their tribe
were causing him. Among the soldiers," he said, "he had many friends,
who would be certain to come to his relief, and, if they should find
that his party was massacred, which he let the Indians know could only
be accomplished by his men being overpowered, they would be already
informed by whom it was done, and would be sure to visit upon the
perpetrators of the crime, a terrible retribution." The Indians said
they would look for the moccasin tracks made by the messenger, and
thus decide whether that which they had just heard was true, or not.
Kit Carson hearing this, at once considered it as the turning point in
favor of the safety of his party. The Indians immediately went to look
for the trail. Shortly afterwards the entire Indian village passed
within sight, and were evidently making the best of their time in
seeking some safe hiding-place. The five warriors had, therefore,
evidently found the expressman's trail, as they had been informed that
they would, and that the boy had proceeded too far on his journey to
think of pursuing him. On his way to Rayado, the messenger overtook
the detachment of recruits to which was attached the officer who had
caused the trouble. To the commander of these men, the young
Mexican reported the position, as he left them, of his employer and
companions, but that gentleman, for some unaccountable reason, would
not then grant the desired aid; therefore, the boy pushed on to
Rayado, where he found a warm-hearted and brave soldier in the person
of Major Grier, who commanded the post. The major, on hearing
the message sent by Kit Carson, immediately ordered Lieutenant R.
Johnston, his subaltern officer, to take a squad of dragoons and
proceed to the assistance of his countrymen. While on his march,
Lieutenant Johnston met with the command of recruits of whom we
have before spoken. In the course of the conversation which ensued,
Johnston was asked, by the officer in charge of the recruits, what
was the service he was engaged on? and, being informed, that gentleman
probably gave the subject deeper thought, and it may have occurred
to him, and such is the opinion of Kit Carson, that if the affair was
properly managed, there might be some glory accruing from it. At any
rate, he suddenly changed his mind, and ordered a detail of men to
go with the lieutenant. The relief party, as thus reinforced, again
started, and found Kit Carson and his train of wagons at a point that
is some twenty-five miles below Bent's Fort. Under the escort of the
soldiers, Kit and his men travelled in safety to Rayado, where he had
the pleasure of thanking Major Grier for his praise worthy and prompt
action, in succoring him and a few other American citizens who had
thus been exposed to the barbarities of savages, made hostile by the
overbearing conduct of a man whose double blunder was shielded by
power. Although the fighting qualifications of the soldiers were not
called into requisition, yet, they performed a meritorious service
by coming. They might have been instrumental in saving lives while
protecting commerce, and their frequent visits to remote Indian
countries always leaves salutary impressions on the minds of the red
men.
Kit Carson's thorough knowledge of Indian character and his
established bravery and integrity ought, it appears to us, to have
been a sufficient guaranty to this officer, that he was acting in good
faith when he asked, through the proper channel, that protection to
which he was certainly entitled while pursuing the necessary though
hazardous business, connected with the commerce of the plains.
Never, throughout his eventful career, had Kit Carson refused to offer
his services in the cause of a countryman who stood in need of them;
and now, when the first time came that he felt it necessary to make
the call for assistance, he could not understand why two valuable days
were allowed to pass, by an officer who could have aided him, without
some notice being taken of his urgent requisition. It is true that by
some, especially those who are not acquainted with the character of
Kit Carson, he is regarded as being ever anxious for an Indian fight;
but, had this been the case, he would have long since paid the forfeit
with his life. To contradict such a statement, we have but to appeal
to the reader of this narrative, and ask him to bear testimony of the
marked discretion that has so far coupled itself with Kit Carson's
fame. An amusing incident which came under the eye of the writer is to
the point.
In the early part of the so-called gold "fever" of California, when
parties were organizing in the city of New York, to proceed overland
to the Pacific, we chanced to be present at a meeting held by one of
the companies. As most of those present were entirely unacquainted
with the country to be passed over, and as they were anxious to place
themselves in a safe position, some one proposed that Kit Carson
should be employed as a guide, provided his services could be had.
This was ruled out. The amusing part of this incident consists in the
reason which governed this judgment. It was on account of the fear
that he might lead them out of their way in order to engage in some
bloody Indian fight, it being generally represented and believed that
he was sanguinarily inclined. Cheap literature had so ferociously made
the man, that he, of all men most experienced, could not be trusted,
showing thereby how little had been known of the real Kit Carson.