A fresh Campaign set on foot--Col. Cook in Command--Kit Carson
goes as Guide--The Apaches and Utahs leagued together--The
Roughness of the Country and the Privations to which the
Command was exposed--The Indians overhauled--A running
Fight--The Advantages gained--The Chase resumed--The Apaches
resort to their old Tricks--Col. Cook is obliged to return
to Abiquiu--A Utah taken Prisoner through Mistake--Kit Carson
goes to Taos and has a Conference with the Chiefs of the
Utah Nation--Cook's second Scout--He is caught in a furious
Snow-storm and obliged to return to Rio Colorado--Major Brooks
and Reinforcements come to the Rescue--Major Brooks on
the Lookout, but fails to find the Indians--Carleton's
Expedition--Kit Carson goes with it as Guide--The Adventures
met with--Kit Carson's Prophecy comes true--The Muache Band
of Utahs summoned by Kit Carson to a Grand Council--Troubles
brewing among these Indians--The Small Pox carries off their
Head Men.
To retrieve the ground lost, and also, to show the Jiccarilla Apaches
that their recent victory had tended only to stimulate the movements
of the Americans to a display of greater activity and energy, after a
brief space of time, a large body of regular troops were made ready to
take the field against them. The commander of this expedition was Col.
Cook of the 2d Regiment of United States dragoons. That officer chose
for his principal guide Kit Carson, whose peace duties as Indian Agent
had been abruptly arrested by the warlike attitude of some of his
Indians. It was necessary, also, that Kit Carson should be on the
ground in case the red men were overtaken, in order to ascertain
whether, or no, the Utahs were mixed up with the operations of the
Apaches. A large branch of the former tribe were part and parcel of
his agency, and the two nations were known to be on very friendly
terms with each other; consequently, it was surmised that they might
be secretly, and under disguise, acting together in the war.
Col. Cook employed, besides the troops of the line which were under
his command, some forty men selected from among the Mexican and Pueblo
Indians, whose duties were to act as spies and trailers.
These Pueblos were selected for spies on account of their being
familiar with Indian habits and their mode of warfare. They were taken
from among the best hunters which the Pueblo villages could furnish.
They presented themselves provided with their own horses, rifles, and,
in most cases, with their own ammunition, and were supplied only with
their rations of food. When it was practicable, they were allowed to
kill game; and, being very expert at it, they seldom returned from
a hunt open-handed. Their peaceful mode of life prevented them from
engaging in any deep league with the hostile Indians; but yet, there
is no doubt that when the different tribes were at war with the
whites, the Pueblos harbored the warlike Indians and supplied them,
in many instances, with such articles as they stood most in need of.
Their policy in thus acting might have been to retain the friendship
of these Indians and thus prevent their committing any depredations
on themselves. The Pueblos may have taken advantage of the state of
affairs when war existed, and doubtless frequently did, under disguise
of the enemy, become guilty of crimes which could easily have been
proven against them. The Mexicans have often tried to criminate the
Pueblos for thus acting; but they have proceeded with such bungling
policy, that it has seldom happened that anything criminal has been
definitely proven against them. If a part of them have thus acted,
there is not the least doubt but that the majority are guiltless. They
are, as a body, loyal to the government of the United States; but, not
so much from love of the Americans as from being shrewd. They know it
is for self interest to keep good friends with the strongest power.
On these war scouts they rendered valuable service, and in this light,
have been long regarded with favor by the whites.
The command of these forty Mexicans and Pueblo Indians was conferred
upon James H. Quinn, a well-known and prominent citizen of New Mexico.
This gentleman became intimately associated with the Territory of New
Mexico soon after that country was annexed to the United States. In
politics, military life, farming and mercantile pursuits, he was most
actively engaged, and by his talents and industry took a prominent
position and became an influential member of society. He had some
faults; (who has not?) but his unexpected death came so suddenly
upon his friends that they could only think of him for the many good
qualities both of his head and heart. Hence, his faults were most
willingly passed over in silence.
All things being in readiness, the command entered upon the pursuit
of the Indians. They marched from Taos, ten miles north, to a stream
called the Arroya Hondo. Thence, following the banks of this stream
down through its deep and rocky cañon, they came to the Rio del Norte.
On the first-named stream, there is a small and unattractive
settlement, which bears the same name. Several years since, there was
a large distillery in full operation at this place. This establishment
was owned by an American, and was very extensive. The building was
celebrated as being the place where several Americans were slaughtered
by the Mexicans during the revolution, in which Governor Bent lost his
life, heretofore spoken of. On the plain which is contiguous with the
south bank of the Arroya Hondo, there are to be found the remains of
a large Aztec town, which was, at some remote period, the largest
settlement inhabited by that interesting people to be found in
northern New Mexico. At the present day, can be seen the size and
almost the number of houses which formed the town--which are very
numerous. The building material, as here used by the Aztecs, was small
cobble-stones which undoubtedly were mixed with mud and thus formed
the structure. Pieces of pottery, flint arrow-points; stone pipe and
rude tools have been, from time to time, found on the site of the
town, going to prove that the people were not wandering in their
habits, but that instead, they occupied their time in farming, raising
cattle and mining. The wild Indians may have murdered the inhabitants,
and then destroyed the town; or, civil war and pestilence might have
caused it to become deserted, when, as a natural result, it fell to
decay. The most plausible theory to entertain is the former, as every
old Mexican town of the north contains relics which could not have
been designed merely in case of an emergency. Not one of these towns
in olden times was without a large well, which, in most instances,
was bountifully supplied with water. In time of peace, these extensive
reservoirs were covered over and concealed from view, and therefore,
but few strangers could be made aware of their existence. On the
breaking out of war, these wells were thrown open for public use, and,
being located in the centre of the towns, the inhabitants escaped that
danger in procuring water which necessarily would have surrounded them
in case they had been obliged, as they are now, to bring it from the
neighboring streams. As time rolled on, and danger was lessened,
these wells were almost forgotten, until the timber which covered them
rotted and allowed their fragments and the earth to cave in, when
the object of the digging these reservoirs became apparent. It is an
established fact in history, that the town of Taos once withstood
a long and fearful siege, but finally escaped, as did its people,
uninjured. The besieging party, in this instance, was composed of
the Indians of the plains; they were present to the number of many
thousand, and were at last compelled to depart, as is supposed, in
consequence of their provisions giving out. Reasoning from analogy,
it is no more than proper to suppose, that if the early settlements of
the Mexicans were thus annoyed, the case of the Aztecs must have
been still harder, and that being overcome by numbers, they were
necessitated to succumb; and hence, were swept, by the Indians of the
plains, from the face of the earth, leaving but a dim outline of their
ancient grandeur.
The party found the stream very much swollen by the melting of the
snows in the mountains. When they arrived at its fording-place,
notwithstanding a torrent rolled before them, the command was, of a
necessity, given to cross. There was no shrinking. Without a single
murmur, the entire command set themselves about the perilous task. The
bed of the river at this place is rocky and shelving. At low water,
these facts offer no great obstacles in crossing. The case is very
different when the torrent has reached high-water mark--then, a single
step will often plunge horse and rider into the angry waters beyond
their depth. Kit Carson boldly took the lead, and before the infantry
had all passed, the horses of the dragoons had to be sent back to
assist them. To facilitate this fording, Kit Carson crossed and
recrossed the stream at least twenty times. No serious accident
occurred, although three of the dragoons came near being swept down
the current, which, at the time, was very swift and strong. Had they
gone below the fording-place, they would most assuredly have been
drowned, as the river there takes a fearful leap through a cut in the
rocks. Having safely gained the opposite shore, the men found
that their labors had but just commenced. In front of them stood a
precipice that was, at the least calculation, six hundred feet in
height, of solid rock, and almost perpendicular. Up this ascent the
command had to mount, by following a zigzag trail. With much trouble
and toil, the summit of the height was reached, when they once more
commenced their journey over a diversified country, made up of plains
and ravines. No grass or water was found until the expedition arrived
at a small Mexican town called Sirvilletta. Here an encampment was
formed for one night, and here their animals were to have their last
rations of corn and forage. The sale of these latter articles proved
a windfall to, and made glad the hearts of the inhabitants of the
settlement; for the money which they received, in exchange for their
produce, was the largest sum they had ever possessed. Thus, in more
ways than one, these campaigns in the mountains caused good results.
These settlements on the remote frontiers of the territory of
New Mexico are composed of very poor people, who, for many years
succeeding their first efforts on establishing their small farms, find
great difficulty in doing more than to feed themselves. Their distance
from markets such as Taos affords, prevents them from transporting
thither more than their small surplus of grain; but, as in this
case, on thus finding many hungry horses and mules to feed, their
corn-stalks and wheat-straw come into demand, and bring them in a
remuneration in ready money, in sums which they have not even dreamed
of before. The only difficulty in trading with such people is to fix a
fair price on their produce; for they are so fearful of not receiving
enough, that they often overshoot the mark, and charge so much as to
prevent other expeditions of the same sort from visiting them. With
the few dollars in their pockets thus gained from the party, these
Mexicans for once felt themselves rich men.
Early on the subsequent day the whole force was again in motion, and
continued an active march for two days over a rough country. At last
Kit Carson struck the Indian trail. The course was instantly made to
suit this trail, when the party marched on two days more at a rapid
pace. On the second day's march, the Indians were overhauled. The band
of Apaches had been jogging on slowly, and consequently, their animals
were in good order. The case was far different with their pursuers;
their horses were much used up by overwork and privations. Thus, when
their strength was most needed, it was found wanting. The Indians
espied the soldiers in time to make good their flight, but not quick
enough to save the lives of all their warriors. Several of them were
killed and many more were wounded. They also lost a few of their
horses, and nearly all their camp equipage. The roughness of the
section of the country where they were overtaken, assisted the savages
in escaping, notwithstanding every effort was made by the Americans
to prevent their leaving so easily. Kit Carson, when describing these
events, says: "To Capt. Sykes, who commanded the infantry, is due the
greatest amount of praise for the part he acted in our adventures.
When his men were almost broken down with sore feet, long and
difficult marches, want of provisions, the coldness of the weather,
and with their clothing nearly worn out, and when they were on the
point of giving up with despair, they were prevented from so doing by
witnessing the noble example set them by their captain. He showed them
what a soldier's duty really was, and this so touched their pride that
they hobbled along as if determined to follow him until death relieved
them from their sufferings. Although this officer had a riding animal
at his disposal, yet never for once did he mount him; but instead,
he lent the horse to some deserving soldier who was on the point of
succumbing to overwork. When the Indian village was discovered, he
cheered his men from a limping walk into a sort of run, and dashing
through a swollen mountain stream, that was nearly up to their
arm-pits and full of floating ice, he was, with his company, the
foremost in the attack."
Two soldiers of Captain Sykes's company[25] were wounded, and one
of them afterwards died. The other man was severely injured, but
eventually recovered. The Indians, on being routed, were pursued
through a deep cañon for about four miles. A few who had been
previously wounded were overtaken and slain. Night now came on;
therefore, the men had to give up the chase, and on returning to their
own encampment they found their friends had located it on the same
ground which the Indians had occupied when they were first discovered.
The next morning the surviving wounded man, with an escort, was sent
back to the nearest military post, so that he could receive proper
attention. The pursuit at an early hour was then resumed, by the
soldiers' taking the fresh trail of the Indians. Away went both
parties through valleys, cañons, and over snow clad mountains, until,
in the end, the Americans saw that it was impossible to overtake
the red men, who began to break up into squads of two and three and
scatter in every direction. During the latter days of the chase, the
routes which the Indians traveled were the worst they could select;
their object being, entirely to use up the animals of their pursuers,
who were thus vigorously driving them from one haunt to another. Very
often, at night, the soldiers would find themselves bivouacked but
a short distance from the place which they had left on the previous
morning; and this happened, when not once during the whole day, had
they missed the trail or ceased travelling; but the fact was, that the
enemy were so familiar with the country that they made these crooked
trails with impunity. Finally, the Indians saw that in this trial of
muscles and nerves they gained nothing, and could not thus shake
off their pursuers, but that it was necessary for them to try
other expedients; therefore, they separated, to meet again at some
preconcerted rendezvous. On this occasion, as so often heretofore, the
Apaches did not belie the character formed of them by some of our most
experienced military men, and of which we have before spoken: viz.,
that they have no equals for endurance, and such a thing as overtaking
them when once put to flight is almost out of the category of the
white man's feats.
[Footnote 25: Company D, 2d Regiment U.S. Artillery.]
There being nothing more that could be accomplished by the pursuit,
consequently, Col. Cook ordered his men to face about, and they having
done so, he made a direct march to Abiquiu, a Mexican village that is
located on the Rio Chamo, a tributary of the Rio del Norte. The
design he had in going there was to recruit his men and animals. Their
sufferings had been severe. Although performing constantly more than
double duty, the entire command was put upon half allowance of food,
and that little could not be properly cooked. For this reason, the
trials and hardships which they experienced were of no ordinary
character.
The town of Abiquiu, where Colonel Cook arrived, is about sixty miles
northwest from Santa Fé, and a traveler can make a journey through
valleys from one town to the other. It stands next to Taos in point
of magnitude and importance in the matter of townships in the north of
New Mexico. The scenery about this settlement is very attractive, and,
as it lies on the borders of the Utah Indian country, it is frequently
visited by these Indians. The neighbors of the Utahs, the Navajoes,
occasionally make their appearance in the town. The Mexicans of
Abiquiu, from their continued intercourse with bands of the Utah
Indians, are more or less linked in with them; and, in time of war,
the Americans can place but little confidence in the inhabitants of
Abiquiu on this account. The grazing and farming facilities of the
country adjacent to this town are quite progressive, and were it not
for the Indians, its resources would be much more rapidly developed
than they now are.
Utah was originally part of the territory of Upper California. The
United States came into possession of it by treaty with Mexico in
1848. The population is chiefly Mormon. The new territory, as set
off by the United States in 1850, includes an area of one hundred and
eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred and twenty-three square miles, or
one hundred and twenty millions, two hundred and seventy thousand and
seven hundred and twenty acres. Near the eastern base of the Sierra
Nevada range there are several lakes which receive the waters of the
eastern slope of these leviathan mountains. One of these lakes bears
the name of Kit Carson, having been named Carson Lake by Colonel
Fremont.
In one respect this country has characteristics seldom met with in
any part of the globe. Large numbers of the lakes and rivers have no
outlets. Such is the fact in regard to Carson Lake. The only means by
which their waters are reduced is by evaporation. The Great Salt Lake
of Utah, to the traveler is of great interest. It may well be called
the Dead Sea of Utah.
As has been seen, Col. Cook and party were now halted at a Mexican
village on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the Rio Grande or del Norte.
The party that had been sent back with the wounded man, while on their
journey met and captured an Indian. Supposing him to be an Apache,
they deprived him of his horse and arms and otherwise treated him as
a prisoner. While they were en route, the Indian made his escape and
joined his tribe. This captive they afterwards learned was a Utah,
whose tribe had the external appearance of being friendly towards the
whites, although there were existing good reasons for doubting their
sincerity. Col. Cook, fearing that such treatment might offer the
Utahs a plausible excuse for openly declaring war, determined to clear
himself of censure by making such reparation as was in his power.
Accordingly, he dispatched Kit Carson to the head-quarters of his
Agency, in order to settle matters. On reaching Taos, Kit Carson sent
an expressman to the Utah village with the request that their chiefs
would come and have a talk with him. They obeyed his summons, and when
they were seated in Council with their "Father Kit," he explained to
them how that the soldiers had taken prisoner their _brave_ through
mistake and ignorance. He informed them, that his countrymen did not
wish to do their tribe any injury, and he trusted that they would
overlook the affair; advising them that the best way to show to the
white men that their intentions were honest would be by not rendering
aid to the Apaches. He said that he had not sent for them through
fear, as their warriors were but a handful when compared to the
soldiers of their "Great Father;" but the main object, always to be
held in view in their deliberations, was to cultivate friendship, as
the country was large enough for both parties to live in. The Indians
replied that they were satisfied with the explanation made to them,
and declared that their hearts were not in the least inimical towards
the whites. On hearing this, Kit Carson restored to them the captured
property, and also made to the chiefs themselves a few useful
presents.
Col. Cook, after granting a sufficient rest to his men, and after
obtaining supplies at Abiquiu, started out again to hunt the
Jiccarillas. He was so fortunate soon after as to find a fresh trail,
and in hot haste followed it for several days, when, unfortunately, he
was caught in a furious snow-storm which obliterated the tracks of the
Indians, besides otherwise greatly damaging his resources. The fair
prospects of a successful termination to the expedition being so
suddenly frustrated, the commander had no other alternative open to
him but to return. This he did by going to the Rito Colorado, a small
town that lay on his route. Here the command was joined by Major
Brooks of the 3d Regiment of U.S. Infantry, who had marched to the
relief of Col. Cook with reinforcements. As soon as the necessary
preparations were gone through with, another scout was undertaken
under charge of this last-named officer, while Col. Cook and his men
retired from their active service.
Major Brooks, without much difficulty, struck upon a recent path made
by the enemy, and on it, gave them chase. The Indians were making
their way to the Utah country, and on arriving there, the plans of
the major were completely balked, owing to the great numbers of fresh
trails that he discovered in those parts. They were so numerous that
they crossed and recrossed one another at all points, and were so
similar that his best guides could not distinguish the one made by the
Apaches from those belonging to the Utahs. The result was that this
command, after being in the field for fifteen days, was compelled to
return without accomplishing anything.
These two nations, the Utahs and Apaches, have been so long intimate,
that many of their habits and customs are the same, and very often it
requires them to speak their respective languages, before they can
be recognized; but, usually, the Utahs are cleaner and better dressed
than their faithful allies, the Apaches, whom they use, in time of
peace and war, as tools.
After allowing sufficient time for the Apaches to collect and
reorganize so that they would be more accessible, a third expedition
was made ready and placed under the command of Major Carlton of the
First Regiment of United States dragoons. Major Carlton employed as
his guide, Kit Carson.
This command, at first, traveled to the north one hundred miles, until
it reached Fort Massachusetts. Here it halted for one day until the
final arrangement could be finished. Major Carlton then divided his
party, sending one division, which consisted of his spy company, under
Captain Quinn, to examine the country on the west side of the White
Mountains, while he took it upon himself to inspect the territory on
the east side of the same range.
Captain Quinn followed up the valley of San Luis. When he reached the
Mosco Pass, he turned off through it, in order to get into the Wet
Mountain Valley, where it had been previously agreed upon that he
should meet with and report progress to his commanding officer.
The Mosco Pass is a narrow opening in the White Mountains, which
latter is but another name for a branch of the Rocky Chain. This pass
has been traversed by Col. St. Vrain, many years ago, with
wagons; but, at the present time, such a feat would prove to be an
impossibility, as the mountain streams have washed down large rocks
and other obstacles, which now present difficulties which simply men
and animals cannot overcome. The pass itself is but a few miles in
length. It is but a deep cut through very lofty mountains. Its sides
are rocky, craggy and very rough, defying, in many places, the most
experienced climber to ascend them. It is a favorite route, which
the Apaches delight to take when hotly pursued, as it offers them the
saving of many miles of difficult and circuitous traveling, when they
wish to reach the open prairies.
On reaching the place of rendezvous, Carlton, while in the Sangre de
Christo Pass, by the aid of his guide Kit Carson, discovered a trail
made by three of the enemy, and on following it up, it was found to
join the main path on the Huerfano Creek. On the arrival of Quinn, who
had discovered signs which indicated the direction the Indians were
taking, a conference was called, when all the old guides and spies of
the party agreed in believing they were on the right scent. The skill
shown by men accustomed to the business of tracking Indians, either
for friendly or warlike purposes, is oftentimes truly wonderful, and
especially is it so to a person brought up in a civilized community,
only familiar with the reports of such things. The age of the trail,
the haunts the red men are bound to, their object in going there, the
numbers on the trail, and the tribe, or tribes to which they belong,
can, in the majority of cases, be told with the greatest accuracy. It
is by philosophizing on minute things, which in ordinary life would be
considered mere trifles, and hardly worth a consideration, that this
knowledge is arrived at. Thus, it takes but a minimum amount of
wisdom to realize that a spear of grass, when trodden upon, is usually
crushed to the earth; but, few reflect that the attempt is made by
nature to restore the blade to its naturally upright position, and in
doing so, requires a certain period of time to accomplish the task.
This process, to the trailer, is an index by which he judges the age
of the visit made by the Indians, to that section of country. The
shape of the sole of the moccasin, or the carvings on arrows when they
are found, which not unfrequently happens, and many other like things,
are sure signs in guiding the experienced trailer to the particular
party he is seeking.
Carleton and his men became flushed with the prospects of success on
finding the main trail, and they lost no time in following it up. For
six days they made rapid progress, and at the end of that time espied
the Indians encamped on "Fisher's Peak" in the Raton Mountains.
Although the mountain was none the easiest to climb, yet the soldiers
went at its performance with a determination that brought them upon
the Indians before they could collect their animals and be off, and
the consequence was, that many a brave warrior then and there drew
his last breath. However, the most of the Indians ran away, but were
pursued and a few were overtaken and shot.
The mountain on which the Apaches were concealed, as described in
this adventure with them, is devoid of trees, and hence, is what, in
western language is known as a "bald mountain." Its summit contained
a dry basin; which, besides the open lookout that the eminence
commanded, formed another inducement to these Indians in selecting it
for a hiding-place. The route from New Mexico to the United States,
which we have before spoken of as the Bent's Fort road, runs through,
or rather, close to, the Raton Mountains. On account of its being well
timbered, and offering somewhat of a protection, this route is often
chosen late in the autumn and early in the spring, as the safest for
caravans to travel. As a hunting district it cannot be surpassed,
especially in the seasons of the year above mentioned, as the game
collects there for shelter from cold and storms.
At night, a squad of men under command of Lieutenant R. Johnston, of
the First Regiment of United States Dragoons, secreted themselves in
the camp lately occupied by the Indians, in the expectancy that some
of them would return to reconnoitre and see what had been done there.
Along with this detachment, there was a man belonging to the spy
company who could counterfeit the call used by these Indians when they
wish to find each other and collect their forces. At about midnight,
when all was still, this peculiar-toned whistle was sounded, when
lo and behold! two warriors and two squaws came forth and commenced
groping about in the darkness. They were fired upon, but as no
accurate aim could be taken, only one of the men was mortally wounded.
There is no reason to doubt that there were more of these Indians
concealed in the neighborhood, but the report of the rifles and
the yells of their exposed brothers, caused them to cling to their
hiding-places; and, as the shades of night advanced, they thought it
was best to be on the move to distant parts. Hence, they escaped. The
Apaches, in this affray, parted with forty head of horses and also
their scanty allowance of camp equipage; for, by prosecuting the war,
they were fast becoming poverty stricken; but, to do them as much harm
as possible, all the articles that could be of any service to them
were collected and destroyed.
A spectator, not used to seeing Indians in all phases, on beholding
these Apaches in their most nourishing condition, would at once decide
they had but little else to lose than their bodies, for they usually
have but a small quantity of clothing on them; but this is but an
instance where human eyes can be easily deluded. As long as he has his
rifle with plenty of ammunition, or even when he is reduced to his bow
and arrows, the Apache still considers that he is amply provided to
carry on war. Least of all the Indians in the far West does this race
prepare for the future. When deprived of his horse, which he is ready,
at a moment's warning, to convert into food by killing, his spirits
are as buoyant as if he was mounted on the fleetest charger. He is
equally careless about partaking of his last morsel of nourishment,
although his rashness may drive him, and often does, to the
alternative of subsisting on roots and bark, or such other articles as
may fall in his way.
On the morning of the day that the Apache village was discovered and
captured, Kit Carson rode up to his superior officer and said, "Major,
if no accident shall happen to prevent us, we are certain to overtake
the Indians by two o'clock this afternoon. The signs are becoming so
fresh that I feel confident that I will not be mistaken." Carleton
replied that if his words came true, he would present him with the
finest hat that could be purchased in the United States. Strange as
it may appear, the Indians were found at the hour which the guide had
predicted. Sometime afterward, as it required quite a length of time
to write and have the commission executed, Kit Carson was
presented with a superb hat, in which there was a very appropriate
inscription--viz.
+----------------+
| AT 2 O'CLOCK. |
| |
| KIT CARSON, |
| |
| FROM |
| |
| MAJOR CARLETON.|
+----------------+
This prophecy was not guesswork. On the contrary, it was a matter of
calculation, made on the same principle which any experienced workman
would adopt, in reference to some undertaking that was within the
range of his calling. A few years later, an officer, who had been an
eye-witness of this incident, had the opportunity of trying Kit Carson
a second time on the same business, but Kit was not mistaken. The
Indians were overtaken within five minutes from the time he had
foretold they would be.
Major Carleton, having performed all that lay in his power, commenced
his homeward-bound march. While _en route_ he traveled by the head
waters of the Canadian River and its tributaries, and passed over bold
and lofty mountains, and through a picturesque country. Finally he
reached Taos. His command was in a very good condition, considering
the hardships to which it had been exposed.
Although we say, in common parlance, that this command returned in
good condition, yet it must not be presumed by this assertion that
they came back making a fine appearance, like that presented by
soldiers on a parade. When out on these campaigns, the comfort of the
men is considered to be of more importance than either pomp or show;
hence, those military trappings which are not particularly essential,
are left behind, while there is just enough uniformity of dress
remaining, to make them recognizable as soldiers. But little luggage
can be transported on these trips, hence, the soldiers are obliged to
limit their wants to actual necessity, which seldom amounts to more
than the clothes they have on. When about starting out, the soldiers
bear the appearance of being ready for hard work; which, after
finishing, they are glad to return, even if they present themselves
at their quarters in rags. It is wonderful what a change in personal
appearance a few weeks can make by traveling in the mountains. The
person thus exposed partially conforms to the habits of the wild
Indians, both in appearance and mode of life. Such toilet articles
as mirrors and razors, with their paraphernalia, are dispensed
with, personal beauty being a thing the most to be despised. In lieu
thereof, robust health shows itself in the cheek, the eye, and the
whole economy of the man. The blood courses through his veins as pure
as the water in the mountain streams about him. By this training, the
mind becomes clear and well balanced, and the whole system reaches a
condition which far surpasses the finest constructed machinery. This
happy state of the body does not, however, communicate itself to the
fantastical appearance of the soldiers as they come marching along.
Were they to enter a town belonging to a civilized community, when
arrayed in this mountain costume, they would be at once judged as a
band of desperadoes.
On arriving at his home, Kit Carson resumed the duties of his office
as Indian Agent, which occupied his time during the remainder of
the year. Soon after, another expedition was organized and sent out
against the Apaches, but it returned unsuccessful.
We have used this word "organizing," when speaking of the fitting out
of various expeditions against the Indians, and it seems proper that
here we should give the reader an idea of what kind of preparation is
necessary to put one of these commands in proper trim. The company, or
companies, of soldiers will be first detailed for the arduous
duties of the field to castigate the Indians. This matter is easy to
accomplish; but the next thing to be thought of is to take care of
these troops, which is not quite so puerile a task. The quartermaster
estimates from the number of the soldiers how many mules will be
required to transport their luggage, equipments and provisions. This
having been determined upon, he collects the animals and has them
provided with pack-saddles. The task of shoeing the horses and mules
is also no easy matter, for they cannot go until after they have been
properly shod. A certain weight of freight is assigned to each pack
mule, and a suitable number of men are employed to take care of, load
and unload these animals when in camp. When on the march, these
men perform duty as drivers, and otherwise look after their charge.
Notwithstanding their proverbial obstinacy, these pack mules quickly
learn the labor which they have to perform. After finishing their
usual day's work, they often exhibit impatience to be relieved of
their burdens. In the morning they are correspondingly reluctant about
being loaded, and by their hostile demonstrations, they plainly show
their unwillingness to engage in further labor. Especially is this
true, when, by careless management, their backs have become injured;
or when, from the steadiness of pressure from the "_dead_ weight" of
their cargoes, the same result has been brought about. The Mexicans
understand the art of packing animals to perfection, hence they are
preferred before other men to serve in this capacity. It is often a
laughable scene to witness a mule who is used to the business, having
his load strapped on and otherwise arranged in proper place. The
packer, with the lashing rope in hand, and with his foot braced
against the side of the animal, by the assistance of a kind of pulley
arrangement in the saddle gearing, uses his utmost endeavors to make
things as firm as possible. Every effort which he thus put forth, is
strenuously and obstinately resisted by a trick which we will call a
straining process that is resorted to by the mule. The animal seems
to know when his pack is securely and properly adjusted; for, if it is
not, he is ready to dump it on the first opportunity occurring. When
the mules are loaded, they start out in a drove, but are allowed to
select their own path, provided they follow on after the command.
It generally happens that one of them is more ambitious than his
companions. This one taking the lead, the others resign to him
their right to the place, and are content to keep his company at a
respectful distance in the rear. One of the duties of the Commissary
Department in fitting out such expeditions is, to provide a sufficient
quantity of rations for the men, such as beef, bacon, beans, sugar
and coffee. These form the reliable subsistence of the soldiers while
absent from their posts or the settlements. The estimate is judged of
by the number of days which the expedition will require to be absent,
in order to perform a certain amount of work. From this result is
calculated the weight and number of the rations required, always,
when practicable, allowing a small surplus. In this respect old and
experienced soldiers are far superior to volunteers. The former will
allow of no waste. They are accustomed to be methodic in their modes
of life, while the volunteer is usually ignorant of such teaching;
hence, he is wanting in making little things go a great way. While
out on one of these campaigns, it is often practicable to a certain
extent, provided the undertaking is not a hotly contested chase, to
drive along beef cattle, which can be killed and used at discretion.
Bacon, however, is the soldier's sheet anchor; and, the variety of
forms in which he can cook and prepare for eating this article, while
in the field, would astonish even a French _chef de cuisine_. It very
frequently happens, however, that in an Indian country, he is not
allowed to exercise his talent, for, making large fires might have the
effect of apprising the enemy of the near approach of danger. In such
a case he is obliged to make his coffee in a tin cup, over a very
small fire, the fuel of which consists of a handful of dry twigs,
which are carefully and cautiously replenished as the first supply is
consumed. This coffee, together with the remains of his last frugal
meal, serves to stay his appetite for the time being, _nolens volens_.
The organization is said to be complete and fit for service when the
soldiers are judiciously provided with arms, ammunition, and riding
horses. When the party consists of mounted men, they also are provided
with such other articles as are deemed necessary, which are included,
usually, under the heading of an outfit for the especial business in
which the soldier is to engage.
In the latter part of the summer, Kit Carson departed from the agency,
on a visit to the band of Utahs, one of the tribes who were placed
under his special charge. Although, usually, he went to their country
several times in a year, yet, more frequently, these Indians came to
him in order that they might enjoy the hospitality of his house, and
receive from him presents of tobacco and other little commodities
which he was always sure to give them--articles which he generally had
to pay for himself. In visiting them at their home on this particular
occasion, Kit Carson had the double object in view of notifying them
of the _moon_ when they must meet the superintendent of the Indian
affairs of the territory at Abiquiu, a town adjacent to their
hunting-grounds, and one which they often frequented, and also, to
inform himself of the schemes which they had on foot and their actual
wants, so that he could report to the proper authorities the necessary
articles of which they stood most in need. To define the actual wants
and requirements of Indians, is a subject which has puzzled many a
person who has endeavored thoroughly to investigate their character,
and who has understood their mode of life. If the question was left to
themselves, it would be readily settled; for, they desire to possess
everything which in the least pleases their active fancy; and, so
extensive are their demands in this respect, that they know no limit,
provided their own inclinations are consulted. By some, it is supposed
that the presents of blankets and trinkets which they annually receive
from government, are more than sufficient rewards for depriving them
of parts of their country. Others there are who charitably add to
these things, presents of weapons and ammunition, arguing that thus
they can kill their game, and gain their own subsistence without
resorting to plunder; but alas! this latter argument is not found,
in the majority of instances, to be the peaceful manner in which
they employ these gifts. Very often the weapons which they have
but recently received, are turned upon their donors with a view
of destroying them. The reasoning of the Indian in regard to these
presents is perhaps right and just, yet it is by no means pleasing to
the exposed frontiersman. The Indian argues that these gifts are but
rights which he is forced to receive in lieu of his hunting grounds,
with which he is very loath to part, no matter what be the terms or
consideration offered. The inference which he draws is, that he can
use these presents as he pleases. Money, in the hands of wild Indians,
is almost worthless to them, and paying it for their lands by way of
annuity, is extreme folly. Some of them in time, as they have become
half civilized, begin to appreciate the value of money. Such only,
should be allowed to receive or accept it. They sometimes desire it by
way of ornament. Then by the usual means of exchanging property, they
know how, easily, to obtain it. Every tribe has its own peculiarities
in respect to its wants, and the best judge of these is the agent, who
should be first chosen for his honor, integrity and skill, and then
allowed a large discretion in his decisions.
The distance to be traveled over while on this duty was in the
vicinity of two hundred and fifty miles, and was performed, like all
of Kit's previous journeys, on horseback. Indeed, there are but
few men living or dead, who have ridden in the saddle over as much
territory as the man we write of. On his way to the Utah village, Kit
accidentally fell in with the Apaches; but as he was constantly on the
look out, and therefore first in making the discovery, he lost no time
in effecting his escape from them, by changing his course. He thus
was able to pass around them in perfect safety. Kit Carson met with
no difficulty in finding the Utahs, among whom he spent two days
investigating their affairs. Just before parting with them, he left
directions for them to be at the council at the time appointed, which
was in the _new moon_ of October. Notwithstanding his path was beset
with the same perils that existed on his outward journey, yet by
careful traveling he surmounted them all, and arrived at his home safe
and sound. Little or nothing worth noting transpired until the
time arrived for him to set out for Abiquiu, where all parties soon
assembled in grand council and proceeded to business. Speeches were
made by the superintendent, by Kit Carson, and also by the head
chiefs. After these interesting proceedings were gone through with,
the annuities, to which the band were entitled according to their
treaty, were presented to them, which they received with outward signs
of friendship, though the knowing ones who were on the ground could
see, lurking beneath that stoic appearance which a savage usually
assumes when facing his white brother, that the red men were not
entirely satisfied with past events. However, every means had been
employed to pacify the band, who, on first coming into the council,
had succeeded in showing that they had been greatly outraged and
injured, and that they had sufficient cause for resentment. The
following circumstances will show the truth of this.
Just previous to the holding of this council, one of the warriors who
was much esteemed by his tribe, had been waylaid and murdered by a
small party of Mexicans. The only excuse offered by the latter for
committing this bloody deed was, that they wished to deprive the
warrior of an old coat, which, by some means, had come into his
possession.
The killing of a human being to deprive him of a garment which
was almost worthless, is perfectly characteristic of the depravity
exhibited by the lower classes of Mexicans. It is a singular fact that
these people love to steal trifling articles, or, sums of money. We
remember two instances where this trait is singularly illustrated. An
American, on one occasion, left on a table, in his log house, a large
sum of money in gold. He sent a Mexican into this room to bring him
something which he wanted, but the man returned saying he could not
find it. The American now went himself to look for the article, and,
while in the house, recounted his money and found one of the smallest
coins missing. He at once called the thief and charged him with the
crime. The Mexican knew this American to be very resolute; when,
therefore, he heard him threaten him with severe and summary
punishment if he did not, at once, produce the money, he knew there
was no escape, and accordingly drew from its hiding-place, on his
person, the missing coin and restored it to its owner. The American,
being used to such every-day occurrences, passed by the affair without
further notice. In the other instance an American was traveling and
had occasion to stop at a Mexican's house during the night. On going
to pay his bill for his lodging in the morning, he noticed that two
pieces of his money had been abstracted while he was sleeping. These
coins had been taken one from either end of his purse. This was what
drew his attention to the fact of his having been robbed. The host
was informed of what had happened and at once proceeded to restore the
missing money. He called his son to him, a boy twenty years of age,
and after threatening a good deal, he made the lad take his choice
between owning the theft or submitting to the risk of being discovered
by a search of his person for the missing coins. This had the desired
effect, and at once the stolen property was returned to its rightful
owner.
Both of these facts are simple, and perhaps, uninteresting; but they
serve to exhibit a characteristic of the lower classes of Mexicans.
Doubtless, such paltry thieving is the result of a want of animal
courage, easily discernible by the close observer of the Mexican race.
Of course there are many exceptions to this statement.
The white men interested in the council had their hands full in
their endeavors to smooth over this affair, for the Indians were
much dissatisfied with such treatment. At first they demanded that
reparation should be made them by their agents giving them a certain
number of horses. The Superintendent explained to them that he had not
the power to do this, but he assured them that the murderers should
be arrested and dealt with according to law. The Indians willingly
received this promise, but seemed to feel, as finally was the fact,
that they were doomed to be disappointed as far as the punishment was
concerned. It afterwards happened that only one of the murderers was
apprehended, and in a very short time after he was locked up as a
prisoner, he succeeded in making his escape and was never retaken.
This was all that was ever done by those in authority to render the
justice that had been agreed upon and which was richly due to the
Indians. After quitting the council, and while on their way back to
their hunting-ground, the small pox broke out among the red men, and
carried off, in its ravages, the leading men of this band of Muache
Utahs. On the first appearance of this trouble, the Indians held a
council among themselves, and decided that the Superintendent was the
cause of the pestilence that had visited them. They, also, decided
that he had collected them together in order thus to injure them,
and to further his designs he had presented, to each of their
distinguished warriors, a blanket-coat. They found that nearly every
Indian who had accepted and worn this article, had died.
It so happened that the writer, several years after these events
occurred, visited the camp where this pestilence reigned in its full
vigor. The site of this camp was very beautiful. Perhaps it was this,
aided by other circumstances, which caused the red men to select it as
a refuge for their sick. The place is located on the west side of the
Valley of San Luis, and is about midway between its upper and lower
extremes. Two mountain streams have so joined as to form a peninsula
of tableland which is well shaded by cotton-wood trees. This ground,
when the writer saw it, was literally strewn with the bleached bones
of the Indian victims who had died from the scourge. As we lifted up
one skull and another, the thought struck us that, perhaps, we might
have touched the bones which once belonged to the famous chief, Chico
Velasques, of whom we have before spoken, as it was here that he died.
Had we done so knowingly, on account of that man's many cruel deeds, a
thrill of horror must have run through our veins. The funeral rites of
the dead among the Indians were clearly exemplified here.
Whatever may be these rites observed among the Indians on the west
side of the Rocky Mountains, I am satisfied that most of the tribes
of Indians on the east side of this same range, use but few, if any,
imposing ceremonies in committing the body to the dust. It is very
difficult to find the bones of an Indian on the plains, and therefore
I believe, and herein I am assisted by the observations of experienced
men, that these Indians burn their dead bodies when they can do so, or
completely hide them in the mountains by covering them with rocks, so
that it is impossible to find them. Such a course would also serve
the purpose of preventing the wolves from digging them up. The
high-colored novels, referred to heretofore, which have, during the
past few years, had for their theme the Indian race, love to dwell
on the imposing and affecting spectacle of an Indian burial. When
stripped of fancy, the truth is, that beyond the lamenting of a few
hysterical squaws and the crackling of the flames of the funeral pile,
there is little else done that is noticeable.
But to return to results of the council. The Indians naturally enough,
argued and persuaded themselves that these presents were intended as
poisonous destroyers, and that they had been steeped in contagion for
that end. It wanted but the happening of this affair, or a
similar one, to destroy the small amount of confidence which the
superintendent had hitherto enjoyed with these savages. While they
were secretly preparing for war, they anxiously inquired of the
traders who came among them, what was transpiring in regard to the
Mexican prisoners who had wantonly murdered their brave. On each
separate occasion they were answered with intelligence that did not
in the least satisfy them. They, therefore, renewed their energies
in order soon to be ready to take the redress in their own hands.
Kit Carson apprehended difficulty, even at the council; but, after it
broke up, he was early apprised of the trouble which was brewing; and,
to prevent any outbreak, he brought all his Indian experience to bear
upon the task. In him they said that they knew they had a true friend;
but, their nation had received too many wrongs to allow any more to be
thrust upon them without showing to the world that they were worthy of
the names which their fathers had given to them.