Books: The Life of Kit Carson
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Edward S. Ellis >> The Life of Kit Carson
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Accordingly, they dismounted and leading their steeds, continued
the pursuit on foot. Where it was impossible to see the ground,
they depended on the sense of feeling. Quite certain of the general
direction taken by the red men, they occasionally stooped down and
passed their hands over the earth. The trail was so distinct that
it could be readily detected in this manner, provided they had not
gone astray. Several times they wandered to the right or left, but
found their way back without difficulty, and the chase was continued
for several hours in this singular fashion.
After a time, the trail became so fresh that it could be readily
detected and no doubt was left in their minds that they were close
upon the marauders. Inasmuch as Carson and Godey had pushed their
horses to the utmost, and they were showing signs of weariness, they
concluded, in view of these facts, to halt and wait until daylight.
The night was unusually cold, but they dared not start a fire, lest
it should apprise their enemies of their presence. So they suffered
in silence, miserable, wretched and as uncomfortable as it was
possible to be, while watching for the growing light in the east.
When at last, morning appeared, they were so chilled that they could
hardly walk; but making their way to the bottom of a ravine, they
kindled a fire, and with the help of some violent exercise, managed
to start their blood in circulation.
In a very brief time, their horses were resaddled and they were
galloping along the trail again. Within an hour, they caught sight
of the Indians and the stolen animals. The warriors were in camp
and were enjoying a breakfast of horse meat, several of the stock
having been killed to furnish the food.
Before the Indians could detect their pursuers, the latter dismounted
and hid their steeds where they were not likely to attract notice.
They then started to crawl in among the stolen animals, which were
grazing a short distance from camp. This was an exceedingly delicate
task, for the horses were likely to give the alarm, even if the
warriors did not detect their presence; but patience and skill
succeeded, and, after a time, they were among the drove.
But the very thing they dreaded took place. They had scarcely reached
the animals, when one of them became frightened by the appearance
of the strangers, and began rearing and snorting. This caused such
confusion among the others that the Indians became alarmed and
sprang to their feet. Carson and Godey emitted a series of yells
that must have made the red men envious, and dashed at full speed
toward the thirty Indians. The moment they were within range, both
fired. Carson killed his man, but Godey missed. The latter reloaded
with great quickness and fired again, bringing down his man.
Meanwhile, the warriors were thrown into a sort of panic by the
amazing audacity of their assailants. They could not have suspected
the truth -- that is that no others were near. They must have
believed that a strong reserve was close at hand and that if they
tarried in camp they would be overwhelmed by a party of avengers.
Accordingly they broke and ran, leaving the daring mountaineers
masters of the field.
In accordance with the savage spirit of the border, Godey scalped
the two Indians who had been shot, after which the horses were
gathered together and driven to where the steeds of the mountaineers
had been left.
But when this point was reached, Carson expressed himself as not
satisfied: they had not ascertained the fate of the captives and
they now proceeded to do so.
In the camp of the Mexicans were found the mangled bodies of the
two men. These were buried by Carson and Godey who made search for
the women. Though nothing of them was discovered, it was afterwards
learned that they, too, had been killed. Having done all that was
possible, Carson and Godey made their way back to Fremont's camp,
where the stolen property was turned over to the Mexicans, the
daring mountaineers refusing to accept the slightest payment for
their extraordinary services.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Arrival at Bent's Fort -- Carson goes to Taos and Decides to Become
a Farmer -- Arrival of a Messenger from Fremont -- Carson and Owens
Repair Again to Bent's Fort -- Carson Engages as Guide for Fremont's
Third Exploring Expedition -- On the Great Divide -- Division of
the Parties -- The Journey Across the Desert -- A Singular Meeting
-- Aboriginal Horse Thieves.
After a tedious journey of many miles, the exploring party reached
Bent's Fort July 2, 1844. The labors were considered finished, and
bidding his old commander goodbye, Carson made his way to Taos,
where he had a most happy reunion with his family. He was cordially
welcomed by hundreds of old friends who had learned years before
the rare courage and worth of the man, and who were proud to possess
such a neighbor.
Carson had led a wild and adventurous career, and, after talking
much with those in whom he had confidence, he decided to adopt
the life of a farmer. In this conclusion he was joined by Richard
Owens, an old mountaineer and an intimate associate for many years.
It did not take them long to fix upon a desirable site, and, in the
spring of 1845, stock and animals were bought, building commenced
and everything was fairly under way. At the moment when the scarred
mountaineers were counting with pleasure on the complete arrangements
made, an express messenger galloped up and handed Carson a letter.
The contents were of an important character. Captain Fremont had
written to notify Kit that he had started on his third exploring
expedition, and, inasmuch as the mountaineer had given his promise
months before, that in the event of doing so, he (Carson) would
serve again as guide, Fremont reminded him that he should hold him
to his pledge and would expect to meet him at Bent's Fort on his
arrival there.
It was a considerable pecuniary sacrifice for Carson to keep his
promise, but he never failed to do so, when it was not absolutely
impossible. Besides, it is fair to presume that the old life could
never lose its charm for one of his disposition, and, contrasted
with the humdrum existence of a farmer, he could not have been much
grieved over the reception of the message. But it must be stated
that both Owens and Carson sold out at much loss, and, putting
their affairs in the best shape possible, bade families and friends
goodbye, mounted their horses and set out for Bent's Fort which
was safely reached some days later.
There they were warmly welcomed by Fremont, who had entered upon
his third exploring expedition, the last under the authority of
the United States government, though two others were afterwards
undertaken on his own responsibility. As was to be supposed,
Fremont taking lessons from his previous experiences, was much
better equipped for his third than for either of the other preceding
expeditions. He had about fifty men, among them in addition to
Carson and Owens, being Maxwell, the famous mountaineer, Walker who
was a member of Captain Bonneville's expedition to the Columbia,
besides other hunters and scouts less known but not less skilful
and daring than they.
We have already given tolerably full accounts of the two exploring
expeditions of Fremont, and it is not our purpose to narrate the
particulars of the one which followed. There is a sameness in many
of the occurrences but the third time the Pathfinder penetrated
into the recesses of the far west, he became involved in a series
of experiences totally different from the preceding and deeply
interesting of themselves.
Several months were spent on what may be called the Great Divide
-- that is the region where the waters flow east or west to either
ocean, and in the autumn of the year they encamped on the southwestern
shore of the Great Salt Lake.
Before them stretched a vast arid plain to which the trappers
referred with a shudder of terror. They had heard of it many a time
and the common legend was that no man white or Indian who had ever
attempted to cross it, succeeded. These stories, however, added to
the eagerness of Captain Fremont to explore its secrets, and, when
he proposed it to his men, they expressed as strong a desire as he
to do so. They felt a mutual trust and confidence impossible under
other circumstances.
Some seventy miles away, a mountain peak held out the promise of
wood and water. Four men under the guidance of an Indian, were sent
forward to explore the place, and, in the event of finding water,
they were instructed to apprise the watchful commander by means of
the smoke from a camp fire.
When the second day closed without sight of the signal, Fremont
became so uneasy that he moved forward with the rest of the party
and travelled all night. At daylight, one of the smaller party
approached them. He said that running water and grass existed at
the mountains, but their Indian guide was wholly ignorant of the
country. This was good news and the next day the party reached the
stream.
Shortly after, the expedition was divided into two parties, Walker
(of whom mention has been made), taking charge of the larger while
Fremont led the smaller. It was the purpose of Walker to pass
around to the foot of the Sierra Nevada, by a route with which he
was familiar, while Fremont with Carson and less than a dozen men,
among whom were several Delaware Indians, headed straight across
the desert.
While advancing over this arid tract, they detected a volume of
smoke rising from a ravine. Cautiously approaching, they discovered
an Indian warrior perfectly nude, standing by a fire and watching
an earthen pot in which something was simmering. He was greatly
frightened and offered them his food. They smiled, treated him
kindly and gave him several trifling presents which he received
with childish delight.
One of the singular incidents of the journey took place while the
exploring party were making their way along the foot of the Sierras.
Passing around a point on the lake shore, they unexpectedly met a
dozen Indian warriors. They were walking directly behind each other
in what is known as Indian file, their heads bent forward and their
eyes fixed on the ground. The whites turned aside to allow them
to pass and naturally watched them with much interest. The Indians
neither halted, deviated from the path, spoke nor looked up, but
walked straight forward with their silent, measured tread until they
disappeared. The explorers did not interfere with them or speak to
them. Thus the representatives of the different races encountered.
The division under charge of Walker joined Fremont at the appointed
rendezvous, but winter was upon them, the mountains were sure
to be choked with snow and no one was familiar with the route. As
a matter of prudence, therefore, Walker was directed to continue
southward with the principal party, while Fremont and a few picked
men pushed on directly through the Sierras to Sutter's Fort, with
a view of obtaining the necessary animals and supplies.
The smaller division was advancing as best it could, when a number
of plainly marked trails were observed showing they were in the
vicinity of some of the most notorious horse thieves in the world.
They were daring and skilful, went long distances, plundered ranches
and hastened to the mountains with their booty. The exasperated
Californians often organized and went in pursuit, but it was rare
they overtook the dusky thieves, and when they succeeded in doing
so, were invariably defeated.
This sort of people were undesirable neighbors, and Fremont sent
forward two Delawares and two mountaineers to make an investigation.
They had not gone far, when the company following them found the
signs so threatening that they were alarmed for the scouts. A short
distance further they came upon such an excellent camping site that
they decided to halt for the night.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Alarming Sounds -- Danger of the Scouts -- Fremont Goes to Their
Rescue -- Arrival at Sutter's Fort -- Ordered out of California by
the Mexican Governor -- Fremont's Refusal -- Withdrawal to Sacramento
River -- Arrival of Despatches from Washington -- War with Mexico
-- Meeting with Lieutenant Gillespie -- Night Attack by Klamath
Indians.
While preparing to go into camp, the explorers were mystified
by hearing a number of peculiar sounds like the barking of dogs.
Attentive listening, however, satisfied them that it came from an
Indian village close by, whose women and children were calling out
and lamenting. This constituted positive proof that the friends in
advance were in trouble with the red men and there was not a minute
to lose in going to their rescue.
A half mile further, the explorers galloped over a slight ridge,
when they suddenly came in sight of several hundred Indians, who
were making their way up two sides of a knoll, on the crest of
which the four scouts had entrenched themselves among the rocks
and trees and were coolly awaiting the attack of their enemies.
The little party had run so suddenly into danger that they were
compelled to make a flying leap from their horses, in order to
secure a suitable shelter. The assailants had almost captured the
abandoned horses, when relief came. The two Delawares made a dash
to recover their animals, their companions shooting the foremost
of the thieves. The property was saved and then all fell back to
their own camp.
As the aboriginal horse thieves were so numerous, Fremont kept up
an unremitting watch all through the night. Singular noises were
continually heard and there could be no doubt that the women and
children were retreating further into the mountains.
One of the Delawares on guard was sure he saw an Indian leap over
a log, and firing quickly, brought him to the ground; but it proved
to be a prowling wolf. None of their enemies appeared, and when
morning came, Fremont withdrew from his perilous position.
Sutter's Fort at last was safely reached, and the other party having
become lost, Carson was sent to find them. He succeeded with little
difficulty and the companies reunited.
Their course was now directed toward Monterey on the sea coast,
where they were confident of securing all they needed, but before
reaching the place, a messenger arrived from General Castro, the
Mexican commander of the territory, ordering the Americans to leave
at once or they would be driven out.
Fremont immediately intrenched himself and waited for the Mexicans
to carry out their threat. He waited three days, and then, as
no attempt was made, withdrew to the Sacramento, which stream was
followed to Lawson's Trading Post, where the commander hoped to
purchase the outfit for the journey homeward.
Moving northward toward the Columbia, they encountered an enormous
force of marauding Indians with whom a fierce battle was fought.
The savages were defeated and lost a large number of warriors.
While encamped near Klamath Lake, two horsemen galloped up with
despatches to Fremont from Washington, forwarded by Lieutenant
Gillespie, of the United States Marines. This officer was making
his way through the Indian country with six men as an escort, when
his animals began to succumb. Fearing he would not be able to
intercept the Captain, the Lieutenant selected two of his best men
and sent them ahead with the despatches. He begged Fremont to forward
him assistance, as he doubted his ability to reach him without such
help.
But the most startling news brought to camp was that war had been
declared between the United States and Mexico. When Fremont had read
his despatches from his Government, he appreciated the imminent
danger in which the Lieutenant was placed, and, without any tarrying,
perfected measures for his rescue.
He immediately selected ten of his men, Carson, as a matter of course
being among them, and pushed on with all haste, leaving directions
for the rest to follow as rapidly as they could.
Fremont and his little company had journeyed something over fifty
miles when they met the officer and his companions. The meeting was
of the happiest nature, for the Lieutenant, in fact, was in greater
danger than he suspected, the Indians around him being among the
most treacherous of their race.
Those who have been placed in a situation resembling in a slight
degree that of Fremont, can appreciate the interest with which he
perused the letters and papers from his distant home. After the
parties had gone into camp, the Captain sat up till after midnight
reading by the light of the camp fire. Tired out at last, he
stretched out with his blanket about him and sank soon into heavy
slumber.
The night was cold, and Carson and Owens, with their saddle blankets
wrapped around them, lay down close to the fire. All at once Carson
heard a peculiar noise, as though some one had struck a quick blow
with an axe. Wondering what it could mean, he called to one of the
mountaineers.
"What's the matter over there?"
There was no answer, for the head of the poor fellow had been cleft
by an axe in the hands of one of the Klamath Indians who had crept
into camp. A Delaware had already been killed by the treacherous
redskins, that night being the second among all those spent in the
west, when the explorers had no sentinel on duty.
Carson and Owens called out "Indians!" and springing to their feet,
hurried away from the fire whose strong light was sure to tempt
the aim of their enemies.
One of the other Delawares who leaped to his feet snatched up the
nearest rifle which unfortunately was not his own, and was unloaded.
Unaware of the fact, he tried to fire it over again and again,
without suspecting the cause, while a Klamath launched arrow after
arrow into his body. The first penetrated his left breast and was
fatal; but he bravely kept his feet trying to discharge the useless
gun, until four other missiles were also buried within a few inches
of the first.
Kit Carson had been quick to detect the danger of the brave Delaware,
and, in the hope of saving his life, he brought his unerring
rifle to his shoulder. Just as his finger pressed the trigger, he
recollected that that, too, was unloaded.
By one of those singular fatalities which sometimes occur, Carson
had broken the tube the night before, and left the weapon unloaded.
Without trifling with it, he threw it down, drew his single barrelled
pistol and ran toward the Klamath, who was coolly launching his
arrows into the breast of the poor Delaware.
The Indian leaped from side to side, so as to distract the aim
of his enemies, and, instead of hitting him, Carson only cut the
string which held a tomahawk to the warrior's arm. The mountaineer
had no other shot at command, and Maxwell tried his hand, but in
the uncertain light, inflicted only a slight wound. The Indian at
that moment wheeled to run, when one of the whites shot him dead.
By this time the alarm was general and the assailants fled.
There was good reason to believe that the Klamath Indians had
set the snare for Lieutenant Gillespie and his escort. As it was,
the wonder was that Fremont's command did not suffer to a greater
extent; for having no sentinels on duty, the warriors might have
perfected their schemes in security and killed a large number.
The Indian who drove five arrows into the left breast of the
Delaware, three of which pierced his heart, was the leader of the
attacking party. He had an English half axe slung to his wrist by
a cord, and forty arrows were left in his quiver. Carson pronounced
them the most beautiful and warlike missiles he had ever seen.
As may be supposed the explorers "slept on their arms" for the rest
of the night, but the assailants had fled.
They had killed three of the explorers, besides wounding another
of the Delawares, who took characteristic revenge by scalping the
leader that had been left where he fell. The dead were given the
best burial possible. As illustrating the ingratitude and perfidy
of these red men, it may be stated that it was only a few days before
that they had visited Fremont's camp, and, though provisions were
very scarce, they had been given considerable food, besides tobacco
and a number of presents.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Retaliatory Measures -- Fremont's Return to California -- Capture
of Sonoma -- Sutter's Fort Placed Under Military Rule -- Monterey
Taken by Commodore Sloat -- Capture of Los Angeles by Fremont and
Commodore Stockton -- Carson Sent East as a Bearer of Despatches
-- The Meeting with Apaches -- General Kearney -- Bravery of the
California Mexicans.
The indignation over the action of the Indians was so great that
retaliatory measures were determined upon. Fremont moved around Lake
Klamath until nearly opposite where his command had been attacked.
The following morning, Carson and ten men were sent forward to
search for the Indian village that was believed to be somewhere in
the neighborhood. If the discovery could be made without detection
on the part of the Indians, Carson was instructed to signal to
Fremont who would hasten forward with reinforcements.
The mountaineer had not gone far, when he struck a broad, clear
trail, which speedily carried him in sight of a village of some
fifty lodges. As it was evident that the Indians had detected their
danger, Carson and his companions made an impetuous attack before
which the red men fled in wildest panic. A number were shot, when,
finding pursuit useless, Carson returned to the village where all
the lodges were destroyed.
Because of the war with Mexico, Fremont decided to return to
California. On his way thither, the Tlamath Indians continually
dogged them and a number of collisions followed, though none was
of particular moment. After suffering many hardships, Lawson's Fort
was reached and several days were spent in hunting, while Fremont
awaited instructions as to the course he was to take in the war
then going on between the United States and Mexico.
As the days went by without bringing him any despatches, he wearied
of inactivity and decided to assume the aggressive. Accordingly
he sent a force to a Mexican military post known as Sonoma, which
with little trouble was taken.
Fremont sent out a couple of messengers to inform the American
settlers of what had taken place, but the messengers fell into the
hands of General Castro who put both to death.
General Castro sent one of his captains, with quite a force to
destroy the Americans, but the officer changed his mind when he
found himself in the neighborhood of the detested invaders. Fremont
pursued him for nearly a week, and captured much of his stock and
property, but the Mexican was so skilful in retreating that he
could not be brought to bay and Fremont returned to Sonoma.
The little force under Fremont now became the rallying point for
the American settlers, and before long the Captain had several
hundred under his command. Leaving a garrison at Sonoma, he marched
to Sutter's Fort, which was placed under military rule, and then
made his way toward Monterey with the purpose of capturing that
town. On his arrival, however, he found the place had already been
taken by Commodore Sloat and the American squadron. The Commodore
leaving shortly after, Commodore Stockton succeeded him.
While at Sonoma, Fremont and his comrades had declared the independence
of California and adopted the Bear Flag, which was proffered to
Commodore Sloat and the Star Spangled Banner hoisted over the camp.
As the Mexican General, Castro, was known to be at Los Angeles,
Fremont asked for and obtained a ship on which his force was taken
to San Diego. Then with a much inferior force, he set out to give
battle to the Mexican leader; but the latter no sooner learned of
his coming, than he fled with all his men. Finding it impossible to
force him to give battle, Fremont encamped near the town, where he
waited until joined by Commodore Stockton and a company of marines.
The junction effected, they marched upon Los Angeles which
immediately fell into their hands. Long before this, Fremont had
become impressed with the necessity of having some communication
with Washington. In one sense it may be said he was all at sea, for
he was without positive instructions, at a critical period, when
it was most important that his line of policy should be clearly
defined by his government.
But the matter of communicating with headquarters, thousands of
miles away, was infinitely more difficult and serious than it is
today. A vast, wild, perilous and almost unknown tract stretched
between the Pacific and Atlantic, across which it required weeks
and sometimes months for an express rider to make his way. To
send despatches around Cape Horn took a much longer time; but the
necessity was so urgent that Fremont sent Carson with fifteen picked
men across the plains, instructing him to complete the journey if
possible in sixty days.
Carson started in the middle of September, 1846, and by the exercise
of his consummate skill he passed rapidly through a most dangerous
section without running into any special danger until the third day.
Then, when in the neighborhood of the copper mines of New Mexico,
he suddenly came upon an encampment of Apaches, one of the most
hostile tribes and the most daring of fighters in the whole southwest.
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