Books: The Life of Kit Carson
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Edward S. Ellis >> The Life of Kit Carson
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This was another of those critical occasions where Carson's wonderful
quickness of mind enabled him to make the right decision without a
second's delay. He understood the language, customs and peculiarities
of the people, and he knew them to be splendid riders and tiger-like
warriors. The least evidence of timidity would invite an overwhelming
attack: a bold front and what may be called indomitable "cheek"
were all that was likely to take them through.
Telling his men to halt, Carson galloped forward until within
a few rods of the warriors, when he reined up and called out that
he wished to hold a parley with them. Thereupon, a number advanced
to hear what he had to say. The mountaineer stated that he and his
friends were simply travellers through the Apache country; while
they were prepared for war, they desired peace, and as their
animals were tired out they wished to exchange them for fresh
ones. The Apaches expressed themselves satisfied with the proposal,
and Carson carefully chose a camping site, where they could best
protect themselves against treachery. Then the exchange was made,
both parties being so well satisfied that they parted with many
expressions of good will.
It was impossible to carry any extended stock of provisions, the
party depending upon their rifles to supply their needs in that
direction; but game proved to be very scarce and they suffered much
until they reached the first Mexican settlement. Although those
people were at war with the United States, their friendship for
Carson led them to supply abundantly all the wants of himself and
friends.
With unremitting diligence and skill, the party pushed on day after
day until the sixth of October, when, as they were riding across a
treeless prairie, several moving specks were observed in the far
horizon. As they came closer, they resolved themselves into horsemen,
and, with a delight which may be imagined, Carson speedily observed
that they were a detachment of United States troops under the command
of General S. W. Kearney, who was highly pleased to meet Carson.
The detachment was a strong one and was on its way to operate in
California. After that officer had obtained all the important news
Carson had to give, he decided to send the despatches to Washington
by another, while he employed the mountaineer to guide him back.
This delicate duty was executed with such admirable skill that
General Kearney commended Carson in the highest terms. So rapidly
did they move that California was entered early in December, and
they were approaching San Diego, when the scouts brought news that
a large party of Mexicans were intrenched a short distance ahead
with the intention of disputing their advance. Fifteen men under
Carson were sent forward to drive in the outposts and capture such
loose animals as could be found.
A fierce fight followed, the Mexicans showing far more daring and
skill than was expected. General Kearney was compelled to send
two companies of dragoons and twenty-five California volunteers to
charge the enemy. Carson was in the front column, and was riding
at high speed, when his horse stumbled, throwing him so violently
as to shatter the stock of his gun. He lay partly stunned but
speedily recovering, he caught up the rifle of a dead dragoon and
rushed into the fight. Though the Mexicans were finally driven
out, they inflicted frightful loss on the Americans. Nearly every
man who was in the front column, where Carson was riding when his
horse threw him, was killed by the deadly bullets of the enemy.
The Mexicans soon rallied and attacked the Americans with such
fierceness that the advance guard was driven back and forced to
act on the defensive. No soldiers could have fought with greater
gallantry than did the assailants. Before the two mountain howitzers
could be unlimbered, almost every man around them was shot down.
Then the Mexicans charged forward, lassoed the horses, captured
one of the guns and turned it on the Americans. From some cause
or other it could not be discharged. Finally, the Americans took
refuge among the rocks, where they were surrounded by three or
four times their number, seemingly with the choice of two courses
before them -- to surrender or starve to death.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Daring Exploit of Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale -- General Kearney
Saved.
The situation of General Kearney and his men could not have been
more desperate. The only subsistence they had were their mules, and
the water was insufficient to meet their wants. They were completely
surrounded by the brave California Mexicans. They might exist for
a time on the bodies of their animals, but they must perish without
water.
General Kearney called his friends together during the afternoon
to consult as to whether any possible means of escape was before
them. He could see none. He had sent three scouts to Commodore
Stockton at San Diego, asking for immediate help, but the three were
captured by the Mexicans on their return. Kearney had succeeded in
exchanging a Mexican lieutenant, whom he held prisoner, for one of
the scouts, but nothing was gained thereby. The messenger reported
that they had been unable to reach San Diego, and Commodore Stockton,
therefore, was in ignorance of the peril of his countrymen not far
distant.
When every one expressed himself as unable to see the first ray of
hope, Carson in his deliberate, modest way said that it was clear
only a single possibility remained -- that was by procuring relief
from Commodore Stockton at San Diego. Though the other scouts had
failed to reach him, Carson expressed his belief that he could
succeed. At any rate, he desired to make the attempt to pass the
Mexican lines.
Lieutenant Beale, since Minister to Austria, and favorably known
throughout the country, immediately seconded the proposition,
volunteering to accompany Carson. General Kearney gladly and
gratefully accepted the offer, and the arrangements were instantly
made. These arrangements were of the simplest nature. The beleaguered
Americans were surrounded by three cordons of sentinels, and it
was necessary for Carson and Beale to make their way past them in
order to reach San Diego.
When night was fully descended, the two left the rocks and
approaching the first line, sank upon their hands and knees, and
crawled forward with the silence and stealth of Indian scouts.
Despite the utmost care, their shoes made a slight noise now and
then, and to avoid it, they took them off and shoved them in their
belts.
The exploit of Lieutenant Beale and Kit Carson was a most remarkable
one in every respect. Frequently through the gloom they would catch
the faint outlines of a sentinel, pacing back and forth. Instantly
the two would lie flat on their faces until the man moved away,
when the painful progress would be resumed.
The slightest forgetfulness was certain to prove fatal, for the
Mexicans, knowing the desperate straits of the Americans, must
have been expecting some such attempt and were therefore more than
usually watchful.
Once a mounted Mexican rode close to the prostrate figures, sprang
off his horse and lit his cigarette. He was so close that the tiny
flame showed his nose and features, as it was held in front of his
face, while lighting the twist of tobacco. During that most trying
moment, as Kit Carson afterwards declared, he distinctly heard the
beating of Lieutenant Beale's heart.
There seemed no escape but finally the horseman drove away and the
painful progress was continued for fully two miles, during which
both men were constantly peering through the darkness for signs
of danger. Again and again they were compelled to halt, and lying
flat on their faces, wait till their fate was determined.
"We are through," whispered Carson at last, when considerable
distance beyond the last row of sentinels.
"Thank heaven!" exclaimed Lieutenant Beale in the same guarded
voice.
"Now we'll put on our shoes and travel as fast as we know how to
San Diego --"
The mountaineer paused in dismay, for, while creeping over the
plain, he had lost both his shoes that were thrust in his belt. The
Lieutenant had been equally unfortunate, and, as it was utterly out
of their power to recover them, they could only push on barefooted,
over a soil that abounded with thorns and prickly pears. As these
could not be seen in the darkness, their feet were soon wounded
to a distressing degree. It was necessary to avoid the well beaten
trails, so that the route was not only made longer, but much more
difficult on account of the obstacles named.
Yet they were working for a great stake. The lives of General Kearney
and his brave men were in the balance. If Carson and Beale failed
to bring help right speedily, they were doomed.
All night long, through the succeeding day and far into the following
night, the couple, worn, wearied and with bleeding feet, pushed
ahead. When exhausted, they would halt for a brief while, but the
thought of their imperilled comrades, and the fear that some of
the Mexicans were pursuing them, speedily started them off again
and they kept to their work with a grim resolution which heeded
not fatigue, suffering and wounds.
The only compass Carson had was his eye, but he was so familiar
with the country that he never lost himself. The weary men were
still trudging forward, when through the darkness ahead suddenly
flashed out a star-like point of light. Several others appeared and
a minute after they dotted the background of gloom like a constellation.
"That's San Diego!" exclaimed Carson, who could not be mistaken.
The couple could scarcely restrain their joy. New life and activity
thrilled their bodies, and they hurried on with the same elastic
eagerness they felt at the beginning.
In a short while they were challenged by sentinels, and making known
their mission, were taken before Commodore Stockton. That officer,
with his usual promptness, sent a force of nearly two hundred men
to the relief of General Kearney. They took with them a piece of
ordnance which for want of horses the men themselves were forced
to draw.
They advanced by forced marches to the endangered Americans,
scarcely pausing night or day, until in sight of the Mexicans, who
considering discretion the better part of valor, withdrew without
exchanging a shot with the naval brigade.
As may be supposed, the feet of Carson and Beale were in a frightful
condition, when they reached San Diego. The mountaineer, on that
account, did not return with the reinforcements, but he described
the course and location so minutely that no difficulty was experienced
by the relieving force.
Lieutenant Beale was a man of sturdy frame, accustomed to roughing
it on the frontier, but the sufferings he underwent on that eventful
night were such that he felt the effects for years afterward.
CHAPTER XXX.
Capture of Los Angeles -- Court Martial of Fremont -- Carson
Appointed a Bearer of Dispatches to Washington -- His Journey to
St. Louis -- Visits Washington -- Appointed Lieutenant by President
Polk -- Ordered Back Across the Continent -- His Journey --
Assigned to Duty at Tajon Pass -- Again Ordered to Washington --
His Appointment not Confirmed by the United States Senate -- Visit
to Washington -- Return to New Mexico.
The chief force of the Mexicans was at Los Angeles over a hundred
miles to the north of San Diego. They numbered six or seven hundred
and were strongly intrenched. General Kearney and Commodore Stockton
joined their commands and marched to attack them. Arriving in front
of the town, they scattered the Mexicans intrenched on the outside,
and then marched into the place. But the enemy had fled and gone
northward to meet Fremont who was on his way from Monterey with
four hundred men to attack Los Angeles.
The Mexicans had not long to search when they found Fremont, but,
instead of giving him battle, their commander surrendered, possibly
preferring to give him the honor, instead of selecting the other
commanders. Fremont continued his march to Los Angeles, where they
went into winter quarters, and Carson, who had been devoting his
valuable services to General Kearney, now rejoined his old friend,
Fremont.
It may be stated in this place that the jealousy between Commodore
Stockton and General Kearney assumed such a shape at that time
that Fremont was compelled to acknowledge either one or the other
as his superior officer. He selected Commodore Stockton as the
one to whom he owed superior allegiance. The result of the petty
quarrel was the trial of Fremont by court martial, the particulars
of which are too well known to require further reference at our
hands.
In the following March, Kit Carson was selected to carry despatches
to Washington. Lieutenant Beale, who was still suffering from the
exposure and hardships he had undergone, accompanied him, together
with a guard of a dozen veteran mountaineers. Lieutenant Beale was
so weak that Carson for many days was obliged to lift him on and
off his horse; but the clear air, the healthful exercise and the
cheery companionship of the hardy scout were the best tonics in
the world, and probably did the invalid more good than any other
treatment that could have been devised.
Carson took an extremely southern route, and his superior skill and
knowledge of the country and its inhabitants enabled him to avoid
all danger until he reached a tributary of the lower Colorado. While
in camp at midnight, they were assailed with a shower of arrows
from a party of Indians; but, as Carson expected the attack, he
had made such preparations that not one of his men were injured.
Without any other incident worth the mention, Carson and his escort
reached St. Louis. There the renowned mountaineer became the hero
of the hour. He was taken at once to the home of Hon. Thomas H.
Benton, the distinguished statesman and the father in law of Colonel
Fremont, who introduced him to the leading Citizens.
The first person to greet Carson when he stepped from the cars in
Washington was Mrs. Fremont, who recognized him from the description
given by her husband in his letters. She compelled him to accompany
her to the house of her father, where he remained an honored guest
during his stay in Washington, which was for a considerable time.
Among the compliments paid Carson while in the capital was that
of his appointment by President Polk, as lieutenant in the rifle
corps of the United States army, and he was ordered to return
across the continent with despatches. At Fort Leavenworth, Carson
was furnished with an escort of fifty men who were volunteers in
the war against Mexico.
The journey westward was marked by no stirring incident until he
reached the eastern declivity of the Rocky Mountains, where a company
of United States Volunteers were overtaken. They had in charge an
enormous train of wagons on the way to New Mexico. On the morning
after the encampment of Carson near them, the Indians made an
attack upon the volunteers, capturing all their cattle and more than
twenty horses. The mountaineer and his men dashed to the rescue,
recaptured all the cattle, but were unable to retake the horses.
Shortly after, Carson and his company reached Santa Fe. There he
parted from the volunteers and hired sixteen others with which he
continued the journey, thereby obeying the instructions received
at Fort Leavenworth.
Pursuing the even tenor of his way, he arrived at a tributary of the
Virgin River, when he abruptly came upon an encampment of several
hundred Comanches, who, as Carson happened to know, had massacred
a number of settlers only a short time before. Understanding
as thoroughly as he did the treacherous nature of these people,
he made a bold front, and, when they attempted to visit his camp,
peremptorily ordered them to keep away.
He added that he knew all about them, and the first one who moved
closer would be shot. Furthermore, if they did not depart, within
a specified time, he notified them that they would be fired upon.
These were such audacious words that the Comanches doubted their
sincerity. To test it, some of them overstayed their time. Not
wishing to break his pledge, Carson ordered his men to fire, One
of the warriors fell, while several others, who were badly wounded,
came to the conclusion that when the great mountaineer made a
statement there was likely to be considerable truth in it.
Food soon became so scarce that mule meat formed the only diet
until they reached Los Angeles. Carson pushed on to Monterey where
he delivered the despatches to the proper officer, and then returning
to Los Angeles he was assigned to duty in Captain Smith's Company
of United States dragoons. He was given command of twenty-five
dragoons and directed to proceed to Tajon Pass, through which
marauding Indians were accustomed to pass when returning from their
raids in California. It was an important point, and the winter of
1847-48 was spent in the performance of the duties thus placed upon
him. In the spring, he was once more ordered to carry despatches
to Washington, an escort being furnished him as in the previous
instance.
In crossing Grand River, one of the rafts became unmanageable,
upset, losing considerable valuable property and endangering the
lives of a number of the company. A large force of Utah and Apache
Indians were encountered, but Carson managed them with the same
skill he had shown them so many times before.
On arriving at Taos, he spent several days with his family and
friends, after which he proceeded to Santa Fe. There he learned that
the United States Senate had refused to confirm his nomination as
lieutenant in the army. Many of his friends were so angered over
this slight that they urged him to refuse to carry the despatches
further; but his reply, as given by Dr. Peters, is so admirable
that we quote it:
"I was entrusted with these despatches, having been chosen in
California, from whence I come, as the most competent person to
take them through safely. I would try to fulfill this duty even if
I knew it would cost me my life. It matters not to me, while I am
performing this service for my country, whether I hold the rank
of lieutenant in the United States Army or am known merely as an
experienced mountaineer. I have gained some little honor and credit
for the manner in which I have always conducted myself when detailed
on any special and important business, and I would on no account
now wish to forfeit the good opinion formed of me by a majority
of my countrymen because the United States Senate did not deem
it proper to confer on me an appointment which I never solicited,
and one which, had it been confirmed, I would have resigned at the
termination of the war."
Having determined to perform his duty, he made careful inquiries
as to the state of feeling among the Indians through whose country
the trail led. The reports were of the most alarming character: the
Comanches were on the war path with a vengeance. They were swarming
all along the old Santa Fe Trail, on the watch for parties whom
they could overwhelm and destroy.
Such being the case, Carson resorted to the bold artifice of
making a trail of his own. He reduced his escort to ten experienced
mountaineers and then struck out upon his new route. He rode northward
from Taos until within a region rarely visited by hostiles, when
he changed his course by the compass several times. By this means,
he reached Fort Kearney on the Platte and finally arrived at Fort
Leavenworth. Not only had he avoided all trouble with Indians, but
by following the new route, had found abundance of game so that
the entire trip was but little more than a pleasure excursion.
All danger was over at Fort Leavenworth, where he parted from his
escort and went alone to Washington. Previous to this, the war with
Mexico had ended, the treaty of peace having been signed February
2, 1848, and proclaimed on the 4th of July following.
Carson tarried in Washington only long enough to deliver his
despatches to the proper authorities, when he turned about and made
his way to Taos, New Mexico, where he joined once more his family
and friends.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Hostility of the Apaches -- Colonel Beale Sends an Expedition Against
Them -- Nothing Accomplished -- Colonel Beale Leads an Expedition
with Carson as Guide -- Capture and Release of Two Chiefs -- March
to the Arkansas -- Another Failure -- Carson and Maxwell Build a
Ranche -- Fremont's Fourth Expedition -- The Murderous Apaches --
A Fruitless Pursuit.
Kit Carson was one of those whose destiny seems to be that of
stirring incident and adventure. No man possessed such an intimate
knowledge of the manners, customs and peculiarities of the tribes
in the southwest, and with his exceptional woodcraft, skill and
high courage his services were always indispensable.
While he was at Taos, the Indians around him were restless until
the whole country was seething and on the verge of a general revolt.
Colonel Beale, commanding officer of the district, had established
his headquarters at Taos. The Apaches committed so many outrages
that he believed the only course open was to administer a thorough
chastisement; but it was tenfold easier to reach such a conclusion
than it was to carry it out. A strong force having been despatched
to bring them to account, pursued them to the mountains from which
they were compelled to return without accomplishing anything at
all. The subsequent history of these Apaches and of General Crook's
campaign against them are familiar enough to all to justify the
declaration that they have proven themselves the bravest and most
formidable tribe that has defied the United States government during
the past half century.
Disappointed that the officer whom he sent failed to do anything,
Colonel Beale took command himself and employed Kit Carson as guide.
Instead of stopping in the mountains because they were blocked with
snow, as the former expedition had done, Colonel Beale forced his
way with great difficulty through them. The search for the Indians
was long but fruitless. The cunning red skins were at home in their
fastnesses and not a solitary warrior was bagged.
As the supply of provisions was running low, Colonel Beale was
forced to return and retrace his steps. On their return, they came
upon a village of Apaches into which the soldiers charged; but the
nimble warriors easily got away, with the exception of a couple of
chiefs who fell into the hands of the Americans. Hoping to rouse
the chivalry and gratitude of their nature, Colonel Beale lectured
them kindly and after their promise to behave themselves, allowed
them to depart. As soon as they were beyond rifle shot, they must
have grinned with exultation, for it was not their nature to repay
kindness with anything but cruelty.
As Colonel Beale could not accomplish anything during the winter
months, he returned to Taos, where he remained until February,
when, learning that a large force of Indians were congregated on
the Arkansas, with a number of Mexican captives, he went thither
intending to retake them by force, if they could not be secured by
peaceable means. He had two companies of dragoons, and as before,
engaged Carson as guide.
When he reached the Arkansas, he found himself confronted by two
thousand Indians who had gathered to meet their agent and probably
to consult as to their future movements. The agent was present and
was a man of practical sense and experience. He told Colonel Beale
that it would never do to demand the prisoners, for the Indians were
in ugly temper and if aroused, would massacre the whole command.
Colonel Beale himself was resentful, and very much disposed to give
the red men battle, but he suffered himself to be dissuaded from
carrying out his original purpose.
When Carson returned once more to Taos, he reflected that he
was approaching middle life, and as he now had quite a family, he
was anxious to provide something for them. Though he had rendered
services beyond value to the United States government, and to
different individuals, he had not received enough compensation to
place them above want should he become disabled. About this time,
his old friend, Maxwell, proposed that they should build a ranch
in a beautiful valley some distance north of Taos. The site was a
most charming one, though it was so much exposed to the attack of
Indians that until then no one had dared to settle there.
Handsome, roomy and substantial structures were erected, and many
of the most enjoyable days of their lives were spent on this famous
ranche. It would be a pleasant farewell to leave them there to end
their days in comfort and peace, but it was to be far otherwise
with both and especially with Carson.
In 1848-49, Colonel Fremont made a fourth exploring expedition
across the continent, he bearing all the expense, as he did in the
case of his fifth expedition made in 1853. The fourth was an appalling
failure, marked by an extremity of suffering that is incredible.
The guide employed was wholly ignorant and the command became
entangled among the snows of the mountains, where some of them
lived not only on mules but on each other. The strongest lay down
and died, and the horrible features of Fremont's fourth expedition
were only approached by that of Lieutenant Strain on the Isthmus
of Darien. When the few ghastly survivors staggered out of the
mountains they tottered to Carson's ranche, where they received the
kindest treatment from him who had served Fremont so faithfully on
his former expeditions.
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