Books: The Life of Kit Carson
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Edward S. Ellis >> The Life of Kit Carson
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The authorities thereupon determined to arrest the hunters, but
knowing their desperate nature, hesitated as to the safe means of
doing so. They finally hit upon a rather ingenious, though unfair
means of disarming the white men: they began giving them "fire
water" to drink, refusing to accept pay therefor. Those who lead
lives of hardship and peril are generally fond of such indulgence,
and, though the trappers could not fail to understand the purpose
of the Mexicans, and though they knew the disastrous consequences
of giving away to temptation, they yielded and took in their mouths
the enemy which stole away their brains.
The employer became alarmed and saw that something must be done at
once or everything would be lost. Carson had been too wise to fall
into the snare, and he turned to him.
"Take three of the soberest men," said he, "and the loose animals
and camp equipage and push out of the place. I will join you as
soon as I can, but you mustn't linger for me. If I fail to join
you, hasten to New Mexico and make known that I and the rest of my
men have been massacred."
These instructions were definite and they showed the gravity
of the situation. Carson did as directed, while the employer gave
his attention to the rest of the men. It was high time that he did
so, for they were fast succumbing to their appetites. Despite the
indignant protests and efforts of the employer they would have
undoubtedly fallen victims but for an unlooked for occurrence.
One of the trappers who was so much under the influence of liquor
as to become reckless, fired upon and slightly wounded a native of
the place. The act threw the Mexicans into a panic of terror, and
they fled from the presence of the dreaded Americans who seemed
eager for any sanguinary deed.
The employer was wise enough to take advantage of the occurrence
and he succeeded, after much labor, in getting his half intoxicated
men together and out of the place. The horses were forced to their
utmost and the same night they overtook Carson and his anxious
companions. All danger from that source was ended.
CHAPTER IV.
An Alarming Visit -- Carson's Resources -- On the Colorado and Gila
-- Capturing a Herd of Horses and Mules -- The Raiders -- Turning
the Tables -- Caching their Peltries -- Return to Santa Fe --
Carson Goes upon a Second Trapping Expedition -- Hunting with an
Old Mountaineer -- A Visit from Crow Indians.
A week or more later, the trappers again reached the Colorado River.
They had traveled at a leisurely pace and once more they went into
camp, where they were familiar with the country. Men leading such
lives as they, were accustomed to all kinds of surprises, but it
may be doubted whether the trappers were more amazed in all their
existence than when five hundred Indian warriors made their appearance
and with signs of friendship overran the camp before they could be
prevented or checked.
The hunters did not know what to make of the proceeding, and looked
to Carson for advice. He had already discovered that the situation
was one of the gravest danger. Despite the professions of friendship,
Kit saw that each warrior had his weapons under his dress, where
he hoped they were not noticed by the whites. Still worse, most of
the hunters were absent visiting their traps, only Kit and a few
of his companions being in camp. The occasion was where it was
necessary to decide at once what to do and then to do it without
flinching.
Among the red men was one who spoke Spanish and to him Carson
addressed himself:
"You must leave the camp at once; if you don't do so without a
minute's delay, we shall attack you and each of us is sure to kill
one warrior if not more."
These brave words accompanied by such determination of manner
were in such contrast to the usual course of the cowardly Mexicans
that the Indians were taken all aback. They could not suspect the
earnestness of the short, sturdy framed leader, nor could they
doubt that though the Indians would be sure to overwhelm the little
band, yet they would have to pay dearly for the privilege. It took
them but a few minutes to conclude the price was altogether too high
and they drew off without making a hostile demonstration against
the brave Carson and his men.
The trappers worked their way down the Colorado until they arrived
at tidewater, when they moved to the Gila, along which they trapped
until they reached the mouth of the San Pedro. They were in sore
need of horses with which to transport their furs and peltries,
that had become numerous and bulky. While in this neighborhood,
they discovered a large herd of horses and mules in the possession
of a few Indians. According to the morality of the border this
property was legitimate prey, but in point of fact when the trappers
determined to take the animals from the aborigines, they became
thieves and robbers. However, it is not to be hoped that a single
member of the company felt the slightest twinge of conscience when
he rode at full speed, yelling to the highest bent, and helped
scatter the terrified red men to the winds. The entire herd fell
into the hands of the whites, and, congratulating themselves on
their good fortune, they kindled a huge fire and encamped for the
night.
Most of the men had lain down with the intention of sleeping until
morning, and Kit sat looking in the fire, when his trained ear
caught a peculiar sound. At first, it seemed to be the faint roll
of distant thunder, but he knew it was not. He listened carefully
and was able to tell the direction whence came the singular noise,
but remained uncertain as to its cause. Then, as he had done many
a time, he leaned over and pressed his ear to the solid earth.
Immediately the rumbling became more distinct and he recognized
what it meant: it was the tramp of numerous hoofs galloping forward.
Carson and several of his men stole noiselessly out to reconnaissance
and found a half dozen warriors hurrying along a drove of more
than a hundred horses. They had been on a raid among the Mexican
settlements in Sonora and were now returning home with their plunder.
The temptation was one which Carson and his companions could not
resist. They sent a volley from their rifles among the thieves,
which threw them into such a panic that they dashed off at full
speed without giving the least thought to their valuable property.
The latter as a matter of course was taken charge of by the trappers,
who were glad of the opportunity to chastise the cowardly marauders.
Under the circumstances, however, the animals were of little value
to the hunters, who had all they needed. It was beyond their power
to return them to their owners, but the best were selected, several
of the plumpest killed and cured, and the rest turned loose to go
whither they chose.
The trappers continued up the Gila until near the copper mines of
New Mexico, where they found a party of white men trading with the
Indians. The peltries were cached and placed in charge of their
friends, while Carson and his companions continued on until they
reached Santa Fe. There their employer bought a license to trade
with the Indians who lived near the copper mines. Then they went
back and procuring their furs, returned once more to Santa Fe,
where they were sold for more than twenty thousand dollars. This
being equitably divided among the hunters, furnished each a goodly
sum. Like so many sailors just ashore from a long voyage, most of
the trappers went on a prolonged carousal, which caused their money
to melt like snow in the sun. When their pockets were empty, they
had aching heads, weak frames and only the memory of their feverish
pleasures.
Kit Carson did not go through this trial unscathed. He drank and
spreed with the rest, but he awoke to the folly and madness of
his course sooner than they and the sad lesson learned at the time
lasted him through life. The baneful habit was not fastened upon
him, and he not only acquired the mastery over self, but was able
more than once to save others from falling into the whirlpool which
has swept unnumbered multitudes to wretchedness and death.
Carson found little in the way of congenial employment until the
fall of the year, when he joined a second trapping expedition. The
first had won him such a reputation for sagacity, daring and skill,
that his services were always in demand, and those who were forming
such enterprises sought him out among the very first.
The new party was in charge of an experienced mountaineer, who
told Kit his intention was to trap along the principal streams of
the Rocky Mountains. He was well acquainted with the region and
was confident that the expedition would not only be enjoyable and
thrilling in the highest degree, but would prove profitable to all.
The party travelled northward until they reached the Platte River
where the business began. They moved from stream to stream, as
necessity demanded, shooting such game as they needed, exchanging
shots with the watchful red men, who killed four of the trappers
while hunting bison, and steadily adding to their stock of furs
until the close of the season in the spring of 1831. Learning that
an old mountaineer, named Captain Gaunt, had spent the winter at
Laramie River and was then at New Park, Kit Carson and four of his
friends set out to join him. It was a long and perilous journey,
but they made it in safety and the Captain gave them glad welcome.
They hunted together for many months following until the Captain
went to Taos to sell his peltries. On his return, operations were
resumed until the weather became so cold they were forced into
winter quarters.
The winter proved very severe. The snow was so deep that only by
cutting down numerous cottonwoods and using the bark and twigs for
fodder were the animals saved from starvation. Fortunately, they had
laid in a good stock of bison meat so that the trappers themselves
underwent no suffering for food. In fact, they found little to do
except to pass the time in idleness. With abundant food, plenty
of tobacco and the means of engaging in certain games, they whiled
away the long winter days and evenings until the signs of spring
appeared.
But while the winds were moaning around their hut, in which they
made their home, and the snow rattled like fine sand against the
logs, they were taught again that no weather is severe enough to
keep the wily red man within his wigwam. A party of Crow Indians
discovered the camp of the trappers and one tempestuous night made
them a stealthy visit. They departed during the darkness, and,
when they went away, took with them nine of the very best horses of
the hunters -- a loss too serious to be borne without using every
recourse to prevent it.
CHAPTER V.
Kit Carson's Decision -- A Hot Pursuit an and Unexpected Discovery
-- Weary Waiting -- A Snow Balling Party -- A Daring Attack --
Brilliant Exploit.
Instinctively every one turned to Carson to learn what he had to
advise and yet each was certain what he would say.
"It'll never do, boys, to let them steal our horses in that style,"
he remarked in his quiet fashion, compressing his lips and shaking
his head, while his eyes flashed with a dangerous light.
All knew what his words and manner meant, and in a twinkling the
thirteen men were in their saddles, and, with their gallant leader
at their head, galloped forth off in pursuit.
It would be supposed where the ground was covered with snow to
such a depth, that it was the easiest matter imaginable to follow
the trail, and yet Kit and his companions found it one of the
most difficult tasks they had ever undertaken. Hundreds of bison
had repeatedly crossed the tracks since they were made and less
experienced eyes than those of the trappers would have given over
the search in despair.
But no one thought of turning back, and the pursuit was pushed
unflaggingly for fully forty miles. Not the first glimpse had been
obtained of the Indians, and the horses that had been pushed so
hard finally gave out. They were in poor condition, and, when the
company came to a halt, showed such exhaustion that it was evident
they could not be forced much further. It was decided, therefore,
to go into camp. Accordingly, they turned the heads of their panting
animals toward a piece of woods a short distance away.
Before the shelter was reached, the trappers were astonished to
observe a column of smoke rising above the trees. They looked in
each others' faces with a smile of gratification: inasmuch as the
trail led into the grove and it was evident a camp fire was burning
there, it followed that they were close to the thieves whom they
had followed such a long distance.
The discovery infused new warmth into the blood of the hunters,
who were fairly atremble with eagerness to attack the unsuspecting
Indians.
But all were too experienced in the ways of the wilderness to allow
their impatience to betray them into any indiscretion. They deemed
it necessary their assault should be a surprise and they, therefore,
withdrew to a secluded place in the woods and waited for night.
This was trying to a painful degree. The weather which had been
bitterly cold during the day, grew still colder, until the animals
shivered as if with the ague. They were carefully tied where the
trees partly sheltered them from the cutting wind and the hunters
made sure their arms were ready. Then, when the sun went down and
darkness crept over the snowy landscape, the men moved around so
as to approach the camp from the direction opposite to that from
which the Indians would naturally look for pursuit.
When close enough to catch sight of the flames among the trees,
the hunters sank on their knees and crept noiselessly forward until
able to gain a full view of the dusky thieves. They were surprised
at what they saw. The savages had thrown some logs and stones
together so as to make a couple of rude forts and had divided
themselves into two parties. It was characteristic of them that they
were holding a dance and feast in honor of the brilliant style in
which they had outwitted the trappers forty miles away.
The scene was quite interesting, especially when our friends plainly
saw their stolen animals tied near one of the forts. The sight of
their property was anything but soothing to the wrathful trappers,
who were resolved not to go back to their own camp without taking
the horses along.
But the Crows were strong in numbers, well armed and ready to fight
on the briefest notice. It would have been an act of the greatest
rashness to charge upon their camp, while they were excited to an
unusual degree by the rejoicing in which all took a hilarious part.
The whites decided to wait several hours longer until most of their
enemies would be unconscious in slumber.
All this time the weather was growing colder, and, toughened as the
trappers had become by years of exposure, they suffered greatly.
They dare not move about to keep up the circulation of their blood,
for the slightest noise was liable to attract the suspicion of some
of the Crows who might be prowling through the grove. More than
once Carson feared his limbs were freezing, but he held out like
the genuine hero he was, and his companions were all worthy of him.
At last the dance was over and the tired warriors wrapped their
blankets around their forms and stretched out to rest. Their
manner showed they had no thought that a foe was anywhere in the
neighborhood. Although such men sleep lightly, they do not remain
long awake when courting sleep, and in a brief while all were
unconscious except the sentinels on duty. Even they were so confident
that nothing threatened, that they became less vigilant than usual.
"Sh! now is the time," whispered the youthful leader. They had
decided long before upon their plan of action, so that no time
was now lost in consultation. Kit and five of his men began slowly
creeping toward their horses. This was anything but a pleasant
occupation, for the snow, it will be remembered, was deep on the
ground; but such veterans cared nothing for a trifle like that,
and they speedily reached their animals.
Such an attempt is always a dangerous one, for the horse of the
Indian or white hunter often proves his most skilful sentinel. He
is able to detect the stealthy approach of a scout, long before
the straining ear of his master can catch the slightest sound. If
the beasts should become frightened by the shadowy figures crawling
over the snow, they would be likely to alarm the camp; but Carson
and his companions managed it so well that there was not a single
neigh or stamp of a hoof.
Silently rising to their feet, they cut the halters which held the
horses fast, and then, withdrawing a slight distance, began throwing
snowballs at them. These feathery missiles fell among and struck
against them, until, to escape the mimic bombardment they moved
out the wood altogether, where they were taken charge by the others
who were waiting. All this was accomplished without attracting the
attention of a single Indian.
Having met with such success, common prudence and sense suggested
that the trappers should make all haste to their own comfortable
quarters, so many long miles away; but they had scarcely joined
each other when they fell into an earnest discussion as to what
the next step should be.
Some were in favor of withdrawing with the least possible delay,
but Kit Carson and a couple of daring spirits were bent on going
back and punishing the thieves who had given them so much trouble.
As they could not be argued out of their purpose, the others, as
a matter of course, agreed to give them their aid.
Three of the trappers were sent to take the recaptured animals
to where the saddle horses were secured while the others advanced
directly upon the Indian camp. They moved cautiously as was their
custom and were almost upon the Crows, when one of their dogs gave
notice of danger by a vigorous barking. On the instant, the warriors
leaped to their feet and the fight opened. So many of the Indians
were shot down and the advantage was so strongly against them, that
the survivors hastily ran into the nearest fort, from which they
returned the fire of their assailants. The latter, however, had
stationed themselves behind trees, where they were safe against
the whistling bullets, and in their attack they threw away very
few shots indeed.
It began growing light in the east, and, as soon as the Crows
discovered how few composed the besieging force, they in turn became
the assailants, and rushed out of their fort with their frightful
war whoops, but they were met by such a destructive fire that they
scurried back again.
The second attack of the savages was so furious that the trappers
were forced to fall back, but the reserve, as it may be called,
speedily joined them, and once more drove the Indians into their
fort. Several of the whites had been wounded though not dangerously,
and both parties having had enough of fighting, the battle ended.
CHAPTER VI.
The British and American Trapper -- Hunting on the Laramie -- The
Deserters -- The Vain Pursuit -- Arrival of Friends -- The Return
Journey -- The Night Alarm -- The Attack Upon the Camp -- Pursuit
and Recovery of Horses.
A half century ago the vast region beyond the Rocky Mountains was
comparatively unknown and unexplored. Its general features of course
were understood, but the interior was like the central portion of
Australia or Africa. Clarke and Lewis made their famous expedition
to Oregon during the early days of the century, and helped to turn
general attention in that direction. Its growth and development
since then is one of the wonders of the age.
But there was one class (if the word may be used), who never
hesitated to penetrate the wildest and most dangerous recesses of
the far West and Northwest: those were the hunters and trappers.
As we have already stated, the employees of the venerable and
all embracing Hudson Bay Company ranged over British America and
through Oregon, to which vast territory they possessed the clear
legal right, besides which they and the trappers of the American
Fur Company frequently trespassed on each others reserves, and not
infrequently came in bloody collision with each other.
Far to the northward, the Indian drove his birch canoe across the
silent Athabasca and Great Bear Lakes, on his way with his peltries
to the distant factory or post of the Company; along the frozen
shores of the lone Mackenzie (the only American river flowing into
the Arctic Ocean), the trapper glided on his snow shoes, or with
his sturdy dogs and sleigh, fought his way over the snowy wastes
of Prince Rupert's Land; the brigades in their boats rounded the
curves of the Saskatchewan, keeping time with their paddles to
their own cheery songs; their camp fires were kindled in the land
of the Assiniboine and they set their traps in the wildest recesses
of the Rocky Mountains where the whirling snow storms almost carried
them off their feet; but north of the dividing line, the hunters
had little if anything to fear from the red men. Though they
encountered in the loneliest and most desolate distant regions,
they generally met and separated as friends. Among the perils of
the trapper's life in British America was not reckoned that from
the hostile natives.
It was far different within our own territory. Those who left
our frontier States and pushed westward, and those who penetrated
northward and eastward from the Mexican country, knew they were
invading the hunting grounds of the fiercest Indians on the American
continent. We have already told enough to show the intense hostility
of the red men; between them and the hunters and trappers raged a
war that never ceased or slackened, except when policy held it for
a time in check.
The little group of horsemen, who rode out from Independence or
Westport, or who took steamer at St. Louis up the Missouri, often
came back with several of their number missing. Up among the mountains,
they had gone out to visit their traps and had never come back to
camp. The lurking Blackfoot, or Sioux, or Crow, had aimed all too
well, and, as he bounded whooping away, he swung aloft the scalp
of his victim whose trapping days were ended forever.
After recovering their horses from the band of Crows, Carson and
his companions returned to camp, where they remained until spring,
when they cached their furs and made their way to the Laramie River
on another hunting expedition. While thus employed, a couple of the
men deserted taking several of the best animals. Kit Carson and a
single companion were sent in pursuit, the rascals having a good
day's start. A desperate fight was sure to follow a meeting between
the parties, for Carson would never forgive such treachery, and the
deserters were not the ones to permit themselves to be despoiled
of their booty without doing their utmost to prevent it.
It was suspected that they were on their way to the place where
the beaver had been cached; and disregarding the trail, therefore
Carson made all haste thither. It need not be said that he lost
no time on the road, but when he reached their old camp, he found
the deserters had preceded him. They had stolen several thousand
dollars worth of furs and departed.
Carson was more anxious than ever to overtake the scoundrels.
He and his companion made diligent search, but failed utterly to
find them. They were never seen or heard of again, and Carson was
convinced they had fallen victims to the Indians who in turn made
off with the stolen peltries.
It will be borne in mind that Kit and his friend were several
hundred miles from the main body of hunters, and in one of the most
dangerous countries they had ever visited. So dangerous, indeed,
did they consider an attempt to return to them, that they decided
not to make it, but to stay in the old camp. Inasmuch as it would
be impossible to keep their presence from the knowledge of the
Indians, they threw up some rude fortifications and never relaxed
their vigilance. When Carson wrapped his blanket around him, and
lay down to rest, he knew his companion was on guard and would
not slumber. It was the same with his friend, their watchfulness
undoubtedly preventing the attack which scarcely could have failed
to be effectual.
It was needful now and then that one of them should venture out to
procure game, but that was so plentiful that he was never compelled
to go far, and he used such extreme care that he was not even so
much as fired upon.
Thus the time passed, until at the end of several weeks, the
hunters were surprised and delighted by the arrival of more than
a dozen men on their way with a complete outfit to join the main
body. Carson and his friend were glad enough to go with them and the
long journey was begun. They had not gone far, when they exchanged
shots with hostiles and there were almost daily skirmishes with
them. By sunset they had travelled a long distance, and went into
camp, feeling certain that though Indians had not shown themselves,
they were in the vicinity. To prevent a stampede of their animals,
the long ropes around their necks were fastened to stakes driven
deep into the earth. This arrangement allowed them to graze over
sufficient ground and opposed an almost insuperable obstacle to
the success of the dusky thieves prowling around.
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