Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 14243-h.htm or 14243-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/2/4/14243/14243-h/14243-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/2/4/14243/14243-h.zip) CHRISTOPHER CARSON Familiarly Known as Kit Carson The Pioneer of the West by JOHN S. C. ABBOTT With Illustrations by Eleanor Greatorex New York: Dodd & Mead, No. 762 Broadway 1874 [Illustration] Pioneers and Patriots of America By JOHN S. C. ABBOTT Each one volume, 12mo, illustrated, $1.50. DANIEL BOONE MILES STANDISH FERDINAND DE SOTO PETER STUYVESANT KIT CARSON DAVID CROCKETT. Other Volumes in preparation [Illustration] PREFACE It is a prominent object of this volume to bring to light the wild adventures of the pioneers of this continent, in the solitudes of the mountains, the prairies and the forests; often amidst hostile Indians, and far away from the restraints and protection of civilization. This strange, weird-like life is rapidly passing away, before the progress of population, railroads and steamboats. But it is desirable that the memory of it should not drift into oblivion. I think that almost every reader of this narrative will be somewhat surprised, in its development of the character of Christopher Carson. With energy and fearlessness never surpassed, he was certainly one of the most gentle, upright, and lovable of men. It is strange that the wilderness could have formed so estimable a character. America will not permit the virtues of so illustrious a son to be forgotten. JOHN S.C. ABBOTT. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Early Training. Birth of Christopher Carson.--Perils of the Wilderness.--Necessary Cautions.--Romance of the Forest.--The Far West.--The Encampment.--The Cabin and the Fort.--Kit an Apprentice.--The Alarm.--Destruction of a Trading Band.--The Battle and the Flight.--Sufferings of the Fugitives.--Dreadful Fate of Mr. Schenck.--Features of the Western Wilderness.--The March. CHAPTER II. Life in the Wilderness. A Surgical Operation.--A Winter with Kin Cade.--Study of the Languages and Geography.--Return towards Missouri.--Engagement with a new Company and Strange Adventures.--The Rattlesnake.--Anecdote of Kit Carson.--The Sahara.--New Engagements.--Trip to El Paso.--Trapping and Hunting.--Prairie Scenery.--The Trapper's Outfit.--Night Encampment.--Testimony of an Amateur Hunter. CHAPTER III. Among the Trappers.