E-text prepared by Alicia Williams, William Flis, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 16274-h.htm or 16274-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/2/7/16274/16274-h/16274-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/2/7/16274/16274-h.zip) THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF KIT CARSON, THE NESTOR OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, FROM FACTS NARRATED BY HIMSELF by DE WITT C. PETERS, M.D., Late Assistant Surgeon U.S.A. With Original Illustrations, Drawn by Lumley, Engraved by N. Orr & Co. New York: W.R.C. Clark & Co., 348 Broadway. W.H. Tinson, Stereotyper and Printer, Rear of 43 & 45 Centre Street, N.Y. MDCCCLVIII "All are but parts of one stupendous whole, Whose body nature is, and God the soul." [Illustration: KIT AND HIS FAVORITE HORSE "APACHE."] TO COL. CERAN ST. VRAIN, OF NEW MEXICO. DEAR SIR, You were first among the brave mountaineers to discover and direct the manly energy, extraordinary natural ability, and unyielding courage which have attached to the subject of this volume; and, as among the first Americans who put foot on the Rocky Mountains, you are perhaps best acquainted with the history of the men, who, for fifty years, have lived there. CHRISTOPHER CARSON, after a long life, now crowned with successful and honorable achievements, still looks upon you, sir, as his earliest patron, and places your name on the list of his warmest friends. Through a life of unusual activity and duration, which, reflecting honor and renown upon your name, has given you a distinguished position among your countrymen, you have never been known to forget a duty to your fellow man. For these considerations, the dedication of this volume to you cannot but appear appropriate. That he may continue to merit a place in your confidence and esteem is the earnest desire of THE AUTHOR. * * * * * FERNANDEZ DE TAOS, NEW MEXICO. SIR: We, the undersigned citizens of the Territory of New Mexico, have been acquainted with Mr. CHRISTOPHER CARSON for a number of years, indeed almost from the time of his first arrival in the country. We have been his companions both in the mountains and as a private citizen. We are also acquainted with the fact that for the past few months, during his leisure hours, he has been engaged dictating his life. This is, to our certain knowledge, the only authentic biography of himself and his travels that has ever been written. We heartily recommend THIS BOOK to the reading community for perusal, as it presents a life out of the usual routine of business, and is checkered with adventures which have tried this bold and daring man. We are cognizant of most of the details of the book, and vouch for their accuracy. Very respectfully, CERAN ST. VRAIN, LIEUT. COL. N.M. VOLUNTEERS.