The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by HimselfPeters, De Witt C. (De Witt Clinton)
History
The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself
Peters, De Witt C. (De Witt Clinton)
Carson Kit, 1809-1868; Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.)
Near the conclusion of the second exploring expedition, and at the
time when Kit Carson took his departure from the party, Col. Fremont
had received a promise from him to the effect that he would join,
as guide, any party of discovery, for the further exploration of the
Rocky Mountains, which he, Col. Fremont, should command.
During the active duties of a farmer's life, and just as Kit Carson
had brought his new enterprise into working order, an expressman from
Col. Fremont arrived at his ranche, bearing dispatches to Carson. The
purport of these dispatches was to remind Kit Carson of his promise,
to inform him of the organization of a third expedition, and to
appoint a place where Kit Carson might find his old commander.
The express found Carson in the midst of so many cares and anxieties
concerning his new project, that it became a very difficult matter for
him to keep his word. But the sacrifice of pecuniary interest was but
a slight consideration with Kit, when weighed in the balance against
his promise. He knew that his promise had not been either lightly
given or received. Col. Fremont, by it, had the first right to his
time and energies, and had formed his expectations accordingly; and
Kit lost, therefore, no time in making preparations to satisfy these
expectations by reporting himself at the appointed place of meeting,
ready for the march.
But to effect this was attended with no slight difficulties. Kit
Carson had a large sum invested in his improvements, by way of
payments for labor, as well as purchases of stock, provision, farming
tools, utensils, teams, wagons, seed, and stock in general. The
erection of his house, barns, etc., was under an advance which reached
far towards completion. But with Kit Carson, his word was worth more
than prospective losses which its fulfillment would entail. In company
with Mr. Owens, he set himself actively at work to effect a complete
sell-out. After a good deal of anxious inquiry, he found a man who
was willing to pay one half of the real valuation attached to his
property. Notwithstanding this sacrifice, the bargain was closed and
the business details completed. In company with Mr. Owens, Kit Carson
once more bade his family and friends an affectionate farewell. They
took the route for Bent's Fort, and arrived there in the course of
a few days. The meeting between Fremont and Carson was mutually
satisfactory. With his friend, Mr. Owens, he joined the Third
expedition of Col. Fremont, which was the last one which he undertook
by authority of the United States government.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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