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.)
Kit Carson took no active part in these unhappy differences, but, his
simple action in leaving General Kearney's command and reenlisting
under his old commander shows plainly to a discerning public, that he
could not be alienated from his friend by acts of injustice. It also
spoke more significantly than words that he adjudged his friend to
have performed in behalf of his country, meritorious actions and a
great service. Such was Kit Carson's view; and no man was capable of
forming a better judgment in the premises than he. As an occupant of
an inferior rank, he then kept his counsel to himself; the time has
at last arrived when he should fully and appropriately express his
opinion, though that opinion he is well aware has been rendered
entirely unnecessary by the honorable mention since attached to the
name of Fremont by the highest officer in the American service, by
the recommendation to the President of the officers of the court to
commute the sentence, and by the President of the United States in
appointing, unsolicited, the court-martialed Conqueror of California
to the high and important trust of commissioner to run the boundary
line between the United States and Mexico, and finally, by the
spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm which greeted the name of John C.
Fremont, from around the firesides of the American people, when his
name was placed at the head of one of the great political parties of
the nation.
It is not for or against regulations that these remarks are directed.
The transactions with which they deal have not been forgotten. They
are recorded as historical facts, and, as such, are always open for
investigation or deductions. In the month of March, 1847, Kit Carson
was ordered to carry important dispatches to the war department at
Washington. Lieutenant Beale, who was still a great invalid, was
permitted to accompany him. In order to show the regard which Kit
Carson entertained for this brave officer, and also to portray to the
reader the goodness of heart which has ever been the actuating impulse
in all of Kit Carson's actions, we will give his own words in relating
this part of his adventures. He says: "Lieutenant Beale went with me
as bearer of dispatches intended for the Navy Department. During the
first twenty days of our journey, he was so weak that I had to lift
him on and off of his riding animal. I did not think for some time
that he could live; but, I bestowed as much care and attention on
him as any one could have done under the circumstances. Before the
fatiguing and dangerous part of our route was passed over, he had so
far recovered as to be able to take care of himself. For my attention
(which was only my duty) to my friend, I was doubly repaid by the
kindness shown to me by his family while I staid in Washington, which
was more than I had any reason for expecting, and which will never be
forgotten by me." On the river Gila, Kit Carson's party was attacked
by Indians during the night, while they were encamped.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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