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.)
As soon as Carson and his comrades had got out of the reach of the
Indians they began to recall the suspicions concerning signs of
Indians which their faithful dog had aroused. Fears for the safety of
their companions arose accordingly. Therefore, giving spurs to their
horses they pushed on with vigor to know the worst. The facts that
awaited them at camp concerning the attack by the Indians, stealing
and rescue of the horses gave them therefore but little surprise. They
had already surmised the reason why the Indians had thus set a trap
for them. Having been watching the camp during the night and finding
the white men fully on the alert and carefully guarding against any
surprise, they had quietly waited until suspicion of their proximity
had been entirely laid aside. The departure of Carson and his
companions from camp was doubtless seen by the savages and afforded
them a clear proof that the white men had forgotten their fears. As
Kit's departure with the men weakened the camp party the Indians had
gathered together sufficient courage to make a bold charge for the
coveted plunder. The final result, however, which led to their losing
the stolen property, and the life of one of their braves, had caused
them to think of an attack upon Kit's party; thus, obtaining by its
massacre, revenge for their dead companion; and, the horses which Kit
and his comrades rode would have been a consolation for their failure
to retain the horses obtained at the camp. The attack was skillfully
planned and would undoubtedly have succeeded, but for the unexpected
daring and promptitude displayed by Kit and his comrades. The Indians
had not looked for the bold charge upon their advance party; but,
on the contrary, they had been prepared for a chase and fight in the
opposite direction. Had such a skirmish taken place, nothing beyond
an absolute miracle, or change of the laws of nature, could have saved
the little band. Kit and his friends had reason, therefore, to be very
thankful for their safety. They all felt that they had retained their
scalps by a very close shave. To use the expressive language of Carson
employed in narrating the event "The red skins made a good attempt
but, thank God, failed."
Two of the trappers had received, in this affray, wounds; which proved
to be of a serious nature: much more so than they or their companions
thought on the first examination given them. In consequence, the whole
party was obliged to halt and again go into camp, having accomplished
but a very short remove from their savage foes. It became necessary
to maintain a strong and careful guard during the succeeding night,
notwithstanding the labors of the past day and night had been more
than usually arduous. However, they succeeded in passing the night
without further molestation. The next morning, it was found necessary
to make a litter for one of the wounded men whose condition had grown
to be much worse.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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