The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of Kit Carson, by Edward S. Ellis

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Title: The Life of Kit Carson

Author: Edward S. Ellis

Release Date: April, 2005 [EBook #7882]
Posting Date: July 26, 2009

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF KIT CARSON ***

Produced by Martin Robb

THE LIFE OF KIT CARSON,

Hunter, Trapper, Guide, Indian Agent and Colonel U.S.A.

By Edward S. Ellis.

INTRODUCTION

Christopher Carson, or as he was familiarly called, Kit Carson, was
a man whose real worth was understood only by those with whom he was
associated or who closely studied his character. He was more than
hunter, trapper, guide, Indian agent and Colonel in the United States
Army. He possessed in a marked degree those mental and moral qualities
which would have made him prominent in whatever pursuit or profession he
engaged.

His lot was cast on the extreme western frontier, where, when but a
youth, he earned the respect of the tough and frequently lawless men
with whom he came in contact. Integrity, bravery, loyalty to friends,
marvelous quickness in making right decisions, in crisis of danger,
consummate knowledge of woodcraft, a leadership as skilful as it was
daring; all these were distinguishing traits in the composition of
Carson and were the foundations of the broader fame which he acquired as
the friend and invaluable counselor of Fremont, the Pathfinder, in his
expeditions across the Rocky Mountains.

Father Kit, as he came to be known among the Indians, risked his life
scores of times for those who needed, but had no special claim upon his
services. The red men were quick to learn that he always spoke with a
"single tongue," and that he was their unselfish friend. He went among
his hostiles when no one of his race dare follow him; he averted
more than one outbreak; he secured that which is impossible to
secure--justice for the Indian--and his work from the time when a mere
boy he left his native Kentucky, was always well done. His memory will
forever remain fragrant with those who appreciate true manhood and an
unswerving devotion to the good of those among whom he lived