d as
far as the settlements on the Columbia River. In his printed journal
he gives an account of the incident to which I am referring; it
occurred on the 12th of August, at a point on the borders of Green
River, beyond the South Pass, on the occasion of a 'rendezvous,' that
is, on a spot selected for Indians, trappers, and hunters to bring to
market their peltries, and obtain supplies from the agents of the Fur
Companies. There was a large concourse of savage tribes, and all the
various denizens of the wilderness. There were Frenchmen, Spaniards,
Dutchmen, Canadians, and Western backwoodsmen. The Rev. Mr. Parker
happened to be there, to witness the strange gathering. Of course
there were some rude characters, and not a little irregularity and
disorder. Conflicts were liable to arise between quarrelsome persons,
growing out of the feuds among the tribes, and animosities between the
representatives of different nations, all actuated by pride of race or
country.

"A hunter, named Shunan, a Frenchman, who was well known by the title
of the 'big bully of the mountains,' mounted his horse with a loaded
rifle, and dashing defiantly around, challenged any person, of any
nationality, to meet him in single combat. He boasted of his
exploits, and used the most insulting and irritating language, and was
particularly insolent and abusive towards Americans, whom he described
as only worth being whipped with switches. Kit Carson was in the
crowd, and his patriotic spirit kindled at the taunt. He at once
stepped forward and said, 'I am an American, the most trifling one
among them, but if you wish to die, I will accept your challenge.'
Shunan defied him. Carson at once leaped upon his horse, with a loaded
pistol, and both dashed into close conflict. They fired, almost at the
same moment, but Carson an instant the quickest. Their horses' heads
touched. Shunan's ball just grazed Carson's cheek, near the left eye,
and cut off some locks of his hair. Carson's ball entered Shunan's
hand, came out at the wrist, and passed through his arm above the
elbow. The bully begged his life, and it was spared.

"This put an effectual stop to all such insolent proceedings, and
Americans were insulted no longer. Carson is still living, being yet,
indeed, in his prime. His faithful commander has recorded his name
on the geography of the continent, by calling after him a river and a
lake, in the great basin they explored together."

CHAPTER V.