ome volcanic action. Hot and mineral
springs are not unfrequently met with. They are places of frequent
resort by the Indians, who use them for medicinal purposes.

CHAPTER IX.

Kit Carson concludes to become a Farmer--He is joined in the
Enterprise by a Friend--They build a Ranche on the Cimeron
River--Descriptions of Mexican Customs and Country--Fremont
once more at Bent's Fort--Express sent for Kit Carson to
join the Expedition as Guide--The Ranche Sold, and
the Departure--The Third Expedition and
its Explorations--Difficulties with the
Mexican-Californians--General Castro's Orders to leave the
Country--Determination to Fight--Fremont goes to Lawson's
Fort--Fremont and his Men encounter a Thousand Indians--The
Battle and the Victory--The news that War had been
declared between the United States and Mexico reaches
Fremont--Lieutenant Gillespie rescued from the Indians--Three
of the party killed in the Night by Indians--The Savages
repulsed--The Burial of Comrades.

In the early spring of 1845, Kit Carson, after weighing the various
occupations which presented, decided to become a farmer. One of his
mountaineer friends, Mr. Richard Owens, came to the same conclusion.
Together they talked over their plans, and concluded that it would
be to them, at least, newness of life to be domiciled in their own
houses. The two hunters carefully marked out their plans, and then set
to work with a will for success to carry them into execution. A
very short time enabled them to choose a farming site, because their
knowledge of the country enabled them to see all of its desirable
localities, as it were at a glance. They decided to purchase a tract
of wild land situated on the little Cimeron River, and improve it.
Their arrangements were soon made, tools and implements, stock and
animals, provisions and necessaries all procured. With the services of
some laborers hired by them, they were soon engaged actively preparing
their land for the reception of seed. The spot which they selected
was forty-five miles east of Taos. They commenced the enterprise by
building some small huts. These afforded both themselves and their
Mexican laborers a comfortable lodgment. They sowed a considerable
quantity of grain, and prepared timber almost sufficient to build good
substantial houses. Their vigorously prosecuted labors began to show
evident results, and in the prospect, it was