omes in contact, who are worthy of this
name, are enrolled on his side; and he seldom has occasion to call
a man his enemy. Kit Carson was so embarrassed and overcome by the
expressions of kindness and hospitality which greeted his first
arrival at Washington, that he could hardly essay a reply; and yet,
he was almost too happy at the opportunity presented of accepting Mrs.
Fremont's invitation. If there was anything wanted to cement Carson
more firmly in his friendship and admiration for Colonel Fremont, it
was thus to know his accomplished and gifted lady. The situation
of Jessie Fremont has often been comparable with that of the
noble-hearted Lady Franklin. Again and again has she been compelled
to part from her husband when he started out to battle in the cause of
science, and, in the words of the poet, she seemingly said:

"Go, wondrous creature! mount where science guides;
Go, measure earth, weigh air, and state the tides."

Kit Carson remained some time in Washington; but had it not been for
the many tokens of kindness which he there received, he would
have grown weary of the restraints of civilization. As it was, he
continually longed to be once more in the mountains and prairies. His
desire, in time, was granted; for, having received the appointment of
lieutenant in the rifle corps of the United States army from President
Polk, he was ordered, as bearer of dispatches, to return across the
continent from whence he had but recently come. Lieutenant Beale
had intended to return with him, but did not eventually proceed any
further than St. Louis. There he became too ill to continue on the
journey. After arriving at Fort Leavenworth, Kit Carson was furnished
with an escort of fifty men, who were volunteers in the war which was
then being carried on against Mexico. With his usual promptness
and dispatch, Kit Carson was soon under way crossing the plains. At
Leavenworth he had learned that the Camanche Indians were at war with
the whites. As he knew them to be a numerous and treacherous tribe,
he had taken this strong escort in order to give them battle, if they
should be anxious for it. However, he arrived at a place called the
"Point of Rocks," which is not far from the Rocky Mountains, and on
their east side, without discovering any signs of these Indians. At
this place they made their appearance.

The "Point of Rocks" appears to be a favorite place of resort for
the Indians of the plains. It is notorious as