warm-hearted and brave soldier in the person
of Major Grier, who commanded the post. The major, on hearing
the message sent by Kit Carson, immediately ordered Lieutenant R.
Johnston, his subaltern officer, to take a squad of dragoons and
proceed to the assistance of his countrymen. While on his march,
Lieutenant Johnston met with the command of recruits of whom we
have before spoken. In the course of the conversation which ensued,
Johnston was asked, by the officer in charge of the recruits, what
was the service he was engaged on? and, being informed, that gentleman
probably gave the subject deeper thought, and it may have occurred
to him, and such is the opinion of Kit Carson, that if the affair was
properly managed, there might be some glory accruing from it. At any
rate, he suddenly changed his mind, and ordered a detail of men to
go with the lieutenant. The relief party, as thus reinforced, again
started, and found Kit Carson and his train of wagons at a point that
is some twenty-five miles below Bent's Fort. Under the escort of the
soldiers, Kit and his men travelled in safety to Rayado, where he had
the pleasure of thanking Major Grier for his praise worthy and prompt
action, in succoring him and a few other American citizens who had
thus been exposed to the barbarities of savages, made hostile by the
overbearing conduct of a man whose double blunder was shielded by
power. Although the fighting qualifications of the soldiers were not
called into requisition, yet, they performed a meritorious service
by coming. They might have been instrumental in saving lives while
protecting commerce, and their frequent visits to remote Indian
countries always leaves salutary impressions on the minds of the red
men.

Kit Carson's thorough knowledge of Indian character and his
established bravery and integrity ought, it appears to us, to have
been a sufficient guaranty to this officer, that he was acting in good
faith when he asked, through the proper channel, that protection to
which he was certainly entitled while pursuing the necessary though
hazardous business, connected with the commerce of the plains.

Never, throughout his eventful career, had Kit Carson refused to offer
his services in the cause of a countryman who stood in need of them;
and now, when the first time came that he felt it necessary to make
the call for assistance, he could not understand why two valuable days
were allowed to pass, by an officer who could h