ave aided him, without
some notice being taken of his urgent requisition. It is true that by
some, especially those who are not acquainted with the character of
Kit Carson, he is regarded as being ever anxious for an Indian fight;
but, had this been the case, he would have long since paid the forfeit
with his life. To contradict such a statement, we have but to appeal
to the reader of this narrative, and ask him to bear testimony of the
marked discretion that has so far coupled itself with Kit Carson's
fame. An amusing incident which came under the eye of the writer is to
the point.

In the early part of the so-called gold "fever" of California, when
parties were organizing in the city of New York, to proceed overland
to the Pacific, we chanced to be present at a meeting held by one of
the companies. As most of those present were entirely unacquainted
with the country to be passed over, and as they were anxious to place
themselves in a safe position, some one proposed that Kit Carson
should be employed as a guide, provided his services could be had.
This was ruled out. The amusing part of this incident consists in the
reason which governed this judgment. It was on account of the fear
that he might lead them out of their way in order to engage in some
bloody Indian fight, it being generally represented and believed that
he was sanguinarily inclined. Cheap literature had so ferociously made
the man, that he, of all men most experienced, could not be trusted,
showing thereby how little had been known of the real Kit Carson.

CHAPTER XV.

Kit Carson's last Trapping Expedition--He embarks in a
Speculation--His Trip to California with a large Flock of
Sheep--The Method employed by Mexicans in driving Herds
and their Dexterity--Kit Carson goes to San Francisco--Its
wonderful Growth--Maxwell joins Kit Carson at Sacramento
City--The Lucky Speculation--The Return Trip to New Mexico and
its Adventures--The Mormon Delegate to Congress informs Kit
Carson of his Appointment as Indian Agent--Kit Carson enters
upon the Duties of his Office--Bell's Fight with the
Apaches on Red River--Kit Carson's Interview with the
same Indians--High-handed Measures on the Part of the
Apaches--Davidson's desperate Fight with them--The Soldiers
defeated with severe loss--Davidson's Bravery is unjustly
questioned--Kit Carson's Opinion of it--The Apaches elated
by their Victory--Their