present day,
reside in the Territory of New Mexico; which, in the time of their
prosperity, was the country where they located their head quarters. In
this Territory, Christopher Carson now resides. His name, in the Rocky
Mountains, has been familiarly known for more than a quarter of a
century; and, from its association with the names of great explorers
and military men, is now spread throughout the civilized world. It has
been generally conceded, and the concession has become strengthened
by time, that no small share of the benefits derived from these
explorations and campaigns, as well as the safety of the commands
themselves, was and is due to the sagacity, skill, experience,
advice and labor of Christopher Carson. The exploring parties, and
expeditions here referred to, are those which he accompanied in the
capacity of chief guide and adviser.

His sober habits, strict honor, and great regard for truth, have
endeared him to all who can call him friend; and, among such may be
enumerated names belonging to some of the most distinguished men whose
deeds are recorded on the pages of American history. His past life has
been a mystery which this book will unveil. Instead of Kit Carson as
by imagination--a bold braggart and reckless, improvident hero of the
rifle--he will appear a retired man, and one who is very reserved in
his intercourse with others. This fact, alone, will account for the
difficulty which has hitherto attended presenting the public with an
accurate history of his life.

A few years since, the writer of this work first met Christopher
Carson. It needed neither a second introduction, nor the assistance of
a friendly panegyric, to enable him to discover in Christopher Carson
those traits of manhood, which are esteemed by the great and good to
be distinguishing ornaments of character. This acquaintance ripened
into a friendship of the purest stamp. Since then, the writer has been
the intimate friend and, companion of Christopher Carson, at his home,
in the wild scenes of the chase, on the war trail, and upon the field
of battle. For a long period, in common with hundreds--and, we might
with truth add, thousands, the writer has desired to see Christopher
Carson's wonderful career made public for the world of readers; but,
while this idea was germinating in his brain, he did not, for an
instant, flatter himself that the pleasant task would ever be assigned
to him. Finally, however, at the urgent solicitati