ages. While they
were secretly preparing for war, they anxiously inquired of the
traders who came among them, what was transpiring in regard to the
Mexican prisoners who had wantonly murdered their brave. On each
separate occasion they were answered with intelligence that did not
in the least satisfy them. They, therefore, renewed their energies
in order soon to be ready to take the redress in their own hands.
Kit Carson apprehended difficulty, even at the council; but, after it
broke up, he was early apprised of the trouble which was brewing; and,
to prevent any outbreak, he brought all his Indian experience to bear
upon the task. In him they said that they knew they had a true friend;
but, their nation had received too many wrongs to allow any more to be
thrust upon them without showing to the world that they were worthy of
the names which their fathers had given to them.

CHAPTER XVII.

The Commencement of a formidable Indian War--High-handed
Measures on the Part of the Indians--The Governor of New
Mexico raises five hundred Mexican Volunteers and places them
under the Command of Colonel St. Vrain--Colonel Fauntleroy
placed in Command of all the Forces--Kit Carson is chosen
as Chief Guide--The Campaign commenced--The Trail found--The
Indians are met and the first Fight and its Consequences--An
Excitement in Camp--The Indians again overtaken--The return
to Fort Massachusetts--Intense Cold Weather experienced--The
Second Campaign--Colonel Fauntleroy surprises the Main Camp
of the Enemy--The War and Scalp Dance broken up--Terrible
Slaughter of the Indians--The Great Amount of Plunder taken
and destroyed--Another small Party of Indians surprised and
routed--St. Vrain equally fortunate in his Campaign--The
Indians sue for Peace--The Council held and Treaties
signed--Kit Carson opposes the making of them--The poor
Protection Indian Treaties usually afford to Settlers--Kit
Carson's House at Taos and his Indian Friends--His Attachment
for his Family put to the test--Cowardice of a Mexican--Kit
Carson's Friends as they look upon him--His influence over
Indians--General remarks--Conclusion.

The Muache band of Utahs, under their renowned Chief Blanco, after
trading for all the powder and lead which they required, joined the
Apaches and commenced the war in earnest. They waylaid and murdered
travelers on the roads, attacked towns, k