User talk:Richiar/Subworkspace 8.2 (Kit Carson)

User talk:Richiar/Workspace 8 (Kit Carson)

Kit Carson chronology

Kit Carson is an American folk hero, an explorer, scout, trapper, and frontiersman, who became a significant figure in the settling of the American West. He lead military engagements directed to the subjugation of several Indian tribes, and became a controversial figure historically as a result of these and other incidents. Most notably he took part in the campaign to subdue and relocate the Navajo Native Americans. He also had cordial relations with Indians, was an advocate at times for the Indians, and seen by some of them as a friend of the Indians.

A chronology of Carson's life shows a long uninterrupted series of Indian conflicts interspersed with positive relationships, which one may use to refer to when viewing the controversial events in which he participated in.

The following sequence of events is drawn from Carson's biography written by D. Peters.--Richiar (talk) 01:13, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

Why would anyone pick Peter's Kit Carson book for accurate information? Especially when you conclude from it that it "shows a long uninterrupted series of Indian conflicts..." Untrue. And you say "He lead military engagements..." Huh? He was ORDERED BY THE U. S. ARMY, a rather significant fact that you omit. Just "cordial relations with Indians"? He was appointed an Indian Agent and repeatedly worked for their welfare, right up to the last month of his life. In fact, Peter's book on Kit Carson is so distorted and quaint it is totally unreliable for modern historians. You should start over. Cazedessus (talk) 22:31, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

Getting a start: 1826-29

Carson was raised in Franklin, Missouri, near the head of the Santa Fe trail. His father died when he was eight years old, and Carson bore some of the responsibility for helping to raise the family.

At sixteen, Carson secretly signed on with a large merchant caravan heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico tending the horses, mules, and oxen. The caravan arrived in Santa Fe in November, 1826, and Kit went north to Taos. During the winter of 1826-1827 he stayed with Matthew Kinkead, a trapper and explorer, in Taos, New Mexico which was known as the capital of the fur trade in the Southwest. Kit began learning Spanish through the winter. He "learned about the Rocky Mountains" from Kinkead, and may have started learning some of the skills of a trapper from him also.

The pinching effects of want now attacked poor Kit. He could obtain no employment. His expectations in this respect, as well as his earnest efforts, received so little encouragement that he began, finally, to despond. Extreme poverty is a wet damper on the fires of the best genius; but, as was the case with Kit, it does not effectually put it out. Kit saw with sorrow that he must retrace his steps. To obtain means to carry out his ardent desires, in the spring of 1827 he started on a backward trip to Missouri. Every step he took in this direction was accompanied with such displeasure, that had it not been his best and surest policy, he would have mastered any difficulties of another and better course, had such offered. Four hundred and fifty miles from Santa Fé, being about one half the distance across the prairies, had been accomplished by the party Kit had joined for this homeward trip. The fording of the Arkansas River had been reached. Here Kit's party met with some traders bound for New Mexico. They offered him employment, which he gladly accepted; and, in their company, retraced his steps back to Santa Fé But when he arrived back at Santa Fé, Kit found himself again without money.

At a moment when he almost despaired of gaining employment, he received an offer to go as a teamster with an expedition bound to El Paso. This opportunity was a chance for success not to be lost, and he closed with the proposition. After faithfully performing his engagement, he, however, returned to Santa Fé, where he made a short stay, and then proceeded to Taos.

He then worked as a cook at an establishment run by Ewing Young, a Taos trapper and entrepreneur during the winter of 1827-1828 as a way of supporting himself in his financially desparate circumstances. Carson hoped while working for Mr. Young that he might meet some trapper or hunter who frequented Mr. Young's establishment, and join them on their excursions. He had no success with this hope: he was considered "too small, too young, and too green".

With no prospect of gaining acceptance for an outing he again joined a Missouri bound party in the spring of 1828. As before, he met a west bound party that was willing to hire him, and once again he returned to Santa Fe to seek opportunity of becoming a trapper in the Rocky Mountains.

He was hired by Colonel Trammell, a Santa Fe trader, who needed a Spanish interpreter. This expedition took Kit to Chihuahua, and there he met Mr. Robert McKnight. Kit was hired as a teamster and travelled with Mr. McKnight to coppermines near the Gila River, where Mr. McKnight operated a trading post. Kit continued to seek any opportunity that might lead to his dream of becoming a hunter and trapper.

--Richiar (talk) 23:29, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

First trapping expedition 1829-31

Upon his return from the copper mines Kit encountered a group of men that had been sent out by Ewing Young to hunt game. The men had gone west toward the Colorado R., had been attacked by Indians, and driven back to New Mexico.

"The news of the attack and defeat of his men by the Indians, was brought to Mr. Ewing Young at Taos by a member of the unfortunate expedition. On learning the causes which brought this unpleasant termination to his enterprise, Mr. Young raised a party of forty men, consisting of Americans, Canadians and Frenchmen, and put himself at its head. Mr. Young's object was two-fold: first, to chastise the Indians that had attacked his men; and, second, to make all the profit he could out of the expedition by employing the men in their calling as trappers".

The experience gained on the expeditions along the Santa Fe Trail and in Mexico may have helped in allowing Carson to sign on with Ewing Young in the Spring of 1829, his first official outing as a trapper.

The expedition could not obtain a trapping permit from the Mexican authorities.To avoid the curiosity and inquiring disposition of the Mexicans, Ewing's group traveled northward, as if their destination was into the territory of the United States. Then turning southwest, the band planned to journy into unexplored Apache country along the Gila River.

Gila River fight

Near the head of the Salt River Ewing's men encountered the Indians that had attacked and defeated the former party. Upon their discovery of the trappers, the Indians seemed eager for an affray: both sides prepared for a fight.

Young directed the greater part of his men to lie in ambush, for he felt confident that the Indians did not know his strength.

The bands of savages who covered the hills round about mistook the halt necessary to complete the ambush for cowardice and fear on the part of the whites. At this their courage arose, to such a degree, that they made a bold charge against, as they supposed, the small party of white men who were visible. They were allowed to advance well into the trap, until, by the position of the trappers in ambush, they came under a cross fire. At the word of command, a general volley was fired into the advance column. Fifteen warriors fell dead, and many others were wounded. The Indians became panic-stricken, and the trappers immediately following up their advantage, advanced from cover. The warriors did not rally for a second attack, but fled in every direction, leaving Young, with his party, masters of the field.

Entrance in California

From here, Ewing's party trapped along the San Francisco River, and then split into two groups. One was to travel back to New Mexico for supplies: there were constant night raids by Indians, who would slip into camp, and steal horses and traps, requiring that replacements of both be obtained. The second group led by Ewing planned to travel on to the Sacramento Valley in California.

The direction of travel covered approximately the same route taken by J. Smith in 1826-7, including an attack that had taken the lives of 10 of Smith's men. They reached the Mission of San Gabriel after several days, Here they found one Roman Catholic priest, fifteen Mexican soldiers, and about one thousand Indians. Belonging to this little colony were eighty thousand head of cattle, fine fields and vineyards.

Attack on Indian village

While in the Sacramento Valley, Ewing's party gave support to the Mission of San Rafael in pursuing fugitive Indians "who had committed excesses".

The priest having charge of the Mission sent a strong force to search for the fugitives. They were found secreted in an Indian village, the inhabitants of which were not on friendly terms with the priest's party. A demand was made that the deserters should be given up, which being refused, a fight ensued, and the priest's party was defeated. Assistance was now asked from the trappers. The request was complied with by Carson and eleven of his companions, who volunteered for the occasion. Thus reinforced, the vanquished party returned and resumed the fight, but with a far different result. The Indian village was captured and one third of its inhabitants killed. The day following a second demand to deliver up the deserters was complied with. Carson and his companions then left the priest's party and rejoined their camp.

Horses stolen and recovered

Soon after this some Indians, eluding the watch of the sentinels, succeeded in entering the camp and stealing sixty horses. The trappers had not been in the habit of keeping vigalent guard over their camp at this time. This left the entire group of 18 trappers with only 14 horses. Mr. Young directed Kit to take twelve men and attempt to recover the stolen horses.

After following the bandits' the trail toward the Sierra Nevadas one hundred miles, Carson came upon the thieves, and discovered them in the act of feasting upon horse-flesh, six of Young's own animals having been killed to supply the viands.The trappers were able to approach close without discovery, and charged the unsuspecting Indians, killing eight in the short battle that followed. The rest of the Indians scattered, allowing the trappers to recover the rest of their horses. This came as a lesson for the trappers to improve their vigalence in the future.

Passport crisis and escape

On the trip home, Mexican authorities in Los Angeles demanded to see passports from the American trappers, who did not have any. The authorities wanted to arrest the trappers, but hesitated, as they feared their potential for aggression. The Mexicans instead attempted trickery, by gratuitously offering the men all the liquor they desired. One by one the trappers were allowing themselves to be easily conquered. Mr. Young directed Carson to take 3 men and some horses, and attempt to make it back to New Mexico, hoping he could break the other trappers free from their predicament and catch up. A drunken trapper spontaneously and without provocation shot one of his companions: and the Mexicans, fearing an outbreak of violence, fled. This freed Mr. Young and his group and allowed them to catch up with Carson. Nine days more of hard travel east brought them to the Colorado River.

Indians threaten camp

Here they rested a few days. Customarily one larger group of trappers would go out to trap, and leave several men in camp while they were gone. On one day Carson was in charge at the camp with a few men, when several hundred Indians entered the camp. Although the Indians seemed to profess friendship, in fact they concealed weapons under their clothing, and Carson determined that their intent was to massacer them. Detecting their danger, Carson demanded the Indians leave the camp, or else quickly face their hostile reactions: although Carson and his friends might die, so would some Indians, he told them. The Indians dispersed, not wanting to sacrifice an equal loss of Indian lives for the same number of white scalps they might get.

Horses captured from Indians

Encounter herd of horses belonging to Indians that had been hostile in the past: they drive away the Indians and capture the herd.

Later that night, they heard a thunderous noise while they were camped, indicated another herd of horses nearby. It was determined that several Indians were returning from a raid to the south in Sonora. The trappers drove off these Indians also, and captured more horses for themselves.

Re-entry plans to Santa Fe

On their way back to Santa Fe, Mr. Young and his men met with Robert McKnight, a trader at the abandoned copper mines on the Gila River, who was an acquaintance of Kit Carsons, whom he had worked for previously. (Met in Chihuahua in 1828? and was employed by him as a teamster). Mr. Young's group was not authorized to hunt for beaver by the Mexican government in Santa Fe, and thus Young could not return with the beaver skins he had acquired on this expedition. Mr. Young therefore led his group back to Santa Fe, where he purchased licenses to trade with the Indians. Mr. Young and party, now was able to return to the copper mines, and collect their furs, which they were now allowed to bring in to Santa Fe, under the guise of having obtained them through trading with the Indians.

The ruse which Mr. Young found absolutely necessary to employ, in order to blind the Mexican authorities, succeeded so well, that when the fur arrived at Santa Fe, every one considered the trappers had made a very good trade. The amount of beaver thus brought in amounted to two thousand pounds. The market price was twelve dollars the pound. The proceeds, therefore, of the entire trip were nearly twenty-four thousand dollars.

Mr. Young's party returned to Taos by April, 1830. --Richiar (talk) 02:25, 3 March 2008 (UTC)

Trapping expeditions 1831-1840

Fall of 1831 to winter 1831-32

Four trappers killed

Fall of 1830 they go to the Rocky Mountains, the main goal for Carson with Tom Fitzpatrick. They went to the Platte River and travelled along it to the Sweetwater River, then moved along to the Green River.Then to Jackson's Hole and a fork of the Columbia River. Then on they went to the Salmon River. They wintered there through the winter of 1830-31. During this time 4 trappers of their party were killed by Blackfeet while hunting buffalo.

1832

Carson joins Mr. Gaunt

In April of 1832, they recommenced trapping, shaping their course for Bear River. This is the principal stream that empties into the Great Salt Lake. Thence they returned to Green River, where they found some Trappers under the command of Mr. Sinclair, who left New Mexico soon after Mr. Fitzpatrick's party and had wintered on the Bear River, then returned to the Green River, where they met a group headed by Mr. Sinclair. From him they learned that Mr. Gaunt was north on the Laramie River: Mr. Gaunt was quite famous among the Anglo-American trappers. Carson determined to join him and with 4 others travelled north for 10 days, and joined his party, hunting and trapping in the New Park area. p. 51 Kit and his companions were graciously received by Gaunt; and, [pg 52] with him they trapped the streams in the vicinity of the New Park and the plains of Laramie to the South fork of the Platte.

Winter 1832-33

Then they travelled to the Arkansas, while Gaunt took the beaver to Taos and got supplies, returning after two months. Apparently they waited for Gaunt to return and resumed trapping on the Arkansas until winter, and camped there during 1831-32.

Crow Indians steal horses

In the month of January 1833 50 Crow Indians stole 9 horses from them one night. Carson took 12 men and set off after them, travelling 40 miles in cold and difficult conditions. Not having success in catching up, they went into some timber to build their camp and saw smoke from the camp of the Indians not far off. Carson and his men took cover so they wouldn't be seen, and waited for dark. The trappers travelled around the Indians camp in a circuit so their approach would be from the north, the direction the Indians were headed, so that they would have surprise in coming from an unanticipated direction. The Indians had built to rough forts, and were having a celebration dance, which indicated there was no suspicion of danger. The 9 horses were tied near one of the forts. The resolve of the trappers became strong to recover their horses, and punish the Indians.

The trappers had not brought warm enough clothing for this part of their journey, and suffered from the cold. At last the Indians went to their beds and went to sleep. Kit and 4 others crept close and threw snowballs to move the horses away from the indians sleeping in the fort. As the trappers talked over their prospective course of action, a split came about. Ten of the trappers wanted to take their horses and leave; Kit and four others wanted to proceed with an attack, while Carson and two others instisted on carrying out an attack. The group elected to work together. Kit was the captain of the group, from the beginning.--Richiar (talk) 02:16, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

1833

Deserters steal furs

Spring 1833 all go back to Laramie River. While on the South Platte, two men deserted the party and headed back to the Arkansas River. Gaunt sent Kit and another man after them. He tracked them, and they had gone back to the cache, and stolen 300 lbs of beaver fur. Carson never was able to find them. Using the old camp as their base. But Carson and his companion were in a precarious situaton, as they were quite distant from their main group, in country that was infested with hostile Indians. It seemed that to try to rejoin Gaunt's group would be foolhardy. They built up a fort for defense, and alternated sleeping and standing watch. They were able to catch game. After one month a partner of Guant found their camp, having 15 men and supplies, a couple days later 4 men from Gaunt's group arrived also, looking for Carson and with news of Gaunt's location at the headwaters of the South Platte.

Indians follow, harass trappers, and set ambush

On the 5th day while having breakfast, it was discovered a group of Indians "prowling the camp" who were attempting to steal some horses. The trappers rushed them, and drove them off, killing one of the Indians, while loosing one horse. Had the trappers not hobbled their horses, they would have lost them all.

They travelled 50 miles that day, and thinking they had outdistanced the Indians, felt safe as they camped that night on a tributary of the Arkansas. However, their watchdog kept barking all night, and the group felt they were at some risk: nothing happened throughout the night, and in the morning there were no signs of the group of Indians. Carson and three other men took off for a nearby stream to look for signs of beaver. Shortly thereafter, the group of following Indians charged the camp, and ran off the horses that were loose. Four of the trappers pursued the group of Indians, and caught up, and gave a battle where one Indian was killed, and the trappers recovered their horses.

Carson and his three men surveyed their stream, and not finding any beaver, started to return home. They were met by a group of 4 Indians in war paint, whom they charged. They found themselves to be in the midst of an attempted ambush by a war party of 60 warriors. From the design of the ambush, it was understood that the Indians had expected Carson's men to go in the other direction, which would have resulted in their deaths. The charge however, carried them right past the ambush and gave them a little advance lead, but the Indians didn't pursue. Carsons men were able to return to the camp.

They found the camp to be in safety; they surmised that the Indians had watched their camp all night, and when seeing Carsons group leave in the morning, thought the trappers were off their alert, and decided to charge the camp. The loss of their stolen property and the death of another Indian motivated them to attempt an ambush on Carson's group.

Carson leads own trapping party

Gaunt's group trapped some in North Park, but the beaver were scarce here due to heavy trapping in the past. The fortunes of Gaunt's party in not finding game continued to grow darker and darker as they traveled from stream to stream. The men began to grow disheartened at this succession of failures. Kit Carson, finally, became so tired of going empty handed, that he resolved to try a hunt upon his own account. (Dewitt Peters uses the word hunt but probably should say beaver trapping). Carson had always been employed by someone else and obligated to sell his furs to his employer. This was Carson's first excursion as a free trapper, not bound to any other man. They end up being quite successful, had no problems with Indians, and returned to Taos and made a good profit.

In Taos Carson met Cpt Lee, a partner of Bent and St. Vrain. Capt Lee was purchasing goods to supply and trade with the trappers. He requested Carson to join him, made an offer of employement, which Carson accepted. They left Taos in fall of 1833, and travelled along the Old Spanish Trail, going to the Green R and then the Windy River.

Winter 1833-34

They came upon Mr. Robidoux with twenty men who were engaged in trapping and trading. They camped here for the winter of 1833-4. Mr. Robidoux had six horses stolen from him by a deserting Indian who had been with his group. The horses were worth $200 each at the time.

Carson pursues horsethief

Carson had a strong reputation by this time, and Robidoux requested Carson to pursue the thief. Carson took a Ute Indian with him. They pursued the thief's trail for 100 miles, but the Indian companion's horse gave out: Carson proceeded another 30 miles alone. He caught up with his adversary, and began his approach. The thief, seeing Carson coming, started to go to where he had cover. Carson chared to attempt to close the distance. The Indian ran for cover, and Carson shot while at full gallop, hitting the Indian and killing him just as he reached the defensive position. The Indian had also fired at Carson about the same time but without the same accuracy. Carson retrieved the 6 horses and returned to Robidoux's camp. There another group of trappers joined Robidoux.--Richiar (talk) 02:39, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

1834

Joins Fitzpatrick and Bridger

The newly arrived group of trappers reported Tom Fitzpatrick and Jim Bridger were camped north on the Snake River. In March 1834 Carson decided to go north, and took several men. They travelled 15 days; Carson joined Fitzpatrick's group for a month. They were able to sell their stock of furs.

Carson felt there were too many men with Fitzpatrick to make the operation profitable to all, so arranged his own group, accepting 3 men of all who applied to go with him, those he judged to be of the best caliber. (This was Carson's second excursion as a free trapper. He had an agreement with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company to sell his furs to them, however). He set off for the Laramie R. Carson's group was quite successful this trip.

After trapping on the Laramie, Carson's party started to make there way to Bridgers group. While travelling to Bridger's location, on the way back to his camp one afternoon, Carson went out to hunt game for supper on foot. He walked on a mile from camp and came across elk tracks. His shot brought down an elk but attracked the attention of two grizzly bears. He was chased up a tree, and used a pointed stick to gouge them in their noses as they tried to climb his tree. The lesson he learned was to be as wary for bear as for the game he hunts. Carson returned late that night to camp.

Carson believed Bridger would come by this location, and they waited at this camp. Fifteen days later, Bridger appeared. Carson rejoined Bridgers group and they all went to the summer 1834 rendezvous on the Green R.

Following the 1834 rendezvous Carson joined a party of fifty men that was headed for the headwaters of the Missouri, for the fall hunt of 1834. The group had poor success, but had frequent harrassment from the Blackfeet Indians, who had surrounded the camp and had them under continuous surveillance. On this particular excursion 5 men (either trappers or support staff) were killed.

Winter 1834-35

The group finally concluded that nothing could be done in the Blackfoot country on this trip, so the trappers to left, and headed back to the Snake R where they camped throughout the winter of 1834-35.--Richiar (talk) 03:26, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

Wounded by Blackfeet

One night in February 1835 the Blackfeet ran off 18 of their horses. The trappers had been more lenient towards the Indians when they had been in their own country, they had acted on the defensive. But now outside of their territory, the trappers considered this act to be a provocation.

Carson took 11 men and gave pursuit: they caught up with the hostile group. The horses were grazing on a hillside, the Indians had taken a break, they were travelling through deep snow, so their progress was slow due to the horses, but the Indians had snow shoes, giving them an advantage over the trappers. Shots were exchanged at first, but nothing was accomplished. A parley was offered. The Indians said they thought they had been stealing from another group of Indians, and that they didn't want to steal from the white men. The trappers considered this a ruse, but a parley was initiated. The headmen of the Indians gave speeches, the trappers stated they could have no peace talkes until their property was restored. This demand was repeated several times through the deliberations. the Indians began to assume a more overbearing attitude, believing themselves to have numerical advantage. They finally restored 5 horses, stating that was all they could return. Upon hearing this, the trappers ran for their guns, and the Indians then ran for theirs. (The guns had been laid aside at a distance during the parley). Carson and another trapper named Mark Head obtained their weapons first, and formed the advance for the trappers as the fight commenced.

They selected two Indians who were partially concealed behind separate trees.

"As Kit was on the point of raising his rifle to fire he saw by a quick side glance at Markhead, that he was working at the lock of his gun without paying attention to his adversary who was aiming at him with, almost, a certainty of killing him. Kit instantly changed the direction of his rifle and fired, sending a bullet through the heart of Markhead's adversary; but, in thus saving the life of his friend, he was obliged, for the instant, to neglect his own adversary. A quick glance [pg 96] showed him the fellow sighting over his rifle and that the mouth of the Indian's gun covered his breast. Upon the instant he endeavored to dodge the bullet, but he was unsuccessful in doing so completely. It struck him in such a way that, first cutting the skin of his neck and glancing, it passed through his left shoulder. The head of the bone, of the arm in the shoulder was shattered; but, fortunately, the main artery of the arm escaped injury.

Notwithstanding his wound Kit immediately endeavored to reload his rifle. In this effort he was unsuccessful, for his left arm hung powerless by his side. When, being overcome by the loss of blood and the consequent fast increasing weakness, he threw himself upon the ground.

The fight continued to be hotly contested by both the trappers and Indians until, gradually, the firing ceased, when the trappers drew off and went into camp. They did not dare to light any fires, as they would inevitably bring the Indians upon them. With nothing but their saddle-blankets to protect them from the bitter cold, even the safe and sound members of the party suffered severely. Kit's condition failed not to arouse the heartfelt sympathy of his friends, for there was not one among them who would not have readily risked life and limb to save Kit's. But his condition was most critical; at the least, he was in a most unenviable condition. His wounds bled profusely, and, the blood, as it oozed out, froze to the rude dressings. This, undoubtedly, in the final result, was beneficial to him, as the cold acted as a partial check upon the hemorrhage.

That night the trappers held a council. It was decided, that, although the result of the fight had been that they had given the Indians a sound thrashing, there having been several braves killed while they had suffered only in one wounded, they were, nevertheless, not then strong enough to pursue the savages farther. They adopted therefore the policy of returning to the camp and reporting their progress.

On their arrival, a council was immediately called and their adventures duly rehearsed. The result was that a second party was immediately organized comprising thirty men. Under the command of Bridger, this party followed the trail for some days, but returned to camp without finding the savages. They, after their late engagement, had made their way as fast as possible into distant parts. --Richiar (talk) 03:30, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

1835

A short time after this, the weather moderated and it was time for the spring hunt of 1835. They trapped along the waters of the Snake and Green River, and had a successful hunt. The season having passed, they went into summer 1835 rendezvous on the banks of the Green River. (p. 98)--Richiar (talk) 18:00, 23 March 2008 (UTC)This was the setting for Carson's duel with Joseph Chouinard, and perhaps when he met and married Waanibe. (see main article: Kit Carson.

Following the 1835 rendezvous they prepared for the fall hunt and went to the Yellowstone R., but they had no success. They trapped along the Big Horn, but also with no results. Then they headed for the headwaters of the Missouri R.

winter 1835-1836

They went on to the Snake R., with poor results, and here they set up their winter camp for 1835-6. Here they met Mr. Thomas McCoy of the Hudson Bay Company. Mr. McCoy asked Carson and 5 of his men to join his company and they went to Mary's River (Humbolt River, Nevada). They had little success here also. So they returned to the Big Snake River.

In the spring they stayed here for some time, then split up: a small party goes with McCoy to Fort Walla Walla, a larger group of men go with Carson to Fort Hall. Carson's group endurred great privation, as they travelled through barren country. They had to subsist on roots which they had brought with them. They were compelled to bleed there mules and drink the blood. They were 4 days away from Fort Hall, when they encountered a friendly band of Indians. These natives were also in a desparate condition, but slightly better off: Carson used all his skill and Indian knowledge to trade for a horse, which relieved their immediate starving condition. They were enabled to reach Fort Hall, which was then a trading post. Here they recovered their strength.

1836

Then they went on a buffalo hunt. After one days march they come across the buffalo.They set up a camp, and divided up the marksmen and the meat processors. They had a good hunt. Cured their meat, and returned to Ft Hall. They were trailed by Blackfeet, but the hunters were unaware of their presence. They had no thought, in fact, of Indians.

Blackfeet at Fort Hall

Their past sufferings from hunger had made them so determined in the work of procuring game, that in a few days they possessed meat sufficient [pg 113] to load down all their pack animals. They now thought about returning to Fort Hall. Their pace, however, rendered so by their weighty game, was very slow. Their old enemies, the Blackfeet Indians, had discovered them while engaged in this hunt. They followed them on the march to the Fort, the trappers being wholly unaware of their presence; in fact, the idea of hostile Indians had not troubled their thoughts.

Two or three nights after they arrived at the Fort, taking advantage of a dark evening, the Indians deprived them of all their animals.

The parties living at the Fort were equally as poorly off for horses and mules as were now the trappers. The same Indians had recently performed the same trick upon them. The loss was most severely felt by the trappers, inasmuch as they had not a single animal left upon which to give chase. This left the trappers and the residents of Fort Hall stranded. Nothing remained for them to enact, except a stoical indifference over their loss and await the return of McCoy, who had agreed, after finishing his business at Fort Walla Walla, to rejoin, them at Fort Hall.

After the lapse of one month McCoy made his appearance and, most opportunely, brought an extra supply of animals. Then they go to the rendezvous. 1836.

Carson joins Fontenelle

In the fall Kit Carson left the company under McCoy and joined a company under the management of a Mr. Fontenelle which numbered one hundred men. This party went to and trapped on the Yellow Stone River.

Winter 1836-37

They camped for the winter of 1836-37. Their animals had a tough time due to lack of proper food. Buffalo were starving and had to be kept away from preying on their horses. Blackfeet being ravaged by smallpox. Winter camp made 1836-7?? Camp with Crows. Mules and horses in bad condition.

1837

In the spring of 1837 two trappers were sent to Ft Laramie to obtain supplies. They were never heard from again. They waited until they were compelled to leave for the spring hunt: they went to the Yellow Stone R, then to the Twenty Five Yard River, then to the head waters of the Missouri. They had considerable success here.--Richiar (talk) 18:21, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

Attack on Blackfeet village

The spring of 1837 found them on the headwaters of the Missouri they found a Blackfoot village. Carson's group followed the trail leading to the Indian village: when they were one day away, Kit took 5 men to reconoiter. They found the Blackfeet were packing to leave, so they returned to report their findings. They were desirous to pay off old scores.

A council was immediately held which decided to send out forty-three picked men to give battle; and, for the commander of this party, Kit Carson was unanimously elected. The fifty-five men left behind under Mr. Fontenelle had the onerous duty of guarding the animals and equipage. It was a part of the programme, also, that the latter force should move on slowly and act as a reserve in case of need.

Carsons men returned to the Blackfoot village, and charged, killing 10 warriors initially. The warriors recovered and began retreating, while for about 3 hours Carson's men continued charging. By this time the ammunition was running low, and the trappers reduced their firing. The Blackfeet realized the situation of the trappers, and rallied, and turned upon the trappers, and a serious hand-to-hand engagement developed. The trappers then used their small arms, and drove the warriors back again. They, however, rallied again so powerfully that they now drove the trappers back.

In this latter engagement a horse belonging to a mountaineer by the name of Cotton, fell, throwing his rider and holding him on the ground by his weight. This happened as he was passing a point of rocks. Six of the warriors, seeing the accident, instantly hurried forward to take Cotton's scalp. But Kit Carson's eagle eye was watching every part of the battle-field and discovered, in time to be of service, the danger to which his friend was exposed. leaving his brave rider on foot. Kit however instantly comprehended his position. Although some distance off, Kit sprang from his saddle, rushed foreword, calling for more help, and shot the foremost warrior dead. The 5 remaining warriors now seeing their danger, turned and ran back towards their own group, but three more were killed before reaching safety. This action brought about a lull in the fighting.

The reserve division of the trappers came in sight, having been anxiously expected for some time. The Indians showed no fear at this addition to the number of their adversaries. On the contrary, being no doubt carried away by their recent success in making a stand, they commenced posting themselves among the rocks about one hundred and fifty yards distant from the position taken up by the trappers. Everything being in readiness, with a cheer, they started on foot to attack and dislodge the trappers. In a few moments was commenced the severest skirmish of the day. In this battle the trappers considered that they had thoroughly settled all outstanding accounts with the Blackfeet Indians, for they had killed a large number of their warriors and wounded many more. On their side three men only were killed and a few severely wounded.

Fontenelle and his men camped for a few days in the vicinity of the scene of their late engagement, burying their dead and repairing damages. They then resumed the business of trapping, traversing the Blackfeet country whenever they chose without fear of molestation. The success in their late engagement seemed to follow them in their business, for their stock of fur accumulated rapidly.They therefore trapped where they pleased, being determined to dispute the right of possession to the country if attacked.

While they were encamped upon Green River, an express rider, sent by the traders, came into camp and informed the party that the rendezvous would be held on Mud River. With a large stock of beaver, the party started for that place, arriving in eight days.Summer 1837? --Richiar (talk) 23:03, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

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--Richiar (talk) 23:10, 9 March 2008 (UTC) Fall 1837? Kit Carson, with seven companions, went to Brown's Hole. This was a trading post. Here they found two traders Thomson and Sinclair who were contemplating getting up a business expedition to the Navajoe Indians. A good profit is made and Carson returns to Browns Hole. Winter camp for 1837-38 made at Browns Hole. Hired as hunter for the Fort which had twenty men. Spring 1838 he resigns.

1838

Spring 1838

Carson and Bridger and 4 others go to the Black Hills. They had excellent success. Carson goes out with one other trapper, they had great success, join the camp on the Green River, then go to the rendezvous 1838 held on the Wind River.

Fall 1838

Most of the trappers go to the Yellow Stone R, and winter there 1838-39.--Richiar (talk) 23:17, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

1839

winter 1838-39

Standoff with Blackfeet

Signs of a Blackfeet camp were found. Carson was given charge of 40 men to engage them in battle. Having set out, they encountered a scouting party, and gave chase, anticipating that by chasing them, the scouting party would lead them to the main camp, which is what happened. A battle occured, the Indians were strong in number, but finally gave way, and retreated to a fort in the middle of the Yellow Stone R. The day was over, and the trappers waited through the night to resume the attack again in the morning. They found, however, that the Blackfeet had slipped away.

"The result of the battle the day before was now made apparent. It was evident that not much powder had been wasted in the action. The snow within the fortification was red with fresh blood, and from the place a bloody trail led to a hole in the ice of the stream where a large number of lifeless bodies had been sunk"

Anticipating another war for revenge from the main camp, the trappers decided to go on the defensive. They retreated to a hill where they had a good view, and selected capable sentinels. The Blackfeet approached for war, and the trappers put up breastworks. The advance guard of Blackfeet found the trappers well dug in, and waited for the rest of their force. After a seige of 3 days, about 1000 warriors had congregated. They commenced a war dance in sight and hearing of the entrenched trappers, who were 60 in number. The Blackfeet did not want to risk the losses they would suffer by doing battle, and left the scene. The trappers stayed in place until the spring of 1839. They trapped on a tributary of the Missouri then went to the Lewis Fork. Then departed for the rendezvous of the summer of 1839 on the Green River, and Horse Creek

Fall 1839 to winter 1839-40

Carson took 5 men, went to Fort Hall and joined the Northwest Fur Company, trapping on the head of the Salmon R. Then to the Big Snake R. Then a couple other rivers in the vicinity, returning to Fort Hall. They had quite extensive stock of furs. They remained here about 1 month, then Carson joined Jim Bridger who was in the Blackfoot country. They got to the Missouri River, and found signs of trappers, who were now upstream from them. Carson took 14 men to go in advance and learn who the men were. They found them that same day, it was Joseph Gale and Capt Wyatt. They reported they had just had a nasty engagement with Blackfeet, with Richard Owens receiving a serious wound but was now in recovery.

They stayed one day, then went out to set some traps, but encountered some Blackfeet. There was a skirmish, the pursuit had been close and intense. Carson returned to the main camp. Carson got the men into cover and concealment, and the Indians attacked them throughout the day, with heavy losses. They were finally relieved by the main group of trappers. Gale was so continuously harrassed by the blackfeet, that he finally decides to leave their country. It was so bad that a man couldn't leave camp without being ambushed and having to fight his way back to camp. They then decided to go to the North Fork of the Missouri. They met Flathead Indians, who were friendly, and went to the Big Snake River and established their winter camp for 1839-40.--Richiar (talk) 23:18, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

1840

Spring 1840 to Fall 1841 Carson takes one man to hunt on the streams of the Big Snake R. (The Ute Indians inhabit this country).Carson and his companion had great success. They took their furs to Robidoux's Fort, selling their stock. Then he went to Grand River, trapping here, then to Brown's Hole on the Green River, and stayed here for the winter of 1840-41 (?), then went to New Park in the spring of 1841 (?), trapped, and went to Robidoux's Fort again. The prices of the furs were falling and the gain was poor. He then set out with several others for Bents Fort, Sept 1841. One week subsequently, Mitchell and New followed their companions to the Fort, but in a sad plight. They had not suspected danger, and, consequently, had failed to guard against it. They had been surrounded by Indians and deprived of everything they possessed except their naked bodies. In this denuded state they arrived at the Fort. --Richiar (talk) 23:25, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Fall 1840 to spring 1843

Sometime around april 1841 he went to Fort Robidoux, near the junction of the Uintah R. and White Rocks Creek in northeastern Utah. Spring hunt in Colorado: 1841? Returns to F. Roubidoux in the summer, sits around trying to think of what to do. 6 families go from Roubidoux Sept 1841 to go to Bent's Fort. --Richiar (talk) 22:20, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

Rayado Ranch: 1849-53

After Carson completed his courier journeys, he returned to his home in Taos intending to settle down. In the spring of 1849 he began a ranch on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the foothils beside the Rayado Creek, with the intent of becoming prosperous. The land had been home to the Jicarilla Apaches for generations, and whose "world center" was near Taos. During 1849-50 a detachment of dragoons lived at the Rayado Ranch. That spring of 1850 Jicarilla Apaches ran of most of the ranch's stock and wounded two Mexican herders. The band was caught and five Indians killed, the horses recovered.The summer of 1850 Carson took a herd of mules north to Ft. Laramie to sell. Another raid after their return from Ft. Laramie by Jicarilla and/or Ute Indians ran off many of the horses and killed two men. This event triggered Carson and others to petition the New Mexican governor for help by authorizing a civilian volunteer campaign.

In spring of 1851 Carson went back to Missouri to get supplies for Maxwell. On the return trip he brought Adeline, they were travelling with 15 men. A group of Cheyenne came into camp and expressed they wanted to be friendly, but spoke of killing Carsons group, not realizing he understood their language. The Cheyenne had become hostile when a nearby group of soldiers had wrongfully flogged one of the Indians. Carson had to send a rider west to request support from the troops at Rayado, which brought relief to the situation when they returned several days later.

For two years Carson and Maxwell were active at their ranch with no incidents with Indians. In March 1853 with his partner Maxwell Carson drove a herd of 5000 sheep to California, first going north to Ft. Laramie then west through South Pass and across the Sierra Nevada, in to Sacramento, arriving in September. They sold the herd for a profit of $27,500. Carson visited friends and relatives in the Napa Valley: then he travelled south to Los Angeles. He left there at the end of October and returned to New Mexico along the familiar Gila River route, arriving on Christmas 1853 in Santa Fe, after a trip of 60 days. Kit learned on arrival that he had been appointed in Washington to be the Indian Agent for the Moache Ute Indians, the headquarters being in Taos. --Richiar (talk) 23:30, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Indian agent: 1854-1861

During 1852-53 William Carr Lane, then the Govenor of New Mexico Territory, negotiated a treaty with the Jicarilla Apaches, who lived in northeastern New Mexico. The treaty called for the Jicarillas to be granted supplies for 5 years, in exchange for their agreement to give up raiding. The treaty was ignored by Congress, nor did congress follow through with the supplies which had been promised. The result was that the Jicarillas returned to raiding. Carson's major duties as he took office in January of 1854 was to manage the problems due to the failure of the Lane treaty. --Richiar (talk) 08:10, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Carson's Navajo campaign

--Richiar (talk) 01:21, 6 March 2008 (UTC)