besides tobacco and a number of
presents.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Retaliatory Measures--Fremont's Return to California--Capture of
Sonoma--Sutter's Fort Placed Under Military Rule--Monterey Taken
by Commodore Sloat--Capture of Los Angeles by Fremont and Commodore
Stockton--Carson Sent East as a Bearer of Despatches--The Meeting with
Apaches--General Kearney--Bravery of the California Mexicans.

The indignation over the action of the Indians was so great that
retaliatory measures were determined upon. Fremont moved around Lake
Klamath until nearly opposite where his command had been attacked. The
following morning, Carson and ten men were sent forward to search
for the Indian village that was believed to be somewhere in the
neighborhood. If the discovery could be made without detection on the
part of the Indians, Carson was instructed to signal to Fremont who
would hasten forward with reinforcements.

The mountaineer had not gone far, when he struck a broad, clear trail,
which speedily carried him in sight of a village of some fifty lodges.
As it was evident that the Indians had detected their danger, Carson and
his companions made an impetuous attack before which the red men fled in
wildest panic. A number were shot, when, finding pursuit useless, Carson
returned to the village where all the lodges were destroyed.

Because of the war with Mexico, Fremont decided to return to California.
On his way thither, the Tlamath Indians continually dogged them and a
number of collisions followed, though none was of particular moment.
After suffering many hardships, Lawson's Fort was reached and several
days were spent in hunting, while Fremont awaited instructions as to the
course he was to take in the war then going on between the United States
and Mexico.

As the days went by without bringing him any despatches, he wearied of
inactivity and decided to assume the aggressive. Accordingly he sent
a force to a Mexican military post known as Sonoma, which with little
trouble was taken.

Fremont sent out a couple of messengers to inform the American settlers
of what had taken place, but the messengers fell into the hands of
General Castro who put both to death.

General Castro sent one of his captains, with quite a force to destroy
the Americans, but the officer changed his mind when he found himself
in the neighborhood of the detested invaders. Fremont pursued him for
nearly a week, and captured much of his stock and p