d trapping in their own country, then merely acting
on the defensive, this act on the part of the savages appeared to the
trappers to be more than they ought peaceably to bear. Such appeared
to be the general opinion, and it was determined that a party should
be sent out to recover the property and inflict a chastisement upon
the hostile savages which they would not soon forget. Kit Carson with
eleven men to accompany him was selected for this delicate but highly
important service. Having prepared everything for the route, the party
started and after fifty miles of sharp riding through the snow,
came up with the savages. The progress of the Indians had been,
fortunately, considerably retarded by the necessity of breaking a
path through the deep snow, which had but very recently fallen. The
trappers instantly made an attempt to recover their animals which were
found grazing on the side of a hill, the Indians having previously
come to a halt. In doing this, shots were exchanged by both parties
without effect. The savages had on snow shoes which gave them
considerable advantage over the trappers. After some manoeuvering, the
Indians asked for a parley which was granted. On these occasions, it
is customary for one man from each party to advance to a spot about
halfway between the contending parties and there have a talk. The
rascals, through their representative, informed the trappers through
their representative, that they had supposed that they had been
committing a robbery upon the Snake Indians; and, that they did not
desire to steal from the white men.

The trappers, believing these tales to be false, considered this a
mere ruse on the part of the Indians to make them unwary of passing
events. However, they put the very natural query to them, why, if they
were so friendly disposed, they did not follow out their usual custom;
and, on seeing them approach, lay down their arms and advance to meet
their white brothers, so that they might have a smoke together and
talk over their difficulties and thus amicably settle matters.

Their replies to this query contained nothing but evasions. Finally,
however, it having been mutually agreed upon, both parties disarmed
and marched to the place where their representatives were talking. The
Calumet was then prepared, lighted and handed around to each person
present, it being puffed once or twice by every one of the savages
and every one of the whites. The council then commenced. The