es and a distinguished English nobleman, Sir
William Stuart. Of this latter gentleman, Kit Carson says: "For the
goodness of his heart and numerous rare qualities of mind, he will
always be remembered by those of the mountaineers who had the honor of
his acquaintance."

Among the missionaries was "Old Father De Smidt," as he afterwards
came to be familiarly called. This gentleman is at present well known
as being a leading literary and religious man at St. Louis, Missouri.
Perhaps there never was a person in the wilds of America who became
so universally beloved both by the white and red man. While in the
mountains, he acted with untiring zeal for the good of all with whom
he came into contact. Wherever duty called him, there he was sure
to be found, no matter what the obstacles or dangers spread upon
the path. He worked during a long series of years in these dangerous
localities, and accomplished much good. When, at last, he returned to
civilization, he left an indelible name behind him.

In twenty days after the camp at the rendezvous was formed, it broke
up again into small parties. Kit Carson, with seven companions, went
to Brown's Hole. This was a trading post. Here they found two traders
who were contemplating getting up a business expedition to the Navajoe
Indians. This tribe exhibits more traces of white blood than any other
of the wild races in North America. They are brave and fond of owning
large possessions. These consist chiefly of immense herds of fine
horses and sheep. In this respect they are not unlike the ancient
inhabitants of the earth, who "watched their roving store" on Syrian
soil and the contiguous countries. The parties who desired to trade
with them usually carried a stock of trinkets and articles of use, for
which they received horses, mules, blankets and lariets.[13]

[Footnote 13: A lariet is a beautifully made rope, manufactured from
hides and used for picketing horses out upon the prairies. They are
worth, in New Mexico, about two dollars each.]

Navajoe blankets are very celebrated in the far west of America, and
especially in old Mexico, where they are in great demand and command
high prices. Many of these articles are really beautiful, and, from
their fine texture, together with the great amount of labor spent in
their manufacture, are expensive, even when purchased of the Indians.
The art of weaving these blankets has been long known to the Navajoe
Indians; and, all the female chil