was most foully and treacherously
murdered by the Pueblo Indians and Mexicans. A revolution had broken
out among this turbulent people, and, in his endeavors to stem it,
Governor Bent was frustrated. At last, being driven to his own house,
he barricaded the doors and windows. The rascally rioters, after a
severe contest, succeeded in breaking open his doors; and, having
gained access to their victim, murdered him in cold blood in the
midst of his family. The only crime imputed by the mob against this
benevolent and just man was, that he was an American. His untimely
death, which was mourned by all the Americans who knew him, cast a
settled gloom over the community in which he resided. The Mexicans
were afterwards very penitent for the share they took in the committal
of this black crime. Although several of the guilty party are still
living, they have left the country; for, the mountaineers have not
forgotten the friend whom they esteemed and respected, and will avenge
his death if ever the opportunity offers.

Cerin St. Vrain, the surviving partner of this celebrated trading
firm was equally noted. Upon the declaration of war between the United
States and Mexico, St. Vrain took an active part on the side of his
country, and, from his extensive knowledge of the Mexican character,
was enabled to render important services. At the close of the war,
he became extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits within the New
Territory, and, by his untiring industry amassed a large fortune. He
was the first man who discovered and recognized the superior skill of
Kit Carson as a hunter; and, for his subsequent success in life,
Kit Carson is much indebted to him. St. Vrain is one of the oldest
mountaineers now living; and, as such, he is viewed by his old and new
associates in the light of a father.

As the reader can now easily compute, sixteen years had elapsed since
Kit Carson commenced his exploits in the Rocky Mountains. During this
long period, as frequently as once every year, he had sat down to a
meal consisting of bread, vegetables, meat, coffee, tea, and sugar.
When dining thus sumptuously, he considered himself as greatly favored
with luxuries of the rarest grade. Few men can say, with Kit Carson,
"During sixteen years, my rifle furnished nearly every particle of
food upon which I lived." Fewer can say with equal truth, that "For
many consecutive years, I never slept under the roof of a house, or
gazed upon the face of a