r, nearly every man was a veteran in war, and the whole body
felt themselves invincible, which was a source of great consolation
to their leader. From San Diego, parties of the command were sent
to scour the neighboring country, in order to bring in a sufficient
number of horses to mount the men. This being accomplished, Fremont
set out for Los Angelos, where the Governor and Gen. Castro had a
force of seven hundred men at their disposal. These officials, with
their soldiers, on learning the near approach of the Americans, broke
up and fled, most of them taking the road to Sonora, while the balance
scattered, not apparently caring where they went, as long as they did
not come in contact with the Americans. Fremont marched within about
one league of the town, and encamped to await, as had been previously
agreed upon, the arrival of Commodore Stockton, who soon joined him
at this place with a party of sailors and marines, "As fine a body of
men," says Kit Carson, "as ever I looked upon."

When the two commands had been consolidated, they marched direct for
Los Angelos, which they easily captured, as its would-be defenders had
some days before deserted it. In this town the command was quartered
for some time; but, as it is our intention to follow the career of
Kit Carson, who, shortly after their arrival, had been detailed
for important duty, which placed him in new scenes; hence, we are
necessitated to take leave of affairs as they transpired there, and
hereafter revert to them casually as they connect with our narrative.

CHAPTER XI.

Kit Carson is sent Overland as Bearer of Dispatches
to Washington--The Preparation and the Start--The
Journey--Privations and Sufferings--Meeting with General
Kearney--The General takes Carson as his Guide and sends on
the Dispatches by Fitzpatrick--The March--Arrival at Warner's
Ranche--Mexicans on the Road--Preparations for a Battle--The
Battle--Disastrous Consequences--Kit Carson and Lieutenant
Beale offer to run the lines of the Mexican Sentinels
and carry Information to San Diego of Kearney's critical
position--The Daring Undertaking--The Sufferings
they encountered--Their Arrival--Reinforcements sent
out--Lieutenant Beale is Delirious from the Privations he has
undergone--Gen. Kearney and his Command finally reach and join
the other American Forces in California.

On the 15th day of September, 1846, Kit Carson was pl