as a strong detachment of United States troops. The truth was now
evident to them all that this was an expedition sent out by government
to operate in California. Spurring on their animals, Kit and his men
soon met the advance guard of the soldiers and learned that their
commander was Gen. Kearney, who was further back in the lines. On
coming to the general, Kit Carson reported himself, informed him
of the business he was on, and also furnished him with all the
intelligence in his power in reference to the disposal of the American
forces in California, besides detailing to him what had already been
accomplished in that quarter.

After due deliberation, Gen. Kearney determined to send Mr.
Fitzpatrick on to Washington with the dispatches and to order Kit
Carson to join him as guide. In fulfilling this duty, he well knew
that Kit would be invaluable to him. Acting on this decision, he
sent for Kit Carson and informed him of what he wished him to do. Kit
Carson replied, "As the general thinks best." The fact was, that Kit
well knew he could be of great service to the command, and he was too
honest not to confess it, though he was now nearly in reach of his
happy home and its loved inmates, from whom he had been so long
separated and whom he fondly wished to see. In facing about, Kit took
upon his shoulders the prospect of encountering fearful dangers; but,
he undertook his new duties without allowing a murmur to escape his
lips, and without even asking additional pay; though, had he but
mentioned it, the general could not have well refused the demand. A
noble motive engrossed Kit Carson's mind. He has ever labored to win
and wear the confidence and respect of his countrymen, being ambitious
to leave a name behind him that shall be an honor to his friends and
family.

On the eighteenth day of October, 1846, General Kearney and his
command left the Rio Del Norte, in New Mexico. The services of Kit
Carson in directing the route, proved the wisdom of General Kearney
in making the change in the bearers of dispatches. So true was Kit
Carson's guidance, that the command traveled with so much dispatch as
to reach Warner's Ranche, in California, on the third day of December
following. From this place it took up a line of march for San Diego.

While on their march, news was brought in by their spies that a strong
command of Mexican Californians had taken up a position on their
route, evidently awaiting their advance with the view