can bear witness with me that he would have been the last person to
object, so long as there was life in his body. Unused then to such
hardships and mental excitements on land, as was his more experienced
companion, Lieutenant Beale, from the trials of the service performed,
became partially deranged; and for treatment, was sent on board the
frigate Congress, which ship lay in the harbor, being one of the
vessels attached to the commodore's fleet. Two long years elapsed
before the gallant lieutenant fully recovered from the effects of this
adventure, which, for the bravery and unselfishness evinced in its
planning, and the boldness with which it was carried out, without
mentioning the good results it produced, was not excelled by any one
feat performed during the Mexican War. Better than all, had these
two men known previously the poor rewards which were afterwards to
be bestowed upon them by their government for this heroic deed, I
hesitate not in saying, that it would have had no effect in changing
their purpose. The reinforcements sent out to meet General Kearney,
by traveling both by day and night, soon reached and released him,
without coming in contact with the enemy. They kept a bright look-out
and were early apprised, through their spies, of what was transpiring
among the Americans; hence, as the naval brigade drew near, they
retreated. The road being now clear, General Kearney, with his
soldiers and the marines, marched on to San Diego, where his wounded
men were comfortably housed and received the attentions of skillful
surgeons.

CHAPTER XII.

A Command of Six Hundred Men is sent against Los Angelos--The
Mexican Army evacuates the Town--Its Capture--Rumors of
an Attack to be made on Fremont's Command--The Mexicans
surrender--The Winter Quarters--Kit Carson is ordered to
carry Dispatches overland to Washington--Lieutenant Beale
accompanies him--A Night Attack made by the Indians--Arrival
in the United States--Kit Carson's Introduction to Col.
Benton and Mrs. Fremont--Hospitality offered to him at
Washington--Kit Carson receives the Appointment of Lieutenant
in the Rifle Corps of the U.S. Army from President Polk--He
is ordered to carry Dispatches to California--The Journey--A
Brush with the Camanche Indians--Arrival at Santa
Fe--More trouble with hostile Indians--Arrival at Los
Angelos--Dispatches delivered--Kit Carson is assigned to do
Dut