rovided with arms, ammunition, and riding
horses. When the party consists of mounted men, they also are provided
with such other articles as are deemed necessary, which are included,
usually, under the heading of an outfit for the especial business in
which the soldier is to engage.

In the latter part of the summer, Kit Carson departed from the agency,
on a visit to the band of Utahs, one of the tribes who were placed
under his special charge. Although, usually, he went to their country
several times in a year, yet, more frequently, these Indians came to
him in order that they might enjoy the hospitality of his house, and
receive from him presents of tobacco and other little commodities
which he was always sure to give them--articles which he generally had
to pay for himself. In visiting them at their home on this particular
occasion, Kit Carson had the double object in view of notifying them
of the _moon_ when they must meet the superintendent of the Indian
affairs of the territory at Abiquiu, a town adjacent to their
hunting-grounds, and one which they often frequented, and also, to
inform himself of the schemes which they had on foot and their actual
wants, so that he could report to the proper authorities the necessary
articles of which they stood most in need. To define the actual wants
and requirements of Indians, is a subject which has puzzled many a
person who has endeavored thoroughly to investigate their character,
and who has understood their mode of life. If the question was left to
themselves, it would be readily settled; for, they desire to possess
everything which in the least pleases their active fancy; and, so
extensive are their demands in this respect, that they know no limit,
provided their own inclinations are consulted. By some, it is supposed
that the presents of blankets and trinkets which they annually receive
from government, are more than sufficient rewards for depriving them
of parts of their country. Others there are who charitably add to
these things, presents of weapons and ammunition, arguing that thus
they can kill their game, and gain their own subsistence without
resorting to plunder; but alas! this latter argument is not found,
in the majority of instances, to be the peaceful manner in which
they employ these gifts. Very often the weapons which they have
but recently received, are turned upon their donors with a view
of destroying them. The reasoning of the Indian in regard to these