rough usage they had recently been obliged to submit to.  He graphically described the position of Gen. Kearney, so that the relief party could have no difficulty in finding him.  He remained to recruit in San Diego; though, had the commodore expressed the least wish to have Kit Carson return, every man who knows him 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 Duty with the Dragoons—­Is ordered to Guard Tajon Pass—­The Winter spent there—­Is ordered again to carry Dispatches to Washington—­The Journey and its Adventures—­The return to New Mexico.

One month elapsed before the forces of the United