Early in December the army had reached California, and were approaching San Diego.  On the sixth, the scouts brought the news that a numerous party of Mexicans were strongly intrenched a few miles before them, to dispute their passage.  Fifteen men were sent forward as an advanced guard, under the guidance of Kit Carson, to drive in the outposts, and capture any loose animals which might be found.  A very fierce battle ensued.  These Californian Mexicans developed a degree of bravery and determination totally unexpected, and which could not have been exceeded.

Quite a number of troops had come up to assist in carrying an important post.  In addition to the fifteen men with Carson, there were two companies of United States dragoons, and twenty-five California volunteers.  These determined men, all well mounted, formed a very imposing column for the charge.  Mr. Carson was in the front rank of the column.  As the horses were plunging forward upon the foe, Mr. Carson’s horse, from some inequality in the ground, fell, throwing his rider over his head with such violence as to break his gun-stock in several pieces.  Carson was slightly stunned by the fall, and the whole troop of horse galloped over him.  It seems a miracle that he was not trampled to death.  Though severely bruised, no bones were broken.

Upon recovering, and finding his own gun useless, he looked around and saw a dead dragoon.  Seizing his gun, he rushed forward into the thickest of the fight.  It is probable that the fall of his horse saved his life.  Nearly the whole of the head of the charging column was cut off by the bullets of the foe.  The Mexicans were soon driven from their post, and fled on swift horses.  But the Americans suffered terribly.  Large numbers were killed.

The Mexicans soon rallied with reinforcements and resumed the battle.  The advanced guard of the Americans was driven back and compelled to act upon the defensive.  We have not space here to give, in detail, the victories and defeats of these fierce conflicts.  Most of these California Mexicans were of the bravest blood of Spain.  And they fought as if determined to perpetuate their ancestral renown.

When near San Diego, Kearney’s force was surrounded by three or four times its number, and were starving.  The men were feeding upon the mules.  Even that resource seemed almost exhausted.  The utter ruin of the army seemed inevitable.  A council of war was held.  Carson was present.  He was a man of few words.  When he spoke, all listened.  In his soft, feminine voice he said: 

“I think I may be able to creep in the night, through the Mexican lines.  I can hasten then to San Diego, and inform Commodore Stockton of our peril.  He will hasten to the rescue.  I am willing to try.”

Immediately Lieutenant Beale, of the United States Navy, one of the most heroic of men, added, “I will go with him.”  General Kearney accepted the noble offer.  In its desperation was his only hope.