The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 534 pages of information about The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself.

The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 534 pages of information about The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself.
preparatory to undertaking the further exploration of the lake, together with one of its largest islands, which would be reached by this southern route.  The Indians met with on the journey, informed them that on this island there was plenty of fresh water, and game in abundance.  On arriving at a suitable place, Col.  Fremont pitched his tents for the main camp.  On the following morning, taking Kit Carson and a few chosen men, Col.  Fremont started to explore the island.  The reports of the Indians were proven to be true.  In addition to plenty of fresh water and game, they discovered very good timber growing there.  The game, which proved to be antelope, was so abundant that they decided to kill from the herds a quantity sufficient for future use.  The island was about fifteen miles in length by about five in breadth.  From the main land to the island they were able to ride their horses, as the water was not deep.  Upon the banks of the lake they found the salt deposit to vary from the thickness of a wafer to the depth of twelve inches.

Having made their observations, the small party returned to the main camp.  On the following day the journey was resumed, the route leading around the south side of the lake, until they reached the last fresh water to be found in that direction.  Before them lay a wide and unknown desert, over which no white man had ever passed.  Kit Carson had been at this spot several times in previous years, and had often heard the oldest trappers speak of the impossibility of crossing it for man or beast.  They had always shrunk from a path apparently endless, which offered appearances of neither grass nor water.  Colonel Fremont had determined to try the formidable desert, and, if possible, unfold its hidden secrets.  His men were equally ambitious with himself, and were ready to second his efforts without fearing the trials or sufferings which the desert route might exact.

Colonel Fremont arranged all of his plans commensurate with the hardships in expectancy.  Early the subsequent morning he dispatched Kit Carson, Maxwell and two others as an advance party to break the road and look for a camping site.  With his telescope, he then ascended a neighboring mountain to watch the little party of pioneers.  In the event that water and grass should be found, Kit Carson’s orders were to build a fire, the smoke of which would serve as a signal to Fremont, who would immediately follow up their trail with the whole command.

For sixty miles, Kit Carson with his little party traveled over this level, barren and sandy desert, without coming to a drop of water or a blade of grass.  At the end of this distance they reached the mountains, on the west side of the lake, and found both in abundance.  The signal of smoke was now made, according to agreement.  Even at this long distance Fremont discovered it, and immediately set his party in motion.  Kit Carson sent back one of the men to meet the main body,

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The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, the Nestor of the Rocky Mountains, from Facts Narrated by Himself from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.