It was while obeying instructions, in traveling as fast as possible, that one day, the sixth of October, 1846, the party discerned something which, at first, looked like a mere speck moving on the prairies.  Watching it with intense anxiety, the little speck increased in size until they saw it emerge, as it were, from the apparent junction of the heavens with the earth, and form a visible line; as the front of this column came nearer to view, they discovered that it was a strong detachment of United States troops.  The truth was now evident to them all that this was an expedition sent out by government to operate in California.  Spurring on their animals, Kit and his men soon met the advance guard of the soldiers and learned that their commander was Gen. Kearney, who was further back in the lines.  On coming to the general, Kit Carson reported himself, informed him of the business he was on, and also furnished him with all the intelligence in his power in reference to the disposal of the American forces in California, besides detailing to him what had already been accomplished in that quarter.

After due deliberation, Gen. Kearney determined to send Mr. Fitzpatrick on to Washington with the dispatches and to order Kit Carson to join him as guide.  In fulfilling this duty, he well knew that Kit would be invaluable to him.  Acting on this decision, he sent for Kit Carson and informed him of what he wished him to do.  Kit Carson replied, “As the general thinks best.”  The fact was, that Kit well knew he could be of great service to the command, and he was too honest not to confess it, though he was now nearly in reach of his happy home and its loved inmates, from whom he had been so long separated and whom he fondly wished to see.  In facing about, Kit took upon his shoulders the prospect of encountering fearful dangers; but, he undertook his new duties without allowing a murmur to escape his lips, and without even asking additional pay; though, had he but mentioned it, the general could not have well refused the demand.  A noble motive engrossed Kit Carson’s mind.  He has ever labored to win and wear the confidence and respect of his countrymen, being ambitious to leave a name behind him that shall be an honor to his friends and family.

On the eighteenth day of October, 1846, General Kearney and his command left the Rio Del Norte, in New Mexico.  The services of Kit Carson in directing the route, proved the wisdom of General Kearney in making the change in the bearers of dispatches.  So true was Kit Carson’s guidance, that the command traveled with so much dispatch as to reach Warner’s Ranche, in California, on the third day of December following.  From this place it took up a line of march for San Diego.