It is not for or against regulations that these remarks are directed.  The transactions with which they deal have not been forgotten.  They are recorded as historical facts, and, as such, are always open for investigation or deductions.  In the month of March, 1847, Kit Carson was ordered to carry important dispatches to the war department at Washington.  Lieutenant Beale, who was still a great invalid, was permitted to accompany him.  In order to show the regard which Kit Carson entertained for this brave officer, and also to portray to the reader the goodness of heart which has ever been the actuating impulse in all of Kit Carson’s actions, we will give his own words in relating this part of his adventures.  He says:  “Lieutenant Beale went with me as bearer of dispatches intended for the Navy Department.  During the first twenty days of our journey, he was so weak that I had to lift him on and off of his riding animal.  I did not think for some time that he could live; but, I bestowed as much care and attention on him as any one could have done under the circumstances.  Before the fatiguing and dangerous part of our route was passed over, he had so far recovered as to be able to take care of himself.  For my attention (which was only my duty) to my friend, I was doubly repaid by the kindness shown to me by his family while I staid in Washington, which was more than I had any reason for expecting, and which will never be forgotten by me.”  On the river Gila, Kit Carson’s party was attacked by Indians during the night, while they were encamped.  These savages threw a good round number of arrows into the midst of his men, which, however, did no damage, as, early in the commencement of the assault, he had directed them to hold up before them their pack-saddles, behind which they could pretty securely conceal themselves while lying upon the ground.  He also directed the men not to talk, lest they should indicate their positions.  It was very dark, and the Indians, from the above precautions being taken, were frustrated in their plans.  His men lay very still; and, having previously received the order so to do, they awaited the near approach of the red men, when they were to use their rifles as clubs.  The reason which made this latter command best was, because no man could see to shoot; hence, were they to fire at random, they would only expend their ammunition, a loss they were in no situation to sustain.  However, the Indians became weary of their shooting after a few hours, and did not hazard a close attack, but went away to parts unknown.

Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale arrived at Washington in the following June, having accomplished their journey overland, a distance of nearly 4,000 miles, in about three months, a record which shows that they had not been idle while on the route.  With the exception of the Indian attack sustained on the Gila, they were not again annoyed by the red men, although, over the vast tract of wild territory which they had traversed,