Carson’s well-known and indisputable skill with all kinds of fire-arms is taken into the account; and that, notwithstanding this skill, he hit his adversary in one of only two places (his right or left arms) which would have rendered his aim with the rifle uncertain, the statement that Kit Carson did not intend to kill his adversary becomes an incontrovertible fact.  Last, had Kit Carson not gained a second in advance in the firing, he would have lost his own life, inevitably; and, the emphatic “No!” the lie of his antagonist, would have been crowned with success.  Such plain deception seldom is allowed to triumph by an all-wise Providence.

In judging Kit Carson in this matter, the reader will commit an ungenerous error if he fails to allow to be placed, in the balance of judgment, the stirring deeds and daily hair-breadth risks Kit Carson, during so many years of his eventful life, was constantly called upon to take a part in and undergo.  We take leave of this unfortunate scene in his life, feeling confident a just public opinion will see in it no cause to pluck from the brow of Kit Carson any of the laurels which it has been called upon to place there.  As a man of truth, honor, virtue, and reverence for the laws of his country, Kit Carson has few equals and no superior among Americans.  It needed not this incident to establish his courage; that had long been proven to be undoubted.  Nor did the result elate his feelings in the least.  He met his companions without a smile, and invariably expressed his regrets that he felt it to be his duty, for the good order and peace of the camp, to interfere in the matter.  On the other hand, when he espoused the cause of the majority in maintaining the right, he was not a man to be easily thwarted.  When the affair was ended, Kit was congratulated and received the thanks of nearly every individual present; for, each felt that a load of most vexatious and troublesome responsibility had been taken from his shoulders.  The good fellowship immediately introduced into the camp was also a circumstance of mark.

The wounded man was carried to his quarters and every attention shown him in the power of his companions.  His punishment had the effect completely to subdue him.

These duels among the old trappers of the Rocky Mountains were not very unfrequent occurrences.  Men, situated as they were, beyond the reach of the mighty arm of the law, find it absolutely necessary to legislate for themselves.  It is not within our province to advocate either the right or wrong of duelling; for, with the best of reasoning, there will always exist a difference of opinion on the subject.  In the case of these mountaineers, when any serious offence was given, the man receiving the injury to body or fame held the right of demanding satisfaction.  The interests of the entire band required an immediate settlement of difficulties, so that their future plans could be carried out in concert.  In their dealings