In the fall, most of the trappers went to the country which lies in the immediate neighborhood of the Yellow Stone River.  Having trapped all the streams there, they went into winter quarters on that stream.

Nothing was heard of their sworn enemies, the Blackfeet Indians until about the middle of the winter.  A party who were out hunting suddenly came upon some signs which, looking suspicious, attracted their attention.  To these signs they gave a close investigation, and fully made up their minds that they were close to the stronghold of their foes.  Without waiting to follow up the signs they immediately retraced their steps and informed their party in camp of their conviction that trouble was brewing.  A command of forty men was instantly detailed to seek out the Indians and give them battle.  Kit Carson was once more called upon to lead the brave trappers in this expedition, and everything was left to his direction and good judgment.  Soon after commencing their march, the company fell in with a scouting party of the enemy in the vicinity of the spot where the fresh signs had been discovered.  To this party the trappers gave chase, wisely concluding they would run for their main body.  The result satisfied their anticipations.  In a short time they found themselves opposed to a strong band of the Indians, when, a regular fight was instantly commenced.  After quite a spirited contest, the Indians gave way and retreated, but in good order, to an island in the Yellow Stone River where they had previously erected strong barricades.  Night put a stop to the scenes of the day and further action was deferred until the next morning.  As soon as the light would again warrant it, the trappers plunged into the stream and made for the island, being determined to dislodge the Indians.  To their great dismay the brave savages had already retreated having quietly given them the slip during the night.

The result of the battle the day before was now made apparent.  It was evident that not much powder had been wasted in the action.  The snow within the fortification was red with fresh blood, and from the place a bloody trail led to a hole in the ice of the stream where a large number of lifeless bodies had been sunk.  There was nothing now to be done except to return to camp.  Upon their arrival a council was convened to devise measures and plans for their future conduct.  It was quite evident to all that the campaign had but just commenced.  It was the general impression that the main village of the Blackfeet tribe had been located within a few miles.  When therefore the news of their recent severe loss should be carried there by the survivors in the battle, active measures would be set on foot to seek revenge.  It was the decision of the council that the trappers should act chiefly on the defensive.  Measures were immediately set on foot to guard against surprise.  To make everything doubly secure, none but the most trusty and well-tried men were detailed