some day, rich veins of gold, silver, and iron ore will be discovered
there. The geological formation of the country is such as to warrant
this belief. Nearly every stream carries down in its floods that
precious metal, gold; but, in such small quantities, as not to attract
the attention of miners. I have found there, on the surface of the
earth, small pieces of material resembling stone coal, which have
probably been thrown up by some volcanic action. Hot and mineral
springs are not unfrequently met with. They are places of frequent
resort by the Indians, who use them for medicinal purposes.




CHAPTER IX.

Kit Carson concludes to become a Farmer--He is joined in the
Enterprise by a Friend--They build a Ranche on the Cimeron
River--Descriptions of Mexican Customs and Country--Fremont
once more at Bent's Fort--Express sent for Kit Carson to
join the Expedition as Guide--The Ranche Sold, and
the Departure--The Third Expedition and
its Explorations--Difficulties with the
Mexican-Californians--General Castro's Orders to leave the
Country--Determination to Fight--Fremont goes to Lawson's
Fort--Fremont and his Men encounter a Thousand Indians--The
Battle and the Victory--The news that War had been
declared between the United States and Mexico reaches
Fremont--Lieutenant Gillespie rescued from the Indians--Three
of the party killed in the Night by Indians--The Savages
repulsed--The Burial of Comrades.