consultation with his companions, he decided to take advantage of the
confusion that was existing among the red men by charging right in
among them. If ever there is a time when Indians will stand their
ground, it is when defending their families; therefore, on this
occasion, the white men were warmly received; but, they fought with
such a degree of desperation, as they themselves had never done
before. The result was, that the savages became panic stricken, and
soon afterwards fled, leaving everything they possessed behind them.
The victors, after pursuing the Indians for some distance, and adding
a few more to the list of killed, returned to the village, which they
found to be rich in booty. The lodges here taken, Kit Carson describes
as being the most tasty pieces of handiwork that Indian skill could
devise, and surpassed anything of the kind that he had previously
looked upon. They were made of the broad leaves of the swamp flag,
which were beautifully and intricately woven together. Within the
wigwams, the party found a very large amount of fish in different
stages of preservation for future use. Wishing to do these people as
much harm as possible, and thus be even with them for their recent
savage cruelties on their own party, Kit Carson gave the order to
collect everything in the lodges and arrange the articles in such
manner that fire would either destroy, or completely damage them.
Having accomplished this work, the lighted tinder was applied, when
the flames leaped high up in the air, forming a fit funeral pyre for
their slain companions. Fremont saw the reflection of the fire, and
also the smoke, and at once knew that Kit Carson was engaged with the
Indians; consequently, he pushed on at a very rapid pace to assist
him. He arrived too late for what the men called the sport; but
instead, heard the report of his lieutenant and guide, Kit Carson,
whose words, to use his (Fremont's) own language, "are synonymous with
truth." The gloom which had prevailed over the party, while the men