It was while obeying instructions, in traveling as fast as possible,
that one day, the sixth of October, 1846, the party discerned
something which, at first, looked like a mere speck moving on the
prairies. Watching it with intense anxiety, the little speck increased
in size until they saw it emerge, as it were, from the apparent
junction of the heavens with the earth, and form a visible line; as
the front of this column came nearer to view, they discovered that
it was a strong detachment of United States troops. The truth was now
evident to them all that this was an expedition sent out by government
to operate in California. Spurring on their animals, Kit and his men
soon met the advance guard of the soldiers and learned that their
commander was Gen. Kearney, who was further back in the lines. On
coming to the general, Kit Carson reported himself, informed him
of the business he was on, and also furnished him with all the
intelligence in his power in reference to the disposal of the American
forces in California, besides detailing to him what had already been
accomplished in that quarter.

After due deliberation, Gen. Kearney determined to send Mr.
Fitzpatrick on to Washington with the dispatches and to order Kit
Carson to join him as guide. In fulfilling this duty, he well knew
that Kit would be invaluable to him. Acting on this decision, he
sent for Kit Carson and informed him of what he wished him to do. Kit
Carson replied, "As the general thinks best." The fact was, that Kit
well knew he could be of great service to the command, and he was too
honest not to confess it, though he was now nearly in reach of his
happy home and its loved inmates, from whom he had been so long
separated and whom he fondly wished to see. In facing about, Kit took
upon his shoulders the prospect of encountering fearful dangers; but,
he undertook his new duties without allowing a murmur to escape his