lips, and without even asking additional pay; though, had he but
mentioned it, the general could not have well refused the demand. A
noble motive engrossed Kit Carson's mind. He has ever labored to win
and wear the confidence and respect of his countrymen, being ambitious
to leave a name behind him that shall be an honor to his friends and
family.

On the eighteenth day of October, 1846, General Kearney and his
command left the Rio Del Norte, in New Mexico. The services of Kit
Carson in directing the route, proved the wisdom of General Kearney
in making the change in the bearers of dispatches. So true was Kit
Carson's guidance, that the command traveled with so much dispatch as
to reach Warner's Ranche, in California, on the third day of December
following. From this place it took up a line of march for San Diego.

While on their march, news was brought in by their spies that a strong
command of Mexican Californians had taken up a position on their
route, evidently awaiting their advance with the view of attacking
them. This occurred on the sixth day of the same month. General
Kearney made no change in his route, but advanced to within fifteen
miles of the enemy's encampment. Here he commanded a halt. A
reconnoitering party, consisting of fifteen dragoons, commanded by
Lieutenant Hammond, was sent on in advance to note the position and
force of the enemy. He proceeded upon the duty, but was discovered
by the Mexicans. Nevertheless, he fortunately succeeded in making his
observations previous to being seen. His report to General Kearney,
among other facts, stated that these Mexican soldiers had strongly
established themselves in an Indian village.

General Kearney determined, without delay to attack them. Orders were