splendid style, after a sharp encounter, and when their companions saw
them take possession of this position, General Kearney, with all
his wounded and luggage trains, joined them there. Here a permanent
resting-place, for the time being, was made. In fact, the men had
no other choice, as they were now pretty effectually used up from
fighting, severe loss and fatigue. The Americans found on this hill
water barely sufficient for their own use, and were obliged to exclude
the idea of sharing it with their animals. Although within sight of
abundance of this much-needed article, yet they did not dare to drive
the latter to it, for they were too weak to defend them from the
assaults of the enemy. The situation of Gen. Kearney's force was now
critical in the extreme; as, besides the dangers that surrounded him,
the men were reduced to living on their mules. That afternoon another
council of war was called, at which desperate efforts to be made for
immediate relief were discussed. When every spark of hope had almost
died within them, and when they were in a dilemma as to what still
remained for them to do, Kit Carson was found to act as the reader
has previously seen him act to parties almost similarly situated--the
right man in the right place. Rising to his feet, he addressed a few
simple words to those present, saying that he was willing to make the
attempt of creeping through the Mexican lines. Should he succeed, he
pledged his word that he could carry information to Commodore Stockton
at San Diego, and thus bring them succor. No sooner had he made this
proposition than he was seconded by Lieutenant Beale, then of the
United States Navy, who, equally as brave and daring as Kit Carson,
volunteered his services in the undertaking.

This gentleman, since the time he first turned landsman up to the
present date, has been adding fresh laurels to his fame. His recent
career in exploring new routes across the great western girdle of