retreated. The road being now clear, General Kearney, with his
soldiers and the marines, marched on to San Diego, where his wounded
men were comfortably housed and received the attentions of skillful
surgeons.




CHAPTER XII.

A Command of Six Hundred Men is sent against Los Angelos--The
Mexican Army evacuates the Town--Its Capture--Rumors of
an Attack to be made on Fremont's Command--The Mexicans
surrender--The Winter Quarters--Kit Carson is ordered to
carry Dispatches overland to Washington--Lieutenant Beale
accompanies him--A Night Attack made by the Indians--Arrival
in the United States--Kit Carson's Introduction to Col.
Benton and Mrs. Fremont--Hospitality offered to him at
Washington--Kit Carson receives the Appointment of Lieutenant
in the Rifle Corps of the U.S. Army from President Polk--He
is ordered to carry Dispatches to California--The Journey--A
Brush with the Camanche Indians--Arrival at Santa
Fé--More trouble with hostile Indians--Arrival at Los
Angelos--Dispatches delivered--Kit Carson is assigned to do
Duty with the Dragoons--Is ordered to Guard Tajon Pass--The
Winter spent there--Is ordered again to carry Dispatches to
Washington--The Journey and its Adventures--The return to New
Mexico.