The distinguished father-in-law of John C. Fremont became, from the
time of their first meeting in St. Louis, the warm friend and patron
of Kit Carson; and, up to the time of his death, he had no cause to
change his first impressions of him. There was not a friendly favor
within his power which would not have been freely given, had it been
asked. It is one thing to make a friend, but another to keep him; and
those who knew the true character of Mr. Benton are cognizant of the
fact, that he was not easily won; but, when gained, that he was true
as steel, as is beautifully illustrated by the able and devoted manner
in which he stood by General Andrew Jackson.

It is indeed a valuable possession to know that one has friends who
cannot be bought by wealth or other sordid attractions; men, who can
discern through the rough garb of the working, as well as thinking
man, those noble qualities which place them on a par. This acquisition
Kit Carson holds. He easily makes a friend, and never deserts him;
hence, those, with whom he comes in contact, who are worthy of this
name, are enrolled on his side; and he seldom has occasion to call
a man his enemy. Kit Carson was so embarrassed and overcome by the
expressions of kindness and hospitality which greeted his first
arrival at Washington, that he could hardly essay a reply; and yet,
he was almost too happy at the opportunity presented of accepting Mrs.
Fremont's invitation. If there was anything wanted to cement Carson
more firmly in his friendship and admiration for Colonel Fremont, it
was thus to know his accomplished and gifted lady. The situation
of Jessie Fremont has often been comparable with that of the
noble-hearted Lady Franklin. Again and again has she been compelled
to part from her husband when he started out to battle in the cause of
science, and, in the words of the poet, she seemingly said: