The Life of Kit Carson: Hunter, Trapper, Guide, Indian Agent and Colonel U.S.A.
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CHAPTER XXXV.
Trouble With the Apaches--Defeat of the Soldiers--Colonel Cook's Expedition Against Them--It Meets With Only Partial Success--Major Brooks' Attempt to Punish the Apaches--A Third Expedition.
Just as Carson suspected, the Apaches were insincere in theirprofessions of good will toward the settlers. He had scarcely reachedhome, when they renewed their outrages. The sinewy horsemen, as daringas the Crusaders who invaded the Holy Land, seemed to be everywhere.We have already referred to those extraordinary warriors, who, for manyyears have caused our Government more trouble in the southwest than allthe other tribes combined, and it is not necessary, therefore, tosay that when any branch of the Apaches went on the war path the mostfrightful scenes were sure to follow.
Carson knew when to be gentle and when to be stern. If the formermeasures failed, he did not hesitate to use the latter. Coercive meanswere taken, but, in the first encounter between the red men and theUnited States troops, the latter were decisively defeated.
As a consequence, the Apaches became more troublesome than ever. ColonelCook of the Second Regiment of United States Dragoons, was sent againstthem. He selected Kit Carson for his guide. The Agent's wish, it maybe said, was to learn whether any other tribe was concerned in theoutrages, and in no way could he do it as well as by accompanying theexpedition, which was fully organized by the selection of a number ofPueblo Indians to act as scouts and spies. These were placed under theimmediate command of the well known James H. Quinn, who died some timelater.
The force proceeded northward from Taos to the stream known as theArroya Hondo. This was followed to the Rio del Norte, which being veryhigh, was crossed with much difficulty. As an illustration of the ruggedwork which such expeditions were called upon to undergo, Dr. Peterssays that when they struggled to the other shore, they found themselvesconfronted by a mass of solid and almost perpendicular rocks, fully sixhundred feet high. This was ascended, after the most exhausting labor,by means of a zigzag trail, and the journey was pushed over a roughand diversified country. Grass and water could not be found until theyreached a small Mexican town where they were enabled to buy what was sosadly needed. Men and animals were so worn out that they rested for anentire day.
The next morning the line of march was taken up, and they had not gonefar when Carson discovered a trail. This was followed with renewed vigorand a couple of days later the Indians were overtaken. They did notattempt any stand against such a strong force, but took to flight atonce. The Apaches used their utmost endeavors to get away and theywere helped by the roughness of the country. They were pressed so hard,however, that they lost most of their horses and plunder besides anumber of warriors.
Two Americans were wounded, one of whom shortly died; but the soldiershaving "located" the Indians, as may be said, did not give over theirefforts to punish them. Pursuit was resumed at earliest daylight and menand animals did everything possible. Over mountains, through ravines,around rocks, up and down declivities, the chase continued, until thecunning Apaches resorted to their old tricks: they dissolved, as maybe said, into their "original elements"--that is, they began separatinguntil there were almost as many different trails as there were warriors.Then in their flight, they selected the worst possible ground. Beingfamiliar with the country and possessing far more endurance than theordinary Indian, it soon became clear that the marauders were beyondreach.
Accordingly Colonel Cook ordered the pursuit discontinued and theyheaded toward the nearest Mexican village, where forage and rest couldbe secured for the animals. When the place was reached, Colonel Cooklearned of a serious mistake made by the party who were transportingthe soldier wounded several days before. They discovered an Indian whom,after some difficulty, they captured. His horse and arms were taken fromhim under the supposition that he was one of the hostile Apaches. Hewas not treated very gently and watching his opportunity, he made hisescape. It was afterwards learned that the warrior was a Utah, with whomthe white men were at peace.
The Utahs were of a war-like nature and Colonel Cook was apprehensivethey would use the occurrence as a pretext for joining the Apachesin their attack upon the settlers. He therefore sent Carson to theheadquarters of his agency to do what he could to explain the matter andmake all the reparation in his power.
As soon as he arrived at Taos, Carson sent a messenger with a requestthat the Utah chiefs would come and have a talk with him. They werealways glad to meet Father Kit face to face. The agent told how themistake was made, expressed the regret of himself and Colonel Cook andended by restoring the property and by distributing a few presents amongthe chiefs. The business was managed with such tact that the sachemsexpressed themselves perfectly satisfied and their affection andadmiration for Father Kit became greater than before.
Colonel Cook was unwilling to return without striking a more effectiveblow against the Apaches. Pausing only long enough, therefore, to restand recruit his men and horses, he resumed the hunt. He had not gonefar, when he struck another trail which was followed with great vigor;but before anything of the Indians could be discovered, it begansnowing. In a few minutes the flakes were eddying all around them, thewind blowing so furiously that the men could hardly see each other, asthey bent their heads and rode slowly against it. This rendered pursuitout of the question, because the trail was entirely hidden. Much againsthis will Colonel Cook was forced to give up the pursuit.
He made his way to a small town lying on his route, where he met MajorBrooks, who was marching to his help with reinforcements. The latterofficer instead of returning with Colonel Cook, decided to take up thehunt himself for the hostiles.
With little delay, a fresh trail was found and an energetic pursuitbegan. It was plain the Indians were making for the Utah country,and they were pursued without difficulty; but, when that section wasreached, the soldiers came upon so many trails, which crossed andrecrossed so many times that all individuality was lost. The mostskilful scouts in the company were unable to identify or follow any onewith certainty.
The situation was exasperating, but there was no help for it and thecommand was compelled to turn about and make their way home, having beenin the field more than two weeks without accomplishing anything at all.
But it was known that the Apaches would speedily reorganize and thesoldiers had but to wait a short while, when an opportunity would bepresented for striking an effective blow. When a sufficient period hadelapsed, another expedition was sent out under the command of MajorCarleton, of the First Regiment of United States Dragoons. He engagedKit Carson to act as his guide.
The force marched northward about a hundred miles to Fort Massachusetts,where all the arrangements were completed. The party was divided, thespies under Captain Quinn being sent to examine the country on the westside of the White Mountains, while the Major decided to inspect theterritory to the eastward of the range.
Captain Quinn with his skilful trailers moved up the San Luis Valleyuntil he reached the famous Mosco Pass, which was often used by theApaches when hard pressed. They were perfectly familiar with all itsdiverse and peculiar windings, and, when they once dashed in among therocks, they felt safe against any and all pursuers.
Making their way through this pass, Captain Quinn and his scouts reachedWet Mountain Valley, where he had promised to meet and report to hissuperior officer.