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 Fe--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, 297