Kit Carson's Autobiography

Carson, Kit (Milo Milton Quaife, Ed.)

ISBN 10: 0803250312 / ISBN 13: 9780803250314

Published by University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, NE, 1966

About this Item

xxxii, 192 pp. Ninth printing. An apparently unread copy.

Seller Inventory # 069442

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Kit Carson's Autobiography
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, NE
• Publication Date: 1966
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803250312
• ISBN 13: 9780803250314
• Binding: Trade Paperback
• Edition: Reprint
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

About this title

Synopsis

"Notice is hereby given to all persons, that Christopher Carson, a boy about 16 years old, small of his age, but thick-set; light hair, ran away from the subscriber, living in Franklin, Howard County, Missouri, to whom he had been bound to learn the saddler's trade. . . . One cent reward will be given to any person who will bring back the said boy.''

This notice appeared in the Missouri Intelligencer of October 6, 1826, at about the same time that Kit Carson, in the humble role of "cavvy boy" in Bent's Santa Fé caravan, embarked upon his notable career. Thirty years later, a postgraduate of the University of the Wilderness, and for a decade past a national hero, he was persuaded to dictate to a literate friend his own story of his life to date.

The account—as modest and undemonstrative as Carson's feats were remarkable—covers his life as a trapper, Indian fighter, guide, and buffalo hunter up to the fall of 1856. Among the high spots during these years were his trapping expedition to California with Ewing Young (1829–1831), his celebrated duel with Shunar at the Green River rendezvous of 1837, the three expeditions with John C. Frémont (1842, 1843–1844, 1845), his exploits in the Mexican War (l846–1848), and his service as an Indian agent.

About the Author

Authoritatively edited by Milo M. Quaife, Kit Carson’s Autobiography is an essential addition to the library of every lover of Western Americana.