LIFE OF KIT CARSON.


CHAPTER I.

Carson's Birthplace--His Emigration to Missouri--Early
Prospects--Is an Apprentice--Stories of the Rocky
Mountains--He Enlists to go there--Adventures on the
Prairies--Broaders is Wounded--Carson's Nerve put to the
Test--Rude Amputation--Safe Arrival at Santa Fé--Goes to
Taos and learns the Spanish Language--Early
Vicissitudes--Disappointment and Attempt to return to
Missouri--Is employed as an Interpreter, Teamster, etc.


It is now a well-established fact, that no State in the American Union
has given birth to so many distinguished pioneers and explorers of
its boundless Territories, as the commonwealth of Kentucky. An Author,
whose task is to tell of a Hero, his bravery, endurance, privations,
integrity, self-denial and deeds of daring, carries the _morale_ with
which to gain at once for these characteristics the assent of the
reader, by the simple assertion, "My Hero was born a Kentuckian."
Indeed, in America, to be a native of the State of Kentucky, is to
inherit all the attributes of a brave man, a safe counsellor and a
true friend. It is, at least, certain that this State, whether the
fact is due to its inland and salubrious climate, or to its habits of
physical training, has added many a Hero unto humanity.