After that officer had obtained all the important news Carson had to give, he decided to send the despatches to Washington by another, while he employed the mountaineer to guide him back.
This delicate duty was executed with such admirable skill that General Kearney commended Carson in the highest terms.

So rapidly did they move that California was entered early in December, and they were approaching San Diego, when the scouts brought news that a large party of Mexicans were intrenched a short distance ahead with the intention of disputing their advance.

Fifteen men under Carson were sent forward to drive in the outposts and capture such loose animals as could be found.
A fierce fight followed, the Mexicans showing far more daring and skill than was expected.

General Kearney was compelled to send two companies of dragoons and twenty-five California volunteers to charge the enemy.
Carson was in the front column, and was riding at high speed, when his horse stumbled, throwing him so violently as to shatter the stock of his gun.

He lay partly stunned but speedily recovering, he caught up the rifle of a dead dragoon and rushed into the fight.