He was given command of twenty-five dragoons and directed to proceed to Tajon Pass, through which marauding Indians were accustomed to pass when returning from their raids in California.

It was an important point, and the winter of 1847-48 was spent in the performance of the duties thus placed upon him.

In the spring, he was once more ordered to carry despatches to Washington, an escort being furnished him as in the previous instance.
In crossing Grand River, one of the rafts became unmanageable, upset, losing considerable valuable property and endangering the lives of a number of the company.

A large force of Utah and Apache Indians were encountered, but Carson managed them with the same skill he had shown them so many times before.
On arriving at Taos, he spent several days with his family and friends, after which he proceeded to Santa Fe.

There he learned that the United States Senate had refused to confirm his nomination as lieutenant in the army.