Many of his friends were so angered over this slight that they urged him to refuse to carry the despatches further; but his reply, as given by Dr.Peters, is so admirable that we quote it: "I was entrusted with these despatches, having been chosen in California, from whence I come, as the most competent person to take them through safely.

I would try to fulfill this duty even if I knew it would cost me my life.

It matters not to me, while I am performing this service for my country, whether I hold the rank of lieutenant in the United States Army or am known merely as an experienced mountaineer.

I have gained some little honor and credit for the manner in which I have always conducted myself when detailed on any special and important business, and I would on no account now wish to forfeit the good opinion formed of me by a majority of my countrymen because the United States Senate did not deem it proper to confer on me an appointment which I never solicited, and one which, had it been confirmed, I would have resigned at the termination of the war." Having determined to perform his duty, he made careful inquiries as to the state of feeling among the Indians through whose country the trail led.

The reports were of the most alarming character: the Comanches were on the war path with a vengeance.