The wife and child were made prisoners and carried away.

Shortly after the little one was tomahawked and thrown into the river.
When news of the outrage reached New Mexico, a party was hastily organized and started out in the hope of saving the woman and punishing the wretches who had committed the murders.

When Carson learned of what was contemplated, he offered his services.

They were accepted, but much to the surprise of his friends, he was given an inferior position.

It was characteristic of the splendid scout that he did not show by word or look that he felt the slightest resentment on account of the slight.
With a less skilful leader than himself, Carson galloped with the company to the scene of the murder.