A force was sent to demand the surrender of the fugitives.

But the Indians assumed a hostile attitude, refused to give up the criminals, and fiercely attacking the Mission party, drove them back with loss.
The Mission applied to the trappers for assistance.

The request was promptly granted.

Such a victory would puff up the Indians, render them insolent, and encourage them to make war upon other parties of the whites.
Eleven volunteers were selected for the expedition, and the young and fragile Kit Carson was entrusted with the command.

In manners he was gentle as a girl, with a voice as soft as that of a woman.