This was in the latter part of October, 1832.

Captain Lee became acquainted with Kit Carson, and immediately appreciated his unusual excellencies as a companion in an enterprise so arduous and perilous, as that in which he was engaged.

He made him so liberal an offer to join his company, that Mr.Carson promptly accepted it.
There is a narrow mule-path which has been traversed for ages, between New Mexico and California.

The mules and the Indians ever travel it in single file.

It was then known by the name of The Old Spanish Trail.
As merchants, not trappers, they marched, without any delay, down White river, forded Green river, and struck across the country to Windy river.
Ascending its windings, they reached the camp of Mr.Robidoux, who, with twenty men in his employ, was there setting his traps.