Mitchel said that his object was to discover a gold mine through their guidance, which they reported was to be found amid the mountains of Northern Texas.
Disappointed in this endeavor, he joined the trappers and was cordially welcomed by them as an experienced mountaineer, a man full of humor and one who could tell a capital story.
When Kit Carson and his companions had arrived within a few days' journey of the fort, Mitchel and a man by the name of New, contrary to the advice of Carson, decided to remain behind, to enjoy themselves in a beautiful country where they found abundance of game.

A week after the safe arrival of Mr.Carson and his party, these two men made their appearance in a truly pitiable plight.

They had encountered a party of Indian hunters who, while sparing their lives, had robbed them of their arms, their ammunition and even of every particle of their clothing.

Of course they were kindly received at the fort and all their wants supplied.
Fort Bent was a trading post; belonged to a company of merchants of whom Messrs.

Bent and Vrain, residing at the fort, were partners.