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two days before and believing that I and party had been murdered he concluded to send Major Carleton and thirty men on the expedition so that Lieutenant Johnston, a noble and brave officer could meet the Indians and fight them and all knew that if a battle occurred the affair would be properly managed and that he would receive great praise. So the Colonel, wishing to have a hand in the matter, decided to send Carleton but I do not consider myself under any obligation to him for in refusing me assistance two days previously he showed plainly that the rendering of aid to a few American citizens in the power of Indians enraged at the conduct of one of his command was of little importance to him. But I am thankful to Maj. Carleton and Lieut. Johnston for the kindness they showed me on their arrival at my camp and by their anxiety + willingness to punish the Indians who had tried to interupt me. Major Grier, a gentleman and a gallant soldier is also entitled to my warmest gratitude for the promptness in which he rendered assistance and in the manner in which he recognized the high duty he had been appointed to perform It? plainly showed that he had a noble heart and that reliance can be placed in him in the hour of danger. The services of the troops were not required for the Indians knew they would come and so on their arrival they were not in striking distance. The expedition met me about twenty five miles from Bents fort and I returned with it to the Rayado, I then delivered the wagons and goods to Mr Maxwell and remained there till March. Mr Maxwell and I rigged up a party of eighteen men to go trapping, I taking charge of them. We went to the Balla Salado, then