Frontiersman, Indian agent, army officer, and folk hero. Kit (Christopher) Carson’s national fame was promoted by his scouting and fighting activities as a guide in John C. Fremont’s three government-financed explorations of the Far West (1842, 1843, 1845). These expeditions furthered the settlement of the northwestern wilderness and extended the United States boundaries to the Pacific Ocean. During his sixteen years of guiding, hunting, trapping and soldiering he became known by more Indian tribes than any other man of his era. Not surprisingly, in 1853 he was appointed Indian agent to the Utes by the US government and held this post for the next eight years. In 1861 he raised and commanded the First New Mexico volunteers against the Indians in the southwest. Highly successful, he was promoted to brevet brigadeer-general and took command of Fort Garland in 1866. He held this post until his death in 1868. Ink signature, “Kit Carson,” on an off-white 3.75 x 1 lined slip. Archivally quadruple suede matted and framed with a large portrait of Carson, to an overall size of 17.5 x 24.5. In fine condition. R&R COA. Oversized.
