Gold had just been discovered in California at the close of the Mexican War when Kit Carson started east from Los Angeles with Dispatches. This book gives an account of the encounters with Indians and white adventurers and the hardships that accompanied anyone who undertook such a long journey in a sparsely populated country.

These tales of authentic encounters with Indians and white adventurers, and of the hazards and hardships that accompanied anyone who undertook such a long journey in a sparsely populated country, feature a new introduction by Marc Simmons, a professional historian, editor, and translator. Illustrations.