Carson, Christopher ("Kit")

Autograph letter signed ("Christopher Carson"), 1 page (10 x 7  7/8  in.; 253 x 200 mm), Fernando de Taos, N. M., 11 May 1859, to Antonio Joseph, Webster College, St. Louis, Mo.; horizontal and vertical folds, some creasing, few small spots, small nicks at folds in upper margin.  Half blue morocco folding-case, spine gilt-lettered.

Legendary trapper, guide and soldier Kit Carson writes to a Taos boy attending school in Missouri.  This letter was written in 1859 when Carson had become a rancher in New Mexico.  Antonio Joseph was a student at Webster College in St. Louis, whose classmates would not believe that Carson was living in Taos and knew the boy's family.  Carson wirtes, "Mr. John Santisteban showed me a letter from you this morning in which you desired I would write to you, as the boys at the College would not believe you that I lived here.  I have lived here a number of years and it is my intention to remain in this place so long as I live—However it was my intention to write to you shortly & hope you will occasionally write to me informing me how you are doing &c.  I will always be happy to hear from you & will always respond—All I have to say to you is, antonio, Be a good boy, attentive to your studies, obedient to your teachers and kind to you comrades."  The letter ends with news of Antonio's family. 

Contrary to his letter, Carson did not remain in New Mexico.  After the Civil War, he was appointed commandant of Fort Garland, Colorado, where he remained till his death at the age of 58 in 1868.  He is, however, buried in Taos.

with: a carte-de-visite of Carson, with photo from Brady's National Portrait Gallery.