Newberry Library - Autobiography Taos, N.M., 1856

Autobiography Taos, N.M., 1856

Overview

Image w/ Text

Add to collection

Download

Share PDF

Get link

Title Autobiography Taos, N.M., 1856

Creator Carson, Kit, 1809-1868

Date 1856

Language English

Place New Mexico, New Mexico--Taos, New Southwest, West United States

Subjects Frontier and pioneer life, Indians of North America, Scouts (Reconnaissance)

Description See Ayer MS 140 (Carson's Certificate)

Summary Kit Carson, handicapped by illiteracy, dictated his brief autobiography to John Mostin in 1856. In the concluding paragraph of the manuscript, Carson states "the foregoing I hereby transfer to Mr. Jesse B. Turley to be used as he may deem proper for our joint benefit." In 1858 the manuscript was transferred to Dr. De Witt C. Peters who had become acquainted with Carson while serving as an army surgeon in the southwest during the mid-1850's. Peters used the manuscript as the basis for his published work, The life and adventures of Kit Carson (New York : Clark, 1858), a greatly embellished version of the autobiography.

Biographical/Historical Note Frontiersman, scout, and Indian agent, Christopher Houston Carson, commonly known as Kit Carson, established his home in Taos, N.M. in the mid-1830's. Following years of fur trapping, guiding Fremont's expeditions, and fighting in Indian battles, Carson was appointed U.S. Indian Agent in 1854 for the northern area of the New Mexico Territory. With home and office in Taos, Carson served in that capacity until 1861. It was during that period that he dictated his life story relating his adventurous years on the plains and in the mountains.

Extent 1 v. (50 leaves) ; 31 cm

Format Autobiographies, Biographies, Manuscripts

Archival Collection Title Edward E. Ayer Collection, Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection

Citation Please refer to the catalog record or finding aid for citations. Though it is not required when repurposing Newberry content, please use the credit "From the Newberry Library," and provide a link back to the item in our digital collections website. This helps us track how our collections are used, and provides justification for adding more digitized content in the future

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number VAULT Ayer MS 139

BibID 991369558805867

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Manifest

Filename 991369558805867_Ayer_MS_139

Unique Identifier NL12HL9B

Help Need help finding, searching, sharing, or downloading? Check out our help page!

Selected

Click here to refresh results