McGlashan.C History of the Donner Party

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History Of The Donner Party

byC.F. McG lasha n

Table of ContentsPREFACE

C HA PT ER ICHAPTER IICHAPTER III

CHAPTER IVCHAPTER VCHAPTER VICHAPTER VIICHAPTER VIIICHAPTER IXCHAPTER XCHAPTER XICHAPTER XIICHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIVCHAPTER XVCHAPTER XVICHAPTER XVIICHAPTER XVIIICHAPTER XIXCHAPTER XXCHAPTER XXICHAPTER XXIICHAPTER XXIIICHAPTER XXIV

Converted to RocketEdition format by Marc Hines.

PREFACE

THE delirium preceding death by starvation, is full of strange phantasies. Visions of plenty, of comfort,o f e le ga nc e, f lit e ve r b ef or e the f as t- dimm in g e ye s. T he f in al twiligh t o f d ea th is a b rief semi-consciousness in which the dying one frequently repeats his weird dreams. Half rising from his

s no wy c ou ch , p ointin g u pw ar d, o ne o f the d ea th strick en a t D on ne r L ak e m ay h av e s aid, w ith tre mu lo usv oice : " Lo ok ! the re , jus t a bo ve u s, is a b ea utif ul h ou se . I t is o f c os tlie st w alnu t, inlaid w ith lau re l a ndebony, and is resplendent with burnished silver. Magnificent in all its apartments, it is furnished like a

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palace. It is rich with costly cushions, elegant tapestries, dazzling mirrors; its floor is covered with Orientalcarpets, its ceiling with artistic frescoings; downy cushions invite the weary to repose. It is filled with people who are chatting, laughing, and singing, joyous and care-free. There is an abundance of warmth,a nd r ar e v ia nd s, a nd s pa rk ling w in es . S us pe nd ed a mo ng the s to rm -c lo ud s, it is f ly in g a lo ng the f ac e o f the precipice at a marvelous speed. Flying? no! it has wheels and is gliding along on a smooth, steel pathway.I t i s s he lt er ed f ro m t he w in d a nd s no w b y l ar ge b ea ms an d h ug e p os ts , w hi ch a re b ol te d t o t he c li ff s w it h

h ea vy , iro n r od s. T he a va la nc he s, w ith the ir b ur de n o f e ar th a nd r oc ks a nd c ru sh ed p in es , s we eph ar mles sly a bo ve this b ea utif ul h ou se a nd its h ap py inm ates . I t is d ra wn b y n eith er o xe n n or h or se s, b ut by a fiery, hot-breathed monster, with iron limbs and thews of steel. The mountain trembles beneath hist re ad , a nd t he r oc ks f or m il es r e- ec ho h is r oa r. "

I f s uc h a v is io n w as r elated , it b ut ind ic ates , p ro ph etic ally , the p ro gr es s o f a f ew y ea rs . C alif or nia's h is to ryis r ep le te w ith tra gic, s ta rtling e ve nts. T he se e ve nts a re the lan dm ar ks b y w hich its a dv an ce me nt is tra ce d.O ne o f t he m os t m ou rn fu l o f t he se i s r ec or de d i n t hi s w or k- -a w or k i nt en de d a s a c on tr ib ut io n, n ot t o t heliter atur e, b ut to the h is to ry o f the S ta te . Mor e thr illing tha n r om an ce , m or e ter rible tha n f ic tion , thes uf fe ri ng s o f t he D on ne r P ar ty f or m a b ol d c on tr as t t o t he j oy s o f p le as ur e- se ek er s w ho t o- da y l oo k

d ow n u po n t he l ak e f ro m t he w in do ws o f s il ve r p al ac e c ar s. T he s ce ne s o f h or ro r a nd d es pa ir w hi chtra ns pire d in the s no wy S ie rr a in the w in te r o f 1 84 6- 7, n ee d n o e xa gg er atio n, n o e mb ellish me nt. F ro m a llthe works heretofore published, from over one thousand letters received from the survivors, from amplem an us cr ip t, a nd f ro m p er so na l inter view s w ith the m os t imp or ta nt a ctor s in the tra ge dy , the f ac ts h av e been carefully compiled. Neither time, pains, nor expense have been spared in ferreting out the truth. New and fragmentary versions of the sad story have appeared almost every year since the unfortunateoccurrence. To forever supplant these distorted and fabulous reports--which have usually beensensational newspaper articles--the survivors have deemed it wise to contribute the truth. The truth issufficiently terrible. Where conflicting accounts of particular scenes or occurrences have beencontributed, every effort has been made to render them harmonious and reconcilable. With justice, withimp ar tiality, a nd w ith s tr ic t a dh er en ce to w ha t a pp ea re d tru th fu l a nd r elia ble, the b oo k h as b ee n w ritten .

It i s an hone st effor t t ow ard t he t rut h, and as su ch i s gi ven t o t he worl d.

C . F. Mc GL A SH A N.TRUCKEE, CAL.,J un e 3 0, 1 87 9-

CHAPTER I

Donner Lake--California's Pioneers--The Organization of the Donner Party--The Dangers by theWay--False Accounts of the Sufferings Endured--Complete Roll of the Company--Killed by tile

Pawnees--An Alarmed Camp--A Mother's Death

T HR EE m iles f ro m T ru ck ee lie s o ne o f the f aire st a nd m os t p ic tu re sq ue lak es in a ll the S ie rr as . A bo ve ,a nd o n e ithe r s id e, a re lof ty m ou ntains , w ith c as te llated G ra nite c re sts w hile b elow , a t the m ou th o f thel ak e, a g ra ss y; m ea do wy v al le y w id en s o ut a nd e xt en ds a lm os t t o T ru ck ee . T he b od y o f w at er i s t hr eem iles lon g, o ne a nd a h alf m iles w id e, a nd f ou r h un dr ed a nd e ig hty- th re e f ee t in d ep th .

T ou ri st s a nd p ic ni c p ar ti es a nn ua ll y f lo ck t o i ts s ho re s, a nd B ie rs ta dt h as m ad e i t t he s ub jec t o f o ne o f h is

f in es t, g ra nd es t p aintin gs . I n S um me r, its w illo wy thick ets, its g ro ve s o f tam ar ac k a nd f or es ts o f p in e, a rethe favorite haunts and nesting places of the quail and grouse. Beautiful, speckled mountain trout plentifully abound in its crystalline waters. A rippling breeze usually wimples and dimples its laughing

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surface, but in calmer moods it reflects, as in a polished mirror, the lofty overhanging mountains, withevery stately pine, bounding rivulet, blossoming shrub, waving fern, and-high above all, on the right-thec ling in g, thr ea d- like lin e o f the s no w s he ds o f the C en tr al P ac if ic . Whe n the r ailr oa d w as b eingconstructed, three thousand people dwelt on its shores; the surrounding forests resounded with the musico f a xe s a nd s aw s, a nd the ter rific b la sts e xp lo de d in the lof ty o 'e rs ha do wing c liff s, f ille d the c an yo ns w ithreverberating thunders, and hurled huge bowlders high in the air over the lake's quivering bosom.

I n Win te r it is a lm os t a s p op ular a p le as ur e r es or t a s d ur in g the S um me r. T he jin glin g o f s le ig hb ells a ndthe s ho uts a nd lau gh te r o f s ka ting p ar ties c an b e h ea rd a lm os t c on stan tly. T he lak e f or ms the g ra nd es ts ka ting p ar k o n the P ac if ic C oa st.

Y et this s am e D on ne r L ak e w as the s ce ne o f o ne o f the m os t thr illing , h ea rt-r en ding tra ge dies e ve r r ec or de d in C alif or nia h is to ry . I nter wo ve n w ith the v er y n am e o f the lak e a re m em or ie s o f a tale o f d es titu tion , lon elin es s a nd d es pa ir w hich b or de rs o n the inc re dible. I t is a tale tha t h as b ee n r ep ea te d inm an y a m in er 's c ab in , b y m an y a h un te r's c am p- fire , a nd in m an y a f ro ntie rs ma n's h om e, a nde ve ry -w he re it h as b ee n listen ed to w ith b ated b re ath.

T he p io ne er s o f a n ew c ou ntry a re d es er ving o f a n ic he in the c ou ntry 's h is to ry . T he p io ne er s w ho became martyrs to the cause of the development of an almost unknown land deserve to have a place inthe h ea rts o f its inh ab itan ts . T he f ar f am ed D on ne r P ar ty w er e, in a p ec ulia r s en se , p io ne er m ar ty rs o f California. Before the discovery of gold, before the highway across the continent was fairly marked out,while untold dangers lurked by the wayside and unnumbered foes awaited the emigrants, the Donner P ar ty s ta rted f or C alif or nia. N on e b ut the b ra ve a nd v en tu re so me , n on e b ut the e ne rg etic a ndc ou ra ge ou s, c ou ld u nd er ta ke s uc h a jou rn ey . I n 1 84 6 c om pa ra tive ly f ew h ad d ar ed a ttem pt to c ro ss thealmost unexplored plains which lay between the Mississippi and the fair young land called California.H en ce i t i s t ha t a ce rt ai n g ra nd eu r, a c ert ai n h er oi sm s ee ms t o c li ng a bo ut t he m en ' a nd w om encomposing this party, even from the day they began their perilous journey across the plains. California,

with her golden harvests, her beautiful homes, her dazzling wealth and her marvelous commercialfacilities, may well enshrine the memory of these noble hearted pioneers, path-finders, martyrs.

T he S ta te s a lo ng the Mis siss ip pi w er e b ut s pa rs ely s ettled in 1 84 6, y et the f am e o f the f ru itfu ln es s, theh ea lthf ulne ss a nd the a lm os t tro pica l b ea uty o f the lan d b or de ring the P ac if ic , tem pted the m em be rs o f theD on ne r P ar ty to lea ve the ir h om es . T he se h om es w er e s itua te d in I llin ois, I ow a, T en ne ss ee , Mis so ur i a ndO hio. F am ilie s f ro m e ac h o f the se S ta te s joine d the tra in a nd p ar ticipa te d in its ter rible f ate; y et the p ar ty proper was organized in Sangamon County, Illinois, by George and Jacob Donner and James F. Reed.E ar ly in A pr il, 1 84 6, the p ar ty s et o ut f ro m S pr in gf ie ld , I llin ois, a nd b y the f ir st w ee k in May h ad r ea ch edI nd ep en de nc e, Mis so ur i. H er e the p ar ty w as inc re as ed b y a dd itio na l m em be rs , a nd the tra in c om pr is ed

a bo ut o ne h un dr ed p er so ns .

I nd ep en de nc e w as o n t he f ro nt ie r i n t ho se d ay s, a nd e ve ry c ar e w as t ak en t o h av e a mp le p ro vi si on s l ai di n a nd ' al l n ec es sar y p rep ar at io ns m ad e fo r t he l on g j ou rn ey . A y, i t w as a l on g j ou rn ey fo r m an y i n t he party! Great as was the enthusiasm and eagerness with which these noble-hearted pioneers caught up thec ry o f the tim es , " Ho ! f or C alif or nia ! " it is d ou btfu l if p re se ntim en ts o f the f ate to b e e nc ou nter ed w er enot occasionally entertained. The road was difficult, and in places almost unbroken; warlike Indiansg ua rd ed the w ay , a nd d ea th in a tho us an d f or ms h ov er ed a bo ut the ir m ar ch thr ou gh the g re at w ilde rn es s.

I n the p ar ty w er e a ge d f athe rs w ith the ir tru stin g f am ilie s a bo ut the m, m othe rs w ho se v er y liv es w er ew ra pp ed u p in the ir c hild re n, m en in the p rime a nd v ig or o f m an ho od , m aide ns in a ll the s we etne ss a ndfreshness of budding womanhood, children full of glee and mirthfulness, and babes nestling on maternal breasts. Lovers there were, to whom the journey was tinged with rainbow hues of joy and happiness,a nd s tr on g, m an ly h ea rts w ho se c on stan t s up po rt a nd e nc ou ra ge me nt w as the m em or y o f d ea r o ne s lef t

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behind in home-land. The cloud of gloom which finally settled down in a death-pall over their heads wasn ot y et p er ce pt ib le , t ho ug h a s w e s ha ll s oo n s ee , i ts m is ts b eg an t o c ol le ct a lm os t a t t he o ut se t, i n t hedelays which marked the journey.

T he w on de rm en t w hich a ll e xp er ie nc e in v ie wing the s ce ne ry a lo ng the lin e o f the o ld e migr an t r oa d w as peculiarly vivid to these people. Few descriptions had been given of the route, and all was novel and

u ne xp ec te d. I n later y ea rs the r oa d w as b ro ad ly a nd d ee ply m ar ke d, a nd g oo d c am ping g ro un ds w er ed is tinc tly ind ic ated . T he b le ac hing b on es o f c attle tha t h ad p er is he d, o r the b ro ke n f ra gm en ts o f w ag on so r c as t a wa y a rt ic le s, w er e t hi ck ly s tr ew n o n e it he r s id e o f t he h ig hw ay . B ut i n x 8 46 t he w ay w asthrough almost trackless valleys waving with grass, along rivers where few paths were visible save thosem ad e b y the f ee t o f b uf fa lo es a nd a ntelop e, a nd o ve r m ou ntains a nd p la in s w he re little m or e tha n thew es tw ar d c ou rs e o f the s un g uide d the tra ve le rs . T ra ding -p os ts w er e s ta tion ed a t o nly a f ew w id elyd is ta nt p oints, a nd r ar ely d id the p ar ty m ee t w ith a ny h um an b eing s s av e w an de ring b an ds o f I nd ia ns . Y etthe se f ir st d ay s a re s po ke n o f b y a ll o f the s ur vivo rs a s b eing c ro wn ed w ith p ea ce fu l e njoy me nt a nd pleasant anticipations. There were beautiful flowers by the roadside, an abundance of game in themeadows and mountains, and at night there was singing, dancing and innocent plays. Several musical

instruments and many excel-lent voices were in the party, and the kindliest feeling and good-'fellowship prevailed among the members.

T he f or ma tion o f the c om pa ny k no wn a s the D on ne r P ar ty w as p ur ely a cc id en ta l. T he u nion o f s o m an yemigrants into one train was not occasioned by any preconcerted arrangement. Many composing theD on ne r P ar ty w er e n ot a wa re , a t t he o ut se t, t ha t s uc h a t id e o f e mi gr at io n w as s we ep in g t o C al if or ni a. I nm an y ins ta nc es s ma ll p ar ties w ou ld h ea r o f the m am mo th tra in jus t a he ad o f the m o r jus t b eh in d the m,a nd b y h as te ni ng t he ir p ac e, o r h al ti ng fo r a f ew d ay s, j oi ne d t he ms el ve s t o t he p art y. M an y w er e w it h t het ra in d ur in g a p or ti on o f t he j ou rn ey , b ut f ro m s om e c au se o r o th er b ec am e p ar te d f ro m t he D on ne r C om pa ny b ef or e r ea ch in g D on ne r L ak e. S oo n a fter the tra in lef t I nd ep en de nc e it c on ta in ed b etwe en twoa nd thr ee h un dr ed w ag on s, a nd w he n in m otio n w as two m iles in len gth.

With m uc h b itte rn es s a nd s ev er ity it is a lleg ed b y s om e o f the s ur vivo rs o f the d re ad fu l tra ge dy tha tc er ta in imp os to rs a nd f alsifier s c la im to h av e b ee n m em be rs o f the D on ne r P ar ty , a nd a s s uc h h av ewritten untruthful and exaggerated accounts of the sufferings of the party. While this is unquestionablytru e, it is b ar ely p os sible tha t s om e w ho a ss er t m em be rs hip f ou nd the ir c la im u po n the f ac t tha t d ur in g a portion of the journey they were really in the Donner Party. Bearing this in mind, there .is less difficulty inreconciling the conflicting statements of different narrators.

T he m em be rs o f the p ar ty p ro pe r n um be re d n in ety, a nd w er e a s f ollo ws :

G eo rg e D on ne r, T am se n D on ne r ( his w if e) , E lith a C . D on ne r, L ea nn a C . D on ne r, F ra nc es E . D on ne r,G eo rg ia A . D on ne r a nd E liza P . D on ne r. T he las t thr ee w er e c hild re n o f G eo rg e a nd T am -s en D on ne r;E lith a a nd L ea nn a w er e c hild re n o f G eo rg e D on ne r b y a f or me r w if e.

J ac ob D on ne r, E liza be th D on ne r ( his w if e) , S olom on H oo k, William H oo k, G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. , Mar yM . D on ne r, I sa ac D on ne r, L ew is . D on ne r a nd S am ue l D on ne r. J ac ob D on ne r w as a b ro th er o f G eo rg e;S olom on a nd William H oo k w er e s on s o f E liza be th D on ne r b y a f or me r h us ba nd .

J am es F ra zi er R ee d, M ar ga re t W . R ee d ( hi s w if e) , V ir gi ni a E . R ee d, M ar th a F . ( Pa tt y) R ee d, J am es F .R ee d, J r. , T ho ma s K . R ee d a nd M rs . S ar ah K ey es , t he m ot he r o f M rs . R ee d.

T he two D on ne r f am ilie s a nd the R ee ds w er e f ro m S pr in gf ie ld , I llin ois. F ro m the s am e p la ce w er e B ay lisWilliams and his half-sister Eliza Williams, John Denton, Milton Elliott, James Smith, Walter Herron and

Noah James.

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From Marshall County, Illinois, came Franklin Ward Graves, Elizabeth Graves (his wife), Mary A.G ra ve s, Willia m C . G ra ve s, E le an or G ra ve s, L ov in a G ra ve s, N an cy G ra ve s, J on atha n B . G ra ve s, F .W.G ra ve s, J r. , E liza be th G ra ve s, J r. , J ay F os dick a nd Mrs . S ar ah F os dick ( ne e G ra ve s) . With this f am ilycame John Snyder.

F ro m K eo ku k, L ee C ou nt y, I ow a, c am e P at ri ck B re en , M rs . M ar ga re t B re en , J oh n B re en , E dw ar d J .B re en , P at ri ck B re en , J r. , S im on p . B re en , J am es F . B re en , P et er B re en , a nd I sa be ll a M . B re en . P at ri ck D olan a ls o c am e f ro m K eo ku k.

William H . E dd y, Mrs . E le an or E dd y, J am es P . E dd y, a nd Mar ga re t E dd y c am e f ro m B elle ville, I llin ois.

F ro m T en ne ss ee c am e Mrs . L av in a Mur ph y, a w id ow , a nd h er f am ily, J oh n L an dr um Mur ph y, Mar y M.Mur ph y, L em ue l B . Mur ph y, William G . Mur ph y, S im on P . Mur ph y, William M. P ik e, Mrs . H ar riet F .P ik e ( ne e Mur ph y) , N ao mi L . P ik e, a nd C athe rine P ik e. A no th er s on -in- la w o f Mrs . Mur ph y, WilliamM . F os te r, w it h h is w if e, M rs . S ar ah A .C . F os te r, a nd i nf an t b oy G eo rg e F os te r, c am e f ro m S t. L ou is ,

Missouri.

William McCutchen, Mrs. W. McCutchen, and Harriet McCutchen, were from Ray County, Missouri.

L ew is K es eb er g, M rs . P hi ll ip in e K es eb er g, A da K es eb er g, a nd L , K es eb er g, J r. , M r. a nd M rs .Wolfinger, Joseph Rhinehart, Augustus Spitzer, and Charles Burger, came from Germany.

Samuel Shoemaker came from Springfield, Ohio, Charles T. Stanton from Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Halloranf ro m S t. J os ep h, Mis so ur i, Mr. H ar dc oo p f ro m A ntwe rp in B elgium , A ntoine f ro m N ew Mex ic o, J oh nB ap ti st e, a S pa ni ar d, w ho j oi ne d t he t ra in n ea r t he S an ta F e t ra il , a nd L ew is a nd S al va do r, t wo I nd ia ns ,w ho w er e s en t o ut f ro m C alif or nia b y C ap ta in S utte r.

T he B re en s joine d the c om pa ny a t I nd ep en de nc e, Mis so ur i, a nd the G ra ve s f am ily o ve rtoo k the tra in o nehundred miles west of Fort Bridger. Each family, prior to its consolidation with the train, had its individualincidents. William Trimble, who was traveling with the Graves family, was slain by the Pawnee Indiansa bo ut f if ty m iles e as t o f S co tt's B lu ff . T rimb le lef t a w if e a nd two o r thr ee c hild re n. T he w if e a nd s om e o f h er r el at iv es w er e s o d is he ar te ne d b y t hi s s ad b er ea ve me nt , a nd b y t he f ac t t ha t m an y o f t he ir c at tl e w er es to le n b y t he I nd ia ns , t ha t t he y. g av e u p t he j ou rn ey t o C al if or ni a, a nd t ur ne d b ac k t o t he h om es w he nc ethe y h ad s tar te d.

A n a mu sing inc id en t is r elated in the H ea ld sb ur g ( Ca l. ), F la g, b y Mr. W.C . G ra ve s, o f C alis to ga , w hich

o cc ur re d s oo n a ft er h is p ar ty l ef t S t. J os ep h, M is so ur i. I t w as o n t he f ou rt h n ig ht o ut , a nd M r. G ra ve sa nd f ou r o r f iv e o th er s w er e d et ai le d t o S ta nd g ua rd . T he c on st an t t er ro r o f t he e mi gr an ts i n t ho se d ay sw as I nd ia ns . B oth the P aw ne es , the S io ux , a nd the S na ke s w er e w ar like a nd p ow er fu l, a nd w er e jea lo us ,r ev en ge fu l, a nd m er cile ss tow ar d the w hite s. T ha t n ig ht a f ir e s om eh ow s ta rted in the p ra ir ie g ra ss a bo uth alf a m ile f ro m c am p. T he w es t w in d b lo wing f ie rc e a nd s tr on g, c ar ried the f la me s in g re at s ur ging g us tsthr ou gh the tall p ra ir ie g ra ss . A r es in w ee d g ro ws in b un ch es in this p ar t o f the c ou ntry , g en er ally a ttainingt he h ei gh t o f f ou r o r f iv e f ee t. T he n ig ht b ei ng v er y d ar k, t he se w ee ds c ou ld b e s ee n s ta nd in g b et we en t hef ir e a nd the g ua rd s. A s the f la me s s wa ye d p as t the w ee ds , the imp re ss io n w as v er y n atur ally p ro du ce du po n' the m in d o f a tim id b eh olde r tha t the w ee ds w er e m ov in g in the o pp os ite d ir ec tion . T his o ptic ali ll us io n ca us ed s om e o f t he g ua rd s t o b el iev e t ha t t he I nd ia ns h ad s et fi re t o t he g ra ss , an d w er e m ov in g i nimm en se n um be rs b etwe en the m a nd the f ir e w ith 'in te nt to s ur ro un d. the m, s ta mp ed e the c attle a ndm as sa cr e the e ntire 'pa rty. T he w atch er n ex t to Mr. G ra ve s d is co ve re d the e ne my a nd r us he d breathlessly to his comrade to impart the intelligence. Scarcely had Mr. Graves quieted him before it wase vi de nt t ha t a g en er al a la rm h ad b ee n s pr ea d i n t he c am p. T wo o th er g ua rd s h ad s ee n t he I nd ia ns , a nd

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t he a ro us ed c am p, a rm ed t o t he t ee th , m ar ch ed o ut t o g iv e b at tl e t o t he i ma gi na ry f oe . I t w as a r ic h j ok e,a nd i t w as s om e t im e b ef or e t ho se w ho w er e s ca re d h ea rd t he l as t o f t he r es in I nd ia ns .

O nl y o nc e, b ef or e r ea ch in g S al t L ak e, d id d ea th i nv ad e t he j oy ou s D on ne r C om pa ny . I t w as n ea r t he present site of Manhattan, Kansas, and Mrs. Sarah Keyes was the victim. This estimable lady was them ot he r o f M rs . J .F . R ee d, a nd h ad r ea ch ed h er f ou rs co re a nd t en y ea rs . H er a ge d f ra me a nd f ee bl e

h ea lt h w er e n ot e qu al t o t he f at ig ue s a nd e xp os ur es o f t he t ri p, a nd o n t he 3 0t h o f M ay t he y l ai d h er ten de rly to r es t. S he w as b ur ie d in a c of fin c ar ef ully f as hion ed f ro m the tru nk o f a c otto nw oo d tre e, a ndo n the b ro w o f a b ea utif ul k no ll o ve rloo king the v alle y. A g ra nd o ld o ak , s till s ta nd in g, g ua rd s the lon elyg ra ve o f t he d ea r o ld m ot he r w ho w as s pa re d t he s ig ht o f t he m is er y i n s to re f or h er l ov ed o ne s. C ou ldtho se w ho p er fo rm ed the las t s ad r ites h av e c au gh t a v is io n o f the h or ro rs a wa itin g the p ar ty , the y w ou ldhav e kn own how g ood was t he God wh o i n m ercy t ook her t o H ims el f.

CH AP TE R I I

Mrs. Donner's Letters--Life on the Plains--An Interesting Sketch--Botanizing--Five Hundred andEighteen Wagons for California--The Fourth of July at Fort Laramie--Indian Discipline--Sioux Attempt

to Purchase Mary Graves--Letter of Stanton--Dissension--The Fatal Hastings Cut-off

THE following letters present an interesting glimpse of the first portion of the journey. They were written by Mrs. Tamsen Donner and were published in the Springfield (Illinois) Journal. Thanks for copies of the se letter s a re d ue to Mrs . E liza P . H ou gh to n o f S an J os e, Mrs . D on ne r's y ou ng es t d au gh te r. A llus io nsa re m ad e i n t he se l et te rs t o b ot an ic al r es ea rc he s. M rs . D on ne r, C .T . S ta nt on , a nd p er ha ps o ne o r t woo th er s w ho w er e p ro mine nt a ctor s in the later h is to ry , w er e p ar ticu la rly f on d o f b otan y. Mrs . D on ne r

m ad e v alua ble c olle ctio ns o f r ar e f lo we rs a nd p la nts. H er jou rn al, a nd a f ull d es cr ip tion o f the c on te nts o f her botanical portfolios, were to have been published upon her arrival in California.

Though bearing the same date, the letters here presented were written at different times. The followinga pp ea re d i n t he S pr in gf ie ld J ou rn al , J ul y 2 3d , 1 84 6: T HE J UN CT IO NS O F T HE N OR TH A NDS OU TH P LA TT E, J un e 1 6t h, 1 84 6. M y O LD F RI EN D: W e a re n ow o n t he P la tt e, t wo h un dr ed m il esf ro m F or t L ar am ie . O ur j ou rn ey s o f ar h as b ee n p le as an t, t he r oa ds h av e b ee n g oo d a nd f oo d p le nt if ul .T he w at er fo r p ar t o f t he w ay h as b ee n i nd if fe re nt , b ut a t n o t im e h av e o ur c at tl e s uf fe re d f or i t. W oo d i sn ow v er y s ca rc e, b ut " bu ff alo c hips " a re e xc elle nt; the y k in dle q uick a nd r etain h ea t s ur pr is in gly. We h adthis m or ning b uf fa lo s te ak s b ro iled u po n the m, tha t h ad the s am e f la vo r the y w ou ld h av e h ad u po nhickory coals.

We f ee l n o f ea r o f I nd ia ns , o ur c attle g ra ze q uietly a ro un d o ur e nc am pm en t u nm oles te d.

Tw o o r t hree m en w il l g o hu nt in g t went y mi les fro m ca mp ; and l ast ni ght t wo of o ur m en l ai d ou t i n t hew ilde rn es s r athe r tha n r id e the ir h or se s a fter a h ar d c ha se .

I nd ee d, i f I d o n ot e xp er ie nc e s om et hi ng f ar w or se t ha n I h av e y et d on e, I s ha ll sa y t he t ro ub le i s a ll i ng et ti ng s ta rt ed . O ur w ag on s h av e n ot n ee de d m uc h r ep ai r, a nd l c an no t y et t el l i n w ha t r es pe ct s t he yc ou ld b e imp ro ve d. C er ta in it is, the y c an no t b e too s tr on g. O ur p re pa ra tion s f or the jou rn ey m ig ht h av e been in some respects bettered.

B re ad h as b ee n t he p ri nc ip al a rt ic le o f f oo d i n o ur c am p. W e l ai d i n 1 50 p ou nd s o f f lo ur a nd 7 5 p ou nd so f m ea t f or e ac h i nd iv id ua l, a nd I f ea r b re ad w il l b e s ca rc e. M ea t i s a bu nd an t. R ic e a nd b ea ns a re g oo d

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a rtic le s o n the r oa d; c or nm ea l too is a cc ep ta ble. L in se y d re ss es a re the m os t s uitab le f or c hild re n.In deed , i f I ha d one , i t w oul d be acc ept abl e. Th ere i s s o coo l a b reez e at al l t im es o n t he p lai ns t hat t hes un do es n ot fe el s o h ot as o ne w ou ld s up pos e.

We a re n ow f ou r h un dr ed a nd f if ty m iles f ro m I nd ep en de nc e. O ur r ou te a t f ir st w as r ou gh , a nd thr ou gh atim be re d c ou ntry , w hich a pp ea re d to b e f er tile . A fter s tr ik in g the p ra ir ie w e f ou nd a f ir st-r ate r oa d, a nd

t he o nl y d if fi cu lt y w e h av e, h ad h as b ee n i n c ro ss in g t he c re ek s. In t ha t, h ow ev er , t he re h as b ee n n odanger.

I n ev er c ou ld h av e. b elie ve d w e c ou ld h av e tra ve le d s o f ar w ith s o little d if ficu lty. T he p ra ir ie b etwe en theB lu e a nd t he P la tt e r iv er s i s b ea ut if ul b ey on d d es cr ip ti on . N ev er h av e I s ee n s o v ar ie d a c ou nt ry , s osuitable for cultivation. Everything was new and pleasing; the Indians frequently come to see us, and thec hief s o f a tribe b re ak fa sted a t o ur ten t this m or ning . A ll a re s o f rien dly tha t I c an no t h elp f ee lings ym pa th y a nd f ri en ds hi p f or t he m. B ut o n o ne s hee t w ha t c an I s ay ?

Si nc e w e hav e bee n on t he Pl at te we have had t he ri ver on one si de and t he ever v aryi ng mou nds on t he

o th er , a nd h av e tra ve le d thr ou gh the b otto m lan ds f ro m o ne to two m iles w id e w ith little o r n o tim be r.T he s oi l i s s an dy , a nd l as t y ea r o n a cc ou nt o f t he d ry s ea so n t he e mi gr an ts f ou nd g ra ss h er e s ca rc e. O ur c at tl e ar e i n g ood or der , a nd w hen pr op er ca re h as be en t ake n no ne h av e b ee n l ost . O ur m il k co ws h av e been of great service, indeed. They have been of more advantage than our meat. We have plenty of butter and milk.

We a re c om ma nd ed b y C ap ta in R us se ll, a n a miab le m an . G eo rg e D on ne r is h im se lf y et. H e c ro ws in them or ning a nd s ho uts o ut " Ch ain u p b oy s- -c ha in u p, " w ith a s m uc h a utho rity a s tho ug h h e w as " so me th in gin p ar ticu la r. " J oh n D en to n is s till w ith u s. We f in d h im u se fu l in the c am p. H ir am Mille r a nd N oa h J am esare i n goo d heal th and doi ng wel l. We have of t he best peopl e i n ou r

c om pa ny , a nd s om e, too , tha t a re n ot s o g oo d. B uf fa lo es s ho w the ms elve s f re qu en tly.

We h av e f ou nd the w ild tulip , the p rimr os e, the lup in e, the e ar -d ro p, the lar ks pu r, a nd c re ep in gh olly ho ck , a nd a b ea utif ul f lo we r r es em blin g the b lo om o f the b ee ch tre e, b ut in b un ch es a s lar ge a s as ma ll s ug ar -loa f, a nd o f e ve ry v ar ie ty o f s ha de , to r ed a nd g re en .

I b ot an iz e, a nd r ea d s om e, b ut c oo k " he ap s" m or e. T he re a re f ou r h un dr ed a nd t we nt y w ag on s, a s f ar a sw e h av e h ea rd , o n t he r oa d b et we en h er e a nd O re go n a nd C al if or ni a.

G iv e o ur lov e to a ll inq uiring f rien ds . G od b le ss the m. Y ou rs , tru ly ,

MR S. G E OR G E D ON N ER .

T he f ollo wing lette r w as p ub lish ed in the J ou rn al o f J uly 3 , 1 84 6:

S OU TH F OR K O F T HE N EB RA SK A,I O M IL ES F RO M T HE C RO SS IN G,

T UE SD AY , J un e 1 6th, 1 84 6.

D EA R F RI EN D: T od ay a t n oo ni ng t he re p as se d, g oi ng t o t he S ta te . s , s ev en m en f ro m O re go n, w ho

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w en t o ut l as t y ea r. O ne o f t he m w as w el l a cq ua in te d w it h M es sr s. I de a nd C ad de n K ey es , t he l at te r o f w ho m h e s ay s w en t t o C al if or ni a. T he y m et t he a dv an ce O re o n c ar av an a bo ut 1 50 m il es w es t o f F or tL ar am ie , a nd c ou nted in a ll f or O re go n a nd C alif or nia ( ex ce ptin g o ur s) 4 78 w ag on s. T he re is in o ur co mpa ny ov er 4 w ag on s, m ak in g 5 18 i n a ll , a nd t here ar e sa id t o b e y et 2 0 b eh in d. T o- mo rr ow w e cr os st he r iv er , a nd b y r ec ko ni ng w il l b e o ve r 2 00 m il es f ro m F or t L ar am ie , w he re w e i nt en d t o s to p a nd re pa ir o ur w ag on w he el s. T he y a re n ea rl y a ll l oo se , a nd I a m a fr ai d w e w il l h av e t o s to p s oo ne r, i f t he re c an b e

f ou nd w oo d s ui ta bl e t o h ea t t he t ir es . T he re i s n o w oo d h er e, a nd o ur w om en a nd c hi ld re n a re o ut n owg athe ring " bu ff alo c hips " to b ur n in o rd er to d o the c oo king . T he se c hips b ur n w ell. A t F or t L ar am ie a portion of the Donner Party celebrated the Fourth of July, 1846. Arriving there on the evening of thethird , the y p itch ed c am p s om ew ha t e ar lier tha n u su al, a nd p re pa re d a g ra nd d in ne r f or the F ou rth. A t theF or t w er e a l ar ge p ar ty o f S io ux w ho w er e o n t he w ar pa th a ga in st t he S na ke s o r P aw ne es . T he S io uxw er e, p er ha ps , the m os t w ar like I nd ia n n atio n o n the g re at p ra ir ie s, a nd w he n d re ss ed in the ir w ar p aintand mounted on their fleet ponies, presented a truly imposing appearance. The utmost friendliness prevailed, and there was a mutual interchange of gifts and genial courtesies. When the Donner Party pursued their march, and had journeyed half a day from the Fort, they were overtaken and convoyedq uite a d is ta nc e b y a bo ut thr ee h un dr ed y ou ng w ar rior s. T he e sc or t r od e in p airs a lo ng side the tra in in

tru e m ilitar y f as hion . F in ally h alting , the y o pe ne d r an ks , a nd a s the w ag on s p as se d, e ac h w ar rior h eld inh is m ou th a g re en twig o r lea f, w hich w as s aid to b e e mb le ma tic o f p ea ce fu ln es s a nd g oo d f ee ling .

T he tra in w as n ev er s er io us ly m oles te d b y the S io ux . O n o ne o cc as io n, a bo ut f if ty w ar rior s o n h or se ba ck s ur ro un de d a p or tion o f the tra in , in w hich w as the G ra ve s f am ily. While g en er ally f rien dly, a f ew o f the baser sort persisted in attempting to steal, or take by force, trivial articles which struck their fancy. Them ain b od y o f I nd ia ns w er e e nc am pe d a bo ut h alf a m ile a wa y, a nd w he n the a nn oy an ce s b ec am e tooe xa sp er atin g, W.C . G ra ve s m ou nted a h or se , r od e to the e nc am pm en t, a nd n otified the C hief o f theaction of his followers. Seizing an old-fashioned single-barreled shotgun, the Chief sprang upon his horsea nd f airly f le w o ve r the p la in tow ar d the e migr an t w ag on s. Whe n w ithin a bo ut a h un dr ed y ar ds o f thetra in h e a ttra cted a tten tion b y g iv in g a n I nd ia n w ho op , w hich w as s o f ull o f r ag e a nd imp re ca tion tha t the

startled warriors forthwith desisted from their petty persecutions and scattered in every direction likef righ te ne d q ua il. O ne o f the w ou ld -b e m ar au de rs w as a little tar dy in m ou ntin g h is p on y, a nd a s s oo n a sthe C hief g ot w ithin r an ge the s ho tg un w as lev eled a nd d is ch ar ge d f ull a t the u nr uly s ub je ct. T hr ee o f the buckshot entered the pony's side and one grazed the warrior's leg. As if satisfied that his orders to treatthe e migr an ts in a f rien dly m an ne r w ou ld n ot b e a ga in d is re ga rd ed , the C hief w he eled h is h or se a bo ut,a nd i n t he m os t g ra ve a nd s ta te ly m an ne r r od e b ac k t o h is e nc am pm en t.

O n a no th er o cc as io n, Mar y G ra ve s, w ho w as a v er y b ea utif ul y ou ng lad y, w as r id in g o n h or se ba ck a cc om pa ni ed b y h er b ro th er . T he y w er e a l it tl e i n t he r ea r o f t he t ra in , a nd a b an d o f S io ux I nd ia ns becoming enamored with the maiden, offered to purchase her. They made very handsome offers, but the

brother not being disposed to accept, one of the Indians seized the bridle of the girl's horse anda tt em pt ed t o c ar ry h er a wa y c ap ti ve . P er ha ps t he a tt em pt w as m ad e i n h al f j es t. A t a ll e ve nt s t he b ri dl ew as p ro mp tly d ro pp ed w he n the b ro th er lev eled h is r if le a t the s av ag e.

O n t he 2 0t h o f J ul y, 1 84 6, G eo rg e D on ne r w as e le ct ed C ap ta in o f t he t ra in a t t he L it tl e S an dy R iv er .F ro m t ha t t im e f or wa rd i t w as k no wn a s t he D on ne r P ar ty .

O ne i nc id en t, n ot a t a ll u nu su al t o a t ri p a cr os s t he p la in s, i s p oi nt ed ly d es cr ib ed i n a l et te r w ri tt en b y C .T .S ta nton to h is b ro th er , S id ne y S ta nton , n ow o f C az en ov ia , N ew Y or k. T he inc id en t a llud ed to is theunfriendliness and want of harmony so liable to exist between different companies, and between memberso f the s am e c om pa ny . F ro m o ne o f Mr. S ta nton 's lette rs the f ollo wing e xtra ct is m ad e:

" At n oo n w e p as se d B og gs ' c om pa ny o n the S we etwa te r; a m ile f ur th er u p the r iv er , D un la vy 's ; a m ilef ur th er , Wes t's; a nd a bo ut two m iles b ey on d tha t, w as D un ba r's. We e nc am pe d a bo ut h alf w ay b etwe en

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the two latter. Thus, within five miles were encamped five companies. At Indian Creek, twenty miles fromIndependence, these five companies all constituted one, but owing to dissensions and quarreling they became broken into fragments. Now, by accident, we all again once more meet and grasp the cordialh an d; o ld en mi ti es a re fo rg ot , a nd n ot hi ng b ut g oo d f ee li ng p re vai ls . * * * * * * * T he n ex t m orn in g w eg ot r at he r a l at e s ta rt , o wi ng t o a d iff er en ce o f o pi ni on a ri si ng i n o ur c om pa ny a s t o w he th er w e s ho ul dl ay b y o r g o a he ad . T ho se w ish in g t o l ay b y w er e p ri nc ip al ly y ou ng m en w ho w is he d t o h av e a d ay 's

h un ti ng a mon g t he b uf fa lo es, a nd t he re we re al so a fe w f am il ies ou t o f me at w ho w is hed t o l ay i n a s up pl y before they left the buffalo country. A further reason was urged that the cattle were nearly ragged out byh ar d t ra ve l, a nd t ha t t he y w ou ld n ot s ta nd t he j ou rn ey u nl es s w e s to pp ed a nd g av e t he m r es t. O n t heo th er s id e i t w as c on te nd ed t ha t i f w e s to pp ed h er e t he o th er c om pa ni es w ou ld a ll g et a he ad , t he g ra ssw ou ld a ll b e e at en o ff b y t he ir t ho us an d h ea d o f c at tl e, a nd t ha t c on se qu en tl y, w he n w e c am e a lo ng o ur c attle w ou ld s ta rv e. T he g o- ah ea d p ar ty f in ally r uled a nd w e r olle d o ut."

A s w ill p re se ntly b e s ee n, the d is se ns io n e xistin g in the c om pa ny , a nd the p etty d if fe re nc es o f o pinion a ndinterest, were the fundamental causes of the calamities which befell the Donner Party.

W he n t he c om pa ny w as n ea r F or t B ri dg er , E dw ar d B re en 's l eg w as b ro ke n b y a f al l f ro m a h or se . H ism othe r r ef us ed to p er mit a mp utatio n, o r r athe r lef t the q ue stio n to E dw ar d's d ec is io n, a nd o f c ou rs e, boy-like, he refused to have the operation performed. Contrary to expectation, the bone knitted, and in am on th h e w alke d w itho ut a c ru tc h.

A t F or t B ri dg er , w hi ch w as a t t hi s t im e a m er e c am p o r t ra di ng p os t, t he p ar ty h ea rd m uc hc om me nd atio n b es to we d u po n a n ew r ou te v ia S alt L ak e. T his r ou te p as se d a lo ng the s ou th er n s ho re o f t he L ak e, a nd r ej oi ne d t he o ld F or t H al l e mi gr an t r oa d o n t he H um bo ld t. I t w as s ai d t o s ho rt en t hed is ta nc e thr ee h un dr ed m iles . T he n ew r ou te w as k no wn a s the H as ting s C ut-o ff , a nd w as n am ed a fter the f am ou s h un te r a nd tra pp er L .W. H as ting s, w ho w as e ve n the n p ilotin g a s ma ll c om pa ny o ve r thec ut -o ff T he l ar ge t ra in s d el ay ed f or t hr ee o r f ou r d ay s a t F or t B ri dg er , d eb at in g a s t o t he b es t c ou rs e t o

pursue. It is claimed that but for the earnest advice and solicitation of Bridger and Vasquez, who hadc ha rg e o f t he f or t, t he e nt ir e p ar ty w ou ld h av e c on ti nu ed b y t he a cc us to me d r ou te . T he se m en h ad adirect interest in the Hastings Cut-off, as they furnished the emigrants with supplies, and had employedH as ti ng s t o p il ot t he f ir st c om pa ny o ve r t he r oa d t o S al t L ak e.

A fter m atur e d elib er atio n, the p ar ty d iv id ed , the g re ater p or tion g oing b y F or t H all a nd r ea ch in gC alif or nia in s af ety. With the lar ge tra in , w hich jou rn ey ed the o ld r oa d, this n ar ra tive is n o lon ge r interested. Eighty-seven persons, however, took the Hastings Cut-off. Their names are included in then in ety m en tion ed in the p re ce ding c ha pter . Mrs . S ar ah K ey es h av in g d ie d, a nd L ew is a nd S alva do r n ot being with the train. For several days the party traveled with-out much difficulty. They reached Weber

R iv er n ea r t he h ea d o f t he w el l k no wn W eb er C an yo n. A t t he fi rs t c ro ss in g o f t hi s r iv er , o n t he 3 d o f A ug us t, the y f ou nd a lette r f ro m H as ting s s tu ck in the s plit o f a s tick , inf or ming the m tha t the r oa d d ow nthe Web er C an yo n w as in a ter rible c on dition , a nd tha t it w as d ou btfu l if the s ix ty -s ix w ag on s w hichL an sf or d W. H as ting s w as the n p ilotin g thr ou gh the c an yo n w ou ld e ve r s uc ce ed in r ea ch in g the p la in . I nthe lette r H as ting s a dv is ed a ll e migr an ts to a vo id the c an yo n r oa d, a nd p ur su e o ve r the m ou ntains acourse which he faintly outlined. In order to obtain further information, and, if possible, to induce Hastingst o r et ur n a nd a ct a s g ui de , M es sr s. R ee d, S ta nt on , a nd P ik e w er e s en t f or wa rd t o o ve rt ak e t he a dv an cec om pa ny . T his w as a cc om plis he d a fter a f atig uing trip, w hich s o e xh au sted the h or se s o f S ta nton a ndP ik e t ha t t he se g en tl em en w er e u na bl e t o r et ur n t o t he D on ne r P ar ty . H as ti ng s w as o ve rt ak en a t a p oi ntn ea r t he s ou th er n e nd o f G re at S al t L ak e, a nd c am e b ac k w it h R ee d t o t he f oo t o f t he b lu ff s o ve r- lo ok in gt he p re se nt c it y o f S al t L ak e. H er e h e d ec la re d t ha t h e m us t r et ur n t o t he c om pa ny h e w as p il ot in g, a ndd es pi te t he u rg en t e nt re at ie s o f R ee d, d ec id ed t ha t i t w as h is d ut y t o s ta rt b ac k t he n ex t m or ni ng . H ef in ally c on se nted , h ow ev er , to a sc en d to the s um mit o f the Wah sa tc h Mou ntains , f ro m w hich h ee nd ea vo re d, a s b es t h e c ou ld , t o p oi nt o ut t he d ir ec ti on i n w hi ch t he w ag on s m us t t ra ve l f ro m t he h ea d o f

P a g e 9



t he W eb er C an yo n. R ee d p ro ce ed ed a lo ne o n t he r ou te i nd ic at ed , t ak in g n ot es o f t he c ou nt ry a ndoccasionally blazing trees to assist him in retracing the course.

W m. G . M ur ph y ( no w o f M ar ys vi ll e), s ay s t ha t t he w ag on s r em ai ne d i n t he m ea do ws a t t he h ea d o f Web er C an yo n u ntil R ee d's r etur n. T he y the n lea rn ed tha t the tra in w hich p re ce de d, th em h ad b ee ncompelled to travel very slowly down the Weber River, filling in many irregular places with brush and

d ir t. T ha t a t l as t t he y h ad r ea ch ed a p la ce w he re v as t p er pe nd ic ul ar p il la rs o f r oc k a pp ro ac he d s o c lo se lyo n e it he r s id e t ha t t he . r iv er h ad b ar el y s pa ce t o f lo w b et we en , a nd j us t h er e t he w at er p lu ng ed o ve r a precipice. To lower the wagons down this precipice had been a dreadful task.

T he D on ne r P ar ty u na nimo us ly d ec id ed to tak e a cr os s the m ou ntains in a m or e d ir ec t lin e tow ar d S altLake. They soon found rolling highlands and small summit valleys on the divide between Weber River a nd S alt L ak e. F ollo wing d ow n o ne o f the s ma ll s tr ea ms , the y f ou nd a v ar ying , irr eg ular c an yo n, d ow nwhich they passed, filling its small stream with brush and rocks, crossing and recrossing it, making roads, breaking and mending wagons, until three weeks time had expired. The entire country was heavilyc ov er ed w ith tim be r a nd u nd er br us h. Whe n the p ar ty a rr iv ed a t the o utle t o f this s tr ea m into S alt L ak e

Valley, they found it utterly impassable. It was exceedingly narrow, and was filled with huge rocks fromt he c li ff s on e it her s id e. A lm os t a ll t he o xen i n t he t rai n we re n ece ssa ry i n d ra wi ng e ac h w ag on ou t of t hec an yo n a nd u p the s te ep o ve r- ha ng in g m ou ntain. While in this c an yo n, S ta nton a nd P ik e c am e u p to thecompany. These gentlemen encountered great hardships after their horses gave out, and were almosts ta rv ed to d ea th w he n the y r ea ch ed the tra in .

I ns te ad o f r ea ch in g S al t L ak e i n a w ee k, a s h ad b ee n p ro mi se d, t he p ar ty w er e o ve r t hi rt y d ay s i n m ak in gt he t ri p. N o w or ds c an d es cr ib e w ha t t he y e nd ur ed o n t hi s H as ti ng s C ut -o ff . T he t er ri bl e d el ay w asr en de ring imm in en t the d an ge rs w hich a wa ited the m o n the S ie rr a . A t las t, u po n a sc en ding the s te eprugged mountain before mentioned, the vision of Great Salt Lake, and the extensive plains surrounding it, burst upon their enraptured gaze. All were wild with joy and gratitude for their deliverance from the

ter rible s tr ug gle thr ou gh w hich the y h ad jus t p as se d, a nd a ll h op ed f or a p ro sp er ou s, p ea ce fu l jou rn eyo ve r p le as an t r oa ds thr ou gh ou t the r em aind er o f the trip to C alif or nia. A la s! the re w er e trials in the w aycompared with which their recent struggles were insignificant. But for the fatal delay caused by theH as ting s C ut-o ff , a ll w ou ld h av e b ee n w ell, b ut n ow the S um me r w as p as se d, the ir tea ms a nd the ms elve swere well-nigh exhausted, and their slender stock of provisions nearly consumed.

C HA PT ER I II

A G ra ve o f S alt- -Mem be rs o f the Mys tic T ie -- Tw en ty Wells -- A D es olate A lk alineWa ste -- Ab an do n ed o n th e D es e rt- -A N igh t o f H or ro r- -A S tee r Ma dd en ed b y T h ir st-- T he

Mirage--Yoking an Ox and a Cow--"Cacheing" Goods--The Emigrant's Silent Logic--A Cry for Relief--Two Heroic Volunteers--A Perilous Journey--Letters to Capt. Sutter

N EA R t he s ou th er n s ho re o f g re at S al t L ak e t he D on ne r P ar ty e nc am pe d o n t he t hi rd o r f ou rt h o f September, 1846. The summer had vanished, and autumn commenced tinting, with crimson and gold, onthe f olia ge o n Wah sa tc h Mou ntains c am pe d h er e, the p ar ty b ur ie d the s ec on d v ic tim c la im ed b y d ea th .T his tim e it w as a p oo r c on su mp tive n am ed L uk e H allo ra n. Witho ut f rien d o r k in sm an , H allo ra n h ad

joined the train, and was traveling to California in hopes that a change of climate might effect a cure.

A la s! f or the p oo r I rish ma n, w he n the lea ve s b eg an to f all f ro m the tre es h is s pirit w in ge d its f ligh t to the better land. He died in the wagon of Captain George Donner, his head resting in Mrs. Tamsen Donner'sl ap . I t w as a t s un do wn . T he w ag on s h ad j us t h al te d f or t he n ig ht . T he t ra in h ad d ri ve n u p s lo wl y, o ut o f

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r es pe ct to the d ying e migr an t. L oo king u p into Mrs . D on ne r's f ac e, h e s aid: " I d ie h ap py ." A lm os t w hiles pe ak in g, h e d ie d. I n r etur n f or the m an y k in dn es se s h e h ad r ec eive d d ur in g the jou rn ey , h e lef t Mr.D on ne r s uc h p ro pe rty a s h e p os se ss ed , inc lu ding a bo ut f if te en h un dr ed d olla rs in c oin. H on . J as . F .B re en , o f S ou th S an J ua n, w ri te s: H al lo ra n' s b od y w as b ur ie d i n a b ed o f a lm os t p ur e s al t, b es id e t heg ra ve o f o ne w ho h ad p er is he d i n t he p re ce di ng t ra in . I t w as s ai d a t t he t im e t ha t b od ie s t hu s d ep os it edw ou ld n ot d ec om po se , o n a cc ou nt o f the p re se rv ativ e p ro pe rtie s o f the s alt. S oo n a fter h is b ur ia l, h is

t ru nk w as o pe ne d, a nd M as on ic p ap er s a nd r eg al ia b or e w it ne ss t o t he f ac t t ha t M r. H al lo ra n w as am em be r o f t he M as on ic O rd er . J am es F . R ee d, M il to n E ll io tt , a nd p er ha ps o ne o r t wo o th er s i n t he t ra in ,a ls o b elon ge d to the m ys tic tie ."

O n t he s ix th d ay o f S ep te mb er t he y r ea ch ed a m ea do w i n a v al le y c al le d " Tw en ty W el ls ," a s t he re w er etha t n um be r o f w ells o f v ar io us s iz es , f ro m s ix inc he s to s ev er al f ee t in d ia me te r. T he w ater in the se w ellsr os e e ve n w it h t he s ur fa ce o f t he g ro un d, a nd w he n i t w as d ra wn o ut t he w el ls s oo n r efi ll ed . T he w at er w as c old a nd p ur e, a nd p ec ulia rly w elco me a fter the s alin e p la in s a nd a lk alin e p oo ls the y h ad jus t p as se d.Wells s im ilar to the se w er e f ou nd d ur in g the e ntir e jou rn ey o f the f ollo wing d ay , a nd the c ou ntry thr ou ghw hich the y w er e p as sing a bo un de d in lux ur ia nt g ra ss . R ea ch in g the c on fine s o f the S alt L ak e D es er t,

w hi ch l ie s s ou th we st o f t he l ak e, t he y l ai d i n, a s t he y s up po se d, a n a mp le s up pl y o f w at er a nd g ra ss . T hi sd es er t h ad b ee n r ep re se nted b y B ridg er a nd V as qu ez a s b eing o nly a bo ut f if ty m iles w id e. I ns te ad , f or ad is ta nc e o f s ev en ty -f iv e m iles the re w as n eith er w ater n or g ra ss , b ut e ve ry wh er e a d re ar y, d es olate,alkaline waste. Verily, it was

" A r eg io n o f d ro ug ht, w he re n o r iv er g lide s, Nor rippling brook with osiered sides;Where sedgy pool, nor bubbling fount,

Nor tree, nor cloud, nor misty mount

A pp ea rs to r ef re sh the a ch in g e ye ,B ut the b ar re n e ar th a nd the b ur ning s ky ,A nd the b la nk h or iz on r ou nd a nd r ou ndSpread, void of living sight or sound."

W he n t he c om pa ny h ad b ee n o n t he d es er t t wo n ig ht s a nd o ne d ay , M r. R ee d v ol un te er ed t o g of or wa rd , a nd , if p os sible, to d is co ve r w ater . H is h ir ed tea ms te rs w er e a tten ding to h is tea ms a nd w ag on sd ur in g h is a bs en ce . A t a d is ta nc e o f p er ha ps t we nt y m il es h e f ou nd t he d es ir ed w at er , a nd h as te ne d t or etur n to the tra in . Mea ntim e the re w as inten se s uf fe ring in the p ar ty . C attle w er e g iv in g o ut a nd lyingd ow n h elples sly o n the b ur ning s an d, o r f re nz ie d w ith thirs t w er e s tr ay in g a wa y into the d es er t. H av in g

m ad e p re pa ra tion s f or o nly f if ty m iles o f d es er t, s ev er al p er so ns c am e n ea r p er is hing o f thirs t, a nd c attlew er e u tter ly p ow er le ss to d ra w the h ea vy w ag on s. R ee d w as g on e s om e twe nty h ou rs . D ur in g this tim eh is tea ms te rs h ad d on e the w is es t thing p os sible, u nh itch ed the o xe n a nd s ta rted to d rive the m a he ad u ntilw at er w as r ea ch ed . i t w as t he ir i nt en ti on , o f c ou rs e, t o r et ur n a nd g et t he t hr ee w ag on s a nd t he f am il y,w hich the y h ad n ec es sa rily a ba nd on ed o n the d es er t. R ee d p as se d h is tea ms te rs d ur in g the n ig ht, a ndh as te ne d to the r elie f o f h is d es er te d f am ily. O ne o f h is tea ms te r's h or se s g av e o ut b ef or e m or ning a nd laydown, and while the man's companions were attempting to raise him, the oxen, rendered unmanageable by their great thirst, disappeared in the desert. There were eighteen of these oxen. It is probable theys ce nt ed w at er , a nd w it h t he i ns ti nc ts o f t he ir n at ur e s ta rt ed o ut t o s ea rc h f or i t. T he y n ev er w er e f ou nd ,a nd R ee d a nd h is f am ily, c on sistin g o f n in e p er so ns , w er e lef t d es titu te in the m id st o f the d es er t, e ig hthundred miles from California. Near morning, entirely ignorant of the calamity which had befallen him inthe los s o f h is c attle, h e r ea ch ed h is f am ily.

A ll d ay l on g t he y l oo ked a nd w ai ted i n v ai n fo r t he r et urn in g t ea mst ers . A ll t he re st o f t he c om pa ny h ad

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d rive n a he ad , a nd the m ajor ity h ad r ea ch ed w ater . T ow ar d n ig ht the s itua tion g re w d es pe ra te . T he s ca ntys up pl y o f w at er l eft w it h t he f am il y w as al mo st g on e, a nd a no th er d ay o n t he d es er t w ou ld m ea n d ea th t oal l he held dear. Their onl y w ay left was t o set out on foot . He took hi s youngest chi ld in his arm s, and t hefamily started to walk the twenty miles. During this dreadful night some of the younger children becames o e xh au sted tha t, r eg ar dles s o f s co ld in gs o r e nc ou ra ge me nts, the y lay d ow n o n the b le ak s an ds . E ve nr es t, h ow ev er , s ee me d d en ie d the little s uf fe re rs , f or a c hillin g w in d b eg an s we ep in g o ve r the d es er t, a nd

d es pite the ir w ea rine ss a nd a ng uish , the y w er e f or ce d to m ov e f or wa rd . A t o ne tim e d ur in g the n ig ht thehorror of the situation was changed to intense fright. Through the darkness came a swift-rushing animal,w hi ch R ee d s oo n re co gn iz ed a s o ne o f h is y ou ng s te er s. I t w as c ra ze d a nd f re nz ie d w it h t hi rs t, a nd f or some moments seemed bent upon dashing into the frightened group. Finally, however, it plunged madlya wa y into the n ig ht, a nd w as s ee n n o m or e. R ee d s us pe cted the c alam ity w hich h ad p re ve nted the r etur nof the teamsters, but at the moment, the imminent peril surrounding his wife and children banished alltho ug ht o f w or ry in g a bo ut a ny th in g b ut the ir p re se nt s itua tion . G od k no ws w ha t w ou ld h av e b ec om e o f the m h ad the y n ot, s oo n a fter d ay ligh t, d is co ve re d the w ag on o f J ac ob D on ne r. T he y w er e r ec eive dk in dl y b y h is f am il y, a nd c on ve ye d t o w he re t he o th er m em be rs o f t he p ar ty w er e c am pe d. F or s ix o r e ig ht d ay s the e ntir e c om pa ny r em aine d a t this s po t. E ve ry e ff or t w as m ad e to f in d R ee d's los t c attle.

A lm os t e ve ry m an in the tra in w as o ut in the d es er t, s ea rc hing in a ll d ir ec tion s. T his tas k w as a tten de dw ith b oth d if ficu lty a nd d an ge r; f or w he n the s un s ho ne , the a tm os ph er e a pp ea re d to d is to rt a nd m ag nifyob jec ts so t hat a t t he d ist ance of a m il e ev ery s ton e or b ush wo ul d a ppe ar t he si ze of an o x. Sev era l of the m en c am e n ea r d ying f or w an t o f w ater d ur in g this s ea rc h. T he d es er t m ir ag e d is clos ed a ga in st thehorizon, clear, distinct, and perfectly outlined rocks, mountain peaks, and tempting lakelets. Each jaggedc liff , o r p ointed r oc k, o r s ha rp ly -c ur ve d h ill- to p, h un g s us pe nd ed in a ir a s p er fe ct a nd c om plete a s if photographed on the sky. Deceived, deluded by these mirages, in spite of their better judgment, severalm em be rs o f t he c om pa ny w er e l ed f ar o ut i nt o t he p at hl es s d ep th s o f t he d es er t.

T he o ut lo ok f or R ee d w as g lo om y e no ug h. O ne c ow a nd o ne o x w er e t he o nl y s to ck h e h ad r em ai ni ng .T he c om pa ny w er e g etting e xc ee ding ly imp atie nt o ve r the lon g d elay , y et b e it s aid to the ir h on or , the y

e nc am pe d o n the w es te rn v er ge o f the d es er t u ntil e ve ry h op e o f f in ding R ee d's c attle w as a ba nd on ed .F in al ly , F .W . G ra ve s a nd P at ri ck B re en e ac h l en t a n o x t o M r. R ee d, a nd b y y ok in g u p h is r em ai ni ngc ow a nd o x, h e h ad t wo y ok e o f c at tl e. " Ca ch ei ng ," o r c on ce al in g s uc h o f h is p ro pe rt y o n t he d es er t, a sco ul d no t be pl ace d i n o ne wa go n, he h it che d t he t wo y ok e of c at tl e t o t hi s w ag on a nd pro ce ed ed o n t he

journey. The word cache occurs so frequently in this history that a brief definition of the interesting process of cacheing might not be amiss. The cache of goods or valuables was generally made in a wagon bed, if one, as in the present instance, was to be abandoned. A square hole, say six feet in depth, wasd ug i n t he e ar th , a nd i n t he b ot to m o f t hi s t he b ox o r w ag on b ed c on ta in in g t he a rt ic le s w as p la ce d. S an d,s oi l, o r c la y o f t he p ro pe r s tr at um w as f il le d i n u po n t hi s, s o a s t o j us t c ov er t he b ox f ro m s ig ht . T heg ro un d w as t he n t ig ht ly p ac ke d o r t ra mp le d, t o m ak e i t r es em bl e, a s m uc h a s p os si bl e, t he e ar th i n i ts

n atur al s ta te . I nto the r em aining h ole w ou ld b e p la ce d s uc h u se le ss a rtic le s a s c ou ld b e s pa re d, s uc h a so ld tin s, c as t- of f c lo th in g, b ro ke n f ur nitu re , e tc ., a nd u po n the se the e ar th w as thr ow n u ntil the s ur fa ce o f the g ro un d w as a ga in lev el. T he se p re ca utio ns w er e tak en to p re ve nt the I nd ia ns f ro m d is co ve ring a nda pp ro pr ia ting the a rtic le s c ac he d. I t w as a rg ue d tha t the I nd ia ns , w he n d ig ging d ow n, w ou ld c om e to theu se le ss a rtic le s, a nd n ot think in g the re w as tre as ur e f ur th er d ow n w ou ld a ba nd on the tas k. " Bu t, " s ay sH on . J am es F . B re en , i n s pe ak in g o n t hi s s ub je ct , " I h av e b ee n t ol d b y p ar ti es w ho h av e c ro ss ed t he plains, that in no case has the Indian been deceived by the emigrant's silent logic." The Indians wouldlea ve n othing u nd er gr ou nd , n ot e ve n the d ea d b od ie s b ur ie d f ro m tim e to tim e. O ne o f the tra in s ina dv an ce o f t he D on ne r P ar ty b ur ie d t wo m en i n o ne g ra ve , a nd s uc ce ed in g p ar ti es f ou nd e ac h o f t he bodies unearthed, and were compelled to repeat the last sad rites of burial.

B ef or e the D on ne r P ar ty s ta rted f ro m the D es er t c am p, a n inv en to ry o f the p ro vision s o n h an d w asa cc ur ately tak en , a nd a n e stim ate w as m ad e o f the q ua ntity r eq uire d f or e ac h f am ily, a nd it w as f ou ndtha t the re w as n ot e no ug h to c ar ry the e migr an ts thr ou gh to C alif or nia. A s if to r en de r m or e e mp ha tic the

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ter rible s itua tion o f the p ar ty , a s to rm c am e d ur in g the ir las t n ig ht a t the c am p, a nd in the m or ning theh il l- to ps w er e w hi te w it h s no w. I t w as a d re ad fu l r em in de r o f t he l at en es s o f t he s ea so n, a nd t he b ra ve sth ea rts q ua iled b ef or e the h or ro rs the y k ne w m us t a wa it the m. A s olem n c ou nc il w as h eld. I t w as d ec id edtha t s om e o ne m us t lea ve the tra in , p re ss e ag er ly f or wa rd to C alif or nia, a nd o btaining a s up ply o f provisions, return and meet the party as far back on the route as possible. It was a difficult undertaking,a nd p er ilou s in the e xtre me . A c all w as m ad e f or v olun te er s, a nd a fter a little r ef le ctio n two m en o ff er ed

t he ir s er vi ce s. O ne w as W m. M cC ut ch en , w ho h ad j oi ne d t he t ra in f ro m M is so ur i, a nd t he o th er w asC .T . S ta nton , o f C hica go , a m an w ho a fter wa rd s p ro ve d h im se lf p os se ss ed o f the s ub lime st h er oism .T ak in g e ac h a h or se , the y r ec eive d the tea rf ul, p ra ye rf ul f ar ew ells o f the d oo me d c om pa ny , a nd s et o utupon their solitary journey.

Wou ld the y r etur n? I f the y r ea ch ed the p ea ce fu l, g olde n v alle ys o f C alif or nia, w ou ld the y tur n b ac k tom ee t d an ge r, a nd s to rm s, a nd d ea th , i n o rd er t o b ri ng s uc co r t o t ho se o n t he d re ar y d es er t? M cC ut ch enm ig ht c om e, b ec au se h e l ef t d ea r o ne s w it h t he t ra in , b ut w ou ld S ta nt on r et ur n ? S ta nt on w as y ou ng a ndu nm ar ried . T he re w er e n o tie s o r o blig atio ns to p ro mp t h is r etur n, s av e h is p ligh te d w or d a nd the d ic ta te sof honor and humanity.

T he y b or e l et te rs f ro m t he D on ne r P ar ty t o C ap ta in S ut te r, w ho w as i n c ha rg e a t S ut te r' s F or t. T he selette rs w er e p ra ye rs f or r elie f, a nd it w as b elie ve d w ou ld s ec ur e a ss is ta nc e f ro m the g en er ou s o ldC ap ta in . E ve ry e ye f ollo we d S ta nton a nd McC utch en u ntil the y d is ap pe ar ed in the w es t. S oo n a fter wa rdthe train resumed its toilsome march.

CH AP TER IV

G ra ve lly F or d- -T he C ha ra cte r o f J am es F . R ee d- -C au se s Wh ic h L ed to the R e ed -S ny de r Tragedy--John Snyder's Popularity--The Fatal Altercation-Conflicting Statements of Survivors--Snyder's

Death--A Brave Girl--A Primitive Trial--A Court of Final Resort--Verdict of Banishment--A SadS ep ar atio n- -G eo rg e a nd J ac ob D on ne r A he ad a t the T im e- -F in ding L etter s in S plit S tick s- -D an ge r o f

Starvation

GRAVELLY FORD, on the Humboldt River, witnessed a tragedy which greatly agitated the company.I ts r es ults , a s w ill b e s ee n, m ater ia lly a ff ec te d the liv es n ot o nly o f the p ar ticipa nts, b ut o f s ev er alm em be rs o f the p ar ty d ur in g the d ay s o f h or ro r o n the m ou ntains , b y b ring in g r elie f w hich w ou ldo th er wi se h av e b ee n l ac ki ng . T he p ar ti es t o t he t ra ge dy w er e J am es F . R ee d a nd J oh n S ny de r. R ee d

w as a m an w ho w as ten de r, g en er ou s, h er oic, a nd w ho se q ua lities o f tru e n ob ility s ho ne b rillia ntlythroughout a long life of usefulness. His name is intimately interwoven with the history of the Donner P ar ty , f ro m f ir st t o l as t. I nd ee d, i n t he I ll in oi s p ap er s o f 1 84 6- 7 t he c om pa ny w as a lw ay s t er me d t he" Re ed a nd D on ne r P ar ty ." T hi s t it le w as j us tl y c on fe rr ed a t t he t im e, b ec au se h e w as o ne o f t he l ea di ngs pirits in the o rg an iz atio n o f the e nter pr is e. I n o rd er to u nd er stan d the tra ge dy w hich p ro du ce d the d ea tho f J oh n S ny de r, a nd the c ir cu ms ta nc es r es ulting the re f ro m, the r ea de r m us t b ec om e b ette r a cq ua in te dw it h t he c ha ra ct er o f M r. R ee d.

The following brief extract is from "Powers' Early Settlers of Sangamon County:" "James Frazier Reedw as b or n N ov em be r 1 4, 1 80 0 i n C ou nt y A rm ag h, I re la nd . H is a nc es to rs w er e o f n ob le P ol is h b ir th , w ho

c ho se e xile r athe r tha n s ub miss io n to the R us sian p ow er , a nd s ettled in the n or th o f I re la nd . T he f am ilyn am e w as o rigina lly R ee dn os ki, b ut in p ro ce ss o f tim e the P olis h ter mina tion o f the n am e w as d ro pp ed ,a nd the f am ily w as c alle d R ee d. J am es F . R ee d's m othe r's n am e w as F ra zier , w ho se a nc es to rs b elon ge d

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t o Cl an Fr az ier , o f S co tt ish hi st or y. M rs . R ee d a nd he r so n, J am es F. , ca me t o Am eri ca w he n h e w as ay ou th , a nd s ettled in V ir ginia. H e r em aine d the re u ntil h e w as twe nty, w he n h e lef t f or the lea d m in es o f Illinois, and was engaged in mining until 1831, when he came to Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois."

Am ong t he papers of M r. Reed i s a copy of t he m uster rol l of a company w hi ch enl ist ed i n th eB la ck ha wk w ar , a nd i n t hi s r ol l a re t he n am es o f A bra ha m L in co ln , S te ph en A . D ou gl as , a nd J am es F .

R ee d. A t the ter mina tion o f this w ar , Mr. R ee d r etur ne d to S pr in gf ie ld , e ng ag ed in the m an uf ac tu re o f c ab in et f ur nitu re , a nd a ma ss ed a c on side ra ble f or tu ne . H e w as m ar ried in 1 83 5 to Mrs . Mar ga re tB ac ke ns to e, w ho se m ai de n n am e w as K ey es . T he d ea th o f h is w if e' s m ot he r, M rs . S ar ah K ey es , h asa lr ea dy b ee n m en tion ed a s o cc ur ring o n the B ig B lu e R iv er , n ea r Man ha ttan , K an sa s.

D ur in g the p ro gr es s o f the tra in , Mr. R ee d w as a lw ay s a p ro mine nt, a ctiv e m em be r. F ull o f lif e a nde nthu sias m, f ea rles s o f d an ge r, h e w as r ea dy a t a ll tim es to r is k h is lif e f or the c om pa ny 's w elfa re . O n thed es er t, w e h av e s ee n tha t h is lon ely e xp ed itio n in s ea rc h o f w ater c os t h im h is v alua ble o xe n, a nd lef t h imand his family almost destitute.

T he d ep lo ra ble a ff air a bo ut to b e n ar ra te d w as o nly the n atur al o utgr ow th o f the try in g c ir cu ms ta nc es inw hich the c om pa ny w er e p la ce d. T he r ea de r m us t b ea r in m in d tha t m an y p etty c au se s c om bine d to produce discord and dissension among the members of the Donner Party. Coming from so manydifferent States, being of different nationalities and modes of thought, delayed on the road much longer tha n w as e xp ec te d, r en de re d irr itab le b y the d if ficu ltie s e nc ou nter ed o n the jou rn ey , a nn oy ed b y los se s o f s to ck , f ea rf ul o f u nk no wn d is as te rs o n the S ie rr a, a nd a lr ea dy p la ce d o n s ho rt a llow an ce s o f p ro vision s,the emigrants were decidedly inharmonious.

T he a ctio n o f the c om pa ny , m or eo ve r, w as d ou btle ss inf lu en ce d in a g re ater o r les s d eg re e b y S ny de r's popularity. A young man, not over twenty-three years old, he was tall, straight, and of erect, manlyc ar riag e, a nd h is h ab its o f lif e a s a f ro ntie rs ma n h ad d ev elop ed h im into a m us cu la r, a th le tic b eing . H e

e xc elle d a nd led in a ll the o ut-d oo r s po rts m os t in f av or w ith Wes te rn m en , s uc h a s jum ping , r un ning , a ndw re stling . H is m an ne r w as g en tle, r etir ed , a nd tim id to a d eg re e v er ging o n b as hf ulne ss , u ntil r ou se d b ythe inf lu en ce o f p as sion . T he lio n in the m an w as d or ma nt u ntil e vo ke d b y the f ie rc er e mo tion s. H isc om pl ex io n w as d ar k, b ut a s y ou s tu di ed h is f ac e y ou c ou ld n ot r ep re ss t he s us pi ci on t ha t N at ur e h adm ar ke d h im f or a b lo nd e, a nd t ha t c on st an t e xp os ure t o t he w in d a nd s un a nd r ai n o f t he g re at p la in s o f t he W es t h ad w ro ug ht t he c ol or c ha ng e, a nd t he c on vi ct io n w as s tr on g t ha t t he c ha ng e w as a ni mp ro ve me nt o n N at ur e. H is f ea tu re s w er e c as t i n a m ol d o f g re at b ea ut y- -s uc h b ea ut y a s w e s el do ml ook fo r i n a ma n. H e w as nev er m oo dy, des pon de nt , o r cas t d ow n, and a t a ll t im es , an d und er al lcircumstances, possessed the faculty of amusing himself and entertaining others. In the evening camp,w he n o th er a mu se me nts f aile d, o r w he n a ntic ip ated tro ub le s d ep re ss ed the s pirits o f the tra ve le r, it w as

h is c us to m to r em ov e the " hind ga te " o f h is w ag on , lay it o n the g ro un d, a nd the re on p er fo rm the " clogd an ce ," " Ir is h jig s, " the " pige on w in g, " a nd o th er f an ta stic s te ps . Man y a n e ve ning the D on ne r P ar ty w er e prevented from brooding over their troubles by the boyish antics of the light-hearted youth.

A s s ta te d a bo ve , t he t ra in h ad r ea ch ed G ra ve ll y F or d. A lr ea dy t he m em be rs o f t he c om pa ny w er e beginning to scan eagerly the western plain in hopes of discovering the relief which it was believedS ta nton a nd McC utch en w ou ld b ring f ro m S utter 's F or t. O f c ou rs e the re w er e the u su al a cc id en ts a ndincidents peculiar to a journey across the plains. Occasionally a wagon would need repairing.O cc as io na ll y t he re w ou ld b e a b ri ef h al t t o r es t a nd r ec ru it t he j ad ed c at tl e. T he I nd ia ns h ad s to le n t wo o f M r. G ra ves ' o xe n, a nd a co up le of da ys l at er h ad s to le n o ne of t he h ors es .

I n t ra ve li ng , t he D on ne r P ar ty o bs er ve d t hi s r ul e: I f a w ag on d ro ve i n t he l ea d o ne d ay , i t s ho ul d p as s back to the rear on the succeeding day. This system of alternating allowed each his turn in leading thet ra in . O n t hi s f if th o f O ct ob er , 1 84 6, F .W . G ra ve s w as a he ad , J ay F os di ck s ec on d, J oh n S ny de r t hi rd ,

P a g e 1 4



a nd t he t ea m o f J .F . R ee d f ou rt h. M il to n E ll io tt w as d ri vi ng R ee d' s t ea m. A rr iv in g a t t he f oo t o f a s te ep ,s an dy h il l, t he p ar ty w as o bl ig ed t o " do ub le t ea ms ," t ha t i s, t o h it ch f iv e o r si x y ok e o f o xe n t o o new ag on . E llio tt a nd S ny de r inter ch an ge d h ot w or ds o ve r s om e d if ficu lty a bo ut the o xe n. F os dick h ada tt ac he d h is t ea m t o G ra ve s' a nd h ad d ra wn G ra ve s' w ag on u p t he h il l. S ny de r, b ei ng n et tl ed a ts om ething E llio tt h ad s aid, d ec la re d tha t h is tea m c ou ld p ull u p a lo ne . D ur in g the e xc item en t S ny de r m ad eu se o f v er y b ad l an gu ag e, a nd w as b ea ti ng h is c at tl e o ve r t he h ea d w it h h is w hi p- st oc k. O ne a cc ou nt

s ay s t ha t R ee d' s t ea m a nd S ny de r' s b ec am e t an gl ed . A t a ll e ve nt s, S ny de r w as v er y m uc h e nr ag ed . R ee dh ad b ee n o ff h un ting o n h or se ba ck , a nd a rr iv in g a t this m om en t, r em on stra te d w ith S ny de r f or b ea ting thec at tl e a nd a t t he s am e t im e o ff er ed h im t he a ss is ta nc e o f h is t ea m. S ny de r r ef us ed t he p ro ff er ed a id , a ndu se d a bu sive lan gu ag e tow ar d b oth R ee d a nd E llio tt. R ee d a ttem pted to c alm the e nr ag ed m an . B othm en w er e o f f ie ry , p as sion ate d is po sition s, a nd w or ds b eg an to m ultiply r ap id ly . Whe n R ee d s aw tha ttro ub le w as lik ely to o cc ur , h e s aid s om ething a bo ut w aiting u ntil the y g ot u p the h ill a nd s ettlin g thism atte r a fter wa rd s. S ny de r e vide ntly c on stru ed this to b e a thr ea t, a nd w ith a n o ath r ep lied , " We w ill s ettlei t n ow ." A s S ny der u tt ered t he se w ord s, he s tru ck R ee d a bl ow o n t he he ad w it h t he b ut t-en d o f hi sh ea vy w hi p- st oc k. T hi s b lo w w as f ol lo we d i n r ap id s uc ce ss io n b y a s ec on d, a nd a t hi rd . A s t he t hi rds tr ok e d es ce nd ed , M rs . R ee d r an b et we en h er h us ba nd a nd t he f ur io us m an , h op in g t o p re ve nt t he b lo w.

E ac h t im e t he w hi p- st oc k d es ce nd ed o n R ee d' s h ea d i t c ut d ee p g as he s. H e w as b li nd ed w it h t he b lo odw hi ch s tr ea me d f ro m h is w ou nd s, a nd d az ed a nd s tu nn ed b y t he t er ri fi c f or ce o f t he b lo ws . H e s aw t hec ru el w hi p- st oc k u pl if te d, an d k ne w t hat h is w ife w as i n d an ge r, b ut h ad o nl y t im e t o cr y " Jo hn ! J oh n !"w he n d ow n c am e the s tr ok e f ull u po n Mrs . R ee d's h ea d a nd s ho ulde rs . T he n ex t ins ta nt J oh n S ny de r was staggering, speechless and death-stricken. Reed's hunting knife had pierced his left breast, severingthe f ir st a nd s ec on d r ib s a nd e nter in g the lef t lun g.

No other portion of the History of the Donner Party, as contributed by the survivors, has been sov ar io us ly s ta te d a s this R ee d- Sn yd er a ff air. F iv e m em be rs o f the p ar ty , n ow liv in g, c la im to h av e b ee ne ye -w it ne ss es . T he v er si on o f t wo o f t he se , M rs . J .M . M ur ph y a nd M rs . F ra nk L ew is , i s t he o ne h er e published. In the theory of self-defense they are corroborated by all the early published accounts. This

t he or y w as f ir st a dv an ce d i n J ud ge J . Q ui nn T ho rn to n' s w or k i n 1 84 9, a nd h as n ev er b ee n d is pu te d publicly until within the last two or three years. Due deference to the valuable assistance rendered byWin . G . Mur ph y, o f Mar ys ville, a nd W.C . G ra ve s, o f C alis to ga , d em an ds m en tion o f the f ac t tha t the ir a cc ou nts d if fe r in imp or ta nt r es pe cts f ro m the o ne g iv en a bo ve . T his is n ot s ur pr is in g in v ie w o f thethirty-three years which have elapsed since the occurrence. The history of criminal jurisprudence justifiesthe assertion that eye-witnesses of any fatal difficulty differ materially in regard to important particulars,even when their testimony is taken immediately after the difficulty. It is not strange, therefore, that after the lapse of an ordinary life-time a dozen different versions should have been contributed by the survivorsc on ce rn in g this u nf or tu na te tra ge dy . J am es F . R ee d, a fter n ea rly a q ua rter o f a c en tu ry o f a ctiv e p ub lic lif ein California, died honored and respected. During his life-time this incident appeared several times in

print, and was always substantially as given in this chapter. With the single exception of a series of articlesc on tr ib ut ed t o t he H ea ld sb ur g F la g b y W .C . G ra ve s, t wo o r t hr ee y ea rs a go , n o d if fe re nt a cc ou nt h asever been published. This explanatory digression from the narrative is deemed necessary out of respectto the two g en tlem en w ho c on sc ie ntio us ly d is ag re e w ith Mrs . Mur ph y a nd Mrs . L ew is . O n a ll o th er important subjects the survivors are harmonious or reconcilable.

W .C . G ra ve s, n ow o f C al is to ga , ca ug ht t he d yi ng m an i n h is ar ms, a nd i n a f ew m in ut es h e w as ca rr ie d alittle w ay u p the h ill a nd laid u po n the g ro un d. R ee d imm ed ia te ly r eg re tted the a ct a nd thr ew the k nifef ro m h im . H is w if e a nd d au gh te rs g athe re d a bo ut h im a nd b eg an to s ta nc h the b lo od tha t f lo we d f ro m theg as he s o n h is h ea d. H e g en tl y p us he d t he m a si de a nd w en t t o t he a ss is ta nc e o f t he d yi ng m an . H e a ndS ny de r h ad a lw ay s b ee n f ir m f ri en ds , a nd S ny de r h ad b ee n m os t a ct iv e i n s ec ur in g a t ea m f or R ee d a ft er the latte r h ad los t h is c attle in the d es er t. S ny de r e xp ir ed in a bo ut f if te en m in utes , a nd R ee d r em aine d b yh is s id e u nt il t he l as t. P at ri ck B re en c am e u p, a nd S ny de r s ai d, " Un cl e P at ri ck , I a m d ea d. " I t i s n otc er ta in t ha t h e s po ke a ga in , t ho ug h R ee d' s f ri en ds c la im t ha t h e s ai d t o R ee d, " I a m t o b la me ."

P a g e 1 5



S ny de r's d ea th f ell lik e a thu nd er bo lt u po n the D on ne r P ar ty . C am p w as imm ed ia te ly p itch ed , the R ee df am ily b eing a little r em ov ed d ow n the h ill f ro m the m ain b od y o f e migr an ts . R ee d f elt tha t h e h ad o nlya ct ed i n d ef en se o f h is o wn l if e a nd i n d ef en se o f t he w ife h e a do re d. N ev er th el es s, i t w as e vi de nt t ha ttro ub le w as b re wing in the m ain c am p w he re S ny de r's b od y w as lying .

T he R ee d f am ily w er e in a s ad s itua tion . T he y c om me nc ed the jou rn ey w ith a m or e c os tly a nd c om pleteo utfit tha n the o th er e migr an ts , a nd the re by h ad inc ur re d the e nv y o f s om e o f the ir les s f or tu na tec om pa ni on s. T he y h ad a f in e r ac e h or se a nd g oo d s to ck , a nd V ir gi ni a h ad a b ea ut if ul p on y o f h er o wn ,a nd w as f on d o f a cc om pa ny in g h er f athe r o n h is h or se ba ck e xc ur sion s. F ro m the se a nd o th er circumstances the Reeds had acquired the name of being "aristocratic." Ordinarily, this is a term whichw ou ld e xc ite a s mile , b ut o n this d re ad fu l d ay it h ad its w eigh t in inf la ming the m in ds o f the e xc itede migr an ts . O n the d es er t R ee d h ad c ac he d m an y v alua ble a rtic le s, b ut a ll h is p ro vision s h ad b ee ndistributed among his companions. This, however, was forgotten in the turbulent camp, and the destitute,desolate family could plainly catch the sound of voices clamoring for Reed's death.

Mea ntim e, V ir ginia R ee d w as d re ss in g the w ou nd s o n h er f athe r's h ea d. Mrs . R ee d w as o ve rw he lm edw ith g rief a nd a pp re he ns io n, a nd the f athe r c am e to V ir ginia f or a ss is ta nc e. T his b ra ve little, w om an w aso nl y t we lv e y ea rs o ld , y et i n t hi s a nd a ll o th er a ct s o f w hi ch t he re i s a r ec or d s he d is pl ay ed a n er ve a nds killfu ln es s w hich w ou ld h av e d on e c re dit to a m atur e w om an . T he c uts in R ee d's s ca lp w er e w id e a ndd ee p. I nd ee d, t he s ca rs r em ai ne d t o h is d yi ng d ay . I n S an J os e, l on g y ea rs a ft er wa rd s, a s J am es F . R ee dlay d ea d, the g en tle b re ez e f ro m a n o pe n w in do w s of tly lif te d a nd c ar es se d h is g ra y h air, d is clos in g plainly the scars left by these ugly wounds.

R ee d e nter ta in ed n on e b ut the f rien dlie st s en time nts tow ar d S ny de r. A nx io us to d o w ha t h e c ou ld f or thed ea d, h e o ff er ed t he b oa rd s o f h is w ag on -b ed f ro m w hi ch t o m ak e a c of fi n f or S ny de r. T hi s o ff er , m ad ew ith the k in dlie st, m os t d elic ate f ee ling , w as r ejec te d b y the e migr an ts . A t the f un er al, R ee d s to od

s or ro wf ul ly b y t he g ra ve u nt il t he l as t c lo d w as p la ce d a bo ve t he m an w ho h ad b ee n o ne o f h is b es tf ri en ds . A c ou nc il w as h el d b y t he m em be rs o f t he c om pa ny . A c ou nc il t o d ec id e u po n R ee d' s f at e. I tw as in the n atur e o f a c ou rt, a ll-p ow er fu l, f ro m w ho se d ec is io n the re w as n o a pp ea l. B re athles sly thef on d w if e a nd a ff ec tion ate c hild re n a wa ited the v er dict. T he f athe r w as ido lize d b y the m othe r a nd thelittle o ne s, a nd w as the ir o nly s ta y a nd s up po rt.

T he f rien ds hip o f the D on ne r P ar ty f or J oh n S ny de r, the c on flic ting a nd d is to rted a cc ou nts o f the tra ge dy ,a nd t he p er so na l e nm it y o f c er ta in m em be rs o f t he c om pa ny t ow ar d R ee d, r es ul te d i n a d ec re e t ha t h es ho ul d b e b an is he d f ro m t he t rai n. T he f eel in g ra n s o h ig h t ha t a t o ne t im e t he e nd o f a w ag on -t on gu e w as propped up with an ox-yoke by some of the emigrants with the intention of hanging Reed thereon, but

calmer counsel prevailed.

W he n t he a nn ou nc em en t w as c om mu ni ca te d t o R ee d t ha t h e w as t o b e b an is he d, h e r ef us ed t o c om pl yw it h t he d ec re e. C on sc io us t ha t h e h ad o nl y o be ye d t he s ac re d l aw o f s el f- de fe ns e, h e r ef us ed t o a cc ed eto a n u njus t p un is hm en t. T he n c am e the w if e's p le ad in gs ! L on g a nd e ar ne stly Mrs . R ee d r ea so ne d a nd begged and prayed with her husband. All was of no avail until she urged him to remember the want andd es titu tion in w hich the y a nd the e ntir e c om pa ny w er e a lr ea dy p ar ticipa nts. I f h e r em aine d a nd e sc ap edv io le nc e a t the h an ds o f h is e ne mies , h e m ig ht n ev er th eles s s ee h is c hild re n s ta rv e b ef or e h is e ye s, a nd b eh elples s to a id the m. B ut if h e w ou ld g o f or wa rd , if h e w ou ld r ea ch C alif or nia, h e c ou ld r etur n w ith provisions, and meet them on the mountains at that point on the route where they would be in greatestn ee d. I t w as a f ea rf ul s tr ug gle, b ut f in ally the m othe r's c ou ns els p re va iled . P rior to s etting o ut u po n h isg lo om y jou rn ey , Mr. R ee d m ad e the c om pa ny p ro mise to c ar e f or h is f am ily.

A t the tim e o f the S ny de r tra ge dy , G eo rg e a nd J ac ob D on ne r, w ith the ir w ag on s a nd f am ilie s, w er e two

P a g e 1 6



d ay s i n a dv an ce o f t he m ai n t ra in . W al te r H er ro n w as w it h t he m, a nd , w he n R ee d c am e u p, H er ro nconcluded to accompany him to California.

I t w as c on te mp la te d tha t R ee d s ho uld g o o ut into the w ilde rn es s a lo ne , a nd w ith n eith er f oo d n or ammunition. Happily this part of the programme was thwarted. The faithful Virginia, in company withMilto n E llio tt, f ollo we d Mr. R ee d a fter h e h ad s ta rted , a nd c ar ried h im h is g un a nd a mm un itio n. T he

a ff ec tion ate g ir l a ls o m an ag ed to c ar ry s om e c ra ck er s to h im , a ltho ug h s he a nd a ll the c om pa ny w er ee ve n the n o n s ho rt a llow an ce .

T he s ad p ar ting b etwe en R ee d a nd h is f am ily, a nd the s ec on d p ar ting w ith the d ev oted V ir ginia, w e p as so ve r i n s il en ce . J am es F . R ee d, J r. , o nl y f iv e y ea rs o ld , d ec la re d t ha t h e w ou ld g o w it h h is f at he r, a nda ss is t h im in o btaining f oo d d ur in g the lon g jou rn ey . E ve n the b ab y, o nly two a nd a h alf y ea rs o ld , w ou ldf re t a nd w or ry e ve ry tim e the f am ily s at d ow n to the ir m ea ls , les t f athe r s ho uld f in d n othing to e at o n h isd if ficu lt w ay . E ve ry d ay the m othe r a nd d au gh te rs w ou ld e ag er ly s ea rc h f or the lette r Mr. R ee d w as s ur et o l eave i n t he t op of som e bush, or i n a spl it st ick by t he w aysi de. When he succeeded i n ki ll ing geese or d uc ks , a s h e f re qu en tly d id a lo ng the H um bo ld t a nd T ru ck ee , h e w ou ld s ca tter the f ea th er s a bo ut h is

c am ping g ro un d, tha t h is f am ily m ig ht s ee tha t h e w as s up plie d w ith f oo d. I t is h ar dly n ec es sa ry tom en tion tha t Mrs . R ee d a nd the c hild re n r eg ar de d the f athe r's c am ping -p la ce s a s h allo we d g ro un d, a nda s o ften a s p os sible k in dled the ir e ve ning f ir es in the s am e s po t w he re h is h ad b ee n k in dled .

B ut a da y ca me w he n t hey fo un d no m or e l et ters , no furt her t rac es of t he fa the r. W as h e de ad ? H ad t heI nd ia ns k il le d h im ? H ad h e s ta rv ed b y t he w ay ? N o o ne c ou ld a ns we r, a nd t he m ot he r' s c he ek g re w paler and her dear eyes grew sadder and more hopeless, until Virginia and Patty both feared that she,too , w as g oing to lea ve the m. A nx io us , g rief -s tr ic ke n, f ille d w ith the b elie f tha t h er h us ba nd w as d ea d, poor Mrs. Reed was fast dying of a broken heart. But suddenly all her life, and energy, and determinationw er e a ga in a ro us ed i nt o b ei ng b y a d an ge r t ha t w ou ld h av e c ru sh ed a n at ur e l es s n ob le . A d an ge r t ha t i sthe m os t ter rible, h or rible, tha t e ve r tor tu re d h um an b re as t; a d an ge r- -tha t h er c hild re n, h er b ab es , m us t

s tar ve to d ea th !

CHAPTER V

Great Hardships--The Sink of the Humboldt--Indians Stealing Cattle--An Entire Company Compelledto Walk--Abandoned to Die--Wolfinger Murdered --Rhinehart's Confession--Arrival of C.T.

Stanton--A Temporary Relief-A Fatal Accident--The Sierra Nevada Mountains--Imprisoned inSnow-Struggles for Freedom--A Hopeless Situation--Digging for Cattle in Snow --How the Breen

Cabin Happened to be Built--A Thrilling Sketch of a Solitary Winter--Putting up Shelters--The Donnershave Nothing but Tents--Fishing for Trout

S TA RV AT IO N n ow s ta re d the e migr an ts in the f ac e. T he s ho rtes t a llow an ce c ap ab le o f s up po rtin g lif ew as a ll t ha t w as p or ti on ed t o a ny m em be r o f t he c om pa ny . A t t im es , s om e w er e f or ce d t o d o w it ho utf oo d f or a d ay o r m or e, u nt il g am e w as p ro cu re d. T he p oo r c at tl e w er e a ls o i n a p it ia bl e c on di ti on .O wing to the laten es s o f the s ea so n, the g ra ss w as e xc ee ding ly s ca nty a nd o f a p oo r q ua lity . F re qu en tlythe w ater w as b ad , a nd f ille d w ith a lk ali a nd o th er p oiso no us d ep os its. G eo rg e D on ne r, J ac ob D on ne r,Wolfing er , a nd o th er s, los t c attle a t v ar io us p oints a lo ng the H um bo ld t. Mr. B re en los t a f in e m ar e. T heI nd ia ns w er e c on stan tly h ov er in g a ro un d the d oo me d tra in , r ea dy to s te al c attle, b ut too c ow ar dly to

m ak e a ny o pe n h os ti le a tt ac k. A rr ow s w er e s ho t i nt o s ev er al o f t he o xe n b y I nd ia ns w ho s li pp ed u p n ea r the m d ur in g the n ig ht-tim e. A t m id nigh t, o n the twe lf th o f O ctob er , the p ar ty r ea ch ed the s in k o f theH um bo ld t. T he c attle, c lo se ly g ua rd ed , w er e tur ne d o ut to g ra ze a nd r ec ru it the ir w as te d s tr en gth. A bo ut

P a g e 1 7



d aw n o n the m or ning o f the thirtee nth the g ua rd c am e into c am p to b re ak fa st. D ur in g the n ig ht n othingh ad o cc ur re d to c au se the lea st a pp re he ns io n, a nd n o ind ic ation s o f I nd ia ns h ad b ee n o bs er ve d. I ma ginethe c on ster na tion in c am p w he n it w as d is co ve re d tha t d ur in g the tem po ra ry a bs en ce o f the g ua rdtwe nty- on e h ea d o f c attle h ad b ee n s to le n b y the r ed sk in s. T his lef t the c om pa ny in ter ribly d es titu tec ir cu ms ta nc es . A ll h ad t o w al k w ho w er e a bl e. M en , w om en , a nd c hi ld re n w er e f or ce d t o t ra ve l o n f oo ta ll d ay l on g, a nd i n m an y c as es w er e c om pe ll ed t o c ar ry h ea vy b ur de ns i n o rd er t o l es se n t he l oa ds

d ra wn b y the w ea ry c attle. Wm. G . Mur ph y r em em be rs d is tinc tly s ee in g h is b ro th er c ar ry in g a c op pe r c am p- ke ttle u po n h is h ea d. T he G ra ve s f am ily, the B re en s, the D on ne rs , the Mur ph ys , the R ee ds , a llw alke d b es id e the w ag on s u ntil o ve rp ow er ed w ith f atig ue . T he m en b ec am e e xh au sted m uc h s oo ne r, a sa r ule, tha n the w om en . O nly the s ic k, the little c hild re n, a nd the u tter ly e xh au sted , w er e e ve r a llow ed tor id e. E dd y a nd h is w ife h ad l os t a ll t he ir c at tl e, a nd e ac h c arr ie d o ne o f t he ir c hi ld re n a nd s uc h p ers on ale ff ec ts a s t he y w er e a bl e. M an y i n t he t ra in w er e w it ho ut s ho es , a nd h ad t o t ra ve l b ar ef oo te d o ve r t heweary sands, and flinty, sharp-edged stones.

On t he ni nt h o f O ct ober a deat h had resu lt ed from t hi s nec essi ty of havi ng t o w al k. It was a c ase of desertion, which, under other circumstances, would have been unpardonably heartless. An old man

n am ed H ar dc oo p w as t ra ve li ng w it h K es eb er g. H e w as a c ut le r b y t ra de , a nd h ad a s on a nd d au gh te r i nthe c ity o f A ntwe rp , in B elgium . I t is s aid h e o wn ed a f ar m n ea r C in cinn ati, O hio, a nd inten de d, a fter v is itin g C alif or nia, to d is po se o f this f ar m, a nd w ith the p ro ce ed s r etur n to A ntwe rp , f or the p ur po se o f s pe nd in g h is d ec lining y ea rs w ith h is c hild re n. H e w as a m an o f n ea rly thr ee -s co re y ea rs , a nd theh ar ds hips o f the jou rn ey h ad w ea ke ne d h is tre mb ling lim bs a nd b ro ke n d ow n h is h ea lth. S ic k, f ee ble,h el pl ess a s h e w as , t hi s o ld m an w as c om pe ll ed t o w al k w it h t he o th er s. A t l as t, w he n h is st re ng th g av ew ay, he w as fo rce d t o l ie do wn b y t he roa dsi de t o per ish o f col d an d hu nge r. W ho can pi ct ure t hea go ny , t he h or ro r, t he d re ary d es ol at io n o f s uc h a d ea th ? T he p oo r o ld m an w al ke d u nt il h is f ee t a ct ua ll y burst !--walked until he sank utterly exhausted by the roadside ! It was a terrible death ! To see the traind is ap pe ar i n t he d is ta nc e; t o k no w h e w as a ba nd on ed t o d ie o f e xp os ur e a nd s ta rv at io n; t o t hi nk t ha t t hew olve s w ou ld d ev ou r h is f le sh a nd g na w h is b on es ; to lie d ow n o n the g re at d es er t, h un gr y, f am is he d,

a nd c om pletely p ro stra te d b y f atigu e- -to m ee t d ea th thu s is too d re ad fu l to c on te mp la te .

No one made any attempt to return and find the poor old fellow. This, however, is partially excused bythe overwhelming dangers which now threatened the entire company. Each hour's delay rendered deathin the Sierra Nevada Mountains more imminent.

A bo ut the f ou rtee nth o f O ctob er , b ey on d the p re se nt s ite o f Wad sw or th , a no th er tra ge dy o cc ur re d.Wolfing er , w ho w as s up po se d to b e q uite w ea lthy , w as in the r ea r o f the tra in , tra ve ling w ith K es eb er g.A t n ig htfa ll, n eith er o f the G er ma ns m ad e h is a pp ea ra nc e. I t h ap pe ne d tha t b oth the ir w iv es h ad w alke da he ad , a nd w er e w ith the e migr an ts . C on side ring it s us piciou s tha t the m en d id n ot a rr iv e, a nd f ea ring

s om e e vil h ad b ef alle n the m, a p ar ty r etur ne d to a sc er ta in the c au se o f the d elay . B ef or e p ro ce ed in g f ar ,however, Keseberg was met traveling leisurely along. He assured them that Wolfinger was only a littlew ay b eh in d, a nd w ou ld b e a lo ng in a f ew m om en ts . R ea ss ur ed b y this f or ma tion , the p ar ty r etur ne d w ithK es eb er g to c am p a nd a wa ited the a rr iv al o f Wolfing er . T he n ig ht p as se d, a nd the m is sing m an h ad n ota pp ea re d. Mrs . Wolfing er w as n ea rly f ra ntic . S he w as a tall, q ue en ly -loo king lad y, o f g oo d b ir th a ndmuch refinement. She was recently from Germany, and understood but little English, yet she wase vide ntly a w ellb re d lad y. N ea rly a ll the s ur vivo rs r em em be r the e le ga nt d re ss es a nd c os tly jew elry s hew or e d ur in g the f ir st p ar t o f the jou rn ey . H er g rief a t h er h us ba nd 's d is ap pe ar an ce w as s o h ea rt-r en dingt ha t t hr ee y ou ng m en a t l as t c on se nt ed t o s ta rt b ac k i n t he m orn in g a nd e nd ea vo r t o f in d W ol fi ng er . W .C .G ra ve s, f ro m w ho m this inf or ma tion is o btaine d, w as o ne o f the thr ee w ho r etur ne d. F iv e m iles b ac k thew ag on w as f ou nd s ta nd in g in the r oa d. T he o xe n h ad b ee n u nh itch ed , b ut w er e s till c ha in ed tog ethe r, a ndw er e q uietly g ra zing a t a little d is ta nc e. T he re w er e n o s ig ns o f I nd ia ns , b ut Wolfing er w as n ot to b ef ou nd . A t the tim e it w as s tr on gly c on je ctur ed tha t K es eb er g h ad m ur de re d Wolfing er f or h is m on ey , a ndh ad c on ce aled the b od y. T his w as d ou btle ss u njus t, f or w he n J os ep h R hine ha rt w as d ying , s om e w ee ks

P a g e 1 8



later , in G eo rg e D on ne r's ten t, h e c on fe ss ed tha t h e ( Rh in eh ar t) h ad s om ething to d o w ith the m ur de r o f Wolfing er . T he m en h itch ed the o xe n to the w ag on , a nd d ro ve o n u ntil the y o ve rtoo k the e migr an ts , w ho ,o wing to the d an ge rs b y w hich the y w er e e nc om pa ss ed , f elt c om pe lled to p ur su e the ir o nw ar d jou rn ey .T he t ea m w as g iv en t o M rs . W ol fi ng er , a nd s he e mp lo ye d a G erm an b y t he n am e o f C ha rl es B ur ge r t od rive it the re af te r. L ittle w as s aid a bo ut the a ff air a t the tim e. Mrs . Wolfing er s up po se d the I nd ia ns h adkilled her husband.

O n the n in etee nth o f O ctob er , C .T . S ta nton w as m et r etur ning w ith p ro vision s. T he c om pa ny w as n ea r t he p re se nt t ow n o f W ad sw or th , N ev ad a. A g re at r ej oi ci ng w as h el d o ve r t he b ra ve m an 's r et ur n.M cC ut ch en h ad b ee n s ev er el y i ll , a nd w as u na bl e t o r et ur n w it h S ta nt on . B ut t he l at te r, t ru e t o h is w or d,r ec ro ss ed t he S ie rr a, a nd m et t he e mi gr an ts a t a t im e w he n t he y w er e o n t he v er ge o f s ta rv at io n. H e h ad brought seven mules, five of which were loaded with flour and dried beef. Captain Sutter had furnishedthese mules and the provisions, together with two Indian vaqueros, without the slightest compensation or s ec ur ity. T he I nd ia ns , L ew is a nd S alva do r, w ou ld a ss is t in c ar in g f or the p ac k- an im als, a nd w ou ld a ls o be efficient guides. Without Stanton's aid the entire party would have been lost; not a single soul wouldhave escaped. The provisions, though scant, were sufficient to entirely alter the situation of affairs. Had

the p ar ty p re ss ed imm ed ia te ly f or wa rd , the y c ou ld h av e p as se d the s um mits b ef or e the s to rm s b eg an .F or so me c au se , h ow ev er , i t w as co ncl ud ed t o re st t he ca tt le fo r a f ew da ys n ea r t he p re se nt si te of R en o, p re pa ra to ry to a ttem ptin g to a sc en d the d if ficu lt S ie rr a. T hr ee o r f ou r d ay s' tim e w as los t. T his los sw as f atal. T he s to rm s o n the m ou ntains g en er ally s et in a bo ut T ha nk sg iv in g, o r d ur in g the latte r d ay s o f

November. The emigrants trusted that the storm season of 1846 would not begin earlier than usual. Alas!the terrible consequences of this mistaken trust!

A ft er t he a rr iv al o f S ta nt on , i t w as s ti ll d ee me d n ec es sa ry t o t ak e fu rt he r s te ps fo r t he r el ie f o f t he t ra in .T he g en er os ity o f C ap ta in S utte r, a s s ho wn to S ta nton , w ar ra nted the m in b elie ving tha t h e w ou ld s en dstill further supplies to the needy emigrants. Accordingly, two brothers-in-law, William Foster andWilliam P ik e, b oth b ra ve a nd d ar in g s pirits , v olun te er ed to g o o n a he ad , c ro ss the s um mits , a nd r etur n

w ith p ro vision s a s S ta nton h ad d on e. B oth m en h ad f am ilie s, a nd b oth w er e h ig hly e stee me d in thec om pa ny . A t the e nc am pm en t n ea r R en o, N ev ad a, w hile the y w er e b us ily p re pa ring to s ta rt, the two m enw er e, c le an in g o r loa ding a p is to l. I t w as a n o ld -f as hion ed " pe pp er -b ox ." I t h ap pe ne d, w hile the y w er ee xa mi ni ng i t, t hat w oo d w as c al le d f or t o r ep le ni sh t he f ir e. O ne o f t he m en o ff er ed t o p ro cu re i t, a nd i no rd er t o d o s o, h an de d t he p is to l t o t he o th er . E ve ry bo dy k no ws t ha t t he " pe pp er -b ox " i s a v er yuncertain weapon. Somehow, in the transfer, the pistol was discharged. William Pike was fatallyw ou nd ed , a nd d ie d in a bo ut twe nty m in utes . Mrs . P ik e w as lef t a w id ow , w ith two s ma ll c hild re n. T hey ou ng es t, C at he ri ne , w as a b ab e o f o nl y a f ew m on th s o ld , a nd N ao mi w as o nl y t hr ee y ea rs o f a ge . T hes ad ne ss a nd d is tr es s o cc as io ne d b y this m ou rn fu l a cc id en t, c as t a g lo om o ve r the e ntir e c om pa ny , a nds ee me d a n o me n o f the ter rible f ate w hich o ve rs ha do we d the D on ne r P ar ty .

G en er ally , the a sc en t o f the S ie rr a b ro ug ht joy a nd g la dn es s to w ea ry o ve rlan d e migr an ts . T o the D on ne r P ar ty it b ro ug ht ter ro r a nd d is ma y. T he c om pa ny h ad h ar dly o btaine d a g limp se o f the m ou ntains , e re thew in te r s to rm c lo ud s b eg an to a ss em ble the ir h os ts a ro un d the lof tier c re sts. E ve ry d ay the w ea th er a pp ea re d m or e o mino us a nd thr ea te ning . T he d elay a t the T ru ck ee Mea do ws h ad b ee n b rief , b ut e ve ryd ay u ltim ately c os t a d oz en liv es . O n the twe nty- th ir d o f O ctob er , the y b ec am e tho ro ug hly a la rm ed a t thea ng ry h er al ds o f t he g at he ri ng s to rm , a nd w it h a ll h as te r es um ed t he j ou rn ey . I t w as t oo l at e! A t P ro ss er C re ek , thr ee m iles b elow T ru ck ee , the y f ou nd the ms elve s e nc om pa ss ed w ith s ix inc he s o f s no w. O n thes um mi ts , t he s no w w as f ro m t wo t o f iv e f ee t i n d ep th . T hi s w as O ct ob er 2 8, 1 84 6. A lm os t a m on the ar li er t ha n u su al , t he S ie rr a h ad d on ne d i ts m an tl e o f i ce a nd s no w. T he p ar ty w er e p ri so ne rs . A ll w asconsternation. The wildest confusion prevailed. In their eagerness, many went far in advance of the maint ra in . T he re w as l it tl e c on ce rt o f a ct io n o r h ar mo ny o f p la n. A ll d id n ot ar ri ve a t D on ne r L ak e t he s am ed ay . S om e w ag on s a nd f am ilie s d id n ot r ea ch the lak e u ntil the thirty- firs t d ay o f O ctob er , s om e n ev er went further than Prosser Creek, while others, on the evening of the twenty-ninth, struggled through the

P a g e 1 9



s no w, a nd r ea ch ed t he f oo t o f t he p re ci pi to us c li ff s b et we en t he s um mi t a nd t he u pp er e nd o f t he l ak e.H er e, b af fled , w ea ried , d is he ar te ne d, the y tur ne d b ac k to the f oo t o f the lak e.

S ev er al time s d ur in g the d ay s w hich s uc ce ed ed , p ar ties a ttem pted to c ro ss the m ou ntain b ar rier . W.C .G ra ve s s ay s the o ld e migr an t r oa d f ollo we d u p C old S tr ea m, a nd s o c ro ss ed the d iv id in g r id ge . S om ew ag on s w ere dr aw n u p t hi s o ld roa d, al mos t t o t he t op of t he p as s, ot he rs w er e t ake n a lon g t he n or th

s id e o f D on ne r L ak e, a nd f ar u p t ow ar d t he s um mi t. S om e o f t he se w ag on s n ev er w er e r et ur ne d t o t hel ak e, b ut w er e l ef t i mb ed de d i n t he s no w. T he se e ff or ts t o c ro ss t he S ie rr a w er e q ui te d es ul to ry a ndirr eg ular , a nd the re w as g re at lac k o f h ar mo ny a nd s ys te m. E ac h f am ily o r e ac h little g ro up o f e migr an tsacted independently.

A t l as t, o ne d ay , a d et er mi ne d a nd s ys te ma ti c a tt em pt w as m ad e t o c ro ss t he s um mi t. N ea rl y t he e nt ir et ra in w as e ng ag ed i n t he w or k. T he r oa d, o f c ou rs e, w as e nt ir el y o bl it er at ed b y t he s no w. G ui de d o nl y b ythe g en er al c on to ur o f the c ou ntry , a ll h an ds p re ss ed r es olutely f or wa rd . H er e, lar ge b ou ld er s a ndirregular jutting cliffs would intercept the way; there, dizzy precipices, yawning chasms, and deep,irr eg ular c an yo ns w ou ld inter po se , a nd a no n a b old, imp as sa ble m ou ntain o f r oc k w ou ld r ea r its

menacing front directly across their path. All day long the men and animals floundered through the snow,a nd a ttem pted to b re ak a nd tra mp le a r oa d. J us t b ef or e n ig htfa ll the y r ea ch ed the a br up t p re cipice w he rethe p re se nt w ag on -r oa d inter ce pts the s no w- sh ed s o f the C en tr al P ac if ic . H er e the p oo r m ules a nd o xe nh ad b ee n u tt er ly u na bl e t o f in d a f oo th ol d o n t he s li pp er y; s no w c ov er ed r oc ks . A ll t ha t d ay i t h ad b ee nraining slightly---a dismal, drizzling, discouraging rain. Most of the wagons had been left at the lake, andt he m ul es a nd o xe n h ad b ee n p ac ke d w it h p ro vi si on s a nd n ec es sa ry a rt ic le s. E ve n a t t hi s d ay s om e o f t hes ur vivo rs a re u na ble to r ep re ss a r ip ple o f m er rime nt a s the y r ec all the m an ne r in w hich the o xe n b uc ke da nd b ellow ed w he n the u na cc us to me d p ac ks w er e s tr ap pe d u po n the ir b ac ks . S ta nton h ad s to utlyi ns is te d u po n t ak in g t he m ul es o ve r t he m ou nt ai ns . P er ha ps h e d id n ot w is h t o r et ur n t o C ap t. S ut te r w itho ut the p ro pe rty w hich h e h ad b or ro we d. Man y in the tra in d is se nted f ro m this p ro po sition , a nde nd ea vo re d to ind uc e the I nd ia ns , L ew is a nd S alva do r, to lea ve S ta nton , a nd g uide the m o ve r the

summits. The Indians realized the imminent danger of each hour's delay, and would probably havey ie ld ed to the s olic itatio ns o f the se d is af fe cted p ar ties , h ad n ot S ta nton m ad e the m b elie ve tha t C ap t.S utte r w ou ld h an g the m if the y r etur ne d to the F or t w itho ut the m ules . T his inc id en t is m en tion ed toillustrate the great differences of opinion and interest which prevailed. Never, from the moment the partyencountered the first difficulties on the Hastings Cut-off until this fatal night in November, did them em be rs o f the c om pa ny e ve r a gr ee u po n a ny imp or ta nt p ro po sition . T his n ig ht a ll d ec id ed u po n a p la nfor the morrow. The great and overwhelming danger made them forget their petty animosities, and unitedt he m i n o ne h ar mo ni ou s r es ol ve . O n t he m or ro w t he m ul es a nd ca tt le w er e a ll t o b e s la in , a nd t he m ea tw as t o b e s to re d a wa y f or f ut ur e e me rg en cy . T he w ag on s, w it h t he ir c on te nt s, w er e t o b e l ef t a t t he l ak e,a nd t he e nt ir e p ar ty w er e t o c ro ss t he s um mi ts o n f oo t. S ta nt on h ad b ec om e p er fe ct ly s at is fi ed t ha t t he

m ules c ou ld n ot r ea ch the m ou ntain- to p, a nd r ea dily c on se nted to the p ro po se d p la n.

R etur ning to the lak e the y s ou gh t the ir w ea ry c ou ch es , c om fo rted w ith the tho ug ht tha t tom or ro w s ho ulds ee a ll t he D on ne r P ar ty s afe ly o ver t he s um mi t. T hat n ig ht a h eav y s no w f el l at t he l ak e. It w as a n igh t o f u ntold ter ro r! T he e migr an ts s uf fe re d a tho us an d d ea th s. T he p itiles s s no w c am e d ow n in lar ge , s te ad ym as se s. A ll u nd er stoo d tha t the s to rm m ea nt d ea th . O ne o f the I nd ia ns s ilen tly w ra pp ed h is b la nk et a bo uth im a nd in d ee pe st d ejec tion s ea te d h im se lf b es id e a tall p in e. I n this p os itio n h e p as se d the e ntir e n ig ht,o nly m ov in g o cc as io na lly to k ee p f ro m b eing c ov er ed w ith s no w. Mrs . R ee d s pr ea d d ow n a s ha wl, placed her four children, Virginia, Patty, James, and Thomas, thereon, and putting another shawl over t he m, sa t b y t he s id e o f h er b ab ie s d uri ng a ll t he l on g ho ur s o f d ar kn es s. E ver y l it tl e w hi le s he w asc om pe lled to lif t the u pp er s ha wl a nd s ha ke o ff the r ap id ly a cc um ulatin g s no w.

With slight interruptions, the storm continued several days. The mules and oxen that had always hovereda bo ut c am p w er e b lind ed a nd b ew ilde re d b y the s to rm , a nd s tr ay in g a wa y w er e liter ally b ur ie d a live in

P a g e 2 0



the d rifts. Wha t p en c an d es cr ib e the h or ro r o f the p os itio n in w hich the e migr an ts f ou nd the ms elve s! I tw as imp os sible to m ov e thr ou gh the d ee p, s of t s no w w itho ut the g re ates t e ff or t. T he m ules w er e g on e,a nd w er e n ev er f ou nd . M os t o f t he c at tl e h ad p eri sh ed , a nd w er e w ho ll y h id den f ro m s ig ht . T he f ew o xe nw hich w er e f ou nd w er e s la ug hter ed f or b ee f. A ll w er e n ot k ille d d ur in g a ny o ne d ay , b ut the e migr an tsg av e this b us in es s the ir imm ed ia te a tten tion , b ec au se a side f ro m the b ee f a nd a f ew s ligh t p ro vision s, theentire party were completely destitute. Mrs. Breen was compelled to attend personally to the slaughtering

o f t he ir ca tt le , b ec au se h er h us ban d w as a n i nv al id . T hi s f am il y h ad b y f ar t he l ar ge st s to ck o f m ea t. T oog re at p ra is e c an no t b e a sc ri be d t o M rs . B re en f or t he c ar e a nd f or et ho ug ht w it h w hi ch s he s to re d u p t hi sf oo d f or h er c hi ld re n. T he m ea t w as si mp ly l ai d a way i n p il es , l ik e c ord wo od , a nd b y t he ac ti on o f t hef ro st w as k ep t f re sh u nt il c on su me d. M rs . R ee d h ad n o c at tl e t o k il l. S he s uc ce ed ed , h ow ev er , i n purchasing two beeves from Mr. Graves, and two from Mr. Breen, pledging herself to pay when the

journey was ended. Mr. Eddy also purchased one ox of Mr. Graves.

T he f le sh o f m an y o f t he c at tl e w hi ch s tr ay ed a wa y, a nd w er e b ur ie d s ev er al f ee t u nd er t he s no w, w asn ev er th eles s r ec ov er ed b y the ir o wn er s. I t w as s oo n a sc er ta in ed tha t the c attle h ad e nd ea vo re d to s ee k s he lter f ro m the f ur y o f the s to rm b y g etting u nd er the b ra nc he s o f the b us hies t tre es . G oing to the se tre es ,

the e migr an ts w ou ld thr us t d ow n lon g p oles w ith s ha rp en ed n ails in the . e nd s o f the m. B y thu s p ro binga bo ut i n t he s no w, t he w he re ab ou ts o f a n um be r o f c at tl e w as d is co ve re d, a nd t he b od ie s w er e s pe ed il yd ug o ut o f t he d ri ft s.

R ea lizing tha t the w in te r m us t b e p as se d in the m ou ntains , the e migr an ts m ad e s uc h p re pa ra tion s a s the yc ou ld f or s he lt er . O ne c ab in w as a lr ea dy c on st ru ct ed . I t w as l oc at ed a bo ut a q ua rt er o f a m il e b el ow t hef oo t o f t he l ak e. I t h ad b ee n b ui lt i n N ov em be r, 1 84 4, b y M os es S ch al le nb er ge r, J os ep h F os te r, a ndA llen Mon tg om er y. Mos es S ch alle nb er ge r n ow r es id es thr ee a nd a h alf m iles f ro m S an J os e, a nd w he nr ec en tly inter view ed b y Mrs . S .O . H ou gh to n, n ee E liza P . D on ne r, g av e a v er y c om plete a nd inter es tinga cc ou nt o f the b uild in g o f this c ab in , a nd the s uf fe ring s e nd ur ed b y h is p ar ty . T his c ab in , k no wn a s theB re en c ab in , is s o intim ately c on ne cted a nd inter wo ve n w ith f utur e c ha pter s in the H is to ry o f the D on ne r

Party, that the following items, taken from Mr. Schallenberger's narration, can not prove uninteresting:" Mr . S ch alle nb er ge r's p ar ty r ea ch ed D on ne r L ak e a bo ut the m id dle o f N ov em be r, 1 84 4, h av in g w iththe m a lar ge q ua ntity o f g oo ds f or C alif or nia. T he ir c attle b eing v er y p oo r, a nd m uc h f atig ue d b y the

journey, the party decided to remain here long enough to build a cabin in which to store their goods untils pr in g. T he y a ls o d ec id ed t o l ea ve s om e o ne t o l oo k a ft er t he ir s to re s, w hi le t he m ai n p or ti on o f t he p ar tyw ou ld p us h o n to the s ettlem en t. F os te r, Mon tg om er y, a nd S ch alle nb er ge r b uilt the c ab in . T wo d ay sw er e s pe nt in its c on stru ctio n. I t w as b uilt o f p in e s ap ling s, a nd r oo fe d w ith p in e b ru sh a nd r aw hide s. I tw as twe lv e b y f ou rtee n f ee t, a nd s ev en o r e ig ht f ee t h ig h, w ith a c himn ey in o ne e nd , b uilt " we ster n s ty le ."O ne o pe ni ng , t hr ou gh w hi ch l ig ht , a ir , a nd t he o cc up an ts p as se d, s er ve d a s a w in do w a nd d oo r. A h ea vyf il l o f s no w b eg an t he d ay a ft er t he c ab in w as co mp le te d a nd c on ti nu ed f or a n um be r o f d ay s.

Schallenberger, who was only seventeen years old, volunteered to remain with Foster and Montgomery.T he p ar ty p as se d o n, lea ving v er y little p ro vision s f or the e nc am pe d. T he f le sh o f o ne m is er ab ly p oo r c ow w as the ir m ain d ep en de nc e, y et the y ou ng m en w er e n ot d is co ur ag ed . T he y w er e a cc us to me d tof ro ntie r lif e, a nd f elt s ur e the y c ou ld p ro vide f or the ms elve s. B ea r a nd d ee r s ee me d a bu nd an t in thesurrounding mountains. Time passed; the snow continued falling, until it was from ten to fifteen feet deep.T he c ow w as m or e t ha n h al f c on su me d, a nd t he g am e h ad b ee n d ri ven o ut o f t he m ou nt ai ns b y t hestorms.

" Th e s ojou rn er s in tha t lon ely c am p b ec am e a la rm ed a t the p ro sp ec t o f the ter rible f ate w hich s ee me d tothr ea te n the m, a nd the y d eter mine d to f in d the ir w ay a cr os s the m ou ntains . T he y s ta rted a nd r ea ch ed thesummit the first night after leaving their camp. Here, young Schallenberger was taken ill with severec ra mp s. T he f ollo wing d ay h e w as u na ble to p ro ce ed m or e tha n a f ew f ee t w itho ut f alling to the g ro un d.I t w as e vi den t t o h is c om pa ni on s t ha t h e c ou ld g o n o f ar th er . T hey d id n ot l ik e t o l ea ve h im , n or d id t he yw is h to r em ain w he re d ea th s ee me d to a wa it the m. F in ally S ch alle nb er ge r told the m if the y w ou ld tak e

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h im b ack t o t he c ab in h e w ou ld r em ai n t her e a nd t he y c ou ld g o o n. T hi s t he y d id, a nd a ft er m ak in g hi m a sc om fo rtab le a s p os sible, the y b ad e h im g oo d- by , a nd h e w as lef t a lo ne in tha t m ou ntain w ild. A s tr on gwill and an unflinching determination to live through all the threatening dangers, soon raised him from his bed and nerved him to action. He found some steel traps among the goods stored, and with them caughtf ox es , w hich c on stituted h is c hief o r o nly a rtic le o f f oo d, u ntil r es cu ed b y the r etur ning p ar ty , Mar ch 1 ,1845."

T he B re en f am ily m ov ed into the S ch alle nb er ge r c ab in . A ga in st the w es t s id e o f this c ab in , K es eb er g b uilta s or t o f h al f s he d, i nt o w hi ch h e a nd h is fa mi ly e nt er ed . T he M ur ph ys e re ct ed a c ab in n ea re r t he l ak e.T he si te of t hi s c ab in i s p la in ly m ar ked b y a l ar ge st on e ab ou t t en o r t we lv e fe et hi gh , o ne si de o f w hi chrises almost perpendicularly from the ground. Against this perpendicular side the Murphys erected the building which was to shelter them during the winter. It was about three hundred yards from the shore of D on ne r L ak e, a nd n ea r the w id e m ar sh y o utle t. T he B re en a nd Mur ph y c ab in s w er e d is ta nt f ro m e ac ho th er a bo ut o ne h un dr ed a nd f if ty y ar ds . T he G ra ve s f am ily b uilt a h ou se c lo se b y D on ne r C re ek , a ndh alf o r thr ee q ua rter s o f a m ile f ur th er d ow n the s tr ea m. A djoining this, f or ming a d ou ble c ab in , the R ee ds built. The Donner brothers, Jacob and George, together with their families, camped in Alder Creek

V alle y, s ix o r s ev en m iles f ro m D on ne r L ak e. T he y w er e, if p os sible, in a w or se c on dition tha n theo th er s, f or t he y h ad o nl y b ru sh s he ds a nd t he ir t en ts t o s hi el d t he m fr om t he w in tr y w ea th er . M rs . J oh nA pp ( Le an na C . D on ne r) , o f J am es to wn , T uo lu mn e C ou nty, w rite s: " We h ad n o tim e to b uild a c ab in .Th e sno w cam e on so s udd enl y t hat we h ad bar el y t im e t o pi tch ou r t ent , a nd pu t u p a bru sh she d, as i tw er e, o ne s id e o f w hi ch w as o pe n. T hi s b ru sh s he d w as c ov er ed w it h p in e b ou gh s, a nd t he n c ov er edw it h r ub be r c oa ts , q ui lt s, e tc . M y u nc le , J ac ob D on ne r, a nd f am il y, a ls o h ad a t en t, a nd c am pe d n ea r u s. "

Crowded in their iII-prepared dwellings, the emigrants could not feel otherwise than gloomy andd es po nd en t. T he s ma ll q ua ntity o f p ro vision s b ec am e s o n ea rly e xh au sted tha t it is c or re ct to s ay the yw er e c om pe ll ed t o l iv e o n m ea t a lo ne , w it ho ut s o m uc h a s s al t t o g iv e i t a r el is h. T he re w as a n a bu nd an ceo f b ea ut if ul t ro ut i n t he l ak e, bu t n o o ne c ou ld ca tc h t he m. W .C . G ra ve s t el ls h ow h e w en t fi sh in g t wo o r

thr ee d if fe re nt tim es , b ut w itho ut s uc ce ss . T he lak e w as n ot f ro ze n o ve r a t f ir st, a nd f is h w er e f re qu en tlys ee n; b ut t he y w er e t oo c oy a nd w ar y t o a pp ro ac h su ch b ai t as w as o ff ere d. So on t hi ck i ce c ove red t hew at er , a nd a ft er t ha t n o o ne a tt em pt ed t o f is h. I n f ac t, t he e nt ir e p ar ty s ee me d d az ed b y t he t er ri bl ecalamity which had overtaken them.

CH AP TER VI

Endeavors to Cross the Mountains--Discouraging Failures--Eddy Kills a Bear --Making

S no w- Sh oe s- -Who C om p os ed th e " Fo rlo rn H op e " -- Ma ry A . G ra ve s- -A n I ris hm an -- A G en er ou sAct--Six Days' Rations--Mary Graves' Account--Snow-Blind--C. T. Stanton's Death--" I am Coming

Soon"-Sketch of Stanton's Early Life--His Charity and Self-Sacrifice--The DiamondBreastpin--Stanton's Last Poem

A LL k ne w tha t d ea th s pe ed ily a wa ited the e ntir e c om pa ny u nles s s om e c ou ld c ro ss o ve r the m ou ntain barrier and hasten back relief parties Out of the list of ninety persons mentioned in the first chapter, onlyMrs . S ar ah K ey es , H allo ra n, S ny de r, H ar dc oo p, Wolfing er , a nd P ik e h ad p er is he d, a nd o nly thr ee ,Mes sr s. R ee d, H er ro n, a nd McC utch en , h ad r ea ch ed C alif or nia. T his lef t e ig hty- on e p er so ns a t them ou ntain c am ps . I t w as r es olve d tha t a t the e ar lies t p os sible m om en t the s tr on ge st a nd a bles t o f the p ar ty

s ho uld e nd ea vo r to c ro ss the s um mits a nd r ea ch the s ettlem en ts . A cc or ding ly , o n the twe lf th o f November, a party of twelve or fifteen persons set out from the cabins. It was found impossible,h ow ev er , t o m ak e a ny c on si de ra bl e h ea dw ay i n t he s of t, d ee p s no w, a nd a t m id ni gh t t he y r et ur ne d t o t he

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c ab in s. T he y h ad n ot s uc ce ed ed i n g et ti ng m or e t ha n a m il e a bo ve t he h ea d o f t he l ak e. In t hi s p ar ty w er eM r. F .W . G ra ve s a nd h is t wo d au gh te rs , M ar y A . G ra ve s, a nd M rs . S ar ah F os di ck . T he r es t, w it h t hee xc ep tion o f J ay F os dick a nd Wm. H . E dd y, w er e y ou ng , u nm ar ried m en , a s, f or ins ta nc e, S ta nton ,Smith, Spitzer, Elliott, Antoine, John Baptiste, and the two Indians. It was comparatively a trifling effort, but it seemed to have the effect of utterly depressing the hopes of several of these men. With no one inthe c am ps d ep en de nt u po n the m, w itho ut a ny tie s o f r elatio ns hip, o r b on ds o f a ff ec tion , the se y ou ng m en

w er e the f ir st to a ttem pt to e sc ap e f ro m the ir p riso n w alls o f s no w. F ailing in this, m an y o f the m n ev er a ga in r allied o r m ad e a s tr ug gle f or e xisten ce . N ot s o, h ow ev er , w ith tho se w ho w er e h ea ds o f f am ilie s. Ag un w as o wn ed b y William F os te r, a nd w ith it, o n the f ou rtee nth o f N ov em be r, thr ee m iles n or th o f T ru ck ee , n ea r the p re se nt A ld er C re ek Mill, Mr. E dd y s uc ce ed ed in k illing a b ea r. T his e ve nt ins pire dm an y h ea rt s w it h c ou ra ge ; b ut , a la s ! i t w as s ho rt -l iv ed . N o o th er g am e c ou ld b e f ou nd e xc ep t t wo o r t hr ee w il d d uc ks . W ha t w er e t he se a mo ng e ig ht y- on e p eo pl e! M r. F .W . G ra ve s w as a n at iv e o f V er mo nt, a nd h is b oy ho od d ay s h ad b ee n s pe nt in s ig ht o f the G re en Mou ntains . S om ew ha t a cc us to me dt o s no w, a nd t o p io ne er c us to ms , M r. G ra ve s w as t he o nl y m em be r o f t he p ar ty w ho u nd er st oo d h ow t oc on stru ct s no w- sh oe s. T he u ns uc ce ss fu l a ttem pt m ad e b y the f ir st p ar ty p ro ve d tha t n o h um an b eingcould walk upon the loose snow without some artificial assistance. By carefully sawing the ox-bows into

s tr ip s, s o a s t o p re se rv e t he ir c ur ve d f or m, M r. G ra ve s, b y m ea ns o f r aw hi de t ho ng s, p re pa re d v er ys er vice ab le s no w- sh oe s. F ou rtee n p air o f s ho es w er e m ad e in this m an ne r. I t w as c er ta in d ea th f or a ll tor em ai n i n c am p, a nd y et t he f ir st a tt em pt h ad s ho wn t ha t i t w as a lm os t e qu al ly c er ta in d ea th t o a tt em pt t or ea ch t he s et tl em en ts . T he re w as n ot f oo d f or a ll , a nd y et t he o ne s w ho u nd er to ok t o c ro ss t he m ou nt ai nsw er e u nd ou bted ly s ac rificing the ir liv es f or tho se w ho r em aine d in c am p. I f s om e s ho uld g o, tho se w how er e lef t b eh in d m ig ht b e a ble to p re se rv e lif e u ntil s pr in g, o r u ntil r elie f c am e. T he s to utes t h ea rts q ua iled before the thought of battling with the deep drifts, the storms, and the unknown dangers which lurked onthe s um mits . T he b ra ve st s hu dd er ed a t the ide a o f lea ving the c ab in s a nd v en tu ring o ut into the d re ar a ndd is ma l w ilde rn es s o f s no w. Y et the y c ou ld c ou nt u po n the ir f in ge rs the d ay s tha t w ou ld e la ps e b ef or e the provisions would be exhausted, and starvation would ensue, if none left the camps.

D ay a fter d ay , w ith a ch in g h ea rts a nd thr ob bing b ro ws , the p oo r imp riso ne d w re tc he s g az ed into e ac ho th er 's f ac es i n b la nk d es pa ir . W ho s ho ul d b e s ac ri fi ce d? W ho w ou ld g o o ut a nd s ee k a g ra ve ' ne at h t hecrashing avalanche, the treacherous drifts, or in the dreary famished wilderness, that those left behindm ig ht liv e? Who w ou ld b e the f or lo rn h op e o f the p er is hing e migr an ts ?

O nc e, M es sr s. P at ri ck B re en , P at ri ck D ol an , L ew is K es eb er g, a nd W .H . E dd y, a re s ai d t o h av ea ttem pted to r ea ch the s um mit. O n a no th er o cc as io n the se s am e p ar ties , w ith Mrs . R ee d a nd f am ily, Mr.S ta nton a nd the two I nd ia ns , m ad e a n u ns uc ce ss fu l a ttem pt. S till a no th er tim e, a lar ge p ar ty , a mo ngw ho m w er e M rs . M ur ph y a nd t he o ld er m em be rs o f h er f am il y, m ad e t he e ff or t, a nd e ve n s uc ce ed ed i nc ro ss in g the top mo st r id ge a nd r ea ch in g S um mit V alle y, o ne a nd a h alf m iles w es t o f the s um mit. B ut a ll

the se p ar ties w er e f or ce d to r etur n to the c ab in s, a nd e ac h f ailu re c on firm ed the b elie f tha t n o liv in g b eingc ou ld c ro ss the m ou ntains . I n this m an ne r tim e d ra gg ed w ea rily a lo ng u ntil the ten th , o r, a s s om e s ay , thes ix te en th o f D ec em be r. T he m er e m atte r o f the d ate is o f triflin g imp or ta nc e. A t a ll e ve nts a f or lo rn h op ew as o rg an iz ed . S ev en te en n am es w er e e nr olle d a s v olun te er s. O f the se , C ha rles B ur ge r w en t o nly a s ho rtd is ta nc e, t ur ni ng b ac k w ea ry a nd e xh au st ed . W m. G . M ur ph y, w ho i s d es cr ib ed a s a m os t b ra ve a ndre so lu te b oy of e le ve n ye ar s o f ag e, ac co mp an ie d t he p ar ty a s fa r as t he he ad of D onn er L ak e. H e an dh is b ro th er L em ue l w er e w it ho ut s no w- sh oe s. I t w as e xp ec te d t he y w ou ld s te p i n t he b ea te n t ra ck s o f t ho se w ho h ad s ho es , b ut t hi s w as s oo n p ro ve n t o b e u tt er ly i mp ra ct ic ab le . T he p ar ty m ad e s no w- sh oe sf or L em ue l o n t he f irs t n ig ht , o ut o f t he a pa rj os w hi ch h ad b ee n b ro ug ht b y S ta nt on fr om S ut te r' s F ort .Win . G . Mur ph y s av ed h is lif e b y r etur ning to the c ab in s. N o h um an b eing c ou ld h av e e nd ur ed the tripw itho ut s no w- sh oe s. F if te en r em aine d in the p ar ty , a nd the se p re ss ed f or wa rd w itho ut s o m uc h a s d ar in gto loo k b ac k to the d ea r o ne s w ho se liv es d ep en de d u po n this ter rible v en tu re . Witho ut f or ge ttin gWilliam G . Mur ph y a nd C ha rles B ur ge r, w ho s ta rted w ith this little b an d, the f ir st p ar ty w ho c ro ss ed theS ie rr a w ill in f utur e b e ter me d the f if te en . Who c om po se d this p ar ty ? Mothe rs , w ho se b ab es w ou ld

P a g e 2 3



s ta rv e u nles s the m othe rs w en t; f athe rs , w ho se w iv es a nd c hild re n w ou ld p er is h if the f athe rs d id n ot g o;children, whose aged parents could not survive unless the children, by leaving, increased the parents's ha re o f f oo d. E ac h w er e inc lu de d in the f or lo rn h op e.

It w as t ime fo r so me o ne t o l eav e t he cab ins . D uri ng t he day s t ha t had el ap se d, n o wo rd h ad b eenr ec eive d f ro m the D on ne r b ro th er s a t A ld er C re ek , n or f ro m the e migr an ts w ho c am pe d w ith the m.

A ld er C re ek i s a b ra nc h o f P ro ss et C re ek , a nd t he D on ne rs e nc am pe d o n t he f or me r s tr ea m a bo ut a m il ea nd a h alf a bo ve the jun ctio n.

O n t he n in th o f D ec em be r, M il to n E ll io tt a nd N oa h J am es s ta rt ed b ac k t o l ea rn s om e t id in gs o f t he se people. Soon after they left the camps at the lake, a terrific storm came down from the mountains, and asn othing h ad b ee n h ea rd f ro m the m, it w as c on side re d c er ta in the y h ad p er is he d.

A bo ut this tim e, s ta rv atio n a nd e xp os ur e h ad s o p re ye d u po n o ne o f the c om pa ny , A ug us tu s S pitz er , tha to ne d ay h e c am e r ee ling a nd s ta gg er in g into the B re en c ab in a nd f ell p ro stra te a nd h elples s u po n thefloor. Poor fellow, he never rallied, although by careful nursing and kindest attentions he lingered along

f or s om e w ee ks . T he e migr an ts w er e n o lon ge r o n s ho rt a llow an ce , the y w er e a ctua lly s ta rv in g! O h! theh or ro r! the d re ad a la rm w hich p re va iled a mo ng the c om pa ny ! C .T . S ta nton , e ve r b ra ve , c ou ra ge ou s,lio n- he ar te d, s aid, " 1 w ill b ring h elp to the se f am is hing p eo ple o r lay d ow n m y lif e. " F .W. G ra ve s, w how as o ne o f t he n ob le st m en w ho e ve r b re at he d t he b re at h o f l if e, w as n ex t t o v ol un te er . M r. a nd M rs .G ra ve s h ad n in e c hild re n, the y ou ng es t b eing o nly n in e m on th s o ld . G en er ou sly h ad the y p ar te d w ith thec attle w hich the y b ro ug ht to the lak e, d iv id in g e qu ally w ith tho se f am ilie s w ho h ad n o f oo d. Mar y A .G ra ve s a nd h er e ld er s is te r, Mrs . S ar ah F os dick , d eter mine d to a cc om pa ny the ir f athe r, a nd a s w ill presently be seen, their hearts failed not during trials which crushed strong men. Mary Graves was aboutnineteen years old. She was a very beautiful girl, of tall and slender build, and exceptionally gracefulc ar riag e. H er f ea tu re s, in the ir r eg ular ity, w er e o f c la ss ic G re cian m old. H er e ye s w er e d ar k, b righ t, a nde xp re ss iv e. A f in e m ou th a nd p er fe ct s et o f tee th , a dd ed to a lux ur ia nt g ro wth o f d ar k, r eb elliou sly w av y

h air, c om pleted a n a lm os t p er fe ct p ic tu re o f lov ely g ir lh oo d. J ay F os dick r es olve d to s ha re w ith h is w if et he p eri ls o f t he w ay . M rs . M urp hy o ff er ed t o t ak e c ar e o f t he i nf an t c hi ld re n o f h er m ar ri ed d au gh te rs ,M rs . F os te r a nd M rs . P ik e, i f t he y w ou ld j oi n t he p ar ty . T he d ea r, g oo d m ot he r a rg ue d t ha t w ha t t hed au gh te rs w ou ld e at w ou ld k ee p h er a nd t he l it tl e o ne s f ro m s ta rv in g. I t w as n ob ly s ai d, y et w ho c and ou bt b ut t ha t, w it h c le ar er v is io n, t he m ot he r s aw t ha t o nl y b y u rg in g t he m t o g o, c ou ld s he s av e h er d au gh te rs ' liv es . With w ha t a ng uish d id Mrs . H ar riet F . P ik e e nr oll h er n am e a mo ng tho se o f the " Fo rlor nH op e, " a nd b id g oo d- by to h er little two -y ea r- old N ao mi a nd h er n ur sing b ab e, C athe rine ! Wha t b itte r tea rs w er e s he d b y Mr. a nd Mrs . F os te r w he n the y k is se d the ir b ea utif ul b ab y b oy f ar ew ell! A la s! tho ug ht he y k ne w i t n ot , i t w as a l on g, l on g f ar ew el l. M rs . E dd y w as t oo f ee bl e t o a tt em pt t he j ou rn ey , a nd t hef am il y w er e s o p oo rl y p ro vi de d w it h f oo d t ha t M r. E dd y w as c om pe ll ed t o l ea ve h er a nd t he t wo l it tl e

c hi ld re n i n t he c ab in s, a nd g o w it h t he p ar ty . M rs . M cC ut ch en a ls o h ad a n i nf an t b ab e, a nd M rs . G ra ve se mp lo ye d the s am e r ea so ning w ith h er tha t Mrs . Mur ph y h ad s o e ff ec tive ly u se d w ith Mrs . P ik e a ndMrs . F os te r. T ha t the se thr ee y ou ng m othe rs lef t the ir inf an t c hild re n, the ir n ur sing b ab es , w ith o th er s, a nds ta rted to f in d r elie f, is p ro of s tr on ge r tha n w or ds , o f the d es pe ra te c on dition o f the s ta rv in g e migr an ts .T he Mex ic an A ntoine , the two I nd ia ns L ew is a nd S alva do r, a nd a n I rish ma n n am ed P atrick D olan ,c om pl et ed t he f if te en . T hi s P at ri ck D ol an d es er ve s m or e t ha n a p as si ng w or d. H e h ad o wn ed a f ar m i nK eo ku k, Io wa, an d se ll ing i t, h ad t ak en as t he p ri ce , a w ago n, fo ur o xe n, an d t wo co ws. Wi th t he se he

joined the Donner Party, and on reaching the lake had killed his cattle and stored them away with thosek il le d b y t he B re en s. Do lan w as a b ac hel or , an d a bou t f or ty y ea rs of ag e. H e w as po ss ess ed o f t wo or thr ee h un dr ed d olla rs in c oin, b ut ins te ad o f b eing m is er ly o r s elfish , w as c ha ra cter iz ed b y g en er ou so pe n- he ar te dn es s. " Wh en it b ec am e a pp ar en t tha t the re w as to b e s uf fe ring a nd s ta rv atio n" ( th isq uo ta tion is f ro m the m an us cr ip t o f H on . J am es F . B re en ), " Do la n d eter mine d to lig hten the b ur de n a t thec am ps , a nd l ea ve w it h t he p ar ty t ha t w as t o a tt em pt t he p as sa ge o f t he s um mi t, s o t ha t t he re s ho ul d b eles s to c on su me the s ca nt s up ply o f p ro vision s. P re viou s to h is d ep ar tu re , h e a sk ed m y f athe r ( Pa tr ic k

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B re en ) t o a tt en d t o t he w an ts o f R ee d' s f am il y, an d t o g iv e o f h is ( Do la n' s) m ea t t o R ee d' s f am il y a s l on ga s p os sible. " A cc or ding ly , Mrs . R ee d a nd h er c hild re n w er e tak en into B re en 's c ab in , w he re , a sm en ti on ed a bo ve , D ol an 's m ea t w as s to re d. W as e ve r a m or e g en er ou s a ct r ec or de d? P at ri ck D ol an h adn o r elativ e in the D on ne r P ar ty , a nd n o f rien ds , s av e tho se w ho se f rien ds hip h ad b ee n f or me d u po n the plains. With the cattle which belonged to him he could have selfishly subsisted until relief came, but,w ho le -s ou le d I ri sh ma n t ha t h e w as , h e g av e f oo d t o t he m ot he rs a nd t he c hi ld re n a nd w en t o ut i nt o t he

w as te o f s no w t o p er is h o f s ta rv at io n! H ow m an y w ho l iv e t o- da y o we t he ir e xi st en ce t o P at ri ck D ol an 'sself-sacrifice! This blue-eyed, brownhaired Irishman is described as being of a jovial disposition, andinc line d to loo k u po n the b righ t s id e o f thing s. R em em be ring h ow h e g av e h is lif e f or s tr an ge rs , h owr ea dily c an w e a pp re ciate Mr. B re en 's ten de r tribu te : " He w as a f av or ite w ith c hild re n, a nd w ou ld r om pa nd p la y w it h a c hi ld ." A s a t ok en o f a pp re ci at io n f or h is k in dn es s, M rs . R ee d g av e P at ri ck D ol an a g ol dw atch a nd a Mas on ic e mb le m b elon ging to h er h us ba nd , b id ding h im to k ee p the m u ntil h e w as r ew ar de df or h is g en er os it y. T he g oo d m ot he r' s w or d h ad a s ig ni fi ca nc e s he w ot n ot o f. W he n M rs . R ee d r ea ch edS utte r's F or t s he f ou nd the se v alua bles a wa itin g h er . T he y h ad b ee n b ro ug ht in b y I nd ia ns . P atrick D olanh ad k ep t t he m u nt il h is d eat h- -u nt il t he a ng el s c am e a nd b or e h im aw ay t o h is r ew ard .

T hi s p art y o f f if te en h ad t ak en p ro vi si on s t o l ast o nl y s ix d ay s. A t t he e nd o f t hi s t im e t he y h op ed t o r ea chB ea r V al le y, s o t he y s ai d, b ut i t i s m or e t ha n p ro ba bl e t he y d ar ed n ot t ak e m or e f oo d f ro m t he ir d ea r o ne s a t t he c ab in s. S ix d ay s' r at io ns ! T hi s m ea ns e no ug h o f t he p oo r, s hr iv el ed b ee f t o a ll ow e ac h p er so n,t hre e t im es a d ay , a p ie ce t he s ize o f o ne 's t wo f in ge rs . W it h a l it tl e c off ee a nd a l it tl e l oa f su ga r, t hi s w asa ll . T he y h ad m at ch es , F os te r' s g un , a h at ch et , a nd e ac h a t hi n b la nk et . W it h t hi s o ut fi t t he y s ta rt ed t oc ro ss the S ie rr a. N o p er so n, u na cc us to me d to s no w- sh oe s, c an f or m a n ide a o f the d if ficu lty w hich ise xp er ie nc ed d ur in g o ne 's f ir st a ttem pt to w alk w ith the m. T he ir s ho es w ou ld s in k d ee p into the loo se , lig hts no w, a nd i t w as w it h g re at e ff or t t he y m ad e a ny p ro gr es s. T he y h ad b ee n a t D on ne r L ak e f ro mf or ty -two to f or ty -s ix d ay s, a nd o n this f ir st n ig ht o f the ir jou rn ey h ad lef t it f ou r m iles b eh in d the m. A fter a d re ad fu l d ay 's w or k t he y e nc am pe d, i n f ul l s ig ht o f t he l ak e a nd o f t he c ab in s. T hi s w as h ard er f or t hea ch in g h ea rts o f the m othe rs tha n e ve n the ter rible p ar ting f ro m the ir little o ne s. T o s ee the s mo ke o f the

c ab in s, to a wa ke f ro m the ir tro ub le d d re am s, think in g the y h ea rd the c ry o f the ir s ta rv in g b ab es , to s tiflethe m ater na l y ea rn in gs w hich p ro mp te d the m to tur n b ac k a nd p er is h w ith the ir d ar ling s c la sp ed to the ir breasts, were trials almost unbearable. The next day they traveled six miles. They crossed the summit,a nd the c am ps w er e n o lon ge r v is ib le . T he y w er e in the s olem n f as tn es se s o f the s no w- ma ntle d S ie rr a.Lonely, desolate, forsaken apparently by God and man, their situation was painfully, distressingly terrible.T he s no w w as w ra pp ed a bo ut c li ff a nd f or es t a nd g or ge . I t v ar ie d i n d ep th f ro m t we lv e t o s ix ty f ee t.

Mrs . M.A . C la rk e ( Ma ry G ra ve s) , n ow o f White R iv er , T ular e C ou nty, s pe ak in g o f this s ec on d d ay ,says: "We had a very slavish day's travel, climbing the divide. Nothing of interest occurred until reachingt he s um mi t. T he s ce ne ry w as t oo g ra nd f or m e t o p as s w it ho ut n ot ic e, t he c ha ng es b ei ng s o g re at ;

w al ki ng n ow o n l oo se s no w, a nd n ow s te pp in g O n a h ar d, s li ck r oc k a n um be r . of h un dr ed y ar ds i nl en gt h. B ei ng a l it tl e i n t he r ea r o f t he p ar ty , I h ad a c han ce t o o bs erv e t he c om pa ny a he ad , t ru dg in g a lo ngw ith p ac ks o n the ir b ac ks . I t r em in de d m e o f s om e N or we gian f ur c om pa ny a mo ng the ice be rg s. Mys ho es w er e o x- bo ws , s plit in two , a nd r aw hide s tr in gs w ov en in, s om ething in f or m o f the o ld -f as hion ed ,s plit-b otto me d c ha ir s. O ur c lo th es w er e o f the b lo om er c os tu me , a nd g en er ally w er e m ad e o f f la nn el.W el l d o I rem em be r a rem ark on e o f t he co mpa ny m ad e h er e, t ha t w e w er e a bo ut as ne ar h eav en as wec ou ld g et . W e ca mpe d a l it tl e o n t he w es t s id e o f t he s um mi t t he s eco nd n ig ht ."

H er e t he y g at he re d a f ew b ou gh s, k in dl ed a f ir e u po n t he s ur fa ce o f t he s no w, b oi le d t he ir c of fe e, a nd a tetheir pitiful allowance of beef; then wrapping their toil-worn bodies in their blankets, lay down upon thesn ow. A s W .C . Gr av es re ma rk s, i t wa s a be d t ha t w as s oft , a nd wh it e, an d b ea ut if ul , a nd y et i t w as ater rible b ed -- a b ed o f d ea th . T he third d ay the y w alke d f iv e m iles . S ta rtin g a lm os t a t d aw n, the ys tr ug gled w ea rily thr ou gh the d ee p d rifts, a nd w he n the n ig ht s ha do ws c re pt o ve r c ra g a nd p in e a ndm ou ntain v ale, the y w er e b ut f iv e m iles o n the ir jou rn ey . T he y d id n ot s pe ak d ur in g the d ay , e xc ep t w he n

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speech was absolutely necessary. All traveled silently, and with downcast eyes. The task was beginningto tell u po n the f ra me s o f e ve n the s tr on ge st a nd m os t r es olute. T he h un ge r tha t c on tinu ally g na we d a ttheir vitals, the excessive labor of moving the heavy, clumsy snow-shoes through the soft, yielding snow,w as t oo m uc h f or h um an e nd ur an ce . T he y c ou ld n o l on ge r k ee p t og et he r a nd a id e ac h o th er w it h w or dsof hope. They struggled along, sometimes at great distances apart. The fatigue and dazzling sunlightr en de re d s om e o f t he m s no wb li nd . O ne o f t he se w as t he n ob le -h ea rt ed S ta nt on . O n t hi s t hi rd d ay h e w as

t oo bl ind a nd w ea k t o k eep up w it h t he r est , an d st agg ere d i nt o t he ca mp l on g aft er t he ot her s hadf in is he d the ir p itif ul s up pe r. P oo r, b ra ve , g en er ou s S ta nton ! H e s aid little, b ut in h is inn er h ea rt h e k ne wt ha t t he e nd o f h is j ou rn ey w as a lm os t a t h an d.

W ho w as t hi s h ero ic b ei ng w ho l ef t t he b ea ut if ul v al le ys o f t he S acr am en to t o d ie f or s tr an ge rs ? S ee h imw ea rily toiling o nw ar d d ur in g the lon g h ou rs o f the f ou rth d ay . T he a go ny a nd b lind ne ss o f h is e ye s w ringn o c ry f ro m h is lip s, n o m ur mu r, n o w or d o f c om plaint. With p atie nt c ou ra ge a nd h er oic f or titu de h es tr iv es to k ee p p ac e w ith h is c om pa nion s, b ut f in ds it imp os sible. E ar ly in the m or ning h e d ro ps to ther ea r, a nd i s s oo n l os t t o s ig ht . A t n ig ht h e d ra gs h is w ea ry l im bs i nt o c am p l on g a ft er h is c om ra de s a res le ep in g 'ne ath the s ilen t s ta rs . I t m us t b e r em em be re d tha t the y h ad b ee n a cc us to me d to s ho rt a llow an ce

o f f oo d f or m on th s, w hi le h e h ad b ee n u se d t o h av in g a n a bu nd an ce . T he ir b od ie s h ad b ee n s ch oo le d t oendure famine, privations, and long, weary walks. For many days before reaching the mountains, theyh ad b ee n u se d to w alking e ve ry d ay , in o rd er to lig hten the b ur de ns o f the p er is hing o xe n. F atig ue s w hiche xh au sted the m c ru sh ed S ta nton . T he w ea th er w as c le ar a nd p le as an t, b ut the g la re o f the s un d ur in g thed ay h ad b ee n lik e m olte n f ir e to the ir a ch in g e ye s.

O n the m or ning o f the f if th d ay S ta nton w as s itting s mo king b y the s mo ld er in g f ir e w he n the c om pa nyr es um ed i ts j ou rn ey . M ar y G ra ve s, w ho h ad a t en de r h ea rt f or t he s uf fe ri ng o f o th er s, w en t k in dl y u p t oh im , a nd as ke d h im i f h e w er e co mi ng . " Yes ," he r ep li ed , " I am co mi ng s oo n. " W as h e a ns we ri ng h er, or the u ns ee n s pirits tha t e ve n the n w er e b ec ko ning h im to the u nk no wn w or ld ? " Ye s, I a m c om in g s oo n! "T he se w er e h is l as t w or ds . H is c om pa ni on s w er e t oo n ea r d ea th 's d oo r t o r et ur n w he n t he y f ou nd h e

c am e n ot , a nd s o h e p er is he d. H e h ad b eg ge d t he m p it eo us ly t o l ea d h im , d ur in g t he f ir st d ay s o f h is blindness, but seeming to realize that they were unable to render assistance, he ceased to importune, andh er oi ca ll y m et h is f at e. H e d id n ot b la me h is c om ra de s. T he y w er e w ea k, e xh au st ed , a nd r ea dy t o d ie o f starvation. With food nearly gone, strength failing, hope lost, and nothing left but the last, blind, clinginginstinct of life, it was impossible that the perishing company should have aided the perishing Stanton. Hew as a h er o o f t he h ig he st , n ob le st , g ra nd es t s ta mp . N o w or ds c an e ve r e xp re ss a f it ti ng t ri bu te t o h ism em or y. H e g av e h is lif e f or s tr an ge rs w ho h ad n ot the s ligh te st c la im to the s ac rifice . H e lef t the v alle yswhere friends, happiness, and abundance prevailed, to perish amidst chilling snow-drifts--famished anda ba nd on ed . T he a ct o f r etur ning to s av e the s ta rv in g e migr an ts is a s f ull o f h er oic g ra nd eu r a s h is d ea th isreplete with mournful desolation.

I n M ay , 1 84 7, W .C . G ra ve s, i n c om pa ny w it h a r el ie f p ar ty , f ou nd t he r em ai ns o f C .T . S ta nt on n ea r t hes po t w he re h e h ad b ee n lef t b y h is c om pa nion s. T he w ild a nima ls h ad p ar tially d ev ou re d h is b od y, b ut theremains were easily identified by means of his clothing and pistols.

T he f ollo wing s ke tc h o f this h er o is k in dly f ur nish ed b y h is b ro th er , S id ne y S ta nton , o f C az en ov ia , N ewYork:

" Ch ar le s T yl er S ta nt on w as b or n a t P om pe y, O no nd ag a C ou nt y, N ew Y or k, M ar ch 1 1, 1 81 1. H e w asf iv e f ee t f iv e inc he s in h eigh t. H e h ad b ro wn e ye s a nd b ro wn h air. H e p os se ss ed a r ob us t c on stitutio n,a nd a ltho ug h r athe r s le nd er d ur in g h is y ou th , a t the a ge o f f if te en h e b ec am e s tr on g a nd h ea rty, a nd c ou lde nd ur e a s g re at h ar ds hi ps a s a ny o f h is b ro th er s. H e h ad f iv e b ro th er s a nd f ou r s is te rs , a nd w as t hes ev en th c hild . H is g ra nd pa re nts, o n h is f athe r's s id e, w er e w ell o ff a t the c lo se o f the r ev olutio na ry w ar , but sold their large farms, and took Continental money in payment. Soon afterward this money became

P a g e 2 6



w or th le ss , a nd the y los t a ll. T he y w er e a t the tim e liv in g in B er ks hire , Mas sa ch us etts , b ut s oo n a fter r em ov ed w es t to the c ou nty w he re C .T . S ta nton w as b or n. T he re w er e in h is f athe r's f am ily f ou rtee nchildren--seven sons and seven daughters."

I n h is y ou ng er d ay s S ta nt on w as e ng ag ed a s a c le rk i n a s to re . H e w as h on es t, i nd us tr io us , a nd g re at ly beloved by those with whom he came in contact. His early education was limited, but during his

e mp lo ym en t a s c le rk h e u se d e ve ry p os sible e nd ea vo r to imp ro ve h is m in d. D ur in g h is jou rn ey a cr os s the plains, he was regarded as somewhat of a savant, on account of his knowledge of botany, geology, ando th er b ra nc he s o f n atur al s cien ce . H is d is po sition w as g en er ou s to a f au lt. H e n ev er w as h ap pier tha nw he n b es to wing a ss is ta nc e u po n n ee dy f rien ds . H is w id ow ed m othe r, f or w ho m h e e nter ta in ed the m os td ev ot ed a ff ec ti on , w as k in dl y c ar ed f or b y h im u nt il h er d ea th i n 1 83 5. A ft er t hi s s ad e ve nt h e r em ov edt o Chi cag o. At Chi cag o he ma de m oney rapi dl y for a t im e, and hi s hand was ever ready t o gi ve ai d t othose about him. Charity and heroic self-sacrifice appear to have been his predominant characteristics.T he y s ta nd o ut in b old r elie f, n ot o nly in h is e ar ly h is to ry , b ut d ur in g h is c on ne ctio n w ith the D on ne r P ar ty .While in the m ou ntains h e h ad n o m on ey to g iv e, b ut ins te ad h e g av e h is s tr en gth, h is e ne rg y, h is lov e, h isall, his very life, for his companions.

T hat he h ad a p re mon it io n o f t he g loo my fa te w hi ch o ve rt ook h im i n t he Si err a, o r at l ea st t ha t h e fu ll yr ea lize d the p er ils to w hich h e w as e xp os in g h is lif e, is ind ic ated b y the f ollo wing inc id en t: Whe n h e s eto ut fr om S ut te r' s F or t t o r et ur n t o t he D on ne r t ra in w it h p ro vi si on s, h e l ef t a v es t w it h C ap ta in S ut te r. I no ne o f t he p oc ke ts o f t hi s v es t w as s ub se qu en tl y f ou nd a p ac ka ge d ir ec te d t o t he C ap ta in w it h t hefollowing memorandum: "Captain Sutter will send the within, in the event of my death, to Sidney Stanton,S yr ac us e, N ew Y or k. " T he p ac ka ge c on ta in ed a d ia mo nd b re as tp in . Mr. S id ne y S ta nton w rite s a sfollows concerning this keepsake:

" I w il l g iv e y ou a s ho rt hi st ory o r a cc ou nt o f t he p in w hi ch w as l eft f or m e a t S ut te r' s F or t, w hi ch M r.M cK in st ry f or wa rd ed t o m e. T hi s w as a n e ve nt s o p ec ul ia r a t t he t im e. H e v is it ed m e h er e a t S yr ac us e,

wh il e he was pros peri ng i n C hi cag o. He w as o n hi s way t o Ne w York , and wa nt ed a sum of mo ney,w hich I a dv an ce d. B ef or e lea ving h e f as te ne d this p in o n the d re ss o f m y w if e, r em ar king tha t s he m us tc on side r it a s a p re se nt f ro m h im . N othing m or e w as tho ug ht o f this e ve nt u ntil h e a ga in w an te d m on ey .Mis fo rtun e h ad o ve rtak en h im , a nd this e ve nt g av e h im m uc h p ain, n ot s o m uc h o n h is o wn a cc ou nt a s because he could not relieve the distress of dear friends when asked for aid. I sent him a little morem on ey ; I h ad n ot m uc h t o s pa re , a nd i n t al ki ng t he m at te r o ve r w it h m y w if e, s he a sk ed , ' Wh y n ot s en dh im t he pi n? It i s va lu ab le , a nd i n t im e of n ee d h e m ig ht di sp os e o f i t f or hi s co mfo rt .' In s ay in g t hi s sh et oo k t he g round t hat i t wa s l eft w it h her as a pl edge, n ot a s a gi ft . I t he refore han ded i t t o m y si st er t osend to hi m for t hi s purpose. Bu t i t appears b y hi s keep in g i t and sendi ng i t b ack i n t he way h e di d, t hath e d id c on si de r i t a g if t, a nd h en ce h e w ou ld n ot a nd d id n ot d is po se o f i t f or n ec es sa ry t hi ng s f or h is o wn

co mfo rt . Th is p in w as t he on ly t hi ng o f v al ue w hi ch h e ha d a t t he t im e o f h is d eat h. "

S ta nton w as a n e xc elle nt w rite r. H is d es cr ip tion s o f h is tra ve ls f ro m C hica go to the S ou th w ou ld m ak e ag oo d- size d a nd a v er y inter es ting b oo k. H is las t c om po sition is g iv en b elow . I t is a n a pp ro pr ia te e nd in gt o t hi s b ri ef o ut li ne o f t he h is to ry o f o ne w ho s ho ul d b e r eg ar de d a s o ne o f t he n ob le st o f C al if or ni a' s pioneer heroes:

S T AN T ON 'S L A ST P O EM.

" TO M Y M OT HE R I N H EA VE N.

" Oh , h ow tha t w or d m y s ou l ins pire sWith h oly, f on d, a nd p ur e d es ir es !

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Maternal love, how bright the flame!F or w ea lt h o f w or ld s I 'd n ot p ro fa ne

Nor idly breathe thy sacred name.,My mother.

"Thy sainted spirit dwells on high.

How oft I weep, how oft I si ghWhe ne 'e r I think o f b yg on e tim e,T hy s mile o f lov e, w hich o nc e w as m in e,T ha t loo k s o h ea ve nly a nd d iv in e,My mother.

"Thy warning voice in prayers of love,A sc en ding to the thr on e a bo veWith ton es o f e lo qu en ce s o r if e,Hath turned my thoughts from wordly strife,

A nd c he er ed m e thr ou gh m y w ay wa rd lif e,My mother.

" Wh en d ea th s ha ll c lo se m y s ad c ar ee r,A nd I b ef or e m y G od a pp ea r-T he re t o r ec ei ve H is l as t d ec re eM y o nl y p ra ye r t he re w il l beF or ev er to r em ain w ith the e,My mother."

C HA PT ER VI I

A Wif e's D ev otion -- Th e S mo ky G or ge -- Ca ug ht in a S to rm -- Ca sting L ots to S ee Who s ho uld D ie -- AHidden River--The Delirium of Starvation-Franklin Ward Graves--His Dying Advice--A Frontiersman's

P la n- -T he C am p o f D ea th -- A D re ad R es or t- -A S is ter 's A go ny -- Th e I nd ia ns R ef us e to E at-- Le wis a ndS alva do r F le e f or T he ir L iv es -- Killing a D ee r- -T ra ck s Mar ke d b y B lo od -- Nine D ay s w itho ut F oo d

L ET n o o ne c en su re S ta nton 's c om pa nion s f or a ba nd on in g the ir b ra ve c om ra de . I n les s tha n twe nty- fo ur h ou rs a ll w er e w itho ut f oo d, u nles s, ind ee d, it w as Mr. E dd y, w ho , in h is n ar ra tion p ub lish ed b y J ud ge

T ho rn to n, s ta te s t ha t o n t he d ay o f S ta nt on 's d ea th h e f ou nd h al f a p ou nd o f b ea r' s m ea t w hi ch h ad b ee ns ec re te d i n a l it tl e b ag b y h is w ife . A tt ac he d t o t hi s m ea t w as a p ap er , u po n w hi ch h is w if e h ad w ri tt en i n pencil a note signed, "Your own dear Eleanor." Mr. Eddy had not discovered this meat until the soresth ou r o f n ee d, a nd t he h op e e xp re ss ed i n M rs . E dd y' s n ot e, t ha t i t w ou ld b e t he m ea ns o f s av in g h is l if e,was literally fulfilled. There is something extremely touching in the thought that this devoted wife, who, asw ill p re se ntly b e s ee n, w as s ta rv in g to d ea th in the c ab in s, s av ed h er h us ba nd 's lif e b y c la nd es tine lyc on ce alin g a bo ut h is p er so n a p or tion o f the f oo d w hich s ho uld h av e s us ta in ed h er se lf a nd h er inf an tchildren.

I n the a cc ou nt g iv en b y Mar y G ra ve s, is m en tion ed the f ollo wing inc id en t in the f ou rth d ay 's tra ve l:

" Ob se rv in g b y t he w ay a d ee p g or ge a t t he ri gh t, h av in g t he a pp ea ra nc e o f b ei ng f ul l o f s mo ke , I w an te dvery much to go to i t, but t he In di ans sai d no, th at was not t he way. I prevai led on t he men to fi re t he gun, but there was no answer. Every time we neared the gorge I would halloo at the top of my voice, but we

P a g e 2 8



received no answer."

O n t hi s d ay t he h or ro r o f t he s it ua ti on w as i nc re as ed b y t he c om me nc em en t o f a s no ws to rm . A s t hef la ke s f ell thick a nd f as t, the p ar ty s at d ow n in the s no w u tter ly d is co ur ag ed a nd h ea rtsick .

M ar y G ra ve s s ay s: " Wh at t o d o w e d id n ot k no w. W e h el d a c on su lt at io n, w he th er t o g o a he ad w it ho ut

provisions, or go back to the cabins, where we must undoubtedly starve. Some of those who hadc hi ld re n a nd f am il ie s w is he d t o g o b ac k, b ut t he t wo I nd ia ns s ai d t he y w ou ld g o o n t o C ap ta in S ut te r' s. It ol d t he m I w ou ld g o t oo , f or t o g o b ac k a nd h ea r t he c ri es o f h un ge r f ro m m y l it tl e b ro th er s a nd s is te rswa s m ore t ha n I cou ld st and . I w oul d g o a s fa r as I coul d, l et t he con sequ ences be w hat t hey m ight ."

T he re , i n t he d ee p, p it il es s s to rm , s ur ro un de d o n a ll s id es b y d es ol at e w as te s o f s no w, t he i de a w as f ir sta dv anc ed t ha t l if e m ig ht b e s us ta in ed i f so me o ne w ere t o p er is h. S in ce l ea vi ng t he c ab in s, t hey ha d a t n ot im e a ll ow ed t he ms el ve s m or e t ha n o ne o un ce o f m ea t p er m ea l, a nd f or t wo e nt ir e d ay s t he y h ad n ottas te d f oo d. T he ter rible p an gs o f h un ge r m us t b e s pe ed ily a llay ed o r d ea th w as ine vita ble. S om e o ne proposed that lots be cast to see who should die. The terrible proposition met with opposition from

F os te r an d o th ers, b ut sl ip s o f pa pe r w ere a ct ua ll y p re pa re d b y s om e o f t he m en , a nd he w ho dr ew t helon ge st-- th e f atal s lip- -w as P atrick D olan . Who s ho uld tak e D olan 's lif e? Who w as to b e the e xe cu tion er o f the m an w ho h ad s o g en er ou sly g iv en u p the f oo d w hich m ig ht h av e s us ta in ed h is lif e, a nd joine d thef or lo rn h op e t ha t o th er s m ig ht l iv e? W it h o ne a cc or d t he y r os e t o t he ir f ee t a nd s ta gg er ed f or wa rd . A s i f to b an is h f ro m the ir m in ds the h or rid tho ug ht o f tak in g D olan 's lif e, the y a ttem pted to p ur su e the ir jou rn ey .

With the greatest exertion and suffering they managed to crawl, and stagger, and flounder along until theya tt ai ne d a d is ta nc e o f t wo o r t hr ee m il es . H er e t he y c am pe d, a nd p as se d a m os t w re tc he d, d es ol at en ig ht. T he m or ning d aw ne d; it w as d re ar y, r ainy , a nd d is co ur ag in g. T he little p ar ty s et o ut a s u su al, b utw er e too w ea k a nd lif eles s to tra ve l. T he s of t s no w c lu ng to the ir f ee t in h ea vy lum ps lik e s no w- ba lls.I ns te ad o f m ak in g a f ir e i n a n ew p la ce , M ar y G ra ve s s ay s t he y c ra wl ed b ac k t o t he c am p- fi re o f t he

night previous. Here they remained until night came on--a night full of horrors. The wind howled throughthe s hr ie king f or es ts lik e tro op s o f d em on s. T he r ain h ad c on tinu ed a ll d ay , b ut f in ally c ha ng ed to s no wa nd s le et, w hich c ut the ir p in ch ed f ac es , a nd m ad e the m s hive r w ith c old. A ll the f or ce s o f n atur e s ee me dto c om bine f or the ir d es tr uc tion . A t o ne tim e d ur in g the n ig ht, in a ttem ptin g to k in dle a f ir e, the a x o r h at ch et w hi ch t he y h ad c ar ri ed w as l os t i n t he l oo se s no w.

A h ug e f ir e w as k in dled a t las t, w ith the g re ates t d if ficu lty, a nd in o rd er to o btain m or e w ar mth, a lla ss is te d in p ilin g f ue l u po n the f la me s. A lo ng in the n ig ht, Mr. F os te r think s it w as n ea r m id nigh t, the h ea to f t he f la me s a nd t he d ro pp in g c oa ls a nd e mb ers t ha we d t he s no w u nd er ne at h t he f ire u nt il a d ee p,w ell- like c av ity w as f or me d a bo ut the f ir e. S ud de nly, a s if to inten sify the d re ad fu l h or ro rs o f the s itua tion ,

t he b ot to m o f t hi s w el l g av e w ay , a nd t he f ir e d is ap pe ar ed ! T he c am p a nd t he f ir e h ad b ee n b ui lt o ve r as tr ea m o f w ater , a nd the f ir e h ad m elte d thr ou gh the o ve rlying s no w u ntil it h ad f alle n into the s tr ea m!T ho se w ho p ee re d o ve r t he b ri nk o f t he d ar k o pe ni ng a bo ut w hi ch t he y w er e g at he re d, c ou ld h ea r, f ar d ow n in the g lo om , d ur in g the lull o f the s to rm , the s ou nd o f r un ning w ater s.

I f the re is a ny th in g lac king in this p ic tu re o f d es pa ir . it is f ur nish ed in the g ro an s a nd c ries o f the s hive ring ,d ying o utca sts, a nd the d em on ia ca l s hr ie ks a nd r av in gs o f P atrick D olan , w ho w as in the d elir iu m w hich precedes death. It was not necessary that life should be taken by the members of the company. Deathw as b us il y a t w or k, a nd b efo re t he w il d w in te r n ig ht w as e nd ed , h is g ha st ly v ic ti ms w ere d ea f t o w ind or storm.

Whe n the f ir e d is ap pe ar ed , it b ec am e a pp ar en t tha t the e ntir e f or lo rn h op e w ou ld p er is h b ef or e m or ningi f e xp os ed t o t he c ol d a nd s to rm . W .H . E dd y s ay s t he w in d i nc re as ed u nt il i t w as a p er fe ct t or na do .A bo ut m id nigh t, A ntoine , o ve rc om e b y s ta rv atio n, f atig ue , a nd the b itte r c old, c ea se d to b re athe . Mr.

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F .W. G ra ve s w as d ying . T he re w as a p oint b ey on d w hich a n iro n n er ve a nd a p ow er fu l c on stitutio n w er eu na bl e t o s us ta in a m an . T hi s p oi nt h ad b ee n r ea ch ed , a nd M r. G ra ve s w as f as t p as si ng a wa y. H e w asconscious, and calling his weeping, grief-stricken daughters to his side, exhorted them to use every meansin the ir p ow er to p ro lo ng the ir liv es . H e r em in de d the m o f the ir m othe r, o f the ir little b ro th er s a nd s is te rsi n t he c ab in a t t he l ak e. H e r em in de d M rs . P ik e o f h er p oo r b ab ie s. U nl es s t he se d au gh te rs s uc ce ed ed i nr ea ch in g S ut te r' s F or t, a nd w er e a bl e t o s en d b ac k r el ie f, a ll a t t he l ak e m us t c er ta in ly d ie . I ns ta nc es h ad

been cited in history, where, under less provocation, human flesh had been eaten, yet Mr. Graves wellk ne w tha t h is d au gh te rs h ad s aid the y w ou ld n ev er tou ch the loa th so me f oo d.

W as t he re n ot s om et hi ng n ob le a nd g ra nd i n t he d yi ng a dv ic e of t hi s f at he r? W as h e n ot h er oi c w hen hec ou ns el ed t ha t a ll f al se d el ic ac y b e l ai d a si de a nd t ha t h is b od y b e s ac ri fi ce d t o s up po rt t ho se t ha t w er e t orelieve his wife and children.

Earnestly pleading that these afflicted children rise superior to their prejudices and naturalinstincts--Franklin Ward Graves died. A sublimer death seldom is witnessed. In the solemn darkness, inthe tem pe stuo us s to rm , o n the d ee p, f ro ze n s no w- dr if ts , o ve rc om e b y p ain a nd e xp os ur e, w ith the p an gs

o f f am in e g na wing a wa y h is lif e, this u ns elfish f athe r, w ith h is lates t b re ath u rg ed tha t h is f le sh b e u se d to prolong the lives of his companions. Truly, a soul that could prompt such utterances had no need, after d ea th , f or its m or ta l ten em en t- it h ad a b ette r d we llin g- plac e o n h ig h.

W it h t wo of t hei r l it tl e n um be r i n t he i cy e mb ra ce s o f d eat h, s om e p la n t o o bt ai n w ar mt h fo r t he l ivi ng w asimm ed ia te ly n ec es sa ry . W.H . E dd y p ro po se d a f ro ntie rs ma n's m etho d. I t w as f or a ll to h ud dle c lo se lyt og et he r i n a c ir cl e, l ie d ow n o n a b la nk et w it h t he ir h ea ds o ut wa rd , a nd b e c ov er ed w it h a s ec on d blanket. Mr. Eddy arranged his companions, spread the blanket over them, and creeping under thec ov er lid, c om pleted the c ir cle. T he w in d s we pt the d riftin g s no w in d en se c lo ud s o ve r the ir h ea ds . T hechilling air, already white with falling snowflakes, became dense with the drifting masses. In a little whilet he d ev ot ed b an d w er e c om pl et el y h id de n f ro m w in d, o r s to rm , o r p ie rc in g c ol d, b y a d ee p c ov er in g o f

s no w. T he w ar mth o f the ir b od ie s, c on fine d b etwe en the b la nk ets, u nd er the d ep th o f s no w, s oo nr en de re d the m c om fo rtab ly w ar m. T he ir o nly p re ca utio n n ow w as to k ee p f ro m b eing b ur ie d a live .Occasionally some member of the party would shake the rapidly accumulating snow from off their coverlid.

T he y n o lon ge r w er e in d an ge r o f f re ez in g. B ut w hile the e le me nts w er e v ainly w ag in g f ie rc e w ar a bo vethe ir h ea ds , h un ge r w as r ap id ly s ap ping the f ou ntains o f lif e, a nd c la im in g the m f or its v ic tims . Whe n, f or am om en t, s le ep w ou ld s te al a wa y the ir r ea so n, in f am is he d d re am s the y w ou ld s eize w ith the ir tee th theh an d o r a rm o f a c om pa ni on . T he d el ir iu m o f d ea th h ad a tt ac ke d o ne o r t wo , a nd t he p it if ul w ai ls a ndcries of these death-stricken maniacs were heart-rending. The dead, the dying, the situation, were enough

t o d ri ve o ne c ra zy .

T he n ex t d ay w as u sh er ed i n b y o ne o f t he m os t f ur io us s to rm s e ve r w it ne ss ed o n t he S ie rr a. A ll t he d aylon g, d rifts a nd the f as t- fa llin g s no w c ir cled a bo ve the m u nd er the f or ce o f the f ie rc e g aI e. T he a ir w as afrozen fog of swift-darting ice-lances. The fine particles of snow and sleet, hurled by maddeneds to rm -f ie nd s, w ou ld c ut a nd s ti ng s o t ha t o ne 's e ye s c ou ld n ot b e o pe ne d i n t he s to rm , a nd t he r us hi ngg al e w ou ld h ur l o ne p ro st ra te o n t he s no w. O nc e o r t wi ce t he d em en te d D ol an e sc ap ed f ro m h isc om pa nion s a nd d is ap pe ar ed in the b lind in g s to rm . E ac h tim e h e r etur ne d o r w as c au gh t a nd d ra gg ed'neath the covering, but the fatal exposure chilled the little life remaining in his pulses. During the afternoonh e c ea se d to s hr ie k, o r s tr ug gle, o r m oa n. P atrick D olan , the w ar m- he ar te d I rish ma n, w as s ta rv ed todeath.

M r. E dd y s ta te s, i n T ho rn to n' s w or k, t ha t t he y e nt er ed t hi s C am p o f D ea th , F ri da y, D ec em be r 2 5,C hr is tm as . A cc or ding to h is v er sion the y s ta rted f ro m the c ab in s o n the s ix te en th d ay o f D ec em be r, w ith

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s ca nty r atio ns f or s ix d ay s. O n the twe nty- se co nd the y c on su me d the las t m or se l o f the ir p ro vision s. N otu nt il S un da y n oo n, D ec em be r 2 7, d id t he s to rm b re ak a wa y. T he y h ad b ee n o ve r f ou r d ay s w it ho utf oo d, a nd t wo d ay s a nd a h al f w it ho ut f ir e. T he y w er e a lm os t d ea d.

I s t he re a m in d s o n ar ro w, s o u nc ha ri ta bl e, t ha t i t c an c en su re t he se p oo r d yi ng p eo pl e f or t he a ct s o f t hi ster rible d ay ? With the ir lov ed o ne s p er is hing a t D on ne r L ak e, w ith the h or ro r o f a lin ge ring d ea th s ta ring

the m in the f ac e, c an the m os t u nf ee ling h ea rt c on de mn the m ?

E me rg in g f ro m the d re ar y p riso n- ho us e, the y a ttem pted to k in dle a f ir e. T he ir m atch es w er e w et a ndu se le ss . T he ir f lint-loc k g un w ou ld g iv e f or th a s pa rk , b ut w itho ut s om e d ry m ater ia l tha t w ou ld r ea dilyign ite, it w as o f n o a va il.

O n t hi s m or ni ng o f t he t we nt y- se ve nt h E dd y s ay s t ha t h e b le w u p a p ow de r- ho rn i n a n e ff or t t o s tr ik e f ireu nd er t he b la nk et s. H is f ac e a nd h an ds w er e m uc h b ur ne d. M rs . M cC ut ch en a nd M rs . F os te r w er e a ls o burned, but not seriously. For some time all efforts to obtain a fire proved fruitless. Their garments wered re nch ed b y t he s to rm . M rs . P ik e h ad a m an tl e t ha t w as l in ed w it h c ot to n. T he l in in g o f t hi s w as c ut

o pe n, an d t he d ri es t po rt io n o f t he co tt on wa s e xp os ed t o t he su n' s ra ys , i n t he h op e t ha t i t c ou ld bem ad e t o c at ch t he s pa rk f ro m t he f li nt . A t l as t t he y w er e s uc ce ss fu l. A f ir e w as k in dl ed i n a d ea d t re e,a nd the f la me s s oo n lea pe d u p to the lof ties t b ra nc he s. T he f am is he d, s hive ring w re tc he s g athe re d r ou ndthe b ur ning tre e. S o w ea k a nd lif eles s w er e the y tha t w he n the g re at p in e lim bs b ur ne d o ff a nd f ellc ra sh in g a bo ut the m, n eith er m an n or w om an m ov ed o r a ttem pted to e sc ap e the thr ea te ning d an ge r. A llf elt tha t s ud de n d ea th w ou ld b e w elco me . T he y w er e s tu nn ed a nd h or rified b y the d re ad fu l a lter na tivew hich it w as e vide nt the y m us t a cc ep t.

T he m en f in ally m us te re d u p c ou ra ge to a pp ro ac h the d ea d. With a ve rted e ye s a nd tre mb ling h an d, pieces of flesh were severed from the inanimate forms and laid upon the coals. It was the very refinemento f t or tu re t o t as te su ch f oo d, y et t ho se w ho t ast ed l ive d. O ne c ou ld n ot ea t.

L em ue l Mur ph y w as p as t r elie f. A b oy a bo ut thirtee n y ea rs o ld , L em ue l w as d ea rly lov ed b y h is s is te rs ,a nd , f ull o f c ou ra ge , h ad e nd ea vo re d to a cc om pa ny the m o n the f ea rf ul jou rn ey . H e w as f ee ble w he n h estarted from the cabins, and the overwhelming sufferings of the fatal trip had destroyed his remainingstrength. Starvation is agony during the first three days, apathy and inanition during the fourth and perhapsthe fifth, and delirium from that time until the struggle ceases. When the delirium commences, hope ends.L em ue l w as d el ir io us S un da y m or ni ng , a nd w he n fo od w as p la ce d t o h is l ip s h e e it her c ou ld n ot e at o r w as t oo n ea r d ea th t o r ev iv e. A ll d ay M rs . F os te r h el d h er b ro th er 's h ea d

i n h er l ap , an d b y ev er y m ea ns i n h er p ow er s ou gh t t o s oo th e h is d ea th ag on ie s. T he s un li gh t f ad ed f ro m

the surrounding summits. Darkness slowly emerged from the canyons and enfolded forest and hill-slopein h er s ilen t e mb ra ce . T he g litter in g s ta rs a pp ea re d in the h ea ve ns , a nd the b righ t, f ull m oo n r os e o ve r thee as te rn m ou ntain c re sts. T he s ilen ce , the p ro fo un d s olitud e, the e ve r- pr es en t w as te s o f s no w, the w eirdm oo nlig ht, a nd a bo ve a ll the h ollo w m oa ns o f the d ying b oy in h er lap , r en de re d this n ig ht the m os timp re ss iv e in the lif e o f Mrs . F os te r. S he s ay s s he n ev er b eh olds a b righ t m oo nlig ht w itho ut r ec ur ring w itha s hu dd er t o t hi s n ig ht o n t he S ie rr a. A t t wo o 'c lo ck i n t he m or ni ng L em ue I M ur ph y c ea se d t o b re at he .T he w ar m tea rs a nd k is se s o f the a ff licted s is te rs w er e s ho we re d u po n lip s tha t w ou ld n ev er m or e q uive r with pain.

U ntil the twe nty- ninth o f D ec em be r the y r em aine d a t the " Ca mp o f D ea th ." Wou ld y ou k no w m or e o f theshuddering details ? Does the truth require the narration of the sickening minutiae of the terribletra ns ac tion s o f the se d ay s? H um an b eing s w er e n ev er c alle d u po n to u nd er go m or e try in g o rd ea ls .D iv id in g into g ro up s, the m em be rs o f e ac h f am ily w er e s pa re d the p ain o f tou ch in g the ir o wn k in dr ed .D ay s a nd p er ha ps w ee ks o f s ta rv at io n w er e a wa it in g t he m i n t he f ut ur e, a nd t he y d ar e n ot n eg le ct t o

P a g e 3 1



provide as best they might. Each of the four bodies was divested of its flesh, and the flesh was dried.A ltho ug h n o p er so n p ar to ok o f k in dr ed f le sh , s ig hts w er e o ften w itne ss ed tha t w er e b lo od -c ur dlin g. Mrs .F os te r, a s w e h av e s ee n, f ai rl y w or sh ip ed h er b ro th er L em ue l. H as h um an p en p ow er t o e xp re ss t hes ho ck o f h or ro r t hi s s is te r r ec ei ve d w he n s he s aw h er b ro th er 's h ea rt t hr us t t hr ou gh w it h a s ti ck , a nd broiling upon the coals? No man can record or read such an occurrence without a cry of agony! What,the n, d id s he e nd ur e w ho s aw this c ru el s ig ht?

T he se a re f ac ts . T he y a re g iv en j us t a s t he y c am e f ro m t he l ip s o f M rs . F os te r, a n ob le w om an , w how ou ld h av e d ie d o f h or ro r a nd a b ro ke n h ea rt b ut f or h er s ta rv in g b ab e, h er m ot he r, a nd h er l it tl e brothers and sisters who were at Donner Lake. Mary Graves corroborates Mrs. Foster, and W.H. Eddygave a similar version to Judge Thornton.

T he I nd ia n g uide s, L ew is a nd S alva do r, w ou ld n ot c at this r ev olting f oo d. T he y b uilt a f ir e a wa y f ro m thecompany, and with true Indian stoicism endured the agonies of starvation without so much as beholdingthe o cc ur re nc es a t the o th er c am p- fire .

Starved bodies possess little flesh, and starving people could carry but light burdens through suchs no w- dr if ts . O n the se a cc ou nts, the p ro vision w hich the A lm ig hty s ee me d to h av e p ro vide d to s av e the ir liv es , las te d o nly u ntil the thirty- firs t. O n N ew Y ea r's m or ning the y a te the ir m oc ca sins a nd the s tr in gs o f the ir s no w- sh oe s. O n the n ig ht b ef or e, L ew is a nd S alva do r c au gh t the s ou nd o f o mino us w or ds , o r perceived glances that were filled with dreadful import, and during the darkness they fled.

F or s ev er al d ay s p as t t he p ar ty h ad b ee n l os t. T he I nd ia ns c ou ld n ot r ec og ni ze t he c ou nt ry w he n i t w ashidden from thirty to fifty feet in snow. Blindly struggling forward, they gradually separated into three parties. On the fourth, W.H. Eddy and Mary Graves were in advance with the gun. A starved deer crossed their path and providentially was slain. Drinking its warm blood and feasting upon its flesh, thisc ou pl e w ai te d f or t he a rr iv al o f M r. a nd M rs . F os te r, M rs . M cC ut ch en , a nd M rs . P ik e, w ho w er e s om e

d is ta nc e b eh in d. N ig ht c am e a nd p as se d a nd t he y d id n ot a rr iv e. I nd ee d, F os te r w as d yi ng f or l ac k o f n ou rish me nt. B eh in d this p ar ty w er e Mr. a nd Mrs . J ay F os dick . D ur in g the n ig ht, Mr. F os dick p er is he d,and the faithful wife, after remaining with him until morning, struggled forward and met Mrs. Foster and ac om pa nion . Mrs . F os dick r elated the d ea th o f h er h us ba nd , a nd u po n b eing inf or me d o f F os te r'sc on dition , c on se nted tha t h er h us ba nd 's b od y b e c on ve rted into f oo d. I t w as d on e. T his w as the f ir st tim et ha t w om en 's h an ds h ad u se d t he k ni fe , b ut b y t he a ct a l if e w as s av ed . M rs . F os di ck , a lt ho ug h d yi ng ,w ou ld n ot t ou ch t he f oo d, a nd b ut fo r t he v en is on w ou ld n ot h av e l iv ed t o se e t he s et ti ng o f t he su n. B utw ha t w as o ne s ma ll d ee r a mo ng s o m an y f am is he d p eo pl e ? H id e, h ea d, f ee t, e nt ra il s, a ll w er e e at en . O nthe s ix th , the las t m or se l w as c on su me d. T he y w er e n ow w itho ut h op e. T he ir jou rn ey w as a pp ar en tlyinterminable. Wearied, foot-sore, freezing at night and tortured by hunger during the day, life could not

las t m an y h ou rs . S om e o ne m us t d ie ; e ls e n on e c ou ld liv e a nd r ea ch the lon g- ta lk ed -o f r elie f. Wou ld it b eE dd y, w ho se w if e a nd t wo c hi ld re n w er e b eh in d? W ou ld i t b e M rs . P ik e, w ho l ef t t wo b ab es ? M rs .McCutchen, who left one ? Mr. or Mrs. Fost er, whose baby boy was at the cabi n ? Or w oul d it beM ar y G ra ve s o r M rs . F os di ck , w ho h ad l ef t m ot he r a nd f am il y? O n t he n ig ht o f t he s ev en th , t he y l ayd ow n u po n the s no w w itho ut h av in g tas te d a m ou th fu l o f f oo d d ur in g the d ay . C on tinu ed f am in e a nde xh au stio n h ad s o w ea ke ne d the ir f ra me s tha t the y c ou ld n ot s ur vive a no th er d ay . Y et, o n the m or ning o f the s ev en th , the y a ro se a nd s ta gg er ed o nw ar d. S oo n the y h alte d a nd g athe re d a bo ut s om e f re sh ly m ad et ra ck s. T ra ck s m ar ke d b y b lo od ! T ra ck s t ha t t he y k ne w h ad b ee n m ad e b y L ew is a nd S al va do r, w ho se bare feet were sore and bleeding from cuts and bruises inflicted by the cruel, jagged rocks, the frozens no w, a nd f linty ice . T he se I nd ia ns h ad e aten n othing f or n in e d ay s, a nd h ad b ee n w itho ut f ir e o r b la nk etsf or f ou r d ay s. T he y c ou ld n ot b e f ar a he ad .

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C HA PT ER V II I

Starvation at Donner Lake--Preparing Rawhide for Food--Eating the Firerug-Shoveling Snow off theBeds--Playing they were Tea-cups of Custard--A Starving Baby--Pleading with Silent

Eloquence--Patrick Breen's Diary--Jacob Donner's Death--A Child's Vow--A Christmas Dinner--Losto n the S um mits -- A S tu mp T we nty- tw o F ee t H ig h- Se ve n N ur sing B ab es a t D on ne r L ak e- -A D ev ou t

F athe r- -A D ying B oy -- So rr ow a nd S uf fe ring a t the C ab in s

H OW f ar ed i t w it h t ho se l ef t a t D on ne r L ak e ? A bo ut t he t im e t he f if te en b eg an t he ir t err ib le j ou rn ey ,B ay li s W il li am s s tar ved t o d eat h S uch f oo d a s t he r est h ad w as f ree ly gi ve n t o h im , b ut i t d id n ot s at is fythe d em an ds o f h is n atur e. Q uietly , u nc om plaining ly , h e h ad b or ne the p an gs o f f am in e, a nd w he n thec om pa ny f ir st r ea lize d h is d re ad fu l c on dition , h e w as in the d elir iu m w hich p re ce de d d ea th . Wha t w or dsc an p or tr ay the e mo tion s o f the s ta rv in g e migr an ts , w he n the y s aw o ne o f the ir n um be r a ctua lly p er is h o f h un ge r b ef or e t he ir e ye s! W il li am s d ie d i n t he G ra ve s c ab in , a nd w as b ur ie d n ea r t he h ou se b y W .C .G ra ve s a nd J oh n D en to n.

A ll t he D on ne r P ar ty w er e s ta rv in g. W he n t he c at tl e w er e k il le d t he h id es h ad b ee n s pr ea d o ve r t hec ab in s in lie u o f s hing le s. T he se w er e n ow tak en d ow n a nd e aten . A ll the s ur vivo rs d es cr ib e the m etho do f p re pa ring this m is er ab le s ub stitute f or f oo d. T he n ar ra tion b y Mrs . J .M. Mur ph y ( Virg in ia E . R ee d) , o f S an J os e, i s a mo ng t he m os t v iv id . S he s ay s t he g re en r aw hi de s w er e c ut i nt o s tr ip s a nd l ai d u po n t hec oa ls , o r h el d i n t he f la mes u nt il t he h ai r w as c om pl et el y s in ged o ff . E it he r s ide o f t he p ie ce o f h ide w asthe n s cr ap ed w ith a k nife u ntil c om pa ra tive ly c le an , a nd w as p la ce d in a k ettle a nd b oile d u ntil s of t a nd pulpy. There was no salt, and only a little pepper, and yet this substance was all that was between thema nd s ta rv atio n. Whe n c old, the b oile d h id es a nd the w ater in w hich the y w er e c oo ke d, b ec am e jellieda nd e xa ctly r es em bled g lu e. T he ten de r s to ma ch s o f m an y o f the little c hild re n r ev olte d a t this

d is ag re ea ble d ie t, a nd the loa th in g the y a cq uire d f or the s ig ht o f this s ub stan ce s till e xists in the m in ds o f s om e o f t he s ur vi vo rs . T o t hi s d ay , T ho ma s K . R ee d, o f S an J os e, w ho w as t he n a t in y t hr ee -y ea r- ol d,c an n ot e nd ur e the s ig ht o f c alf's- fo ot jelly , o r o f s im ilar d is he s, b ec au se o f its r es em blan ce to the loa th edfo od w hi ch w as a ll hi s m ot he r c ou ld g iv e h im i n t he ca bi ns a t D onn er L ak e.

William G . Mur ph y d es cr ib es h ow the y g athe re d u p the o ld , c as ta wa y b on es o f the c attle- -b on es f ro mw hich a ll the f le sh h ad b ee n p re viou sly p ic ke d- -a nd b oile d, a nd b oile d, a nd b oile d the m u ntil the y a ctua llyw ou ld c ru mb le b etwe en the tee th , a nd w er e e aten . T he little c hild re n, p la ying u po n the f ir e- ru g in h ism ot he r' s c ab in , u se d t o c ut o ff l it tl e p ie ce s o f t he r ug , t oa st t he m c ri sp u po n t he c oa ls , a nd t he n e at t he m.I n this m an ne r, b ef or e a ny o ne w as f airly a wa re o f the f ac t, the f ir e- ru g w as e ntir ely c on su me d.

T he D on ne r f am il ie s, a t P ro ss er C re ek , w er e, i f p os si bl e, i n e ve n a s ad de r c on di ti on . I n o rd er t o g iv e ag limp se o f the s uf fe ring e nd ur ed in the se two ten ts , the f ollo wing is q uo te d f ro m a lette r w ritten b y Mrs .W.A. Babcock (Georgia A. Donner), now residing at Mountain View, Santa Clam County: "The familiess ha re d w it h o ne a no th er a s l on g a s t he y h ad a ny th in g t o s ha re . E ac h o ne 's p or ti on w as v ery s ma ll . T heh id es w er e b oi le d, a nd t he b on es w er e b ur ne d b ro wn a nd e at en . W e t ri ed t o e at a d ec ay ed b uf fa lo r ob e, but it was too tough, and there was no nourishment in it. Some of the few mice that came into camp werec au gh t a nd e at en . S om e d ay s w e c ou ld n ot k ee p a f ir e, a nd m an y t im es , d ur in g b ot h d ay s a nd n ig ht s,s no w w as sh ov el ed f ro m o ff o ur t en t, a nd fr om a ro un d i t, t hat w e m ig ht n ot b e b ur ie d a li ve . M ot he r re mar ke d o ne da y t ha t i t ha d b ee n t wo we ek s t ha t o ur b eds a nd t he c lo th in g u po n o ur bo di es ha d b ee nw et . T wo o f m y s is te rs a nd m ys el f s pe nt s om e d ay s a t K es eb er g' s c ab in . T he f ir st m or ni ng w e w er e t he re

t he y s ho ve le d t he s no w f ro m o ur b ed b ef or e w e c ou ld g et u p. V er y f ew c an b el ie ve i t p os si bl e fo r h um an beings to live and suffer the exposure and hardships endured there."

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O h! h ow l on g a nd d re ar y t he d ay s w er e t o t he h un gr y ch il dr en ! E ve n t he ir v er y p la ys a nd p as ti me s w er e pathetic, because of their piteous silent allusion to the pangs of starvation. Mrs. Frank Lewis (PattyR ee d) , o f S an J os e, r elates tha t the p oo r, little, f am is hing g ir ls u se d to f ill the p re tty p or ce la in tea -c up sw ith f le sh ly f alle n s no w, d aintily d ip it o ut w ith tea sp oo ns a nd e at it, p la ying it w as c us ta rd .

D ea r M rs . M ur ph y h ad t he m os t s ac re d a nd p it if ul c ha rg e. I t w as t he w ee n ur si ng b ab e, C at he ri ne P ik e,

w ho se m ot he r h ad g on e w it h t he " Fo rl or n H op e, " t o t ry , i f p os si bl e, t o p ro cu re r el ie f. A ll t he re w as t og iv e the tin y s uf fe re r, w as a little g ru el m ad e f ro m s no w w ater , c on ta in in g a s ligh t s pr in klin g o f c oa rs eflour. This flour was simply ground wheat, unbolted. Day after day the sweet little darling would lieh elples sly u po n its g ra nd mo th er 's lap , a nd s ee m w ith its lar ge , s ad e ye s to b e p le ad in g f or n ou rish me nt.Mrs . Mur ph y c ar ef ully k ep t the little h an df ul o f f lo ur c on ce aled -- th er e w as o nly a h an df ul a t the v er y beginning--lest some of the starving children might get possession of the treasure. Each day she gaveC athe rine a f ew tea sp oo nf uls o f the g ru el. S tr an ge ly e no ug h, this p oo r little m ar ty r d id n ot o ften c ry w ithh un ge r, b ut w ith tre mu lo us , q uive ring m ou th , a nd a low , s ub du ed s ob o r m oa n, w ou ld a pp ea r to b e begging for something to eat. The poor, dumb lips, if gifted with speech, could not have uttered a prayer h al f s o e lo qu en t, s o t ou ch in g. C ou ld t he m ot he r, M rs . P ik e, ' ha ve b ee n p re se nt , i t w ou ld h av e b ro ke n h er

h ea rt to s ee h er p atie nt b ab e d ying s lo wly, little b y little. S ta rv atio n h ad d ried the m ater na l b re as ts lon g before Mrs. Pike went away, so that no one can censure her for leaving her baby. She could only havedo ne as M rs. M urp hy di d, gi ve i t t he pl ai n, coars e grue l, an d wat ch i t di e, day by d ay, u pon h er l ap .

U p t o t hi s t im e, b ut l it tl e h as b ee n s ai d o f P at ri ck B re en . H e w as a n i nv al id d ur in g t he w in te r o f 1 84 6 a nd'47 - A m an o f m or e tha n o rd in ar y intellige nc e, a d ev ou t C atho lic, a f aith fu l a nd d ev oted f athe r, h is lif ef ur nish es a r ar e typ e o f the p io ne er C alif or nian . T o Mr. B re en w e a re ind eb te d f or the m os t f aith fu l a nda ut he nt ic r ec or d o f t he d ay s s pe nt a t t he c ab in s. T hi s r ec or d i s i n t he f or m o f a d ia ry , i n w hi ch t he e ve nt so f t he d ay w er e b ri ef ly n ot ed i n t he o rd er o f t he ir o cc ur re nc e. L ew is K es eb er g k ep t a s im il ar d ia ry , b ut i twas subsequently accidentally destroyed. Mrs. Tamsen Donner kept a journal, but this, with her paintingsa nd b otan ic al c ollec tion s, d is ap pe ar ed a t the f atal ten t o n A ld er C re ek . Mr. B re en 's d ia ry a lo ne w as

preserved. He gave it into Col. McKinstry's possession in the spring of 1847, and on the fourth of S ep te mb er o f t ha t y ea r i t w as p ub li sh ed i n t he N as hv il le ( ,T en n. ) W hi g. A c op y o f t he W hi g o f t ha t d at eis f ur nish ed b y Win . G . Mur ph y, o f Mar ys ville. O th er p ap er s h av e p ub lish ed g ar bled e xtra cts f ro m thisd ia ry , b ut n on e h av e b ee n r elia ble. T he f utur e h is to ry o f the e ve nts w hich tra ns pire d a t the c ab in s w ill b enarrated in connection with this diary.

I t m us t b e r em em be re d t ha t t he l ak e h ad a lw ay s b ee n k no wn a s " Tru ck ee L ak e, " i t h av in g b ee n n am eda fter a n o ld I nd ia n g uide w ho h ad r en de re d m uc h a ss is ta nc e to the S ch alle nb er ge r p ar ty in 1 84 4. T her ec or d a pp ea rs w itho ut the s ligh te st a lter atio n. E ve n the o rtho gr ap hy o f the n am e o f the lak e is p rinted a sit was written, "Truckey."

The diary commences as follows:

" TR UC KE Y'S L AK E, N ov em be r 2 0, 1 84 6. " Ca me to this p la ce o n the thirty- firs t o f las t m on th ; w en ti nt o t he p as s; t he s no w s o d ee p w e w er e u na bl e t o f in d t he r oa d, a nd w he n w it hi n t hr ee m il es f ro m t hes um mi t, t ur ne d b ac k t o t hi s s ha nt y o n T ru ck ey 's L ak e; S ta nt on c am e u p o ne d ay a ft er w e a rr iv ed h er e;w e a ga in too k o ur tea ms a nd w ag on s, a nd m ad e a no th er u ns uc ce ss fu l a ttem pt to c ro ss in c om pa ny w ithS ta nt on ; w e r et ur ne d t o t hi s s ha nt y; i t c on ti nu ed t o s no w a ll t he t im e. W e n ow h av e k il le d m os t p art o f o ur c attle, h av in g to r em ain h er e u ntil n ex t s pr in g, a nd liv e o n lea n b ee f, w itho ut b re ad o r s alt. I t s no we dduring the space of eight days, with little intermission, after our arrival, though now clear and pleasant,freezing at night; the snow nearly gone from the valleys.

" No ve mb er 2 1. F in e m or ning ; w in d n or th we st; twe ntytwo o f o ur c om pa ny a bo ut s ta rtin g to c ro ss the

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mountains this day, including Stanton and his Indians.

" No v. 2 2. F ro ze las t n ig ht; f in e a nd c le ar to- da y; n o a cc ou nt f ro m tho se o n the m ou ntains .

" No v. 2 3. S am e w ea th er ; w in d w es t; the e xp ed itio n a cr os s the m ou ntains r etur ne d a fter a n u ns uc ce ss fu lattempt.

" No v. 2 5. C lo ud y; l oo ks l ik e t he e ve o f a s no w- st or m; o ur m ou nt ai ne er s a re t o m ak e a no th er t ri alto-morrow, if fair; froze hard last night.

" No v. 2 6. B eg an t o s no w l as t e ve ni ng ; n ow r ai ns o r s le et s; t he p ar ty d o n ot s ta rt t o- da y.

" No v. 2 7. S till s no wing ; n ow a bo ut thr ee f ee t d ee p; w in d w es t; k ille d m y las t o xe n to- da y; g av e a no th er yo ke t o F ost er; wo od h ard t o b e got .

" No v. 3 0. S no wing f as t; loo ks a s lik ely to c on tinu e a s w he n it c om me nc ed ; n o liv in g thing w itho ut w in gs

c an g et a bo ut .

" De c. 1 S ti ll s no wi ng ; w in d w es t; s now a bo ut si x o r s ev en a nd a h al f f ee t d ee p; v ery d if fi cu lt t o g et w oo d,a nd w e a re c om pl et el y h ou se d u p; o ur c at tl e a ll k il le d b ut t wo o r t hr ee , a nd t he se , w it h t he h or se s a ndS ta nton 's m ules , a ll s up po se d to b e los t in the s no w; n o h op es o f f in ding the m a live .

" De c. 3 . C ea se s s no wing ; c lo ud y a ll d ay ; w ar m e no ug h to tha w.

"Dec. 5. Beautiful sunshine, thawing a little; looks delightful after the long storm; snow seven or eight feetdeep.

"Dec. 6. The morning fine and clear; Stanton and Graves manufacturing snow-shoes for another mountains cr ab ble; n o a cc ou nt o f m ules .

" De c. 8 . F in e w ea th er ; f ro ze h ar d las t n ig ht; w in d s ou th -w es t; h ar d w or k to f in d w oo d s uf ficien t to k ee pu s w arm o r co ok o ur b eef .

" De c. 9 . C om me nc ed s no wing a bo ut e le ve n o 'c lo ck ; w in d n or th we st; too k in S pitz er y es te rd ay , s o w ea k tha t h e c an n ot r is e w itho ut h elp; c au se d b y s ta rv atio n. S om e h av e a s ca nty s up ply o f b ee f; S ta nton try in gto g et s om e f or h im se lf a nd I nd ia ns ; n ot lik ely to g et m uc h.

" De c. 1 0. S no we d f as t a ll n ig ht, w ith h ea vy s qu alls o f w in d; c on tinu es to s no w; n ow a bo ut s ev en f ee t indepth.

" De c. 1 4. S no ws f as te r tha n a ny p re viou s d ay ; S ta nton a nd G ra ve s, w ith s ev er al o th er s, m ak in g preparations to cross the mountains on snow-shoes; snow eight feet on a level.

" De c. 1 6. F ai r a nd p le as an t; f ro ze h ar d l as t n ig ht ; t he c om pa ny s ta rt ed o n s no w- sh oe s t o c ro ss t hemountains; wind southeast.

"Dec. 17. Pleasant; William Murphy returned from the mountain party last evening; Baylis Williams diedn ig ht b ef or e las t; Milto n a nd N oa h s ta rted f or D on ne r's e ig ht d ay s a go ; n ot r etur ne d y et; think the y a rel os t i n t he s no w.

" De c. 1 9. S no we d las t n ig ht; tha wing to- da y; w in d n or th we st; a little s in gu la r f or a tha w.

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" De c. 2 0. C le ar a nd p le as an t; M rs . R ee d h er e; n o a cc ou nt f ro m M il to n y et . C ha rl es B ur ge r s ta rt ed f or D on ne r' s; t ur ne d b ac k; u na bl e t o p ro ce ed ; t ou gh t im es , b ut n ot d is co ur ag ed . O ur h op e i s i n G od . A me n.

" De c. 2 1 Milto n g ot b ac k las t n ig ht f ro m D on ne r's c am p. S ad n ew s; J ac ob D on ne r, S am ue l S ho em ak er ,R hi ne har t, a nd S mi th ar e de ad ; t he r est o f t hem i n a l ow s it uat io n; sn ow ed a ll n igh t, w it h a s tro ng

southwest wind."

J ac ob D on ne r w as t he f ir st t o d ie a t P ro ss er C re ek . H e e xp ir ed w hi le s it ti ng a t t he t ab le i n h is t en t, w it hh is h ea d b ow ed u po n h is h an ds , a s if in d ee p m ed itatio n. T he f ollo wing ter se a cc ou nt is f ro m the g if te d pen of Mrs. S.O. Houghton (Eliza P. Donner), of San Jose: "Jacob Donner was a slight man, of delicateconstitution, and was in poor health when we left Springfield, Illinois. The trials of the journey reduced hiss tr en gth a nd e xh au sted h is e ne rg y. Whe n w e r ea ch ed the p la ce o f e nc am pm en t in the m ou ntains h e w asd is co ur ag ed a nd g av e u p i n d es pa ir . N ot e ve n t he n ee ds o f h is f am il y c ou ld r ou se h im t o a ct io n. H e w asutterly dejected and made no effort, but tranquilly awaited death."

" De c. 2 3- C le ar t o- da y; M il to n t oo k s om e o f h is m ea t a wa y; a ll w el l a t t he ir c am p. B eg an t hi s d ay t or ea d the 'Th ir ty D ay s' P ra ye rs ;' A lm ig hty G od , g ra nt the r eq ue sts o f u nw or th y s in ne rs !

" De c. 2 4. R aine d a ll n ig ht, a nd s till c on tinu es ; p oo r p ro sp ec t f or a ny k in d o f c om fo rt, s piritu al o r temporal."

A s w ill b e s ee n b y v ar io us r ef er en ce s thr ou gh ou t this d ia ry , Mr. B re en w as a d ev ou t C atho lic. D ur in g thed ar ke st h ou r o f trial the p ra ye rs w er e r eg ular ly r ea d. T ha t this m ig ht b e d on e d ur in g the lon g w ea rye ve ni ng s, as w el l a s b y d ay , p ie ce s o f p it ch p in e w er e s pl it a nd l ai d c ar ef ul ly i n o ne c or ner o f t he c ab in,

w hich w ou ld b e lig hted a t the f ir e, a nd w ou ld s er ve a s a s ub stitute f or c an dles . T ho se o f the s ur vivo rsw ho a re l iv in g o ft en s pe ak o f t he t im es w he n t he y h el d t he se s ti ck s w hi le M r. B re en r ea d t he p ra ye rs . S oimpressive were these religious observances that one girl, a bright, beautiful child, Virginia E. Reed, madea s olem n v ow tha t if G od w ou ld h ea r the se p ra ye rs , a nd d eliv er h er f am ily f ro m the d an ge rs s ur ro un dingt hem , s he w ou ld be co me a Ca tho li c. G od d id sa ve h er fa mi ly, an d sh e ke pt he r vo w. Sh e i s t o-da y afervent Catholic.

" De c. 2 5. B eg an to s no w y es te rd ay , s no we d a ll n ig ht, a nd s no ws y et r ap id ly ; e xtre me ly d if ficu lt to f in dw oo d; u tter ed o ur p ra ye rs to G od this C hr is tm as m or ning ; the p ro sp ec t is a pp alling , b ut w e tru st in H im ."

What a desolate Christmas morning that was for the snow-bound victims! All were starving. Somethingto e at, s om ething to s atis fy the ter rible c ra ving s o f a pp etite, w as the c on stan t w is h o f a ll. S om etim es thewishes were expressed aloud, but more frequently a gloomy silence prevailed. When anything wasaudibly wished for, it was invariably something whose size was proportional to their hunger.

T he y n ev er w is he d f or a m ea l, o r a m ou th fu l, b ut f or a ba rr el fu ll , a w ag on l oa d, a h ou se fu ll , o r astorehouse full.

O n C hr is tm as e ve t he c hi ld re n s po ke i n l ow , s ub du ed t on es , o f t he v is it s S an ta C la us u se d t o m ak e t he min the ir b ea utif ul h om es , b ef or e the y s ta rted a cr os s the p la in s. N ow the y k ne w tha t n o S an ta C la us c ou ldf in d the m in the p athles s d ep th s o f s no w.

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O ne f am ily, the R ee ds , w er e in a p ec ulia rly d is tr es sing s itua tion . T he y k ne w n ot w he th er the f athe r w asl iv in g o r d ea d. N o t id in gs h ad r ea ch ed t he m s in ce h is l et te rs c ea se d t o b e f ou nd b y t he w ay si de . T hem ea t the y h ad o btaine d f ro m the B re en a nd G ra ve s f am ilie s w as n ow g on e, a nd o n C hr is tm as m or ningt he ir b re ak fa st w as a " po t o f g lu e, " a s t he b oi le d r aw hi de w as t er me d. B ut M rs . R ee d, t he d ea r,t en de r- he ar te d m ot he r, h ad a s ur pr is e i n s to re f or h er c hi ld re n t hi s d ay . W he n t he l as t o x h ad b ee n purchased, Mrs. Reed had placed the frozen meat in one corner of the cabin, so that pieces could be

c hipp ed o ff w ith a k nife o r h atch et. T he tripe , h ow ev er , s he c le an ed c ar ef ully a nd h un g o n the o utside o f t he cab in, on t he e nd of a l og, cl os e t o t he g roun d. Sh e k new t ha t t he sn ow w oul d soo n conce al t hi s fromv ie w. S he a ls o laid a wa y s ec re tly, o ne tea cu pf ul o f w hite b ea ns , a bo ut h alf tha t q ua ntity o f r ic e, the s am em ea su re o f d ri ed a pp le s, a nd a p ie ce o f b ac on t wo i nc he s s qu ar e. S he k ne w t ha t i f C hr is tm as f ou nd t he ma live , the y w ou ld b e in a ter ribly d es titu te c on dition . S he the re fo re r es olve d to lay the se a rtic le s a wa y,a nd g iv e the m to h er s ta rv in g c hild re n f or a C hr is tm as d in ne r. T his w as d on e. T he joy a nd g la dn es s o f the se p oo r little c hild re n k ne w n o b ou nd s w he n the y s aw the tre as ur es u ne ar th ed a nd c oo king o n the f ir e.T he y w ere , j us t t hi s o ne m ea l, t o h av e a ll t he y c ou ld e at ! T he y l au gh ed , a nd d an ce d, a nd c ri ed b y t ur ns .T he y e ag er ly w at ch ed t he d in ne r a s i t b oi le d. T he p or k a nd t ri pe h ad b ee n c ut i n d ic e- li ke p ie ce s.O cc as io na ll y o ne o f t he se p ie ce s w ou ld b oi l u p t o t he s ur fa ce o f t he w at er f or a n i ns ta nt , t he n a b ea n

wo ul d t ake a peep at t hem from t he b oi li ng ke tt le, t hen a pi ece of app le, or a g rai n of r ice. Thea pp ea ra nc e o f e ac h t in y b it w as h ai le d b y t he c hi ld re n w it h s ho ut s o f g le e. T he m ot he r, w ho se e ye s w er e brimming with tears, watched her famished darlings with emotions that can be imagined. It seemed toos ad tha t inn oc en t c hild re n s ho uld b e b ro ug ht to s uc h d es titu tion tha t the v er y s ig ht o f f oo d s ho uld s o a ff ec tthe m! Whe n the d in ne r w as p re pa re d, the m othe r's c on stan t injun ctio n w as , " Ch ildr en , e at s lo wly, the re is plenty for all." When they thought of the starvation of to-morrow, they could not repress a shade of s ad ne ss , a nd w he n t he n am e o f p ap a w as m en ti on ed a ll b ur st i nt o t ea rs . D ea r, b ra ve p ap al W as h es tr ug glin g to r elie ve h is s ta rv in g f am ily, o r lying s ta rk a nd d ea d 'ne ath the s no ws o f the S ie rr a ? T hisquestion was constantly uppermost in the mother's mind.

" De c. 2 7. C le ar ed o ff y es te rd ay , a nd c on tinu es c le ar ; s no w n in e f ee t d ee p; w oo d g ro wing s ca rc e; a tre e,wh en fel led , si nks i nt o t he s now , and i s hard t o be got at .

" De c. 3 0. F in e c le ar m or ning ; f ro ze h ar d las t n ig ht. C ha rles B ur ge r d ie d las t e ve ning a bo ut 1 0 o 'c lo ck .

" Dec. 31. La st of t he ye ar. M ay we , w it h t he hel p of G od, sp end t he co mi ng y ear b et te r t han we h avet he p as t, w hi ch w e pr op ose t o d o i f i t i s t he w il l o f t he A lm ig ht y t o de li ve r u s f ro m o ur p re se nt dr ea df ulsituation. Amen. Morning fair, but cloudy; wind east by south; looks like another snow-storm.S no w- st or ms a re d re ad fu l t o u s. T he s no w a t p re se nt i s v er y d ee p.

" Ja n. 1 , 1 84 7- W e p ra y t he G od o f m erc y t o d el iv er u s f ro m o ur p re se nt c al am it y, i f i t b e H is h ol y w il l.C om me nc ed s no wing las t n ig ht, a nd s no ws a little y et. P ro vision s g etting v er y s ca nty; d ug u p a h id e f ro mu nd er the s no w y es te rd ay ; h av e n ot c om me nc ed o n it y et.

" Ja n. 3 . F air d ur in g the d ay , f re ez in g a t n ig ht. Mrs . R ee d taI ks o f c ro ss in g the m ou ntains w ith h er children.

"Jan-4. Fine morning; Iooks like spring. Mrs. Reed and Virginia, Milton Elliott, and Eliza Williams starteda s ho rt tim e a go w ith the h op e o f c ro ss in g the m ou ntains ; lef t the c hild re n h er e. I t w as d if ficu lt f or Mrs .R ee d t o p ar t w it h t he m. "

T his e xp ed itio n w as o nly o ne o f m an y tha t the e migr an ts a ttem pted . T he s uf fe ring tha t w as e nd ur ed a tthese times was indescribable. The broken, volcanic nature of the summits rendered it extremely difficult

P a g e 3 7



to k ee p f ro m g etting los t. T he w hite , s no wy c liff s w er e e ve ry wh er e the s am e. T his p ar ty b ec am e bewildered and lost near the beautiful Lake Angeline, which is close to the present "Summit Station" of the C en tr al P ac if ic . H ad the y a ttem pted to p ro ce ed , a ll w ou ld u nd ou bted ly h av e p er is he d.

W it hi n h al f a m il e o f t he w ag on r oad w hi ch n ow ex ten ds fr om D on ne r L ak e t o t he S um mi t ar e p la ceswhere rocks and cliffs are mingled in wildest confusion. Even in summer time it is difficult to find one's

w ay a mo ng the b ro ke n, d is to rted m ou ntain top s. I n the m ig hty u ph ea va l w hich p ro du ce d the S ie rr a Nevada, these vast mounds or mountains of frowning granite were grouped into weird, fantasticlabyrinths. Time has wrought little effect upon their bold precipitous sides, and made slight impress upontheir lofty and almost inaccessible crests. Between these fragmentary mountains, in shapely, symmetrical bowls which have been delved by the fingers of the water nymphs and Undines, lie beautiful lakelets.A ng el in e i s b ut o ne o f a d oz en w hi ch s pa rk le l ik e a c ha in o f g em s b et we en D on ne r L ak e a nd t he s no wy ,overhanging peaks of Mount Stanford. The clefts and fissures of the towering granite cliffs are filled, insummer, with dainty ferns, clinging mosses, and the loveliest of mountain wild flowers, and the rims of thelak elets a re b or de re d w ith g ra ss es , s hr ub be ry , a nd a w ea lth o f w ild b lo ss om s. B ut in w in te r this r eg io ne xh ib its the v er y g ra nd eu r o f d es olatio n. N o v er du re is v is ib le s av e the d wa rf ed a nd s ha tter ed p in es

w ho se c ru sh ed b ra nc he s m ar k the p ath o f the r us hing a va la nc he . T he f ur io us w in ds in the ir w ild s po rttos s a nd tum ble the s no w- dr if ts h er e a nd the re , b ar in g the s te rile p ea ks , a nd h ea ping the w hite m as se s ah un dre d f ee t d ee p i nt o c ha sm a nd g or ge . T he p ur e, c le ar l ak es , a s i f i n v er y f ea r, h id e t he ir f ac es f ro m t hetur bu le nt e le me nts in m an tles o f ice . T he s un is d ar ke ne d b y d en se c lo ud s, a nd the icy , s hive ring ,shrieking stormfiends hold undisturbed their ghastly revels. On every side are lofty battlements of rock,w ho se tre mb ling b ur de n o f s no w s ee ms e ve r r ea dy to s lide f ro m its g la ss y f ou nd atio ns o f ice , a nd e ntom bthe bewildered traveler.

I nto this inter mina ble m az e o f r oc ks a nd c liff s a nd f ro ze n lak elets, the little p ar ty w an de re d. E llio tt h ad ac om pa ss , b ut' it s oo n p ro ve d w or th le ss , a nd o nly a dd ed to the ir p er plex ed a nd u nc er ta in s ta te o f m in d.T he y w er e o ut f iv e d ay s. V ir ginia's f ee t b ec am e s o b ad ly f ro ze n tha t s he c ou ld n ot w alk. T his o cc ur re nc e

s av ed the p ar ty . R eluc ta ntly the y tur ne d b ac k tow ar d the c ab in s, c on vinc ed tha t it w as m ad ne ss toa tt em pt t o g o f or wa rd . T he y r ea ch ed s he lt er j us t a s o ne o f t he m os t t er ri bl e s to rm s o f a ll t ha t d re ad fu lw in te r b ro ke o ve r t he ir h ea ds . H ad t he y d el ay ed t he ir r et ur n a f ew h ou rs , t he p at h t he y m ad e i na sc en ding the m ou ntains , a nd b y m ea ns o f w hich the y r etra ce d the ir s te ps , w ou ld h av e b ee n c on ce aled ,a nd d ea th w ou ld h av e b ee n c er ta in .

" Ja n. 6 . E liza c am e b ac k y es te rd ay e ve ning f ro m the m ou ntains , u na ble to p ro ce ed ; the o th er s k ep tahead.

" Ja n. 8. Mr s. R ee d an d t he ot hers c am e ba ck ; cou ld n ot fi nd t hei r wa y on t he o the r si de of t hemountains. They have nothing but hides to live on.

"Jan. 10. Began to snow last night; still continues; wind west-north-west.

" Ja n. 1 3. S no wi ng f ast ; sn ow h ig he r t ha n t he s ha nt y; i t m us t b e t hi rt ee n f ee t d ee p. C an n ot g et w oo d t hi sm or ning ; it is a d re ad fu l s ig ht f or u s to loo k u po n. "

O ne o f t he s tu mp s n ea r t he G ra ve s- Re ed c ab in , c ut w hi le t he s no w w as a t i ts d ee pe st , w as f ou nd , b ya ctua l m ea su re me nt, to b e twe nty- tw o f ee t in h eigh t. P ar t o f this s tu mp is s ta nd in g to- da y.

" Ja n. 1 4- C le ar ed o ff y es te rd ay . T he s un , s hining b rillia ntly , r en ov ates o ur s pirits . P ra is e b e to the G od o f

P a g e 3 8



h ea ve n. " Ja n. 1 5. C le ar t o- da y a ga in . M rs . M ur ph y b li nd ; L an dr um n ot a bl e t o g et w oo d; h as b ut o ne a x between him and Keseberg. It looks like another storm; expecting some account from Sutter's soon.

"Jan. 17- Eliza Williams came here this morning; Landrum crazy last night; provisions scarce; hides our main subsistence. May the Almighty send us help.

" Ja n. 2 1 F in e m or ning ; J oh n B ap tiste a nd Mr. D en to n c am e this m or ning w ith E liza ; s he w ill n ot e at h id es .M rs. s ent he r b ack t o l ive or d ie on t hem. "

The blanks which occasionally occur were in the original diary. The delicacy which prompted Patrick B re en t o o mi t t he se n am es c an n ot f ai l t o b e a pp re ci at ed . W ha t i f t he re w as s om et im es a s ha de o f s elfish ne ss , o r a n a ct o f h ar sh ne ss ? Wha t if s om e f am ilie s h ad m or e tha n the ir d es titu te n eigh bo rs ? T he best provided had little. All were in reality strangely generous. All divided with their afflicted companions.T he R eed s ha d al mos t no th ing t o e at w hen t he y ar ri ve d at t he ca bi ns , y et t hi s fa mi ly i s t he o nl y o ne w hi chr ea ch ed the s ettlem en ts w itho ut s om e o ne m em be r h av in g to p ar ta ke o f h um an f le sh .

" Ja n. 2 2. B eg an to s no w a fter s un rise ; lik ely to c on tinu e; w in d n or th .

" Ja n. 2 3. B le w h ar d a nd s no we d a ll n ig ht; the m os t s ev er e s to rm w e h av e e xp er ie nc ed this w in te r; w in dwest.

" Ja n. 2 6. C le ar ed u p y es te rd ay ; t o- da y f in e a nd p le as an t: w in d s ou th ; i n h op es w e a re d on e w it hs no w- stor ms . T ho se w ho w en t to S utte r's n ot y et r etur ne d; p ro vision s g etting s ca nt; p eo ple g ro wingw ea k, liv in g o n a s ma ll a llow an ce o f h id es .

" Ja n. 2 7. C om me nc ed s no wing y es te rd ay ; s till c on tinu es to- da y. L ew is K es eb er g, J r. , d ie d thr ee d ay sa go ; f oo d g ro wi ng s ca rc e; d on 't h av e f ir e e no ug h t o c oo k o ur h id es .

" Ja n. 3 0. F ai r a nd p le as an t; w in d w es t; t ha wi ng i n t he s un . J oh n a nd E dw ar d B re en w en t 1 0 G ra ve s' t hi sm or ni ng . M rs . _ __ __ s ei ze d o n M rs . _ __ __ ' s g oo ds u nt il t he y w ou ld b e p ai d; t he y a ls o t oo k t he h id esw hich h er se lf a nd f am ily s ub sisted u po n. S he r eg aine d two p ie ce s o nly, the b alan ce the y h av e tak en . Y oum ay j ud ge f ro m t hi s w ha t o ur f are i s i n c am p. T he re i s n ot hi ng t o b e h ad b y h un ti ng , y et p erh ap s t he res oo n w ill b e.

" Ja n. 3 1. T he s un d oe s n ot s hine o ut b rillia nt this m or ning ; f ro ze h ar d las t n ig ht; w in d n or th -w es t.

L an dr um Mur ph y d ie d las t n ig ht a bo ut ten o 'c lo ck ; Mrs . R ee d w en t to G ra ve s' this m or ning to loo k a fter goods."

L an dr um Mur ph y w as a lar ge a nd s om ew ha t o ve rg ro wn y ou ng m an . T he h id es a nd b ur nt b on es d id n otc on ta in s uf ficien t n ou rish me nt to k ee p h im a live . F or s om e h ou rs b ef or e h e d ie d, h e lay in a s em i- de liriou ss ta te , b re athing h ea vily a nd s ee ming ly in little o r n o p ain. Mrs . Mur ph y w en t to the B re en c am p, a ndas ke d M rs. Br ee n f or a pi ece of m eat t o s av e h er s tar vi ng bo y. M rs . B reen ga ve he r t he m ea t, b ut i t w astoo late, L an dr um c ou ld n ot e at. F in ally h e s an k into a g en tle s lu mb er . H is b re athing g re w les s a nd les sd is tinc t, a nd e re the y w er e f airly a wa re o f it lif e w as e xtin ct.

" Fe b. 4 . S no we d h ar d u ntil twe lv e o 'c lo ck las t n ig ht; m an y u ne as y f or f ea r w e s ha ll a ll p er is h w ith h un ge r;w e h av e b ut l it tl e m ea t l ef t, an d o nl y t hre e h id es ; M rs . R ee d h as n ot hi ng b ut o ne h id e, a nd t ha t i s o n

P a g e 3 9



G ra ve s' h ou se ; Milto n liv es the re , a nd lik ely w ill k ee p tha t. E dd y's c hild d ie d las t n ig ht.

" Fe b. 5 . I t s no we d f as te r las t n ig ht a nd to- da y tha n it h as d on e this w in te r b ef or e; s till c on tinu es w itho utinter miss io n; w in d s ou th -w es t. Mur ph y's f olks a nd K es eb er g s ay the y c an n ot e at h id es . I w is h w e h ade no ug h o f t he m. M rs . E dd y i s v er y w ea k.

" Fe b. 7 . C ea se d t o s no w a t l as t; t o- da y i t i s q ui te p le as an t. M cC ut ch en 's c hi ld d ie d o n t he s ec on d o f t hi smonth."

T hi s c hi ld d ie d a nd w as b ur ie d i n t he G ra ve s c ab in . M r. W .C . G ra ve s h el pe d d ig t he g ra ve n ea r o ne s id eo f t he c ab in , a nd l ai d t he l it tl e o ne t o r es t. O ne o f t he m os t h ea rt -r en di ng f ea tu re s o f t hi s D on ne r t ra ge dyis the n um be r o f inf an ts tha t s uf fe re d. Mrs . B re en , P ik e, F os te r, McC utch en , E dd y, K es eb er g, a ndG ra ve s e ac h h ad n ur si ng b ab es w he n t he f at al c am p w as p it ch ed a t D on ne r L ak e.

" Fe b. 8 . F in e, c lea r m or ni ng . S pi tze r d ied l as t n ig ht , an d w e w il l bu ry h im i n t he s no w; M rs . E dd y d ie d o nthe n ig ht o f the s ev en th .

" Feb . 9- M rs. P ik e' s c hi ld al l bu t d ea d; M il ton i s at M urp hy' s, no t a bl e t o g et o ut of be d; M rs . E ddy an dchild were buried to-day; wind south-east.

" Fe b. 1 0. B ea utif ul m or ning ; tha wing in the s un ; Milto n E Ilio tt d ie d las t n ig ht a t Mur ph y's c ab in , a nd Mrs .R ee d w en t the re this m or ning to s ee a bo ut h is e ff ec ts . J oh n D en to n try in g to b or ro w m ea t f or G ra ve s;h ad n on e t o g iv e; t he y h ad n ot hi ng b ut h ide s; al l a re en ti re ly o ut o f m eat , b ut a l it tl e w e h av e; o ur h id esa re n ea rl y a ll e at u p, b ut w it h G od 's h el p sp ri ng w iI l so on s mi Ie u po n u s.

"Feb. 12. Warm, thawy morning.

" Fe b. 1 4. F in e m or ning , b ut c old. B ur ie d Milto n in the s no w; J oh n D en to n n ot w ell.

" Fe b. 1 5. Mor ning c lo ud y u ntil n in e o 'c lo ck , the n c le ar ed o ff w ar m. Mrs ._ __ __ r ef us ed to g iv eM rs ._ __ __ a ny h id es . P ut S ut te r' s p ac k h id es o n h er s ha nt y, a nd w ou ld n ot l et h er h av e t he m.

" Fe b. 1 6. C om me nc ed to r ain las t e ve ning , a nd tur ne d to s no w d ur in g the n ig ht, a nd c on tinu ed u ntilm or ning ; w ea th er c ha ng ea ble, s un sh in e a nd the n lig ht s ho we rs o f h ail, a nd w in d a t tim es . We a ll f ee lu nw ell. T he s no w is n ot g etting m uc h les s a t p re se nt."

CH AP TER IX

The Last Resort--Two Reports of a Gun--Only Temporary Relief--Weary Traveling--The SnowBridges--Human Tracks l--An Indian Rancherie --Acorn Bread--Starving Five Times!--Carried Six

Miles--Bravery of John Rhodes--A Thirty-two Days Journey--Organizing the First Relief Party--AlcaldeSinclair's Address--Captain R.P. Tucker's Companions

I T is r ec or de d o f L ew is a nd S alva do r tha t the y c am e w illing ly to the r elie f o f the e migr an ts . T wo o f S utte r's b es t tra in ed v aq ue ro s f aith fu l h on es t, r elia ble the y s ee me d r athe r p ro ud w he n c ho se n to a ss is tStanton in driving the mules laden with provisions for the starving train. Now they were dying! Horrified

P a g e 4 0



a t the s ig ht o f h um an b eing s e atin g the f le sh o f the ir c om ra de s, the y w ithd re w f ro m the w hite s a t the" Ca mp o f D ea th ." A fter tha t the y a lw ay s c am pe d a pa rt, b ut c on tinu ed to a ct a s g uide s u ntil the y b ec am ecertain that their own lives were in danger. Then they fled. Starving, exhausted, with frozen and bleedingf ee t, the p oo r w re tc he s d ra gg ed the ir w ea ry b od ie s o nw ar d u ntil the y r ea ch ed a little s tr ea mlet, a nd h er et he y l ay d ow n t o d ie . N in e d ay s, w it h n o o th er f oo d t ha n t he y c ou ld f in d i n t he s no w, w as t oo m uc h e ve nf or the ir h ar dy n atur es . T he y w er e u na ble to m ov e w he n the f am is he d " Se ve n" p as se d. Y es , P AS SE D!

f or the s ta rv in g e migr an ts w en t o n b y the p oo r f ello ws , u na ble to d ep rive the m o f the little s pa rk o f lif e lef tin the ir w as te d b od ie s. T ra ve ling w as n ow s lo w w or k f or the d ying w hite s. T he y o nly w en t a bo ut twoh un dr ed y ar ds . I n a f ew m or e h ou rs , p er ha ps tha t v er y n ig ht, the y w ou ld d ie o f s ta rv atio n. A lr ea dy theterrible phantasies of delirium were beginning to dance before their sunken eyes. Ere the Indians wouldc ea se b re athing s om e o f the S ev en w ou ld b e p as t r elie f. T he re w er e two m en a nd f iv e w om en . WilliamF os te r c ou ld se e t ha t h is w if e- -t he w om an w ho w as a ll t he w or ld t o h im -w as f as t y ie ld in g t o t he d ea dl yg ra sp o f t he f ie nd s o f s ta rv at io n. F or t he s ak e o f h is l if e s he h ad s ti fl ed t he m os t s ac re d i ns ti nc ts o f h er w om an ly n at ur e, a nd p ro cu re d h im f oo d f ro m F os di ck 's b od y. S ho ul d h e s ee h er d ie t he m os t t er ri bl e o f d ea th s w itho ut a ttem ptin g to r es cu e h er ? R ea de r, p ut y ou rs elf in this m an 's p la ce . B ra ve , g en er ou s,heroic, full of lion-like nobility, William Foster could not stoop to a base action. Contemplate his position!

L yi ng t he re p ro st ra te u po n t he s no w w as M rs . P ik e, t he w om an w ho m, a cc id en ta ll y, h e h ad r en de re d aw id ow . H er b ab es w er e d yi ng i n t he c ab in s. H is o wn b oy w as a t t he c ab in s. H is c om ra de s, h is w if e,w er e i n t he l as t s ta ge s o f s ta rv at io n. H e, a ls o, w as d yi ng . E dd y h ad n ot n er ve e no ug h, t he w om en c ou ldn ot, a nd William F os te r m us t- -w ha t! Was it m ur de r? N o! E ve ry law b oo k, e ve ry p re ce pt o f tha t h ig he r law , s elf- pr es er va tion , e ve ry d ic ta te o f r ig ht, r ea so n o r h um an ity, d em an de d the d ee d. T he I nd ia ns w er e past all hope of aid. They could not lift their heads from their pillow of snow. It was not simply

justifiable--it was duty; it was a necessity. He told them, when he got back, that he was compelled tot ak e t he ir l iv es . T he y d id n ot m oa n o r s tr ug gl e, o r a pp ea r t o r eg re t t ha t t he ir l in ge ri ng p ai n w as t o c ea se .T he f iv e w om en a nd E dd y h ea rd t wo r ep or ts o f a g un . T he " Fo rl or n H op e" m ig ht y et s av e t ho se w how er e d ying a t D on ne r L ak e.E ve n this r elie f w as b ut tem po ra ry . T ak in g the w as te d f le sh f ro m the b on es , d ry in g it, a nd s ta gg er in g

f or wa rd , t he l it tl e b an d s pe ed il y r ea li ze d t ha t t he y w er e n ot y et s av ed . I t w as f oo d f or o nl y a f ew d ay s.Then they again felt their strength failing. Once more they endured the excruciating torments which precede starvation.I n the v er y c om plete a cc ou nt o f this trip, w hich is k in dly f ur nish ed b y Mar y G ra ve s, a re m an y inter es ting particulars concerning the suffering of these days. "Our only chance for camp-fire for the night," she says," wa s t o h un t a d ea d t re e o f s om e d es cr ip ti on , a nd s et f ir e t o i t. T he h em lo ck b ei ng t he b es t a nd g en er al lym uc h the lar ge st tim be r, it w as o ur c us to m to s elec t the d ries t w e c ou ld f in d w itho ut lea ving o ur c ou rs e.W hen t he f ir e w oul d r ea ch t he t op o f t he t ree , t he f al li ng l im bs w ou ld f al l al l a ro und us an d bu rythe ms elve s in the s no w, b ut w e h ee de d the m n ot. S om etim es the f alling , b la zing lim bs w ou ld b ru sh o ur cl ot hes, but t hey never hi t us; th at wou ld have been t oo l ucky a hi t. We woul d si t or l ie on t he snow, and

r es t o ur w ea ry f ra me s. W e w ou ld s le ep , o nl y t o d re am o f s om et hi ng n ic e t o e at , a nd a wa ke a ga in t od is ap po in tm en t. S uc h w as o ur s ad f ate! E ve n the r eind ee r's w re tc he d lot w as n ot w or se ! 'His d in ne r a ndh is b ed w ere s no w, an d s up pe r he ha d no t. ' O ur far e w as t he sam e! W e w ou ld s tr ike fi re by m ean s o f t he f li nt -l oc k g un w hi ch w e h ad w it h u s. T hi s h ad t o b e c ar ri ed b y t ur ns , a s i t w as c on si de re d t he o nl yh op e l eft i n c as e w e m ig ht f in d ga me wh ich w e c oul d ki ll . W e t ra vel ed o ver a r id ge o f m ou nt ai ns , a ndt he n d es ce nd ed a d ee p c an yo n, w he re o ne c ou ld s ca rc el y s ee t he b ot to m. D ow n, d ow n w e w ou ld g o, o r r at her s li de , fo r i t i s v er y s lav is h w or k g oi ng do wn h il l, a nd i n m any c ase s w e w er e co mp el le d t o s li de ono ur sh oe s a s s le ds . O n r eac hi ng t he b ot tom w e w ou ld pl un ge i nt o t he sn ow , so t ha t i t w as d iff ic ul t g et ti ngo ut , w it h t he s hoe s t ied t o o ur f ee t, o ur p ack s l ash ed t o ou r b ack s, an d ou rse lv es h ead a nd e ar s u nd er t he sn ow . Bu t we ma na ge d t o g et o ut s om e w ay , a nd on e by o ne rea ch ed t he b ot tom of t he c an yo n.W hen t hi s w as ac co mpl is he d w e ha d t o as ce nd a h il l as st ee p a s t he o ne w e h ad de sc en de d. W e wo ul dd ri ve t he t oe s o f ou r s ho es i nt o t he l oo se sn ow , t o m ake a so rt o f st ep , an d on e b y o ne , a s i f as ce nd in gs ta ir -s te ps , w e c li mb ed u p. I t t oo k u s a n e nt ir e d ay t o r ea ch t he t op o f t he m ou nt ai n. E ac h t im e w ea tt ai ne d t he su mm it of a m ou nt ai n, w e h op ed w e s ho ul d b e a bl e t o s ee s om et hi ng l ik e a v al le y, b ut e ac h

P a g e 4 1



O ne e ve ni ng , a bo ut t he l as t o f J an ua ry , M r. T uc ke r s ay s a m an w as s ee n c om in g d ow n B ea r R iv er ,a cc om pa nied b y a n I nd ia n. H is h ag ga rd , f or lo rn loo k s ho we d h e w as in g re at d is tr es s. Whe n h e r ea ch edus, he sai d he w as o f t he Don ner P art y. He t ol d b ri efl y h ow t he t rai n had been caugh t i n t he s now east o f t he m ou nt ai ns , a nd w as u na bl e t o g et b ac k o r f or wa rd . H e t ol d h ow t he f if te en h ad s ta rt ed , a nd t ha t s ix beside himself were still aIive. That the six were back in the mountains, almost starved. R.P. Tucker andthr ee o th er m en s ta rted a t o nc e w ith p ro vision s, the I nd ia n a ctin g a s g uide . T he y r ea ch ed the m, f if te en

m il es ba ck , so me t im e d ur ing t he n igh t, an d b ro ug ht t hem i n t he n ex t da y. T he n am es o f t he se ve n w er eW.H. Eddy, William Foster,S .A .C . F os te r, M rs . H .F . P ik e, M rs . W il li am M cC ut ch en , M rs . S ar ah F os di ck , a nd M ar y G ra ve s. I th ad b ee n thirty two d ay s s in ce the y lef t D on ne r L ak e!a t J oh ns on 's R an ch the re w er e o nly thr ee o r f ou r f am ilie s o f p oo r imigr an ts . N othing c ou ld b e d on etow ar d r elie ving tho se a t D on ne r L ak e u ntil h elp c ou ld a rr iv e f ro m S utte r's F or t. A r ainy w in te r h adf lo od ed B ea r R iv er , a nd r en de re d the S ac ra me nto p la in s a v as t q ua gm ir e. Y et o ne m an v oI un te er ed tog o t o S ac ra me nt o w it h t he t al e o f h or ro r, a nd g et m en a nd p ro vi si on s. T hi s m an w as J oh n R ho de s.L as hing two p in e log s tog ethe r w ith r aw hide s, a nd f or ming a r af t, J oh n R ho de s w as f er ried o ve r B ea r R iv er . T ak in g h is s ho es in h is h an ds , a nd r olling h is p an ts u p a bo ve h is k ne es , h e s ta rted o n f oo t thr ou gh

w at er t ha t f re qu en tl y w as f ro m o ne t o t hr ee f ee t d ee p. S om e t im e d ur in g t he n ig ht h e r ea ch ed t he F or t.A tra in in the m ou ntains ! Men , w om en , a nd c hild re n s ta rv in g! I t w as e no ug h to m ak e o ne 's b lo od c ur dleto think o f it! C ap ta in S utte r, g en er ou s o ld s ou l, a nd A lc alde S in clair, w ho liv ed a t N or ris' R an ch two a nda h alf m iles f ro m the F or t, o ff er ed p ro vision s, a nd f iv e o r s ix m en v olun te er ed to c ar ry the m o ve r themountains. In about a week, six men, fully provided with supplies, reached Johnson's Ranch. Meantimethe T uc ke rs a nd the ir n eigh bo rs h ad s la ug hter ed f iv e o r s ix f at c attle, a nd h ad d ried o r " je rk ed " the m ea t.T he c ou nt ry w as s co ur ed f or h or se s a nd m ul es , a nd f or s ad dl es a nd p ac k- sa dd le s, b ut a t l as t, i n t en o r t we lv e d ay s, t he y w er e r ea dy t o s ta rt . A lc al de S in cl ai r h ad c om e u p f ro m t he F or t, a nd w he n a ll w er er ea dy to b eg in the ir m ar ch , h e m ad e the m a thr illing little a dd re ss . T he y w er e, h e s aid, s ta rtin g o ut u po n ahazardous journey. Nothing could justify them in attempting so perilous an undertaking except theobligations due to their suffering fellow-men. He urged them to do all in their power, without sacrificing

the ir liv es , to s av e the p er is hing e migr an ts f ro m s ta rv atio n a nd d ea th . H e the n a pp ointed R ea sin P .T uc ke r, the f athe r o f o ur inf or ma nt, c ap ta in o f the c om pa ny . With a p en cil h e c ar ef ully w ro te d ow n then am e o f e ac h m an in the r elie f p ar ty . T he n am es w er e J oh n R ho de s, D an ie l R ho de s, A qu illa G lo ve r, R .S .Mootrey, Joseph Foster, Edward Coffeemire, M.D. Ritchie, James Curtis, William H. Eddy, WilliamC oo n, R .P . T uc ke r, G eo rg e W. T uc ke r, a nd A do lp h B ru eh eim. T hu s the f ir st r elief p ar ty s ta rted .

CHAPTER X

A L os t A ge in C alif or nia H is to ry -- Th e C ha ng e Wro ug ht b y the D is co ve ry o f G old- -T he S ta rt f ro mJohnson's Ranch--A Bucking Horse--A Night Ride --Lost in the Mountains--A Terrible Night--A

Flooded Camp--Crossing a Mountain Torrent--Mule Springs--A Crazy Companion--Howlings of GrayWolves--A Deer Rendezvous--A Midnight Thief--Frightening Indians-The Diary of the First Relief Party

C alif or nia, this tim e, w as s pa rs ely s ettled , a nd it w as a f ea rf ul u nd er ta king to c ro ss the s no wy m ou ntainsto the r elie f o f the s to rm -b ou nd e migr an ts . A b ette r ide a o f the d if ficu ltie s to b e e nc ou nter ed b y thev ar io us r elie f p ar ties c an n ot b e p re se nted tha n b y q uo ting f ro m the m an us cr ip t o f G eo rg e W. T uc ke r.T his g en tlem an w as s ix te en y ea rs o ld a t the tim e o f the o cc ur re nc es n ar ra te d, a nd h is a cc ou nt is v ou ch edf or a s p er fe ctly tru th fu l a nd r elia ble. T his s ke tc h, lik e the r em aind er o f this b oo k, tre ats o f a n e po ch in

California history which has been almost forgotten. The scene of his adventures is laid in a region familiar to tho us an ds o f m in er s a nd e ar ly C alif or nian s. A lo ng the r ou te o ve r w hich h e p as se d w ith s o m uc hd if ficu lty, s co re s o f m in in g c am ps s pr un g u p s oo n a fter the d is co ve ry o f g old, a nd e ve ry f la t, r av in e, a nd

P a g e 4 3



"Feb. 17. Traveled five miles.

" Feb . 1 8. Tr av el ed ei gh t m il es, and ca mp ed on t he h ea d of t he Y uba ; on t he p as s w e su pp os e t he sn owt o b e t hi rt y f ee t d ee p. "

T he " pa ss " w as the S um mit. R elie f w as c lo se a t h an d. Wou ld it f in d the e migr an ts ?

CH AP TER XI

H ar ds hips o f R ee d a nd H er ro n- -G en er os ity o f C ap ta in S utter -- Attem pts to C ro ss the Mou ntains w ithProvisions--Curtis' Dog--Compelled to Turn Back--Hostilities with Mexico--Memorial to Gov.

Stockton--Yerba Buena's Generosity--Johnson's Liberality--Pitiful Scenes at Donner Lake--NobleMothers--Dying rather than Eat Human Flesh--A Mother's Prayer-Tears of Joy--Eating the Shoestrings

J AMES F . R EE D e nc ou nter ed the m os t d is he ar te ning trials a fter lea ving the D on ne r P ar ty . H e a ndWalter

H er ro n w er e r ed uc ed t o t he u tm os t v er ge o f s ta rv at io n w hi le o n t he S ie rr a N ev ad a A t o ne t im e t he yd is co ve re d f iv e b ea ns i n t he r oa d, o ne a ft er t he o th er ;

a nd a t a no th er t im e t he y a te o f t he ra nc id t al lo w w hi ch w as f ou nd i n a t ar b uc ke t u nd er a n o ld w ag on .

M r. R ee d h as t ol d t he r es t i n a n a rt ic le c on tr ib ut ed b y h im t o t he R ur al P re ss . I t e xp la in s s o w el l t hedifficulties of getting relief to the emigrants, that it is copied:

" Wh en I a rr iv ed a t C ap ta in S utte r's, m ak in g k no wn m y s itua tion to h im , a sk in g if h e w ou ld f ur nish m eh or se s a nd s ad dl es t o b ri ng t he w om en a nd c hi ld re n o ut o f t he m ou nt ai ns ( I e xp ec te d t o m ee t t he m a t t heh ea d o f B ea r V al le y b y t he t im e I c ou ld re tu rn t he re) , h e a t o nc e c om pl ie d w it h t he re qu es t, a ls o s ay in gt ha t h e w ou ld d o e ve ry th in g p oss ib le f or m e a nd t he c om pa ny . O n t he e ven in g o f m y a rr iva l a t t heC ap ta in 's , I f ou nd Mes sr s. B ry an t, L ip pe nc ott, G ra ys on , a nd J ac ob s, s om e o f the e ar ly v oy ag er s in theR us se l C om pa ny , the y h av in g lef t tha t c om pa ny a t F or t L ar am ie , m os t o f the m c om in g o n h or se ba ck .

" Du ring the e ve ning a m ee ting w as h eld, in w hich I p ar ticipa te d, a do ptin g a m em or ia l to the c om ma nd er

o f S ut te r' s F or t, t o r ai se o ne o r m or e c om pa ni es o f v ol un te er s, t o p ro ce ed t o L os A ng el es , w e b ei ng a tw ar w ith Mex ic o a t this tim e. T he c om pa nies w er e to b e o ff ic er ed b y the p etitio ne rs . B eing r eq ue sted tot ak e c om ma nd o f o ne o f t he c om pa ni es , I d ec li ne d, s ta ti ng t ha t i t w ou ld b e n ec es sa ry f or t he c ap ta in t os ta y w it h t he c om pa ny ; a ls o t hat I h ad t o re tu rn t o t he m ou nt ai ns fo r t he e mi gr an ts , b ut t ha t I w ou ld t ak ea l ieu te na ncy . T hi s w as ag re ed t o, a nd I w as o n m y r et ur n t o t he e mi gr an ts t o e nl ist a ll t he m en I c ou ld between there and Bear Valley. On my way up I enlisted twelve or thirteen.

" Th e s ec on d n ig ht a fter m y a rr iv al a t C ap ta in S utte r's, w e h ad a lig ht r ain; n ex t m or ning w e c ou ld s ees no w o n t he m ou nt ai ns . T he C ap ta in s ta te d t ha t i t w as l ow d ow n a nd h ea vy f or t he fi rs t f al l o f t he s ea so n.T he n ex t d ay I st art ed o n m y r et urn wi th wh at h or se s an d s ad dl es C apt ai n Su tt er h ad t o sp ar e. H e

f ur ni sh ed u s a ll t he f lo ur n ee de d, a nd h in d q ua rt er o f b ee f, g iv in g u s a n o rd er fo r m or e h or se s s ad dl es a tMr. C or dw ay 's , n ea r w he re Mar ys ville is

P a g e 4 7



I n the m ea n tim e, Mr. McC utch en joine d u s, h e b eing v en te d f ro m r etur ning w ith Mr. S ta nton o n a cc ou nto f n es s. A fter lea ving Mr. J oh ns on 's r an ch w e h ad thirty o ne m ule, a nd two I nd ia ns to h elp d rive .

"Nothing happened until the evening before reaching head of Bear Valley, when there commenced ah ea vy a nd s le et, c on tinu in g a ll n ig ht. We d ro ve o n u ntil a h ou r b ef or e h alting . We s ec ur ed the f lo ur a ndh or se s, r ain p re ve ntin g u s f ro m k in dlin g a f ir e. N ex t m or ning , p ro ce ed in g u p the v alle y to w he re w e w er e

t o t ak e t he m ou nt ai n, w e f ou nd a t en t c on ta in in g a M r. C ur ti s a nd w if e. T he y h ai le d u s a s a ng el s s en t f or the ir d eliv er y, s ta ting tha t the y w ou ld h av e p er is he d h ad it n ot b ee n f or o ur a rr iv al. Mrs . C ur tis s ta te d tha tt he y h ad k il le d t he ir d og , a nd at t he t im e o f o ur a rr iv al h ad t he l as t p ie ce i n t he D ut ch o ve n b ak in g. W et ol d t he m n ot t o b e a la rm ed a bo ut a ny th in g t o e at , f or w e h ad p le nt y, b ot h o f f lo ur a nd b ee f, a nd t ha t t he yw er e w elco me to a ll the y n ee de d. O ur a pp etites w er e r athe r k ee n, n ot h av in g e aten a ny th in g f ro m them or ni ng p re vi ou s. M r. C ur ti s r em ar ke d t ha t i n t he o ve n w as a p ie ce o f t he d og a nd w e c ou ld h av e i t.R ai si ng t he l id o f t he ov en , w e f oun d t he d og w el l ba ke d, a nd ha vi ng a f in e sa vo ry s me ll . I c ut o ut a r ib,s me llin g a nd tas ting , f ou nd it to b e g oo d, a nd h an de d it o ve r to McC utch en , w ho , a fter s me llin g it s om et im e, t as te d i t a nd p ro no un ce d i t v er y g oo d d og . W e p ar to ok o f C ur ti s' d og . M rs . C ur ti s i mm ed ia te lyc om me nc ed m ak in g b re ad , a nd i n a s ho rt t im e h ad s up pe r f or a ll .

" At t he l ow er e nd o f t he v al le y, w he re w e e nt er ed , t he s no w w as e ig ht ee n i nc he s i n d ep th , a nd w he n w ear ri ve d a t t he t en t, i t w as t wo f ee t. C ur ti s st at ed t hat h is ox en h ad t ake n t he ba ck t ra ck , an d t ha t h e h adf ollo wc d the m b y the tra il thr ou gh the s no w. I n the m or ning , b ef or e lea ving , Mrs . C ur tis g ot u s to p ro miseto tak e the m into the s ettlem en t w he n o n o ur r etur n w ith the w om en a nd c hild re n. B ef or e lea ving , w eg av e t he m f lou r a nd b eef s uf fi ci en t t o k ee p t he m u nt il o ur re tu rn , e xp ec ti ng t o d o so i n a f ew d ay s.

" We s ta rt ed, fo ll ow in g t he t ra il m ad e b y t he o xen , a nd c am pe d a n um be r o f m il es u p t he m ou nt ai n. I n t hen ig ht , he ar ing so me o f t he h ors es g oi ng d ow n t he t ra il , w e w en t t o w he re t he I nd ia ns h ad l ai n d ow n, an df ou nd t he m g on e. M cC ut ch en m ou nt ed h is h or se a nd r od e d ow n t o C ur ti s' c am p, a nd f ou nd t ha t t heI nd ia ns h ad b ee n the re , s to pp ed a nd w ar me d the ms elve s, a nd the n s ta rted d ow n the v alle y. H e r etur ne d

t o ca mp a bo ut t he m id dl e o f t he n ig ht .

" Ne xt m or ning w c s ta rted , s till o n the tra il o f the o xe n, b ut u nf or tu na te ly , the tra il tur ne d o ff to the lef tf ro m o ur d ir ec tion . We p ro ce ed ed o n, the s no w d ee pe ning r ap id ly , o ur h or se s s tr ug glin g to g et thr ou gh ;w e p ush ed t he m o n u nt il t he y w ou ld r ea r u po n t hei r h ir ed fe et t o b rea st t he s no w, an d w he n t he y w ou lda li gh t t hey w ou ld s in k i n i t u nt il no thi ng w as s ee n of t he m bu t t he n ose an d a p ort io n o f t he h ead . l ie re wef ou nd tha t it w as u tter ly imp os sible to p ro ce ed f ur th er w ith the h or se s. L ea ving the m, w e p ro ce ed edf ur th er o n f oo t, think in g tha t w e c ou ld g et in to the p eo ple, b ut f ou nd tha t imp os sible, the s no w b eing s of ta nd d ee p.

" I m ay h er e s ta te tha t n eith er o f u s k ne w a ny th in g a bo ut s no w- sh oe s, h av in g a lw ay s liv ed in a c ou ntryw he re the y n ev er w er e u se d.

" With s or ro wf ul h ea rts, w e a rr iv ed tha t n ig ht a t the c am p o f Mr. C ur tis, telling the m to m ak e the ir a rr an ge me nts f or lea ving w ith u s in the m or ning . S ec ur in g o ur f lo ur in the w ag on o f Mr. C ur tis, s o tha t w ec ou ld g et i t o n o ur r et ur n, w e p ac ke d o ne h or se w it h a rt ic le s b el on gi ng t o M r. a nd M rs . C ur ti s, a nds ta rted d ow n the v alle y to w he re the s no w w as lig ht, a nd w he re the re w as c on side ra ble u nd er br us h, s othat our famished animals could browse, they not having eaten anything for several days.

" Af te r p ac ki ng M r. C ur ti s' h or se f or h im t he n ex t m or ni ng , w e s ta rt ed ; i n a s ho rt t im e, M r. a nd M rs .C ur tis p ro ce ed ed a he ad , lea ving the p ac k- ho rs e b eh in d f or u s to d rive , ins te ad o f h is lea ding h im ; w eh av in g o ur h an ds f ull in d riving the loo se o ne s, the y s ca tter in g in a ll d ir ec tion s. T he p ac k tur ne d o n theh or se . M r. C ur ti s w as r eq ue st ed t o r et ur n a nd h el p r ep ac k a nd l ea d h is h or se , b ut h e p ai d n o a tt en ti on t ou s. We s to od this f or s om e tim e; f in ally , McC utch en b ec am e a ng ry , s ta rted a fter h im , d eter mine d to b ring

P a g e 4 8



h im b ack ; w he n h e g ot w it h h im h e p ai d n o a tt en ti on t o M cC ut ch en 's re qu es t t o r et ur n; M ac b ec om in gm or e e xa sp er ated , h it h im s ev er al tim es o ve r the s ho ulde rs w ith h is r ia tta. T his b ro ug ht h im to h is s en se s.He sai d t hat i f M ac w oul d not ki ll hi m, he wo ul d c ome back and t ake care of t he pac k an imal , and hedid.

" As s oo n a s w e a rr iv ed a t C ap ta in S ut te r' s, I m ad e a s ta te me nt o f a ll t he c ir cu ms ta nc es a tt en di ng o ur

a tt em pt t o g et i nt o t he m ou nt ai ns . H e w as n o w ay s ur pr is ed a t o ur d ef ea t. I a ls o g av e t he C ap ta in t hen um be r o f h ea d o f c at tl e t he c om pa ny h ad w he n I l ef t t he m. H e m ad e a n e st im at e, a nd s ta te d t ha t i f t hee mi gr an ts w ou ld k il l t he c at tl e, a nd p la ce t he m ea t i n t he s no w f or p re se rv at io n, t he re w as n o f ea r o f s ta rv atio n u ntil r elie f c ou ld r ea ch the m. H e f ur th er s ta te d tha t the re WeF e n o a ble- bo died m en in tha tv ic in ity, a ll h av in g, g on e d ow n the c ou ntry w ith a nd a fter F re mo nt to f ig ht the Mex ic an s. H e a dv is ed m et o p ro ce ed t o Y er ba B ue na , n ow S an F ra nc is co , a nd m ak e m y c as e k no wn t o t he n av al o ff ic er i ncommand.

" I l ef t C ap ta in S ut te r' s, b y t he w ay o f S an J os e, f or S an F ra nc is co , b ei ng u na bl e t o c om e b y w at er .W he n I a rr iv ed a t S an J os e, I f ou nd t he Sa n F ra nc isc o s id e of t he ba y w as oc cu pi ed b y t he M exi ca ns .

H er e I r em aine d, a nd w as a ttac he d to a c om pa ny o f v olun te er s, c om ma nd ed b y C ap ta in Web be r, u ntila fter the f ig ht a t S an ta C la ra .

" Th e r oa d n ow b ei ng c le ar , I p ro ce ed ed t o S an F ra nc is co w it h a p et it io n f ro m s om e o f t he p ro mi ne ntc it iz en s o f S an J os e, a sk in g t he c om ma nd er o f t he n av y t o g ra nt a id t o e na bl e m e t o r et ur n t o t hemountains."

I t is p ro pe r, p er ha ps , to inter ru pt the n ar ra tive in the R ur al P re ss f or the p ur po se o f intro du cing them em or ia l r ef er re d to b y Mr. R ee d. T he c op y o f the o rigina l d oc um en t w as r ec en tly f ou nd a mo ng h is papers by his daughter, Patty Reed.

" To h is E xc elle nc y, R .F . S to ck to n, G ov er no r a nd C om ma nd er -in- Ch ie f, b y s ea a nd lan d, o f the U nite dStates Territory of California: We, the undersigned citizens and residents of the Territory of California, beg leave respectfully to present to your Excellency the following memorial, viz.: That, whereas, the lastdetachment of emigrants from the United States to California have been unable, from unavoidable causes,to reach the frontier settlements, and are now in the California mountains, seventy-five or one hundredm iles e as t f ro m the S ac ra me nto V alle y, s ur ro un de d b y s no w, m os t p ro ba bly twe nty f ee t d ee p, a nd b einga bo ut e ig hty s ou ls in n um be r, a lar ge p ro po rtio n o f w ho m a re w om en a nd c hild re n, w ho m us t s ho rtly b ein a famishing condition from scarcity of provisions, therefore, the undersigned most earnestly beseech

y ou r E xc elle nc y to tak e into c on side ra tion the p ro pr ie ty o f f itting o ut a n e xp ed itio n to p ro ce ed o nsnowshoes immediately to the relief of the sufferers. Your memorialists beg leave to subscribethemselves, very respectfully, yours, etc.

"January, 1847."

T he a rtic le in the R ur al P re ss c on tinu es : " Ar riving a t S an F ra nc is co , I p re se nted m y p etitio n toC om mo do re H ul l, a ls o m ak in g a s ta te me nt o f t he c on di ti on o f t he p eo pl e i n t he m ou nt ai ns a s f ar a s Ik ne w, t he n um be r o f t he m, a nd w ha t w ou ld b e n ee de d i n p ro vi si on s a nd h el p t o g et t he m o ut . H e m ad ea n e st im at e o f t he e xp en se , a nd s ai d t ha t h e w ou ld d o a ny th in g w it hi n re as on t o f ur th er t he o bj ec t, b utw as a fr aid tha t the d ep ar tm en t a t Was hing to n w ou ld n ot s us ta in h im if h e m ad e the g en er al o utfit. H iss ym pat hy w as t ha t o f a m an an d a g ent lem an .

P a g e 4 9



s hr iv eled s kin c ov er ed the ir e ma ciated f ra me s. T he e ye s w er e s un ke n d ee p in the ir s oc ke ts , a nd h ad afierce, ghastly, demoniacal look. The faces were haggard, woebegone, and sepulchral. One seldomh ea rd the s ou nd o f a v oice , a nd w he n h ea rd , it w as w ea k, tre mu lo us , p itif ul. S om etim es a c hild w ou ldm oa n a nd s ob f or a m ou th fu l o f f oo d, a nd the p oo r, h elples s m othe rs , w ith b re ak in g h ea rts, w ou ld h av et o s oo th e t he m, a s b es t t he y c ou ld , w it h k in d w or ds a nd t en de r c ar es se s. F oo d, t he re w as n on e. O h!w ha t w or ds c an f itly f ra me a tribu te f or tho se n ob le m othe rs ! Whe n s tr on g m en g av e u p, a nd p as sive ly

a wa ited the d elir iu m o f d ea th , the m othe rs w er e a ctiv ely a dm in is te ring to the w an ts o f the d ying , a nds tr iv in g to c he er a nd c om fo rt the liv in g. Mar ble m on um en ts n ev er b or e m or e h er oic n am es tha n tho se o f Margaret W. Reed, Lavina Murphy, Elizabeth Graves, Margaret Breen, Tamsen Donner, and ElizabethD on ne r. T he ir c ha rity , f or titu de , a nd s elf- sa cr if ic e f aile d n ot in the d ar ke st h ou r. D ea th c am e s o o ftenn ow , t ha t l it tl e n ot ic e w as t ak en o f h is a pp ro ac h, s av e b y t he se m ot he rs . A d re ad fu l w an t o f c on sc io us ne ss p re ce de s s ta rv atio n. T he a ctua l d ea th is n ot s o ter rible. T he d elir io us w ou ld r av e o f f ea sts,a nd r ic h v ia nd s, a nd b ou nt if ul s to re s o f f oo d. A s t he s ha do ws o f d ea th m or e c lo se ly e nv el op ed t he p oo r creatures, the mutterings grew unintelligible, and were interrupted, now and then, by startled cries of frenzy, which gradually grew fainter, until the victims finally slumbered. From this slumber there was noa wa ke ning . T he b re athing b ec am e f ee bier a nd m or e irr eg ular , a nd f in ally c ea se d. I t w as n ot s o ter rible to

the u nc on sc io us d ying , a s to the w ee ping m othe r w ho w atch ed b y the s uf fe re r's s id e.

I t w as a lw ay s d ar k a nd g lo om y e no ug h in the s no wc ov er ed c ab in s, b ut d ur in g the f ie rc e, w ild s to rm s, thedesolation became almost unendurable. The rushing gale, the furious storm, the lashing of storm-rent pine boughs, or the crash of giant trees overthrown by the hurricane, filled the souls of the imprisonedemigrants with nameless dread. Sometimes the silent darkness of the night would shudder with the howlo f the g re at g ra y w olve s w hich in tho se d ay s inf es te d the m ou ntains . T oo w ell d id the y k no w tha t the seg au nt b ea st s w er e h ow li ng f or t he b od ies o f t he l iv in g as w el l a s o f t he d ead .

Woo d g re w p le ntif ully a t s ho rt d is ta nc es f ro m the c ab in s, b ut f or the se w ea k, s ta rv in g c re atur es to o btaini t w as a h er cu le an t as k. T o g o o ut w he n t he s to rm s w er e r ag in g, w ou ld b e a lm os t i mp oss ib le fo r a w el l,

s tr on g m an . T o s tr ug gle thr ou gh the d ee p, loo se d rifts, r ea ch in g f re qu en tly to the w aist, r eq uire d, a t a nytim e, f ea rf ul e xe rtio n. T he n um b, f le sh le ss f in ge rs c ou ld h ar dly g uide , o r e ve n w ie ld the a x. N ea r the s iteo f the B re en c ab in , to- da y, s ta nd s a s ilen t w itne ss o f the a lm os t s up er hu ma n e xe rtio ns tha t w er e m ad e to procure fuel. On the side of a pine tree are old seams and gashes, which, by their irregular position, weree vi de nt ly m ad e b y h an ds t oo w ea k t o c ut d ow n a t re e. H un dr ed s o f b lo ws , h ow ev er , w er e s tr uc k, a ndt he m ar ks o f t he ax -b la de e xt en d up an d d ow n t he s ide of t he t ree fo r a fo ot a nd a ha lf. B ark se are d w it ha ge h as p ar tl y c ov er ed p or ti on s o f t he c ut s, b ut i n o ne p la ce t he i nc is io n i s s om e i nc he s d ee p. A t t he f oo to f this p in e w as f ou nd a s ho rt, d ec ay ed a x- ha nd le , a nd a b ro ad -b la de d, o ld -f as hion ed a x- he ad . T hem ute s to ry o f the se w itne ss es is u nm is ta ka ble. T he p oo r s ta rv ed b eing w ho u nd er to ok the tas k, n ev er succeeded.

T re es f elle d, f re qu en tly b ur ie d the ms elve s o ut o f s ig ht in the loo se s no w, o r a t b es t, o nly the u pp er mo st branches could be obtained. Without fire, without food, without proper shelter from the dampnesso cc as io ne d b y the m elting s no ws , in the b itte r, b itin g w in tr y w ea th er , the m en , w om en , a nd c hild re n w er eh ud dled tog ethe r, the liv in g a nd the d ea d. Whe n Milto n E llio tt d ie d, the re w er e n o m en to a ss is t inr em ov in g the b od y f ro m the d ee p p it. Mrs . R ee d a nd h er d au gh te r, V ir ginia, b ra ve ly u nd er to ok the tas k.T ug ging , p us hing , lif ting a s b es t the y c ou ld , the c or ps e w as r aise d u p the icy s te ps . H e d ie d in the Mur ph yc ab in b y t he r ock . A f ew d ay s be for e h e d ie d, h e cr awl ed o ver t o t he B re en c abi n, w he re w ere M rs .R ee d a nd h er c hi ld re n. F or y ea rs h e h ad b ee n o ne o f t he m em be rs o f t hi s f am il y. H e w or ke d f or M r.R ee d in the m ill a nd f ur nitu re e stab lish me nt o wn ed b y the latte r in J am es to wn , I llin ois. H e d ro ve the s am ey ok e o f o xe n, " Bu lly" a nd " Ge or ge ," w ho w er e the w he el-o xe n o f R ee d's f am ily tea m o n the p la in s.Whe n Mr. R ee d p ro po se d c ro ss in g the p la in s, h is w if e a nd c hild re n r ef us ed to g o, u nles s Milt. c ou ld b ei nd uc ed t o d ri ve . H e w as a k in d, c ar ef ul m an , a nd a ft er M r. R ee d h ad b ee n d ri ve n a wa y f ro m t hec om pa ny , E ll io tt a lw ay s p ro vi de d f or t he m a s b es t h e w as a bl e. N ow t ha t h e w as g oi ng t o d ie , h e w an te d

P a g e 5 1



t o s ee " Ma " a nd t he c hi ld re n o nc e m or e. " Ma " w as t he t er m h e a lw ay s u se d i n a dd re ss in g M rs . R ee d. None realized better than he the sorrowful position in which she was placed by having no husband uponw ho m t o l ea n i n t hi s t im e o f g re at n ee d. P oor E ll io tt ! h e k ne w t ha t h e w as s tar vi ng ! s ta rvi ng ! " Ma , I a mno t goi ng t o s tarv e t o de at h, I am g oi ng t o ea t of t he b od ies of t he de ad. " Thi s i s wh at he t ol d M rs. Re ed,y et w he n h e a tt em pt ed t o d o s o, h is h ea rt r ev ol te d a t t he t ho ug ht .

R ee d a cc om pa ni ed h im a p or ti on o f t he w ay b ac k t o t he M ur ph y c ab in , a nd b efo re l ea vi ng h im , k ne lt o nt he s no w a nd p ra ye d a s o nl y a m ot he r c an , t ha t t he G oo d F at he r w ou ld h el p t he m i n t hi s h ou r o f d is tr es s.It was a starving Christian mother praying that relief might come to her starving children, and especially tothis, h er s ta rv in g b oy . F ro m the g ra nite r oc ks , the s olem n f or es ts , a nd the s no w- ma ntle d m ou ntains o f D on ne r L ak e, a m or e f er ve nt p ra ye r n ev er a sc en de d h ea ve nw ar d. C ou ld E llio tt h av e h ea rd , in h is d yingm ome nt s, t ha t t hi s p ra ye r w as so on t o b e a ns wer ed , so fa r as M rs . Re ed an d he r l it tl e on es w er econcerned, he would have welcomed death joyfully.

A s tim e w or e w ea rily o n, a no th er a nd m or e s ev er e trial a wa ited Mrs . R ee d. H er d au gh te r V ir ginia w asdying. The innutritious rawhide was not sufficient to sustain life in the poor, famished body of the delicate

c hild . I nd ee d, tow ar d the las t, h er s ys te m b ec am e s o d eb ilita te d tha t s he f ou nd it imp os sible to e at theloathsome, glue-like preparation which formed their only food. Silently she had endured her sufferings,u nt il sh e w as a t t he v ery p ort al s o f d ea th . T hi s b ea ut if ul g ir l w as a g re at f av or it e o f M rs . B ree n' s.O ften time s d ur in g the d ay s o f h or ro r a nd d es pa ir , this g oo d I rish m othe r h ad m an ag ed , u no bs er ve d, tos li p a n e xt ra p ie ce o f m ea t o r m or se l o f f oo d t o V ir gi ni a. M rs . B re en w as t he f irs t t o d is co ve r t ha t t hem ar k o f d ea th w as v is ib le u po n t he g ir l' s b ro w. I n o rd er t o b re ak t he n ew s t o M rs . R ee d, w it ho ut g iv in gt ho se i n t he c ab in a s ho ck w hi ch m ig ht p ro ve f at al , M rs . B re en a sk ed t he m ot he r u p o ut o f t he c ab in o nthe c risp , w hite s no w.

I t w as t he e ve ni ng o f t he n in et ee nt h o f F eb ru ary , 1 84 7. T he su n w as s et ti ng , a nd h is ra ys , i n l on g,lan ce -lik e lin es , s if te d thr ou gh the d ar ke ning f or es ts . F ar to the e as tw ar d, the s um mits o f the Was ho e

mountains lay bathed in golden sunlight, while the deep gorges at their feet were purpling into night. Theg en tl e b re ez e w hi ch c re pt o ve r t he b os om o f t he i ce -b ou nd l ak e, s of tl y w af te d f ro m t he t re e- to ps am uf fled d ir ge f or the d ying g ir l. E re a no th er d ay d aw ne d o ve r the e xp an se o f s no w, h er s pirit w ou ld p as st o a h av en o f p ea ce w he re t he d em on s o f f am in e c ou ld n ev er e nt er .

I n the d es olate c ab in , a ll w as s ilen ce . L iv in g u nd er the s no w, p as sing a n u nd er gr ou nd lif e, a s it w er e,s eldo m v is itin g e ac h o th er , o r lea ving the c ab in s, the se p oo r p riso ne rs lea rn ed to lis te n r athe r tha n loo k f or r elie f. D ur in g the f ir st d ay s the y w atch ed h ou r a fter h ou r the u pp er e nd o f the lak e w he re the " fiftee n"h ad d is ap pe ar ed . With a ch in g e ye s a nd w ea ry h ea rts, the y a lw ay s tur ne d b ac k to the ir s ub te rr an ea nabodes disappointed. Hope finally deserted the strongest hearts. The brave mothers had constantly

e nc ou ra ge d the d es po nd en t b y s pe ak in g o f the p ro mise d r elie f, y et this w as p ro mp te d m or e b y then ec es sities o f the s itua tion tha n f ro m a ny b elie f tha t h elp w ou ld a rr iv e. I t w as h um an n atur e, h ow ev er , tog la nc e tow ar d the tow er in g s um mits w he ne ve r the y a sc en de d to the s ur fa ce o f the s no w, a nd to lis te n a ta ll tim es f or a n u nf am ilia r s ou nd o r f oo ts te p. S o d elic ate b ec am e the ir s en se o f h ea ring , tha t e ve ry n oiseo f the w in d, e ve ry v is itor 's tre ad , e ve ry s ou nd tha t o rd in ar ily o cc ur re d a bo ve the ir h ea ds , w as k no wn a ndinstantly detected.

O n this e ve ning , a s the two w om en w er e s ob bing d es pa ir in gly u po n the s no w, the s ilen ce o f the twiligh tw as b ro ke n b y a s ho ut f ro m n ea r D on ne r L ak e! I n a n ins ta nt e ve ry p er so n f or go t w ea kn es s a nd inf ir mity ,a nd c la mb er ed u p the s ta ir wa y! I t w as a s tr an ge v oice , a nd in the d is ta nc e the y d is co ve re d s tr an ge f or msa pp ro ac hi ng . T he R ee d a nd t he B re en c hi ld re n t ho ug ht , a t f ir st , t ha t i t w as a b an d o f I nd ia ns , b ut P at ri ck B re en , t he g oo d o ld f at he r, s oo n d ec la re d t ha t t he s tr an ge rs w er e w hi te m en . C ap ta in T uc ke r a nd h ism en h ad f ou nd t he w id e e xp an se o f s no w c ov er in g f or es t a nd l ak e, a nd h ad s ho ut ed t o a tt ra ct a tt en ti on ,i f an y o f t he e mi gra nt s y et s ur vi ve d. O h! w ha t j oy ! T he re w er e t ea rs i n ot he r e yes t ha n t hos e o f t he l it tl e

P a g e 5 2



c hi ld re n. T he s tr on g m en o f t he r el ie f p ar ty s at d ow n o n t he s no w a nd w ep t w it h t he re st . I t i s r el at ed o f o ne o r t wo m ot he rs , a nd c an r ea di ly b e b el ie ve d, t ha t t he ir fi rs t a ct w as t o f al l u po n t he ir k ne es , a nd w it hf ac es tur ne d to G od , to p ou r o ut the ir g ra titu de to H im f or h av in g b ro ug ht a ss is ta nc e to the ir d yingchildren. Virginia Reed did not die.

C ap ta in R ea sin P . T uc ke r, w ho h ad b ee n a cq ua in te d w ith the G ra ve s f am ily o n the p la in s b ef or e the

D on ne r P ar ty too k the H as ting s C ut-o ff , w as a nx io us to m ee t the m. T he y liv ed in the low er c ab in , h alf am ile f ur th er d ow n D on ne r C re ek . Whe n h e c am e c lo se e no ug h to o bs er ve the s mo ke iss uing f ro m theh ol e i n t he s no w w hi ch m ar ke d t he ir a bo de , h e s ho ut ed , a s h e h ad d on e a t t he u pp er c ab in s. T he e ff ec tw as a s e le ctrica l a s in the f or me r ins ta nc e. A ll c am e u p to the s ur fa ce , a nd the s am e u nr es tr aine d g la dn es swas manifestedbythefamishedprisoners. Famished theywere. Mrs. Graves is especially praised by thesurvivors for her unstintcd charity. Instead of selfishly hoarding her stores and feeding only her ownch il dr en , s he w as g en er ou s t o a f au lt , a nd no pe rso n e ve r a sk ed at h er d oor f or foo d w ho d id no t re ce iv eas good as she and her li tt le ones had t o eat.

D ea r Mrs . G ra ve s! H ow e ar ne stly s he a sk ed a bo ut h er h us ba nd a nd d au gh te rs ! D id a ll r ea ch the v alle y?

C ap ta in T uc ke r f el t h is h ea rt r ise i n h is t hr oa t. H ow c ou ld h e t el l t hi s w ea k, s ta rv ed w om an o f t he t er ri bl ef ate w hich h ad b ef alle n h er h us ba nd a nd h er s on -in- la w! H e c ou ld n ot! H e a ns we re d w ith a ss um edc he er fu ln es s in the a ff ir ma tive . S o, too , the y d ec eive d Mrs . Mur ph y r eg ar ding h er d ea r b oy L em ue l. I tw as b es t. H ad t he d re ad fu l t ru th b ee n t ol d, n ot o ne o f a ll t hi s c om pa ny w ou ld e ve r h av e h ad c ou ra ge t oattempt the dangerous journey.

L it tl e s le ep w as t he re i n t he D on ne r c ab in s t ha t n ig ht . T he re li ef p art y w er e t o s ta rt b ac k i n a c ou pl e o f d ay s, a nd s uc h a s w er e s tr on g e no ug h w er e to a cc om pa ny the m. Mrs . G ra ve s h ad f ou r little c hild re n, a ndt ol d h er s on W il li am C . G ra ve s t ha t h e m us t r em ai n w it h h er t o c ut w oo d t o k ee p t he l it tl e o ne s f ro mf re ez in g. B ut William w as a nx io us to g o a nd h elp s en d b ac k p ro vision s to h is m othe r. S o e ar ne stly d id h ew ork d ur ing t he n ext t wo d ay s, t hat h e ha d t wo co rds o f wo od p il ed up n ea r t he c abi n. T hi s wa s t o l ast

u ntil h e c ou ld r etur n. H is tas k w as les s d if ficu lt b ec au se this c ab in w as b uilt in a d en se g ro ve o f tam ar ac k.

F oo d h ad b ee n g iv en in s ma ll q ua ntitie s to the s uf fe re rs . Man y o f the s no w- bo un d p riso ne rs w er e s o n ea r d ea th 's d oo r tha t a h ea rty m ea l w ou ld h av e p ro ve n f atal. T he r em na nt o f p ro vision s b ro ug ht b y the r elie f party was carefully guarded lest some of the famished wretches should obtain more than was allottedt he m. T hi s w as r en de re d e as ie r f ro m t he f ac t t ha t t he m em be rs o f t he r el ie f p ar ty w er e u na bl e t o e nd ur et he s ce ne s o f m is er y a nd d es ti tu ti on i n t he c ab in s, a nd s o c am pe d o ut si de u po n t he s no w. S o h un gr yw er e t he p oo r p eo pl e t ha t s om e o f t he m a te t he s tr in gs o f t he s no ws ho es w hi ch p ar t o f t he r el ie f company had brought along.

O n t he t we nt ie th o f F eb ru ar y, J oh n R ho de s, R .S . M oo tr y, a nd R .P . T uc ke r v is it ed t he D on ne r t en ts o nA ld er C re ek , s ev en m iles f ro m the c ab in s. O nly o ne o x- hide r em aine d to the se d es titu te b eing s. H er e, a sw ell a s a t the c ab in s, the a ll-imp or ta nt q ue stio n w as , w ho s ho uld g o w ith the r elie f p ar ty a nd w ho r em ain.I n e ac h f am ily the re w er e little c hild re n w ho c ou ld n ot g o u nles s c ar ried . F ew o f the D on ne r P ar ty h adm or e tha n e no ug h s tr en gth to tra ve l u ne nc um be re d a cr os s the d ee p s no ws . S ho uld a s to rm o cc ur o n them ou ntains , it w as d ou btfu l if e ve n the m em be rs 0 the r elie f p ar ty c ou ld e sc ap e d ea th . I t w as h op ef ullyu rg ed tha t o th er r elie f p ar ties w ou ld s oo n a rr iv e f ro m C alif or nia, a nd tha t the se w ou ld b ring o ve r tho sew ho r em aine d. I n d eter mining w ho s ho uld g o a nd w ho s ta y, e xa mp le s o f h er oism a nd d ev otio n w er ef ur nish ed w hich w er e n ev er s ur pa ss ed in the h is to ry o f m an . C ou ld the ir v is io n h av e p en etra te d the v eilw hich inter po se d b etwe en the m a nd the s ad o cc ur re nc es a bo ut to e ns ue , the y w ou ld h av e k no wn tha ta lm os t e ve ry f am ily, w ho se m em be rs s ep ar ated , w as b id ding g oo d- by to s om e m em be r f or ev er .

P a g e 5 3



C HA PT ER XI I

A Wife's Devotion--Tamsen Donner's Early Life--The Early Settlers of San gamon County--AnIncident in School--Teaching and Knitting--School Discipline--Captain George Donner's

Appearance--Parting Scenes at Alder Creek--Starting over the Mountains--A Baby's Death--AMas on 's V ow -- Cr os sing the S no w B ar rier -- Mo re P re ciou s tha n G old o r D ia mo nd s - -E litha D on ne r's

Kindness

MRS . T AMSE N D ON NE R w as w ell a nd c om pa ra tive ly s tr on g, a nd c ou ld e as iI y h av e c ro ss ed themountains in safety with this party. Her husband, however, was suffering from a serious swelling on oneof his hands. Some time before reaching the mountains he had accidentally hurt this hand while handling aw ag on . A fter e nc am ping a t A ld er C re ek h e w as a nx io us to a ss is t in the a rr an ge me nts a nd p re pa ra tion sf or w in te r, a nd w hile thu s w or king the 'old w ou nd r eo pe ne d. T ak in g c old in the h an d, it b ec am e g re atlys wo llen a nd inf la me d, a nd h e w as r en de re d e ntir ely h elples s. Mrs . D on ne r w as u rg ed to g o w ith the r elie f party, but resolutely determined to heed the promptings of wifely devotion and remain by her husband.

No one will ever read the history of the Donner Party without greatly loving and reverencing thec ha ra cter o f this f aith fu l w if e. T he s ad de st, m os t tea r- staine d p ag e o f the tra ge dy , r elates to h er lif e a nddeath in the mountains. A better acquaintance with the Donner family, and especially with Mrs. TamsenD on ne r, c an n ot f ail to b e d es ir ab le in v ie w o f s uc ce ed in g c ha pter s. T ha nk s to Mr. A llen F ra nc is , the present United States Consul at Victoria, British Columbia, very complete, authentic, and interestinginformation upon this subject has been furnished. Mr. Francis was publisher of the Springfield (Illinois)J ou rn al in 1 84 6, a nd a w ar m p er so na l f rien d o f the f am ily.

T he D on ne rs w er e a mo ng the f ir st s ettler s o f S an ga mo n C ou nty, I 11 . T he y w er e N or th C ar olin ia ns ,

imm ig ra nts to K en tu ck y in 1 81 8, s ub se qu en tly to the S ta te o f I nd ia na , a nd f ro m the nc e to w ha t w ask no wn a s t he S an ga mo n C ou nt ry , i n t he y ea r 1 82 8.

George Donner, at the time of leaving Springfield, Ill., was a large, fine-looking man, fully six feet inh eigh t, w ith m er ry b la ck e ye s, a nd the b la ck es t o f h air, lin ed w ith a n o cc as io na l s ilve r thr ea d. H e possessed a cheerful disposition, an easy temperament, industrious habits, sound judgment, and muchg en er al inf or ma tion . B y h is a ss oc ia te s a nd n eigh bo rs h e w as c alle d " Un cle G eo rg e. " T o h im the y w en t f or instructions relating to the management of their farms, and usually they returned feeling they had been properly advised. Twice had death bequeathed him a group of motherless children, and Tamsen was histhird wife.

H er p ar en ts , Willia m a nd T am se n E us tis, w er e r es pe cted a nd w ell to d o r es id en ts o f N ew bu ry po rt,M as s. , w he re s he w as b or n i n N ov em be r, 1 80 1. H er l ove o f bo ok s m ad e h er a st ud en t at a n ea rl y a ge ;a lm os t a s s oo n a s the b ab y- dimp le s lef t h er c he ek s, s he s ou gh t the s ch oo l- ro om , w hich a ff or de d h er r en te njoy me nt. H er m othe r's d ea th o cc ur re d b ef or e s he a ttaine d h er s ev en th y ea r, a nd f or a tim e h er c hild is hh op es a nd d es ir es w er e o ve rs ha do we d w ith s ad ne ss b y this, h er f ir st r ea l s or ro w. B ut the s ym pa th y o f f rien ds s oo th ed h er g rief , a nd h er thirs t f or k no wled ge led h er b ac k to the s ch oo l- ro om , w he re s he pursued her studies with greater eagerness than before.

H er f athe r m ar ried a ga in , a nd little T am se n's lif e w as r en de re d h ap pier b y this e ve nt; f or in h er s te p- mo th er s he f ou nd a f rien d w ho ten de rly d ir ec te d h er tho ug hts a nd e nc ou ra ge d h er w or k. A t f if te en

years of age she finished the course of study, and her proficiency in mathematics, geometry, philosophy,e tc ., c alle d f or th the h ig he st p ra is e o f h er tea ch er s a nd lea rn ed f rien ds . S he , lik e m an y d au gh te rs o f N ewE ng la nd , f elt tha t talen ts a re intru sted to b e u se d, a nd tha t e ac h lif e is c re ated f or s om e d ef in ite p ur po se .

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S he the re fo re r es olve d to d ev ote h er se lf to the ins tr uc tion o f the y ou ng , a nd a fter tea ch in g a t Newburyport for a short time, she accepted a call to fill a vacancy in the academy at Elizabeth City, N.C., where she continued an earnest and appreciated teacher for a number of years. She became af lu en t F re nc h s ch olar w hile a t tha t ins titu tion , a nd h er leisu re h ou rs w er e d ev oted to the f in e a rts. H er paintings and drawings were much admired for their correctness in outline, subdued coloring, anddelicacy in shading.

I n E liza be th C ity s he m et Mr. D oz ie r, a y ou ng m an o f e du ca tion a nd g oo d f am ily, a nd the y w er e m ar ried .H e w as n ot a m an o f m ea ns , b ut h er f ore th ou gh t e na bl ed t he m t o l iv e co mf or ta bl y. F or a f ew b ri ef y ea rss he e njoy ed a ll the h ap pine ss w hich w ed de d b liss a nd m ater na l lov e c ou ld c on fe r, the n d ea th c am e, a ndi n a f ew s ho rt w ee ks h er h us ba nd a nd t wo b ab es w er e s na tc he d f ro m h er a rm s. I n h er d es ol at io n a nd bereavement she thought of her old home, and longed for the sympathy of her childhood's friends. Sher et ur ne d t o N ew bu ry po rt , w he re s he s pe nt t hr ee y ea rs i n r et ir em en t a nd r es t. I n 1 83 6, s he r ec ei ve d alette r f ro m h er b ro th er in I llin ois, u rg in g h er to c om e to h is a ff licted h ou se ho ld , a nd tea ch h is m othe rles sc hi ld re n. S he r em ai ne d w it h t he m o ne w in te r, b ut h er f ie ld o f a ct io n h ad b een t oo w id e t o p er mi t h er t os ettle q uietly o n a f ar m. B es id es , s he h ad h ea rd m uc h o f the m an ne r in w hich c ou ntry s ch oo ls w er e

c on du cted , a nd b ec am e d es ir ou s o f tes ting h er a bility in c on tr olling a nd tea ch in g s uc h a s ch oo l. S heo bt ai ne d o ne i n A ub ur n, a nd s oo n b ec am e t he f ri en d o f h er p up il s. A ll a gr ee d t ha t M rs . D oz ie r w as afaithful teacher until the following little incident occurred. The worthy Board of School Trustees heard thatMrs . D oz ie r w as in the h ab it o f k nittin g d ur in g s ch oo l h ou rs . " Su re ly , s he c ou ld n ot k nit a nd ins tr uc t h er pupils properly; therefore, she must either give up her knitting or her school." When Mrs. Dozier heardtheir resolution, she smiled, and said: "Before those gentlemen deny my ability to impart knowledge andw ork w it h m y fi nge rs a t t he sa me t im e, I w ou ld l ik e t he m t o v is it m y s cho ol , a nd j ud ge m e b y t he re sul t o f their observation."

A k no ck a t t he s ch oo l- ro om d oo r, a w ee k l at er , s ta rt le d t he c hi ld re n, a nd a c om mi tt ee o f t ru st ee se nter ed . Mrs . D oz ie r r ec eive d the m in the m os t lad ylik e m an ne r, a nd a fter the y w er e s ea te d, s he c alle d

e ac h c la ss a t its a pp ointed tim e. T he r ec itatio ns w er e h ea rd , a nd les so ns e xp la in ed , y et n o o ne s ee me dd is tu rb ed b y the f aint, b ut r eg ular , c lick o f k nittin g n ee dles . F or h ou rs tho se g en tlem en s at in s ilen ce ,d ee ply inter es te d in a ll tha t tra ns pire d. Whe n the tim e f or c lo sing s ch oo l a rr iv ed , the tea ch er inv ited thetru stee s to a dd re ss h er p up ils, a fter w hich s he d is miss ed s ch oo l, tha nk ed h er v is itor s f or the ir k in dattention, and went home without learning their opinion.

T he n ex t m or ning s he w as inf or me d tha t the B oa rd o f T ru stee s h ad m et the p re viou s e ve ning , a nd a fter hearing the report of the visiting committee, had unanimously agreed that Mrs. Dozier might continue her s ch oo l a nd h er k nittin g a ls o. T his little trium ph w as m uc h e njoy ed b y h er f rien ds .

T he f ol lo wi ng y ea r s he w as u rg ed t o t ak e t he s ch oo l o n S ug ar C re ek , w he re t he c hi ld re n w er e o ld er a ndf ur th er a dv an ce d tha n tho se a t A ub ur n. H er c on ne ctio n w ith this s ch oo l m ar ke d a n ew e ra f or m an y o f itsa tt en da nt s. M r. J . M il le r u se d t o r el at e a n i nc id en t w hi ch o cc ur re d a f ew d ay s a ft er s he t oo k c ha rg e o f tho se u nr uly b oy s w ho h ad b ee n in the h ab it o f m an ag in g the tea ch er a nd s ch oo l to s uit the ms elve s. " I w illn ev er f or ge t, " s ai d M r. M il le r, " ho w M rs . D oz ie r t oo k h er p la ce a t t he t ab le t ha t m or ni ng , t ap pe d f or o rd er , a nd i n a k in d, b ut f ir m, t on e s ai d: ' Yo un g g en tl em en a nd y ou ng l ad ie s, a s a t ea ch er o nl y, I c an n otc riticise the p ro pr ie ty o f y ou r w riting n otes to e ac h o th er w he n o ut o f s ch oo l; b ut a s y ou r tea ch er , w ith f ulla ut ho ri ty i n s ch oo l, I d es ir e a nd r eq ue st y ou n ei th er t o w ri te n or s en d n ot es t o a ny o ne d ur in g s ch oo lh ou rs . I w as s ur pr is ed a t y ou r c on du ct y es te rd ay , a nd s ho uld m y w is h b e d is re ga rd ed in the f utur e, I w ill be obliged to chastise the offender.' She called the first class, and school began in earnest. I looked at her q ui et fa ce a nd d im in ut iv e f orm , a nd t ho ug ht h ow e as y i t w ou ld b e f or m e t o p ic k u p t wo o r t hr ee s uc hl it tl e bo di es as she, a nd set t hem ou tsi de of t he doo r! I wr ot e a n ot e and t hrew i t t o t he pu pi l i n f ront of m e, j us t t o t ry M rs . D oz ie r. W he n t he r ec it at io n w as f in is he d, s he s te pp ed t o t he s id e o f h er t ab le , a ndl oo ke d a t m e w it h s uc h a g ri ev ed e xp re ss io n o n h er f ac e, t he n s ai d: ' M r. M il le r, I r eg re t t ha t m y e ld es t

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s ch ol ar s ho ul d b e t he f ir st t o v io la te m y r ul e. P le as e s te p f or wa rd .' I q ua il ed b en ea th h er e ye . I m ar ch edup t o w here sh e st oo d. T he st il ln ess of t hat r oom w as op pres si ve. I h el d ou t m y han d at t he dem an d o f tha t little w om an , a nd too k the p un is hm en t I d es er ve d. a nd r etur ne d to m y s ea t d ee ply h um ilia te d, b utf ully d eter mine d to b eh av e m ys elf in the f utur e, a nd m ak e the o th er b oy s d o lik ew is e. Well, s he h ad n om or e tro ub le w hile s he w as o ur tea ch er . H er p lu ck h ad w on o ur a dm ir atio n, a nd h er q uiet d ig nity h eldo ur r es pe ct , a nd w e s oo n c ea se d w on de ri ng a t t he e as e w it h w hi ch s he o ve rt ur ne d o ur p la ns a nd m ad e

u s e ag er t o a do pt h er s; f or n o t ea ch er e ve r t au gh t o n S ug ar C re ek w ho w on t he a ff ec ti on s o r r ul ed p up il smo re easi ly or happi ly t han she. W e w ere ex pect ed t o co me ri ght u p t o t he mark; but i f we got i nt ot ro ub le , s he w as a lw ay s r ea dy t o h el p u s o ut , a nd c ou ld d o i t i n t he q ui et es t w ay i ma gi na bl e. "

S he tau gh t s ev er al y ou ng m en the a rt o f s ur ve ying , a nd h ad a w on de rf ul f ac ulty o f inter es ting h er p up ils inthe s tu dy o f b otan y. S he s ou gh t b y c re ek a nd o ve r p la in f or s pe cime ns w ith w hich to illus tr ate the ir l es so ns . I t w as w hi le e ng ag ed i n t hi s p la ce t ha t M rs . D oz ie r m et G eo rg e D on ne r, w ho a t t ha t t im e r es id edabout two and a half miles from Springfield. Their acquaintance resulted in marriage. Her pupils alwaysc alle d h er the ir " little tea ch er ," f or s he w as b ut f iv e f ee t in h eigh t, a nd h er u su al w eigh t n in ety- six p ou nd s.S he h ad g ra yish -b lu e e ye s, b ro wn h air, a nd a f ac e f ull o f c ha ra cter a nd intellige nc e. S he w as g if te d w ith

f in e c on ve rs atio na l p ow er s, a nd w as a n e xc elle nt r ea de r. H er v oice w ou ld h old in p er fe ct s ilen ce , f or h ou rs , the c ir cle o f n eigh bo rs a nd f rien ds w ho w ou ld a ss em ble d ur in g the lon g w in te r e ve ning s to h ea r h er r ea d. E ve n t ho se w ho d id n ot f ai l t o c ri ti ci se h er i gn or an ce o f f ar m a nd d ai ry w or k, w er e o ft en c ha rm ed by her voice and absence of display; for while her dress was always of rich material, it was remarkablefor its Quaker simplicity.

M r. F ra nc is s ay s: " Mr s. G eo rg e D on ne r w as a p er fe ct t yp e o f a n e as te rn l ad y, k in d, s oc ia bl e, a nde xe mp la ry , e ve r r ea dy to a ss is t n eigh bo rs , a nd e ve n the s tr an ge r in d is tr es s.

Whe ne ve r s he c ou ld s pa re tim e, s he w ie ld ed a r ea dy p en o n v ar io us top ic s. S he f re qu en tly c on tr ib utedg em s i n p ro se a nd p oe tr y t o t he c ol um ns o f t he J ou rn al , t ha t a wa ke ne d a n i nt er es t a mo ng i ts r ea de rs t o

know their author. Herself and husband were faithful members of the German Prairie Christian Church,s itua te d a little n or th o f the ir r es id en ce . H er e the y liv ed h ap pily , a nd h ig hly r es pe cted b y a ll w ho k ne wthe m, u ntil the s pr in g o f 1 84 6, w he n the y s ta rted f or C alif or nia. "

H av in g s aid this m uc h o f the D on ne rs , a nd e sp ec ia lly o f the n ob le w om an w ho r ef us ed to lea ve h er s uf fe ri ng h us ba nd , l et u s g la nc e a t t he p ar ti ng s ce ne s a t A ld er C re ek . I t h ad b ee n d et er mi ne d t ha t t he t woe ld es t d au gh te rs o f G eo rg e D on ne r s ho uld a cc om pa ny C ap ta in T uc ke r's p ar ty . G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. , a ndW il li am H oo k, t wo o f J ac ob D on ne r' s s on s, M rs . W ol fi ng er , a nd N oa h J am es w er e a ls o t o j oi n t hec om pa ny . T his m ad e s ix f ro m the D on ne r ten ts . Mrs . E liza be th D on ne r w as q uite a ble to h av e c ro ss edthe m ou ntains , b ut p re fe rr ed to r em ain w ith h er two little c hild re n, L ew is a nd S am ue l, u ntil a no th er a nd

l ar ge r r el ie f p ar ty s ho ul d a rr iv e. T he se t wo b oy s w er e n ot l ar ge e no ug h t o w al k, M rs . D on ne r w as n ots tr on g e no ug h t o c ar ry t he m, a nd t he m em be rs o f C ap ta in T uc ke r' s p ar ty h ad a lr ea dy a gr ee d t o t ak e a sm an y little o ne s a s the y c ou ld c ar ry .

L ea nn a C . D on ne r, n ow Mrs . J oh n A pp , o f J am es to wn , T uo lu mn e C ou nty, C al., g iv es a v iv idd es cr ip ti on o f t he t ri p f ro m G eo rg e D on ne r' s t en t t o t he c ab in s a t D on ne r L ak e. M is s R eb ec ca E . A pp ,acting as her mother's amanuensis, writes:

" Mo th er s ay s: N ev er s ha ll I f or ge t the d ay w he n m y s is te r E lith a a nd m ys elf lef t o ur ten t. E lith a w as s tr on gand i n goo d h eal th, w hi le ! w as so poor and em aci at ed t hat I cou ld s carcel y w al k. Al l w e t ook wi th usw er e the c lo th es o n o ur b ac ks a nd o ne thin b la nk et, f as te ne d w ith a s tr in g a ro un d o ur n ec ks , a ns we ringt he purpo se of a sh awl i n t he day -t ime, and wh ich w as a ll we had t o cover us at ni ght . W e st art ed earl y i nt he m or ni ng , a nd m an y a g oo d c ry I h ad b ef or e w e r ea ch ed t he c ab in s, a d is ta nc e o f a bo ut e ig ht m il es .Man y a t im e I sat down i n t he snow to di e, and w oul d hav e peri shed t here i f m y si st er had not u rg ed me

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o n, s ay in g, ' The c ab in s a re j us t o ve r t he h il l. ' P as si ng o ve r t he h il l, a nd no t s eei ng t he c ab in s, I w ou ld g iv eu p, a gai n s it d ow n a nd h av e a no th er c ry , b ut m y si st er c on ti nu ed t o h el p a nd e nc ou ra ge m e u nt il I s aw t hes mo ke r is in g f ro m t he c ab in s; t he n I t oo k c ou ra ge , a nd m ov ed a lo ng a s f as t a s I c ou ld . W he n w e r ea ch edt he G rav es cabi n i t w as al l I cou ld do t o st ep dow n t he sn ow- st ep s i nt o t he ca bi n. Suc h pai n an d mi serya s I e nd ur ed tha t d ay is b ey on d d es cr ip tion ."

In Patrick Breen's diary are found the following entries, which allude to Captain Tucker's relief party:

" Fe b. 1 9. F ro ze h ar d las t n ig ht. S ev en m en a rr iv ed f ro m C alif or nia y es te rd ay w ith p ro vision s, b ut lef t thegreat er part on t he way. T o-day i t i s cl ear and wa rm for t hi s regi on; s ome of t he m en have gone t oD on ne r's c am p; the y w ill s ta rt b ac k o n Mon da y.

" Fe b. 2 2. T he C alif or nian s s ta rted this m or ning , twe ntythr ee in n um be r, s om e in a v er y w ea k s ta te . Mrs .K es eb er g s ta rted w ith the m, a nd lef t K es eb er g h er e, u na ble to g o. B ur ie d P ik e's c hild this m or ning in thes no w; d ie d t wo d ay s a go ."

Poor little Catherine Pike fingered until this time! It will be remembered that this little nursing babe hadn othing to e at e xc ep t a little c oa rs e f lo ur m ix ed in s no w w ater . I ts m othe r c ro ss ed the m ou ntains w ith the" Fo rlor n H op e, " a nd f ro m the s ix te en th o f D ec em be r to the twe ntie th o f F eb ru ar y it liv ed u po n them is er ab le g ru el m ad e f ro m u nb olte d f lo ur . H ow it m ak es the h ea rt a ch e to think o f this little s uf fe re r,w as ting a wa y, m oa ning w ith h un ge r, a nd s ob bing f or s om ething to e at. T he tea sp oo nf ul o f s no w w ater w ou ld c on ta in o nly a f ew p ar ticles o f the f lo ur , y et h ow e ag er ly the d ying c hild w ou ld r ea ch f or the p itif ulf oo d. T he tin y h an ds g re w thinn et, the s ad , p le ad in g e ye s s an k d ee pe r in the ir f le sh le ss s oc ke ts , the f ac e became hollow, and the wee voice became fainter, yet, day after day, little Catherine Pike continued to breathe, up to the very arrival of the relief party.

P atrick B re en s ay s twe nty- th re e s ta rted a cr os s the m ou ntains . T he ir n am es w er e: Mrs . Mar ga re t W.

R ee d a nd h er c hi ld re n- -V ir gi ni a E . R ee d, P at ty R ee d, T ho ma s R ee d, a nd J am es F . R ee d, J r. ; E li th a C .D on ne r, L ea nn a C . D on ne r, W m. H oo k, a nd G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. ; W m. G . M ur ph y, M ar y M . M ur ph y,a nd N ao mi L . P ik e; Win . C . G ra ve s, E le an or G ra ve s, a nd L ov in a G ra ve s; Mrs . P hillip in e K es eb er g, a ndA da K es eb er g; E dw ar d J . a nd S im on P . B re en , E li za W il li am s, J oh n D en to n, N oa h J am es , a nd M rs .Wolfinger.

I n s ta rt in g f ro m t he c am ps a t D on ne r L ak e, M rs . K es eb er g' s c hi ld a nd N ao mi L . P ik e w er e c ar ri ed b ythe r elie f p ar ty . I n a b ea utif ul lette r r ec eive d f ro m N ao mi L . P ik e ( no w Mrs . S ch en ck , o f the D alle s,O re go n) , s he s ay s: " I o we m y l if e t o t he k in d h ea rt o f J oh n R ho de s, w ho se s ym pa th ie s w er e a ro us ed f or

m y m ot he r. H e f el t t ha t sh e w as de se rv in g o f s om e re li c o f al l sh e h ad l ef t b eh in d w he n sh e s ta rt ed w it ht he f ir st p ar ty i n s ea rc h o f r el ie f, a nd h e c ar ri ed m e t o h er i n a b la nk et ." W e h av e b ef or e s po ke n o f t hi sn ob le m an 's b ra ve ry i n b ea ri ng t he n ew s o f t he c on di ti on o f t he " Fo rl orn H op e" a nd o f t he D on ne r P ar tyto S utte r's F or t. H er e w e f in d h im a ga in e xh ib itin g the n ob ility o f h is n atur e b y s av in g this little g ir l f ro ms ta rv atio n b y c ar ry in g h er o n h is b ac k o ve r f or ty m iles o f w in tr y s no w.

B ef or e t he p ar ty h ad p ro ce ed ed t wo m il es , a m os t s ad o cc ur re nc e t oo k p la ce . I t b ec am e e vi de nt t ha tP atty a nd T ho ma s R ee d w er e u na ble to s ta nd the f atig ue o f the jou rn ey . A lr ea dy the y e xh ib ited s ig ns o f g re at w ea kn es s a nd w ea ri ne ss , a nd i t w as n ot s af e t o a ll ow t he m t o p ro ce ed . M r. A qu il a G lo ve r i nf or me d M rs . R ee d t ha t i t w as n ec es sa ry t ha t t he se t wo c hi ld re n g o b ac k. W ho c an p or tr ay t hee mo tion s o f this f on d m othe r ? Wha t p ow er o f lan gu ag e c an ind ic ate the s tr ug gle w hich too k p la ce in them in ds o f t hi s st ri ck en f am il yP M r. G lo ve r p ro mi se d t o r et urn a s s oo n a s h e a rr iv ed a t B ea r V al le y, a ndhimself bring Patty and Thomas over the mountains. This promise, however, was but a slight consolationf or the a go nize d m othe r o r w ee ping c hild re n, u ntil f in ally a h op ef ul tho ug ht o cc ur re d to Mrs . R ee d. S he

P a g e 5 7



e xh au sted c on dition o f the m em be rs o f the D on ne r P ar ty . J oh n D en to n, a n E ng lish ma n, w as m is se d w he nc am p w as p it ch ed , a nd J oh n R ho de s r et ur ne d a nd f ou nd h im f as t a sl ee p u po n t he s no w. H e h ad b ec om es o w ea ry t ha t h e y ie ld ed t o a s lu mb er t ha t w ou ld s oo n h av e p ro ve n f at al . W it h m uc h l ab or a nd e xe rt io nh e w as a ro us ed a nd b ro ug ht t o c am p. D en to n a pp re ci at ed t he k in dn es s, b ut a t t he s am e t im e d ec la re dtha t it w ou ld b e imp os sible f or h im to tra ve l a no th er d ay . S ur e e no ug h, a fter jou rn ey in g a little w ay o n thefollowing morning, his strength utterly gave way. His companions built a fire for him, gave him such food

a s the y w er e a ble, a nd a t h is e ar ne st r eq ue st c on tinu ed the ir s or ro wf ul m ar ch . I f a no th er r elie f c am e s oo n,h e w ou ld , p er ha ps , b e r es cu ed . D en to n w as w el l e du ca te d a nd o f g oo d f am il y, w as a g un sm it h b y t ra de ,a nd w as s ki ll ed i n m et al s. I t i s r el at ed , t ha t w hi le i n t he R ee d c ab in , h e d is co ve re d i n t he e ar th , a sh es , a nd burnt stones in the fireplace, some small pieces of yellowish metal, which he declared to be gold. Theseh e m ad e i nt o a sm al l l um p, w hi ch he c ar efu ll y p re se rve d un ti l h e l ef t t he l ake , a nd i t w as d ou bt les s l ost o nthe m ou ntains a t h is d ea th . T his w as in the s pr in g o f 1 84 7, b ef or e the d is co ve ry o f g old in C alif or nia. T hes tr an ge little m etallic lum p w as e xh ib ited to s ev er al w ho a re y et liv in g, a nd w ho think the re is r ea so n f or believing it was really gold. A few years before/he construction of the Central Pacific, Knoxville, aboutten miles south of Donner Lake, and Elizabethtown, some six miles from Truckee, were famous miningc am ps . G ol d n ev er h as b ee n f ou nd o n t he v er y s ho re o f D on ne r L ak e, b ut s ho ul d t he d is co ve ry b e m ad e,

a nd e sp ec ia ll y s ho ul d g ol d b e f ou nd i n t he r oc ks o r e ar th n ea r t he R ee d c ab in , t he re w ou ld b e r ea so n t o believe that this poor unfortunate man was in reality the first discoverer of the precious metal in California.L ef t a lo ne in the s no w- ma ntle d f or es ts o f the S ie rr a, w ha t w er e this m an 's e mo tion s? I n the C alif or niaS ta r o f 1 84 7, a b ou nd v ol um e o f w hi ch i s i n t he S ta te L ib ra ry i n S ac ra me nt o, a pp ea rs t he f ol lo wi ng poem. The second relief party found it written on the leaf of a memorandum book by the side of Denton'slif eles s b od y. T he p en cil w ith w hich it w as w ritten lay a ls o b y the s id e o f the u nf or tu na te m an . E re theletha rg y o f d ea th s to le a wa y h is s en se s, J oh n D en to n's tho ug hts h ad b ee n o f h is b oy ho od 's b ea utif ul h om ein merry England. These thoughts were woven into verse. Are they not strangely pathetic and beautiful?Judge Thornton, in 1849, published them with the following prefatory words: "When the circumstancesare considered in connection with the calamities in which the unhappy Denton was involved, the wholecompass of American and English poetry may be challenged to furnish a more exquisitely beautiful, a

m or e tou ch in g a nd p athe tic p ie ce . S im ple a nd ino rn ate to the las t d eg re e, y et c om in g f ro m the h ea rt, itg oe s to the h ea rt. I ts lin es a re the las t p la in tive n otes w hich w in tr y w in ds h av e w ak en ed f ro m a n A Eo lianh ar p, the s tr in gs o f w hich r ud e h an ds h av e s un de re d. B ring b ef or e y ou r m in d the p ic tu re o f a n a miab ley ou ng m an w ho h as w an de re d f ar f ro m the p ater na l r oo f, is s tr ic ke n b y f am in e, a nd lef t b y h is a lm os te qu ally u nh ap py c om pa nion s to p er is h a mo ng the ter rible s no ws o f the g re at S ie rr a N ev ad a. H e k no wstha t h is las t, m os t s olem n h ou r is n ea r. R ea so n s till m aintains h er e mp ir e, a nd m em or y, f aith fu l to the las t, performs her functions. On every side extends a boundless waste of trackless snow. He reclines against a bank of it, to rise no more, and busy memory brings before him a thousand images of past beauty and pleasure, and of scenes he will never revisit. A mother's image presents itself to his mind, tender r ec olle ctio ns c ro wd u po n h is h ea rt, a nd the s ce ne s o f h is b oy ho od a nd y ou th p as s in r ev ie w b ef or e h im

with an unwonted vividness. The hymns of praise and thanksgiving that in harmony swelled from thed om es tic c ir cle a ro un d the f am ily a ltar a re r em em be re d, a nd s oo th e the s or ro ws o f the d ying m an , a ndfinally, just before he expires, he writes:"

"Oh! after many roving years,H ow s we et i t i s t o c om e B ac k t o t he d we ll in g- pl ac e o f y ou th ,O ur f ir st a nd d ea re st h om e; T o t ur n a wa y o ur w ea ri ed e ye sF ro m p ro ud a mb itio n's tow er s, A nd w an de r in tho se s um me r f ie ld s,T he s ce ne s o f b oy ho od 's h ou rs .

" But I a m c han ge d s in ce l as t I ga ze dU po n tha t tra nq uil s ce ne , A nd s at b en ea th the o ld w itch e lmT ha t s ha de s t he v il la ge g re en ; . An d w at ch ed m y b oa t u po n t he b ro ok --

P a g e 5 9



I t w as a r eg al g al le y- An d s ig he d n ot i br a j oy o n e ar th ,Beyond the happy valley.

" I w is h I c ou ld o nc e m or e r ec all T ha t b righ t a nd b liss fu l joy ,A nd s um mo n to m y w ea ry h ea rtT he f ee li ng s o f a b oy . B ut n ow o n s ce ne s o f p as t d el ig ht

I l ook , a nd fee l no pl eas ur e, As mi se rs o n t he be d o f de at hGaze coldly on their treasure."

Whe n C ap ta in T uc ke r's r elie f p ar ty w er e g oing to D on ne r L ak e, the y lef t a p or tion o f the ir p ro vision s inS um mit V alle y, tie d u p in a tre e. T he y h ad f ou nd the se p ro vision s d if ficu lt to c ar ry , a nd b es id es , it w as best to have something provided for their return, in case the famished emigrants ate all they carried over the s um mit. I t w as ind ee d tru e tha t a ll w as e aten w hich the y c ar ried o ve r. A ll the s ca nty a llow an ce s w er e,o ne a fter a no th er , c on su me d. Whe n the r elief p ar ty , a nd tho se the y w er e r es cu in g, r ea ch ed the p la cew he re t he p ro vi si on s h ad b ee n c ac he d, t he y w er e i n g re at n ee d o f t he r es er ve s to re w hi ch t he y e xp ec te dt o fi nd . T o t hei r h or ro r an d d ism ay , t he y f ou nd t hat w il d an im al s ha d g na wed t he r op es b y w hi ch t he

c ac he h ad b ee n s us pe nd ed , a nd h ad d es tr oy ed e ve ry v es tige o f the se p ro vision s! D ea th s ta re d the m int he f ac e, a nd t he s tr on ge st m en t re mb le d a t t he p ro sp ec t.

H er e c om es t he s eq ue l t o t he R ee d- Sn yd er t ra ge dy . H ad i t n ot b ee n f or R ee d' s b an is hm en t, t he re i se ve ry r ea so n t o b el ie ve t ha t t he se p eo pl e w ou ld h av e d ie d f or w an t o f f oo d. I t w il l b e r em em be re d,h ow ev er , t ha t t he r el ie f p ar ty o rg an iz ed b y R ee d w as o nl y a f ew d ay s b eh in d C ap ta in T uc ke r' s. O n t hetwe nty- se ve nth o f F eb ru ar y, jus t a s the h or ro r a nd d es pa ir o f the ir d re ad fu l s itua tion b eg an to b e r ea lize d,T uc ke r, a nd tho se w ith h im . w er e r elie ve d b y the s ec on d r elie f p ar ty .

I n o rd er t o b et te r u nd er st an d t he se e ve nt s, l et u s r et ur n a nd f ol lo w t he m ot io ns o f R ee d a nd t he m em be rso f t he s ec on d r el ie f p ar ty . I n t he a rt ic le q uo te d i n a f or me r c ha pt er f ro m t he R ur al P re ss , R ee d t ra ce d

t he ir p ro gr es s a s f ar a s J oh ns on 's r an ch . P at ty R ee d ( Mr s. F ra nk L ew is ) h as i n h er p os se ss io n t heo rigina l d ia ry k ep t b y h er f athe r d ur in g this jou rn ey . T his d ia ry s ho ws tha t o n the v er y m or ning C ap t.T uc ke r, a nd t he c om pa ny w it h h im , l ef t D on ne r L ak e t o r et ur n t o t he v al le ys , R ee d a nd t he s ec on d r el ie f party started from Johnson's ranch to go to Donner Lake. All that subsequently occurred, is briefly and pointedly narrated in the diary.

" Fe br ua ry 2 2, 1 84 7- A ll l as t n ig ht I k ep t f ir e u nd er t he b ee f w hi ch I h ad d ry in g o n t he s ca ff ol ds , a ndJohnson's Indians were grinding flour in a small hand-mill. By sunrise this morning I had about twoh un dr ed p ou nd s o f b ee f d ri ed a nd p la ce d i n b ag s. W e p ac ke d o ur h or se s a nd s ta rt ed w it h o ur s up pl ie s.I nc lu ding the m ea t G re en wo od h ad d ried , w e h ad s ev en h un dr ed p ou nd s o f f lo ur , a nd f iv e b ee ve s. Mr.

Greenwood had three men, including himself. Traveled this day about ten miles.

" Fe b. 2 3. L ef t c am p e ar ly t hi s m or ni ng , a nd p us he d a he ad , b ut c am pe d e ar ly o n a cc ou nt o f g ra ss .T o- mo rr ow w e w ill r ea ch the s no w.

" Fe b. 2 4. E nc am pe d a t M ul e S pr in gs t hi s e ve ni ng . M ad e a rr an ge me nt s t o t ak e t o t he s no w i n t hemorning, having left in camp our saddles, bridles, etc.

" Fe b. 2 5. S ta rted w ith e le ve n h or se s a nd m ules lig htly p ac ke d, e ac h h av in g a bo ut e ig hty p ou nd s.T ra ve le d t wo m il es , a nd l ef t o ne m ul e a nd h is p ac k. M ad e t o- da y, w it h h ar d l ab or f or t he h or se s, i n t hes no w, a bo ut s ix m il es . O ur s ta rt w as l at e.

" Fe b. 2 6. L ef t o ur e nc am pm en t, C ad y think in g the s no w w ou ld b ea r the h or se s. P ro ce ed ed two h un dr edy ar ds w ith d if ficu lty, w he n w e w er e c om pe lled to u np ac k the h or se s a nd tak e the p ro vision s o n o ur

P a g e 6 0



backs. Usually the men had kept in the best of spirits, but here, for a few moments, there was silence.Whe n the p ac ks w er e r ea dy to b e s tr un g u po n the ir b ac ks , h ow ev er , the h ilar ity a nd g oo d f ee ling a ga inc om me nc ed . M ad e t he h ea d o f B ear V al le y, a d is ta nc e o f f if te en m il es . W e m et i n t he v al ley , a bo ut t hr eem il es b el ow t he c am p, M es sr s. G lo ve r a nd R ho de s, b el on gi ng t o t he p ar ty t ha t w en t t o t he l ak e. T he yinf or me d m e the y h ad s ta rted w ith twe nty- on e p er so ns , two o f w ho m h ad d ie d, J oh n D en to n, o f S pr in gf ie ld , I 11 ., a nd a c hi ld o f M r. a nd M rs . K es eb er g. M r. G lo ve r s en t t wo m en b ac k t o t he p ar ty w it h

f re sh p ro vision s. T he y a re in a s ta rv in g c on dition , a nd a ll h av e n ea rly g iv en o ut. I h av e lig hten ed o ur packs with a sufficient quantity of provisions to do the people when they shall arrive at this place.

" Fe b. 2 7. I s en t b ac k t wo m en t o o ur c am p o f n ig ht b ef or e l as t, t o b ri ng f orw ar d p ro vi si on s. T he yw il lr et ur n t o- mo rr ow . I a ls o l ef t o ne m an t o p re pa re f or t he p eo pl e w ho w er e e xp ec te d t o- da y. L ef t c am po n a f in e, h ar d s no w, a nd p ro ce ed ed a bo ut f ou r m il es , w he n w e m et t he p oo r, u nf or tu na te , s ta rv ed people. As I met them scattered along the snowtrail, I distributed some bread that I had baked last night.I g av e i n s mal l qu an ti ti es t o e ach . H ere I m et my wi fe a nd t wo of my l it tl e ch il dren . Tw o o f m y ch il dre na re s ti ll i n t he m ou nt ai ns . I c an n ot d es cr ib e t he d ea th -l ik e l oo k a ll t he se p eo pl e h ad . ' B re ad !' ' B re ad !' 'B rea d!' ' B re ad! ' wa s t he b eg gi ng cr y of ev ery chi ld an d gr ow n pe rso n. I g av e al l I d are d t o t hem , a nd

s et o ut f or t he s ce ne o f d es ol at io n a t t he l ak e. I a m n ow c am pe d w it hi n t we nt y- fi ve m il es o f t he p la ce ,w hi ch I h op e t o r ea ch b y t ra ve li ng t o- ni gh t an d t om or ro w. W e h ad t o c am p e arl y t hi s e ve ni ng , o na cc ou nt o f t he s of tn es s o f t he s no w, t he m en s in ki ng i n t o t he ir w ai st s, T he p ar ty w ho p as se d u s t o- da yw er e o ve rj oy ed w he n w e t ol d t he m t he re w as p le nt y o f p ro vi si on a t c am p. I m ad e a c ac he , t o- da y, a ft er w e h ad tra ve le d a bo ut twe lv e m iles , a nd e nc am pe d thr ee m iles f ur th er e as tw ar d, o n the Y ub a. S no wabout fifteen feet deep."

T he m ee ting b etwe en R ee d a nd h is f am ily c an b ette r b e ima gine d tha n d es cr ib ed . F or m on th s the y h ad been separated. While the father was battling with fate in endeavoring to reach California and return witha ss is ta nc e, the m othe r h ad b ee n u sing e ve ry e xe rtio n to o btain f oo d f or h er s ta rv in g c hild re n. N ow the y

m et in the m ou ntains , in the d ee p s no ws , a mid p athles s f or es ts , a t a tim e w he n the m othe r a nd c hild re n,a nd a ll w it h t he m, w er e o ut o f p ro vi si on s a nd re ad y t o p er is h.

Mea ntim e, the f ir st r elie f, w ith the ir little c om pa ny , n ow r ed uc ed to n in etee n, p as se d f or wa rd tow ar d thes ettlem en ts . A t B ea r V alle y, a no th er c ac he o f p ro vision s h ad b ee n m ad e, a nd this w as f ou nd u nm oles te d.C am ping at this p la ce , the u tm os t p re ca utio n w as tak en to p re ve nt the p oo r s ta rv ed p eo ple f ro movereating. After a sufficient quantity of food had been distributed, the remainder of the provisions wash un g u p in a tre e. O f c ou rs e, the s ma ll p or tion d is tr ib uted to e ac h d id n ot s atis fy the c ra ving s o f h un ge r.S om e t im e d ur in g t he n igh t, W m. H oo k q ui et ly c re pt t o t he t re e, c li mb ed u p t o t he f oo d, a nd a te u nt il h ish un ge r w as a pp ea se d. P oo r b oy , i t w as a f at al a ct . T ow ar d m or ni ng i t w as d is co ve re d t ha t h e w as d yi ng .

A ll t ha t t he co mp an y c ou ld d o t o r el iev e hi s su ffe ri ngs w as d on e, b ut i t w as of n o av ai l. F in di ng t ha t t he poor boy was past relief, most of the emigrants moved on toward the settlements. Wm. G. Murphy's feeth ad b ee n b ad ly f ro ze n, a nd h e w as s uf fe ring s uc h e xc ru ciatin g a go ny tha t h e c ou ld n ot tra ve l a nd k ee p u pw it h t he o th er s. A t h is r eq ue st , h is s is te r M ar y h ad c ut h is s ho es o pe n, i n o rd er t o g et t he m o ff , a nd h isf ee t t he re up on s we ll ed u p a s i f t he y h ad b ee n s ca ld ed . B ec au se h e c ou ld n ot w al k, t he c om pa ny l ef t h imw ith William H oo k. A c am p- ke ep er a ls o r em aine d. T his b oy 's d ea th is thu s d es cr ib ed b y Mr. Mur ph y,who writes:

" Wi ll ia m H oo k w en t o ut o n t he s no w a nd r es te d o n h is k ne es a nd e lb ow s. T he c am p- ke ep er c al le d t ohi m to come i n. He then t old me t o make hi m come i nto camp. I went and put my hand on him, speakingh is n am e, a nd h e f el l o ve r, b ei ng a lre ad y d ea d. H e d id n ot d ie i n g re at a go ny , a s i s u su al ly a ll eg ed . N og ro an . n or s ig ns o f d ying , w er e m an if es te d to u s. T he c am p- ke ep er a nd m ys elf too k the b is cu its a nd

jerked beef from his pockets, and buried him just barely under the ground, near a tree which had beenf ir ed , a nd f ro m a ro un d w hich the s no w h ad m elte d. " T ho se w ho w er e in the c om pa ny tho ug ht Wm. G .

P a g e 6 1



M ur ph y c ou ld n ot p os si bl y w al k, b ut w he n a ll h ad g on e, a nd H oo k w as d ea d, a nd n o a lt er na ti vere mai ned bu t t o wa lk or d ie , h e d id w al k. It t oo k h im t wo d ay s t o go b ar ef oo ted ov er t he sn ow t o M ul eS pr in gs , a j ou rn ey w hi ch t he o th ers h ad m ad e i n o ne d ay . T he a go ny w hi ch h e e nd ur ed d ur in g t ha t t ri pcan better be imagined than described. Nothing but an indomitable will could have sustained him duringt ho se t wo d ay s.

A ll the m em be rs o f this r elie f p ar ty s uf fe re d g re atly , a nd s ev er al c am e n ea r p er is hing . L ittle J am es F .R ee d, J r. , w as t oo s mal l t o st ep i n t he t ra ck s m ade by t he o ld er m em ber s o f t he pa rt y. In o rd er t o t ra ve lwi th t he res t he had t o part ly use h is knees i n w al ki ng. W hen o ne foo t was i n a t rack he w oul d p lace t heo th er k ne e o n t he u nt ro dd en s no w, a nd w as t hu s e na bl ed t o p ut h is f oo t i n t he n ex t t ra ck . J oh n D en to nw as l ef t w it h a g oo d fi re, an d w he n l as t s een w as r ecl in in g s mo ki ng , o n a b ed o f f re sh ly g at he red p in e boughs. lie looked so comfortable that the little timid boy James begged hard to be allowed to remainw it h h im . M rs . R ee d h ad h ar d w or k t o c oa x h im t o c om e. A mo ng o th er t hi ng s, s he p ro mi se d t ha t w he nh e r ea ch ed C alif or nia h e s ho uld h av e a h or se " all f or h im se lf ," a nd tha t h e s ho uld n ev er h av e to w alk a nymore. This promise was literally fulfilled. James F. Reed, Jr., since reaching California, has always had ah or se o f h is o wn . N o m at te r w ha t v ic is si tu de s o f f or tu ne h av e o ve rt ak en h im , h e h as a lw ay s k ep t a

saddle horse.

S ad s ce ne s w er e o cc ur ri ng a t t he c ab in a t D on ne r L ak e a nd t he t en ts a t A ld er C re ek . S ta rv at io n w as f as tc la im in g its v ic tims . T he p oo r s uf fe re rs tried to b e b ra ve a nd tru st G od , b ut s om etim es h op e w ell- nighd is ap pe ar ed . T he e ve ning p ra ye rs w er e a lw ay s r ea d in P atrick B re en 's c ab in , a nd a ll the inm ates k ne lta nd joine d in the r es po ns es . O nc e w he n the y w er e thu s p ra ying , the y h ea rd the c ries o f w ild g ee se f ly in go ve r the c ab in . With o ne a cc or d a ll r aise d the ir h ea ds a nd lis te ne d f or a m om en t to the s ou l- in sp ir in gs ou nd . " Th an k G od , the s pr in g is c om in g, " w as a ll P atrick B re en s aid, a nd a ga in b ow in g the ir h ea ds , the prayer was resumed.

C ha rles L . C ad y, w riting f ro m C alis to ga , s ay s tha t C om mo do re S to ck to n e mp lo ye d G re en wo od a nd

T ur ne r t o g ui de t he s ec on d r el ie f p ar ty o ve r t he m ou nt ai ns t o D on ne r L ak e. C ad y, S to ne , a nd C la rk , being young, vigorous men, left their companions, or were sent forward by Reed, and reached the cabinss om e h ou rs in a dv an ce o f the p ar ty . A t o ne tim e, n ea r the p re se nt s ta tion o f S um mit V alle y, C ad ya ndS to ne b ec am e b ew ilde re d, tho ug ht the y w er e los t, a nd w an te d t¢ r etur n. Mr. C la rk , h ow ev er , p re va iledu po n t he m t o p re ss f or wa rd , ag re ei ng t ha t i f t he y d id n ot c at ch s om e g li mp se o f D on ner L ak e w he n t he yr ea ch ed a c er ta in m ou nt ai n t op i n t he d is ta nc e, h e w ou ld g iv e u p a nd r et ur n w it h t he m. H ad t he y r ea ch edt he m ou nt ai n t op t he y c ou ld n ot h av e s ee n t he l ak e, a nd s o w ou ld h av e t ur ne d b ac k, b ut w hi le t he y w er ea sc en ding , the y c am e to the lif eles s b od y o f C .T . S ta nton s itting u pr ig ht a ga in st a tre e. T he re w as n olon ge r r oo m f or d ou btin g tha t the y w er e g oing in the r ig ht d ir ec tion to r ea ch D on ne r L ak e. P oo r S ta nton !e ve n i n d ea th h e p oi nt ed o ut t o t he r el ie f p ar ty t he w ay t o t he s ta rv in g e mi gr an ts , t o s av e w ho m h e h ad

sacrificed his life.

Reed's diary continues:

" Fe b. 2 8. L ef t c am p a bo ut t we lv e o 'c lo ck a t n ig ht , b ut w as c om pe ll ed t o c am p a bo ut t wo o 'c lo ck , t hes no w s till b eing s of t. L ef t a ga in a bo ut f ou r o 'c lo ck , a ll h an ds , a nd m ad e this d ay f ou rtee n m iles .E nc am pe d e ar ly ; s no w v er y s of t. T he s no w h er e i s t hi rt y f ee t d ee p. T hr ee o f m y m en , C ad y, C la rk , a ndS to ne , k ep t o n d ur in g the n ig ht to w ithin two m iles o f the c ab in s, w he re the y h alte d, a nd r em aine d w itho utf ir e du ri ng t he n ig ht , o n ac co un t o f h av in g s ee n t en I ndi an s. T he b oys d id n ot ha ve a ny a rm s, a nds up po se d the se I nd ia ns h ad tak en the c ab in s a nd d es tr oy ed the p eo ple. I n the m or ning the y s ta rted , a ndr ea ch ed the c ab in s. A ll w er e a live in the h ou se s. T he y g av e p ro vision s to K es eb er g, B re en , G ra ve s, a ndM rs . M urp hy , a nd t he t wo t he n l ef t f or D on ne r' s, a d is ta nc e o f s ev en m il es , w hi ch t he y m ad e b y t hem id dle o f the d ay .

P a g e 6 2



" Ma rc h 1 . I c am e u p w it h t he r em ai nd er o f m y p ar ty , a nd t ol d t he p eo pl e t ha t a ll w ho w er e a bl e s ho ul ds ta rt d ay a fter to- mo rr ow . Mad e s ou p f or the inf ir m, w as he d a nd c lo th ed a fr es h E dd y's a nd F os te r'sc hi ld re n, a nd r en de re d e ve ry a ss is ta nc e i n m y p ow er . I l ef t M r. S to ne w it h K es eb er g' s p eo pl e t o c oo k,a nd to w atch the e atin g o f Mrs . Mur ph y, K es eb er g, a nd thr ee c hildr en ."

In Patrick Breen's diary is found the following:

" Fe b. 2 3. F ro ze h ar d l as t n ig ht . T o- da y p le as an t a nd t ha wy ; h as t he a pp ea ra nc e o f s pr in g, a ll b ut t hed ee p s no w. W in d s ou th -s ou th -e as t. S ho t a d og t o- da y a nd d re ss ed h is f le sh .

" Fe b. 2 5. T o- day M rs . M urp hy sa ys t he w ol ves a re ab out t o d ig u p t he d ead b od ies ar oun d h er sh ant y,and t he ni ght s are t oo c ol d t o w at ch t hem , but we hea r t he m howl .

" Fe b. 26 . H un gr y t im es i n ca mp ; p len ty of h id es, b ut t he f ol ks w il l n ot ea t t hem ; w e ea t t he m w it h

toler ab ly g oo d a pp etite, tha nk s to the A lm ig hty G od . Mrs . Mur ph y s aid h er e y es te rd ay tha t s he tho ug hts he w ou ld c om me nc e o n M il to n a nd e at h im . I d o n ot t hi nk s he h as d on e s o y et ; i t i s d is tr es si ng . T heD on ne rs told the C alif or nia f olks f ou r d ay s a go tha t the y w ou ld c om me nc e o n the d ea d p eo ple if the y d idn ot s uc ce ed t ha t d ay o r t he n ex t i n f in di ng t he ir c at tl e, t he n t en o r t we lv e f ee t u nd er t he s no w, a nd t he ydi d not k no w t he s po t o r nea r i t; t hey ha ve do ne i t e re t hi s.

" Fe b. 2 8. O ne s ol it ar y I nd ia n p as se d b y y es te rd ay ; c am e f ro m t he l ak e; h ad a h ea vy p ac k o n h is b ac k;g av e m e f iv e o r s ix r oo ts r es em blin g o nion s in s ha pe ; tas te d s om e lik e a s we et p otato; f ull o f tou gh littlefibers.

" Ma rc h 1 . T en m en a rri ve d t hi s m or ni ng f ro m B ea r V al le y, w it h pr ov isi on s. W e a re t o st ar t i n t wo o r

thr ee d ay s, a nd c ac he o ur g oo ds h er e. T he y s ay the s no w w ill r em ain u ntil J un e. "

T his c lo se s P atrick B re en 's d ia ry . I ts r ec or d h as a lw ay s b ee n c on side re d r elia ble. N on e o f the s ta te me ntsm ad e in this d ia ry h av e e ve r b ee n c on tr ov er te d.

T he I nd ia n s po ke n o f r ef us ed t o b e i nt er vi ew ed . T o q uo te t he l an gu ag e o f M r. J oh n B re en , " he d id n otseem t o be at al l curi ou s as t o how or why t here was a whi te man al one (as i t must have seemed t o h im)i n t he w il de rn es s o f s no w. " T he In di an w as t ru dg in g a lo ng w it h a h ea vy p ac k o n h is b ac k. A s s oo n a s h esaw Mr . Bre en, he hal ted an d w arn ed hi m wi th a g est ure no t t o a ppr oach . Ta ki ng from t he pac k a few of the f ib ro us r oo ts , h e laid the m o n the s no w, s till c au tion in g w ith h is h an d n ot to a pp ro ac h u ntil h e w as w ell

ou t o f rea ch . A s s oo n as t he Ind ia n w as g on e, M r. Br ee n we nt ou t an d go t t he ro ot s, wh ic h w ere ve ry palatable. It is probable that this was one of the band of Indians seen by Clark, Cady, and Stone.

W he n P at ty a nd T ho ma s R ee d h ad b ee n r et ur ne d t o t he c ab in s b y A qu il a G lo ve r, t he y h ad b ee nr ec eive d b y the B re en f am ily, w he re the y r em aine d a ll the tim e u ntil the ir f athe r c am e. T he B re en c ab inw as t he f ir st o ne a t w hi ch M r. R ee d a rr iv ed . H is m ee ti ng w it h h is d au gh te r i s t hu s d es cr ib ed b y M r.E dd y, i n T ho rn to n' s w or k: " At t hi s c am p M r. R ee d s aw h is d au gh te r P at ty s it ti ng o n t he t op o f t he s no wyw ith w hich the c ab in w as c ov er ed . P atty s aw h er f athe r a t s om e d is ta nc e, a nd imm ed ia te ly s ta rted to r una nd m ee t h im , b ut s uc h w as h er w ea kn es s t ha t s he f el l. H er f at he r t oo k h er u p, a nd t he a ff ec ti on at e g ir l, bathed in tears, embraced and kissed him, exclaiming: 'Oh, papa! I never expected to see you againw he n t he c ru el p eo pl e d ro ve yo u o ut o f c am p. B ut I kn ew t hat G od w as go od , an d w ou ld do wh at w as best. Is dear mamma living? Is Mr. Glover living? Did you know that he was a Mason? Oh, my dear papa, I am so happy to see you. Masons must be good men. Is Mr. Glover the same sort of Mason weh ad Sp ri ngf iel d? H e p ro mi sed m am ma u po n t he w or d o f a M as on t ha t h e w ou ld b ri ng m e a nd T om my

P a g e 6 3



o ut o f t he m ou nt ai ns .' M r. R ee d t ol d P at ty t ha t M as on s w er e e ve ry wh er e t he s am e, a nd t ha t h e h ad m eth er m ot her a nd M r. G lo ve r, a nd h ad r el ie ve d h im f ro m h is pl ed ge , a nd t ha t h e h im se lf h ad co me t o h er a nd l it tl e T om my t o r ed ee m t ha t p le dg e a nd t o t ak e o ut a ll t ha t w er e a bl e t o t ra ve l. "

T he g re ates t p re ca utio n w as tak en to k ee p the s uf fe ring e migr an ts f ro m o ve re atin g. C ad y, S to ne , a ndC la rk h ad d is tr ib uted a s ma ll p or tion o f f oo d to e ac h o f the f am is he d b eing s. P atty R ee d w as intru sted

w ith the tas k o f g iv in g

e ach p er so n a si ng le b is cu it . T ak in g t he bi sc ui ts i n h er ap ro n s he w ent i n t urn t o e ac h m em be r of t hec om pa ny . Who s ha ll d es cr ib e the r ejoicing s tha t w er e h eld o ve r tho se b is cu its P S ev er al o f the s ur vivo rs ,in s pe ak in g o f the s ub je ct, s ay tha t to the ir h un gr y e ye s the se s ma ll p ie ce s o f b re ad a ss um ed g ig an tic proportions. Never did the largest loaves of bread look half so large. Patty Reed says that some of thelittle g ir ls c ut the ir p or tion s into thin s lice s, s o a s to e at the m s lo wly a nd e njoy the m m or e c om pletely.

T he n am es o f t he m em be rs o f t hi s s ec on d r el ie f p ar ty w er e J am es F . R ee d, C ha rl es C ad y, C ha rl esS to ne , N ic ho la s C la rk , J os ep h J on dr o, Mathe w D of ar , J oh n T ur ne r, H ir am Mille r, Wm. McC utch en ,

a nd B ri t. G re en wo od . A p or ti on o f t he p ar ty w en t t o t he D on ne r t en ts , a nd t he r em ai nd er a ss is te d t hee migr an ts in p re pa ring to s ta rt o ve r the m ou ntains . T he d is tr es s a nd s uf fe ring a t e ac h c am p w as e xtre me .E ve n a ft er t he c hi ld re n h ad r ec ei ve d a s m uc h f oo d a s w as p ru de nt , i t i s s ai d t he y w ou ld s tr et ch o ut t he ir l it tl e a rm s a nd w it h c ri es a nd t ea rs b eg f or s om et hi ng t o e at . M rs . M ur ph y i nfo rm ed M r. R ee d t ha t s om eo f t he c hi ld re n h ad b ee n c on fi ne d t o t he ir b ed s f or f ou rt ee n d ay s. I t w as c le ar ly t o b e s ee n t ha t v er y f ewo f the s uf fe re rs c ou ld c ro ss the S ie rr a w itho ut b eing a lm os t c ar ried . T he y w er e too w ea k a nd h elples s tow alk. T he thr ea te ning a pp ea ra nc e o f the w ea th er a nd the s ho rt s up ply o f p ro vision s u rg ed the p ar ty toh as te n the ir d ep ar tu re , a nd it w as q uick ly d ec id ed w ho s ho uld g o, a nd w ho r em ain. T ho se w ho s ta rtedf ro m D on ne r L ak e o n t he t hi rd o f M ar ch w it h M r. R ee d a nd h is p ar ty w er e P at ri ck B re en , M rs .M ar ga re t B re en , J oh n B re en , P at ri ck B re en , J r. , J am es F . B re en , P et er B re en , a nd I sa be ll a M . B re en ,P at ty R ee d a nd T ho ma s R ee d, I sa ac D on ne r a nd M ar y M . D on ne r, S ol om on H oo k, M rs . E li za be th

G ra ve s, N an cy G ra ve s, J on atha n G ra ve s, F ra nk lin G ra ve s, a nd E liza be th G ra ve s, J r. Man y o f they ou ng er m em be rs o f t hi s p ar ty h ad t o b e c ar ri ed . A ll w er e v er y m uc h w ea ke ne d a nd e ma ci at ed , a nd i tw as e vide nt tha t the jou rn ey o ve r the m ou ntains w ou ld b e s lo w a nd p ainf ul. I n c as e a s to rm s ho uld o cc ur o n the s um mits , it w as f ea rf ully a pp ar en t tha t the trip w ou ld b e e xc ee ding ly p er ilou s. R ee d's p ar tye nc am pe d the f ir st n ig ht n ea r the u pp er e nd o f D on ne r L ak e. T he y h ad s ca rc ely tra ve le d thr ee m iles .U po n s ta rtin g f ro m the G ra ve s c ab in , Mrs . G ra ve s h ad tak en w ith h er a c on side ra ble s um o f m on ey . T hism on ey , Mr. McC utch en s ay s, h ad b ee n ing en io us ly c on ce aled in a ug er ho le s b or ed in c le ats n aile d to the bed of the wagon. These cleats, as W.C. Graves informs us, were ostensibly placed in the wagon-bed tos up po rt a t ab le ca rr ie d i n t he ba ck p ar t of t he w ago n. O n t he u nd er s id e o f t he se cl ea ts , h owe ver , w erethe auger-holes, carefully filled with coin. The sum is variously stated at from three to five hundred

d olla rs . A t the c am ping -g ro un d, n ea r the u pp er e nd o f D on ne r L ak e, o ne o f the r elie f p ar ty jok in gly proposed to another to play a game of euchre to see who should have Mrs. Graves' money. The nextm or ning , Mrs . G ra ve s r em aine d b eh in d w he n the p ar ty s ta rted , a nd c on ce aled h er m on ey . A ll tha t iskn ow n i s, t hat she b uri ed i t beh ind a l ar ge roc k on t he n ort h s ide of D onn er La ke. S o far as i s k now n,t hi s m on ey h as n ev er b ee n r ec ov er ed , b ut s ti ll l ie s h id de n w he re i t w as p la ce d b y M rs . G ra ve s.

C HA PT ER X IV

Leaving Three Men in the mountains--The Emigrants Quite Helpless--Bear Tracks in the Snow--TheClumps of Tamarack--Wounding a Bear--Bloodstains upon the Snow--A Weary Chase--A MomentousDay--Stone and Cady Leave the Sufferers--A Mother Offering Five Hundred Dollars-Mrs. Donner

P a g e 6 4



P ar ti ng f ro m h er C hi ld re n- -" G od w il l T ak e C ar e o f Y ou " - -B ur ie d i n t he S no w, w it ho ut F oo d o r F ir e- -P in es U pr oo te d b y t he S to rm - -A G ra ve C ut i n t he S no w- -T he C ub 's C av e- -F ir in g a t R an do m- -A

Desperate Undertaking--Preparing for a Hand-to-Hand Battle--Precipitated into the Cave--Seizing theB ea r- -Mrs . E liz ab eth D on ne r's D ea th -C la rk a nd B ap tiste A ttem pt to E sc ap e- -A D ea th m or e C ru el tha n

Starvation

B EF OR E R ee d' s p ar ty s ta rt ed t o r et ur n, a c on su lt at io n w as h el d, a nd i t w as d ec id ed t ha t C la rk , C ad y,a nd S to ne s ho ul d r em ai n a t t he m ou nt ai n c am ps It w as i nt en de d t ha t t he se m en s ho ul d a tt en d t o procuring wood, and perform such other acts as would assist the almost helpless sufferers. It was thoughtt ha t a t hi rd r el ie f p ar ty c ou ld b e s en t o ut i n a f ew da ys t o g et a ll t he e mi gra nt s w ho r em ai ne d.

Nicholas Clark, who now resides in Honey Lake Valley, Lassen County, California, says that as he andC ad y w er e g oi ng t o t he D onn er t en ts , t he y s aw t he fr es h t rac ks o f a b ea r a nd cu b cr os si ng t he ro ad . I ntho se d ay s, the re w er e s ev er al little c lu mp s o f tam ar ac k a lo ng A ld er C re ek , jus t b elow the D on ne r ten ts ,a nd a s t he t ra ck s l ed t ow ar ds t he se , M r. C la rk p ro cu re d a g un a nd s ta rt ed f or a n e ve ni ng 's h un t a mo ngt he t am ar ac ks . H e f ou nd t he b ea r a nd h er c ub w it hi n s ig ht o f t he t en ts , a nd s uc ce ed ed i n s ev er el y

w ou nd in g t he o ld b ea r. S he w as a b la ck b ea r, o f m ed iu m s iz e. F or a l on g d is ta nc e, o ve r t he s no w a ndthr ou gh the f or es ts , C la rk f ollo we d the w ou nd ed a nima l a nd h er c ub . T he a pp ro ac h o f d ar kn es s a t las tw ar ne d h im to d es is t, a nd r etur ning to the ten ts , h e p as se d the n ig ht. E ar ly n ex t m or ning , C la rk a ga in s eto ut in p ur su it o f the b ea r, f ollo wing h er r ea dily b y the b lo od -s ta in s u po n the s no w. I t w as a no th er w in dy ,c lo ud y, thr ea te ning d ay , a nd the re w as e ve ry ind ic atio n tha t a s ev er e s to rm w as a pp ro ac hing . E ag er lyinten t u po n s ec ur in g h is g am e, Mr. C la rk g av e little h ee d to w ea th er , o r tim e, o r d is ta nc e. T he e nd ur an ceo f t he w ou nd ed a ni ma l w as t oo g re at , h ow ev er , a nd l at e i n t he a ft er no on h e r ea li ze d t ha t i t w as n ec es sa ryf or h im t o g iv e u p t he w ea ry c ha se , a nd r et ra ce h is s te ps . H e a rr iv ed a t t he t en ts h un gr y, t ir ed , a ndf oo ts or e, lon g a fter d ar k.

T ha t d ay , h ow ev er , h ad b ee n a m om en to us o ne a t t he D on ne r t en ts . S to ne h ad c om e o ve r e ar ly i n t he

m or ning , a nd h e a nd C ad y c on clud ed tha t it w as s he er m ad ne ss f or the m to r em ain in the m ou ntains . T ha ta ter rible s to rm w as f as t c om in g o n, c ou ld n ot b e d ou bted . T he p ro vision s w er e a lm os t e xh au sted , a nd if the y r em aine d, it w ou ld o nly b e to p er is h w ith the p oo r e migr an ts . T he y the re fo re c on clud ed to a ttem ptto f ollo w a nd o ve rtak e R ee d a nd h is c om pa nion s.

Mrs . T am se n D on ne r w as a ble to h av e c ro ss ed the m ou ntains w ith h er c hild re n w ith e ithe r T uc ke r's o r R ee d's p ar ty . O n a cc ou nt o f h er h us ba nd 's illne ss , h ow ev er , s he h ad f ir mly r ef us ed a ll e ntre atie s, a nd h adresolutely determined to remain by his bedside. She was extremely anxious, however, that her childrens ho uld r ea ch C alif or nia; a nd H ir am Mille r r elates tha t s he o ff er ed f iv e h un dr ed d olla rs to a ny o ne in thes ec on d r elief p ar ty , w ho w ou ld tak e the m in s af ety a cr os s the m ou ntains . Whe n C ad y a nd S to ne d ec id ed

to g o, Mrs . D on ne r ind uc ed the m to a ttem pt the r es cu e o f the se c hild re n, F ra nc es , G eo rg ia , a nd E liza .T he y t oo k t he c hi ld re n a s f ar a s t he c ab in s a t t he l ak e, a nd l ef t t he m. P ro ba bl y t he y b ec am e a wa re o f t heimp os sibility o f e sc ap in g the s to rm , a nd k ne w tha t it w ou ld b e s ur e d ea th , f or b oth the ms elve s a nd thec hild re n, s ho uld the y tak e the m a ny f ar th er . I n v ie w o f the ter rible c alam ity w hich b ef ell R ee d's p ar ty o na cc ou nt o f t hi s s to rm , a nd t he f ac t t ha t C ad y a nd S to ne h ad a t er ri bl e s tr ug gl e f or l if e, e ve ry o ne m us t

justify these men in leaving the children at the cabins. The parting between the devoted mother and her little o ne s is thu s b rief ly d es cr ib ed b y G eo rg ia D on ne r, n ow Mrs . B ab co ck : " Th e m en c am e. I lis te ne d tothe ir talking a s the y m ad e the ir a gr ee me nt. T he n the y too k u s, thr ee little g ir ls , u p the s to ne s te ps , a ndst oo d us on t he b an k. M ot her c am e, pu t on ou r ho od s an d cl oa ks, sa yi ng , a s i f sh e w as t al ki ng m ore t oh ers el f t ha n t o u s: ' I m ay ne ve r se e y ou a gai n, b ut G od w il l t ak e c ar e o f y ou .' A ft er t ra ve li ng a f ew m il es ,t he y l ef t u s o n t he sn ow, w ent ah ea d a sh ort di st an ce , t al ked o ne t o an ot her , t he n ca me b ac k, t oo k u s asf ar a s K es eb er g' s c ab in , a nd l ef t u s. "

M r. C ad y r ec al ls t he i nc id en t o f l ea vi ng t he c hi ld re n o n t he s no w, b ut s ay s t he p ar ty s aw a c oy ot e, a nd

P a g e 6 5



w er e a tt em pt in g t o g et a s ho t a t t he a ni ma l.

Whe n N ic ho la s C la rk a wo ke o n the m or ning o f the third d ay , the ten t w as liter ally b ur ie d in f re sh ly f alle ns no w. H e w as i n w ha t i s k no wn a s J ac ob D on ne r' s t en t. I ts o nl y o cc up an ts b es id es h im se lf w er e M rs .E liza be th D on ne r, h er s on L ew is , a nd the S pa nish b oy , J oh n B ap tiste. G eo rg e D on ne r a nd w if e w er e inthe ir o wn ten t, a nd w ith the m w as Mrs . E liza be th D on ne r's y ou ng es t c hild , S am ue l. Mr. C la rk s ay s h e

can not remem ber how l ong t he st orm l ast ed, but i t seem s as i f i t m ust h ave been at l eas t a week. T hes no w w as s o d ee p t ha t i t w as i mp os si bl e t o p ro cu re w oo d, a nd d ur in g a ll t ho se t er ri bl e d ay s a nd n ig ht st he re w as n o f ir e i n e it he r o f t he t en ts . T he f oo d g av e o ut t he f ir st d ay , a nd t he d re ad fu l c ol d w asr en de re d m or e inten se b y the p an gs o f h un ge r. S om etim es the w in d w ou ld b lo w lik e a h ur rica ne , a ndthe y c ou ld p la in ly h ea r the g re at p in es c ra sh in g o n the m ou ntain s id e a bo ve the m, a s the w in d u pr oo te dt he m a nd h ur le d t he m t o t he g ro un d. S om et im es t he w ea th er w ou ld s ee m t o m od er at e, a nd t he s no ww ou ld m elt a nd trick le in u nd er the s id es o f the ten t, w etting the ir c lo th es a nd b ed ding , a nd inc re as in g themisery of their situation.

Whe n the s to rm c le ar ed a wa y, C la rk f ou nd h im se lf s ta rv in g lik e the r es t. H e h ad r ea lly b ec om e o ne o f

the D on ne r P ar ty , a nd w as a s c er ta in to p er is h a s w er e the u nf or tu na te s a bo ut h im . I t w ou ld n ec es sa rily be several days before relief could possibly arrive, and utter despair seemed to surround them. Just asthe s to rm w as c lo sing , L ew is D on ne r d ie d, a nd the p oo r m othe r w as w ell- nigh f ra ntic w ith g rief . A s s oo na s sh e co ul d m ake he r w ay t o t he ot he r t en t, s he ca rr ie d h er de ad b ab e o ve r a nd l ai d i t i n M rs . G eor geD on ne r's lap . With C la rk 's a ss is ta nc e, the y f in ally laid the c hild a wa y in a g ra ve c ut o ut o f the s olid s no w.

In go ing t o a t am ar ack gr ov e t o g et s om e w oo d, M r. Cl ark wa s su rp ri sed t o fi nd t he f res h t rac k of t he bear cub, which had recrossed Alder Creek and ascended the mountain behind the tents. It wasd ou bt le ss t he s am e o ne w ho se m ot he r h e h ad w ou nd ed . T he m ot he r h ad p ro ba bl y d ie d, a nd a ft er t hes to rm t he cu b h ad r et ur ne d. M r. C lar k a t o nc e f ol lo we d i t, t ra ck in g i t f ar u p t he m ou nt ai n s id e t o a c li ff o f r oc ks , a nd l os in g t he t ra il a t t he m ou th o f a s ma ll , d ar k c av e. H e s ay s t ha t a ll h op e d es er te d h im w he n h e

fo und t ha t t he cu b ha d go ne i nt o t he cav e. He s at do wn u po n t he s no w i n u tt er d esp ai r. It w as u sel ess t or etur n to the ten ts w itho ut f oo d; h e m ig ht a s w ell p er is h u po n the m ou ntain s id e. A fter r ef le ctin g f or s om et im e up on t he g loo my si tua ti on, h e co ncl ude d t o fi re h is g un i nt o t he c ave , a nd s ee i f t he re po rt m ig ht n otf ri gh te n o ut t he c ub . H e p la ce d t he m uz zl e o f t he g un a s f ar d ow n i nt o t he c av e a s h e c ou ld , a nd f ir ed .Whe n the h ollo w r ev er be ra tion d ie d a wa y a mo ng the c liff s, n o s ou nd d is tu rb ed the b ro od in g s ilen ce . T hee xp er im en t h ad f aile d. H e s er io us ly m ed itated w he th er h e c ou ld n ot w atch the c av e d ay a nd n ig ht u ntil thec ub s ho uld b e d rive n o ut b y s ta rv atio n. B ut s ud de nly a n ew ide a o cc ur re d to h im . J ud ging f ro m the tra ck ,and fr om t he si ze of t he cub he h ad seen , Mr. Cl ar k c oncl uded t hat i t w as pos si bl e he m igh t b e a bl e t oe nt er t he c av e a nd k il l t he c ub i n a h an dt o- ha nd f ig ht . I t w as a d es pe ra te u nd er ta ki ng , b ut i t w as preferable to death from starvation. He approached the narrow opening, and tried again to peer into the

c av e a nd a sc er ta in i ts d ep th . A s h e w as t hu s e ng ag ed t he s no w s ud de nl y g av e w ay , a nd h e w as precipitated bodily into the cave. He partly fell, partly slid to the very bottom of the hole in the rocks. Inendeavoring to regain an erect posture, his hand struck against some furry animal. Instinctively recoiling,h e w ai te d fo r a m om ent t o s ee w ha t i t w ou ld d o. C om in g f ro m t he d azz li ng su nl ig ht i nt o t he d ark ne ss , h ec ou ld s ee n othing w ha te ve r. P re se ntly h e p ut o ut h is f oo t a nd a ga in tou ch ed the a nima l. F in ding tha t it d idn ot m ov e, h e s ei ze d h ol d o f i t a nd f ou nd t ha t i t w as t he c ub -- de ad ! H is r an do m s ho t h ad p ie rc ed i ts brain, and it had died without a struggle. The cave or opening in the rocks was not very deep, and after alon g tim e h e s uc ce ed ed in d ra gg in g h is p rize to the s ur fa ce . T he re w as f oo d in the D on ne r ten ts f ro m thist im e f or wa rd . I t c am e t oo l at e, h ow ev er , t o s av e M rs . E li za be th D on ne r o r h er s on S am ue l. T hi s m ot he r w as q ui te a bl e t o h av e c ro ss ed t he m ou nt ai ns w it h e it he r o f t he t wo r el ie f p ar ti es ; b ut , a s M rs . E .P .H ou gh to n w ri te s: " He r l it tl e b oy s w er e t oo y ou ng t o w al k t hr ou gh t he d ee p s no ws , s he w as n ot a bl e t oc ar ry the m, a nd the r elie f p ar ties w er e too s ma ll to m ee t s uc h e me rg en cies . S he s ta ye d w ith the m, h op in gs om e w ay w ou ld b e p ro vide d f or the ir r es cu e. G rief , h un ge r, a nd d is ap po in te d h op es c ru sh ed h er s pirit,a nd s o d eb il it at ed h er t ha t d ea th c am e b ef or e t he r eq ui re d h el p r ea ch ed h er o r h er c hi ld re n. F or s om e

P a g e 6 6



d ay s b ef ore he r de at h s he w as s o w ea k t ha t M rs . G eo rge D on ne r an d t he ot her s ha d t o f ee d h er as i f s heha d b een a ch il d. A t l ast , on e ev en ing , a s t he su n w en t do wn , s he c los ed h er e ye s an d aw ok e n o m ore .H er lif e h ad b ee n s ac rifice d f or h er c hild re n. C ou ld w or ds b e f ra me d to e xp re ss a m or e f itting tribu te toh er m em or y! D oe s n ot t he s im pl e s to ry o f t hi s m ot he r' s l ov e w re at he a c ha pl et o f g lo ry a bo ut h er b ro wf ar h olie r tha n c ou ld b e f as hion ed b y h um an h an ds !

S am ue l D on ne r ling er ed b ut a f ew d ay s lon ge r. D es pite the ten de re st c ar e a nd a tten tion , h e g re w w ea ke r d ay b y d ay , u nt il h e s le pt by t he si de o f h is m ot he r a nd b ro th er i n t he ir s now y g rav e.

A ll this tim e Mrs . T am se n D on ne r w as tor tu re d w ith f ea r a nd d re ad , les t h er c hild re n h ad p er is he d in thed re ad fu l s to rm o n the s um mits . A t las t C la rk y ie ld ed to h er imp or tu nities , a nd d ec id ed to v is it the c ab in sa t D on ne r L ak e, a nd s ee i f t he re w as a ny n ew s f ro m b ey on d t he S ie rr a. C la rk f ou nd t he c hi ld re n a tK es eb er g's c ab in , a nd w itne ss ed s uc h s ce ne s o f h or ro r a nd s uf fe ring tha t h e d eter mine d a t o nc e toa ttem pt to r ea ch C alif or nia. R etur ning to A ld er C re ek , h e told Mrs . D on ne r o f the s itua tion o f h er c hild re n, a nd s ay s h e inf or me d h er tha t h e b elie ve d the ir liv es w er e in d an ge r o f a d ea th m or e v io le nt tha ns ta rv atio n. H e inf or me d h er o f h is r es olutio n to lea ve the m ou ntains , a nd tak in g a p or tion o f the little m ea t

tha t w as lef t, h e a t o nc e s ta rted u po n h is jou rn ey . J oh n B ap tiste a cc om pa nied h im .

T he c ub w ou ld h av e w eigh ed a bo ut s ev en ty p ou nd s w he n k ille d; a nd n ow tha t its f le sh w as n ea rly g on e,the re w as r ea lly v er y little h op e f or a ny o ne u nles s r elie f c am e s pe ed ily. I n a ttem ptin g to m ak e the ir w aya cr os s the m ou ntains , C la rk a nd B ap tiste d id the w is es t thing p os sible, y et the y w ell k ne w tha t the yw ou ld p er is h b y the w ay u nles s the y m et r elie f.

M rs . T am se n D on ne r d id n ot d ar e t o l ea ve h er h us ba nd a lo ne d ur in g t he n ig ht , b ut t ol d C la rk a ndB ap ti st e t ha t s he s ho ul d e nd ea vo r t o m ak e t he j ou rn ey t o t he c ab in s o n t he f ol lo wi ng d ay . I t w as a l on g,w ea ry w al k o ve r t he p it il es s s no w, b ut s he h ad b ef or e h er y ea rn in g e ye s n ot o nl y t he p ic tu re o f h er s ta rv in g c hild re n, b ut the f ea r tha t the y w er e in d an ge r o f a m or e c ru el d ea th tha n s ta rv atio n.

CHAP TER XV

Mountain Storm--Provisions Exhausted--Battling the Storm-Fiends--Black Despair--Icy Coldness--APicture of Desolation--The Sleep of Death-A Piteous Farewell--Falling into the Fire-well--Isaac

Donner's Death-Living upon Snow-water--Excruciating Pain--A Vision of Angels--" Patty isDying"--The Thumb of a Mitten--A Child's Treasures--The "Dolly" of the Donner Party

O N t he e ve ni ng o f t he s ec on d d ay a ft er l ea vi ng D on ne r L ak e, R ee d' s p ar ty a nd t he l it tl e b an d o f famished emigrants found themselves in a cold, bleak, uncomfortable hollow, somewhere near the lower e nd o f S um mi t V al le y. H er e t he s to rm b ro ke i n a ll i ts f ury u po n t he d oo me d c om pan y. In a dd it io n t o t hec old, s le et-lik e s no w, a f ie rc e, p en etra ting w in d s ee me d to f re ez e the v er y m ar ro w in the ir b on es . T her elie f p ar ty h ad u rg ed the tir ed , h un gr y, e nf ee bled e migr an ts f or wa rd a t the g re ates t p os sible s pe ed a lld ay , i n o rd er t o g et a s n ea r t he s et tl em en ts a s t he y c ou ld b ef or e t he s to rm s ho ul d b ur st u po n t he m.B es id es , the ir p ro vision s w er e e xh au sted , a nd the y w er e a nx io us to r ea ch c er ta in c ac he s o f s up plie sw hich the y h ad m ad e w hile g oing to the c ab in s. F ea ring tha t the s to rm w ou ld p re ve nt the p ar ty f ro mr ea ch in g the se c ac he s, Mr. R ee d s en t J os ep h J on dr o, Matthe w D of ar , a nd H ir am T ur ne r f or wa rd to thefirst cache, with instructions to get the provisions and return to the suffering emigrants. That very night the

s to rm c am e, a nd t he t hr ee m en h ad n ot b ee n h ea rd f ro m.

T he c am p w as i n a m os t i nh os pi ta bl e s po t. E xp os ed t o t he f ur y o f t he w in d a nd s to rm , s he lt er le ss ,

P a g e 6 7



supperless, overwhelmed with discouragements, the entire party sank down exhausted upon the snow.T he en ti re p art y? No ! T he re wa s o ne ma n w ho n ev er c ea se d t o w or k. W he n a fi re h ad b ee n k in dl ed ,a nd n ea rl y e ve ry o ne h ad g iv en u p, t hi s o ne m an , u na id ed , c on ti nu ed t o s tr iv e t o e re ct s om e s or t o f s he lter to p ro te ct the d ef en se le ss w om en a nd c hild re n. P la ntin g lar ge p in e b ou gh s in the s no w, h e b an ke dup t he sno w on ei ther si de of th em s o as t o form a w al l. H our aft er hour, i n t he darknes s and ragi ngs to rm , h e toile d o n a lo ne , b uild in g the s he lter in g b re as tw or k w hich w as to w ar d o ff d ea th f ro m the p ar ty

w ho b y this tim e h ad c re pt s hive ring ly u nd er its p ro te ctio n. B ut f or this s he lter , a ll w ou ld h av e p er is he d before morning. At midnight the man was still at work. The darting snow particles seemed to cut hise ye -b alls , a nd the g la re o f the f ir e a nd the g re at p hy sica l e xh au stio n u nd er w hich h e w as lab or in g,g ra du ally r en de re d h im b lind . L ik e h is c om pa nion s, h e h ad b or ne a c hild in h is a rm s a ll d ay o ve r the s of t,y ie ld in g s no w. L ik e the m, h e w as d re nc he d to the s kin, a nd h is c lo th in g w as f ro ze n s tiff a nd h ar d w ith ice .Y et h e k ep t u p t he f ir e, b ui lt a g re at s he lt eri ng w al l a bo ut t he s uf fe re rs , a nd w en t h er e a nd t he re am on gs tthe wailing and dying. With unabated violence the storm continued its relentless fury. The survivors say itw as the c olde st n ig ht the y e ve r e xp er ie nc ed . T he re is a lim it to h um an e nd ur an ce . T he m an w as g ettings to ne -b li nd . H ad h e a tt em pt ed t o s pe ak , h is t on gu e w ou ld h av e c lo ve n t o t he r oo f o f h is m ou th . H iss en se s w er e c hilled , b lu nted , d ea d. S le ep h ad s tilled the p la in tive c ries o f tho se a bo ut h im . A ll w as s ilen t

s av e the S to rm . Witho ut k no wing it, this h er oic m an w as y ie ld in g to a s le ep m or e p ow er fu l tha n tha tw hich h ad o ve rc om e h is c om pa nion s. While try in g to s av e tho se w ho w er e w ea ke r tha n h im se lf , h e h ad been literally freezing. Sightless, benumbed, moving half unconsciously about his work, he staggered,s tag ge re d, s ta gg er ed , an d f in al ly s an k i n t he s no w. A ll s lep t! A s h e p ut n o m or e fu el u po n t he f ire , t hef lam es d ie d d ow n T he l og s u po n w hi ch t he f ir e h ad re st ed g av e w ay , a nd m os t o f t he c oa ls fe ll u po n t hes no w. T he y w er e in a lm os t total d ar kn es s.

P re se ntly s om e o ne a wo ke . I t w as Mrs . B re en , w ho se m othe rly w atch fu ln es s p re ve nted m or e tha n a f ewconsecutive moments' sleep. The camp was quickly aroused. All were nearly frozen. Hiram Miller'sh an ds w er e s o c ol d a nd f ro st ed t ha t t he s ki n o n t he f in ge rs c ra ck ed o pe n w he n h e t ri ed t o s pl it s om ek in dlin gs . A t las t the f ir e w as s om eh ow r en ew ed . Mea ntim e the y h ad d is co ve re d the ir lea de r- -h e w ho

had been working throughout the night--lying cold, speechless, and apparently dead upon the snow.H ir am Mille r a nd Win . McC utch en c ar ried the m an to the f ir e, c ha fe d h is h an ds a nd lim bs , r ub be d h is body vigorously, and worked with him as hard as they could for two hours before he showed signs of returning consciousness. Redoubling their exertions, they kept at work until the cold, gray morningd aw ne d, e re t he m an w as f ul ly r es to re d. W ou ld y ou k no w t he n am e o f t hi s m an , t hi s h er o? I t w as J am esFrazier Reed.

F ro m this tim e f or wa rd , a ll the toil, a ll the r es po ns ib ility d ev olve d u po n Wm. McC utch en a nd H ir amMille r. J on dr o, D of ar , a nd T ur ne r w er e c au gh t in the d rifts a he ad . T he f is he rs o r o th er w ild a nima ls h ada lm os t c om pletely d ev ou re d the f ir st c ac he o f p ro vision s, a nd w hile the se m en w er e try in g to r ea ch the

s ec on d c ac he , the s to rm imp riso ne d the m. T he y c ou ld n eith er g o f or wa rd n or r etur n. C ad y a nd S to new er e b etwe en D on ne r L ak e a nd S ta rv ed C am p, a nd w er e in a lik e h elples s c on dition . McC utch en a ndMille r w er e the o nly o ne s a ble to d o a ny th in g tow ar d s av in g the p oo r c re atur es w ho w er e h ud dledtogether at the miserable camp. All the other men were completely disheartened by the fearful calamityw hich h ad o ve rtak en the m. B ut f or the u ntir in g e xe rtio ns o f the se two m en , d ea th to a ll w ou ld h av e b ee nc er ta in . McC utch en h ad o n f ou r s hirts, a nd y et h e b ec am e s o c hilled w hile try in g to k in dle the f ir e, tha t ing et ti ng w arm h e b ur ne d t he b ac k o ut o f h is s hi rt s. H e o nl y d is co ve re d t he m is ha p b y t he s co rc hi ng a nd burning of his flesh.

W ha t a p ic tu re o f d es ol at io n w as p re se nt ed t o t he i nm at es o f S ta rv ed C am p d ur in g t he n ex t t hr ee d ay s!I t s to rm ed i nc es sa nt ly . O ne w ho h as n ot w it ne ss ed a s to rm o n t he S ie rr a c an n ot i ma gi ne t he s it ua ti on . Aquotation from Bret Harte's "Gabriel Conroy" will afford the best idea of the situation:

"Snow. Everywhere. As far as the eye could reach-fifty miles, looking southward from the highest white

P a g e 6 8



peak. Filling ravines and gulches, and dropping from the walls of canyons in white shroud-like drifts,fashioning the dividing ridge into the likeness of a monstrous grave, hiding the bases of giant pines, andcompletely covering young trees and latches, rimming with porcelain the bowl-like edges of still, coldlakes, and undulating in motionless white billows to the edge of the distant horizon. Snow lyingeverywhere on the California Sierra, and still falling. It had been snowing in finely granulated powder, indamp, spongy flakes, in thin, feathery plumes; snowing from a leaden sky steadily, snowing fiercely,

shaken out of purple-black clouds in white flocculent masses, or dropping in long level lines like whitelan ce s f ro m the tum bled a nd b ro ke n h ea ve ns . B ut a lw ay s s ilen tly! T he w oo ds w er e s o c ho ke d w ith it, ith ad s o c us hion ed a nd m uf fled the r in ging r oc ks a nd e ch oing h ilIs , tha t a ll s ou nd w as d ea de ne d. T hes tr on ge st g us t, the f ie rc es t b la st, a wo ke n o s ig h o r c om plaint f ro m the s no w- pa ck ed , r ig id f iles o f f or es t.T he re w as n o c ra ck in g o f b ou gh n or c ra ck le o f u nd er br us h; the o ve rlad en b ra nc he s o f p in e a nd f ir y ie ld ed a nd g av e a wa y w itho ut a s ou nd . T he s ilen ce w as v as t, m ea su re le ss , c om plete! "

I n a ll ud in g t o t he se t er ri bl e d ay s, i n h is d ia ry , M r. R ee d s ay s, u nd er d at e o f M ar ch 6 : " Wi th t he s no wthe re is a p er fe ct h ur rica ne . I n the n ig ht the re is a g re at c ry in g a mo ng the c hild re n, a nd e ve n w ith the parents there is praying, crying, and lamentation on account of the cold and the dread of death from

h un ge r a nd the h ow ling s to rm . T he m en u p n ea rly a ll n ig ht m ak in g f ir es . S om e o f the m en b eg an p ra ying .S eve ral o f t he m b ec am e b li nd . I c ou ld no t s ee t he l ig ht of t he f ir e b la zi ng b ef ore m e, n or t el l w hen i t w as burning. The light of heaven is, as it were, shut out from us. The snow blows so thick and fast that we cann ot s ee t we nt y f eet l oo ki ng a ga in st t he w in d. I d re ad t he c om in g n ig ht . Th re e o f m y m en on ly , a bl e t o g etw oo d. T he r es t h av e g iv en o ut f or t he p re se nt . I t i s s ti ll s no wi ng , a nd v er y c ol d. S o c ol d t ha t t he f ew m ene mp lo ye d in c utting the d ry tre es d ow n, h av e to c om e a nd w ar m a bo ut e ve ry ten m in utes . 'Hu ng ry !''Hu ng ry !' is the c ry w ith the c hild re n, a nd n othing to g iv e the m. 'Fr ee zing ' is the c ry o f the m othe rs w hohave nothing for their little, starving, freezing children. Night closing fast, and with it the hurricaneincreases.

" Ma r. 7 . T ha nk G od d ay h as o nc e m or e a pp ea re d, a lt ho ug h d ar ke ne d b y t he s to rm . S no wi ng a s f as t a s

e ver , a nd t he h urr ic an e h as n eve r c eas ed f or t en m in ut es a t a t im e d ur in g o ne o f t he m os t d is ma l n ig ht s 1h av e e ve r w itne ss ed . I h op e I s ha ll n ev er w itne ss a no th er s uc h in a s im ilar s itua tion . O f a ll the p ra ying a ndc ry in g I e ve r h ea rd , n ot hi ng e ve r e qu al ed i t. S ev er al t im es I e xp ec te d t o s ee t he p eo pl e p er is h o f t hee xt re me c ol d. A t o ne t im e o ur f ir e w as n ea rl y g on e, a nd h ad i t n ot b ee n f or M cC ut ch en 's e xe rt io ns i tw ou ld h av e e nt ir el y d is ap pe ar ed . I f t he f ir e h ad b ee n l os t, t wo t hi rd s o f t he c am p w ou ld h av e b ee n o ut o f the ir m is er y b ef or e m or ning ; b ut, a s G od w ou ld h av e it, w e s oo n h ad it b la zing c om fo rtab ly , a nd thes uf fe ri ng s o f t he p eo pl e b ec am e l es s f or a t im e. H op e b eg an t o a ni ma te t he b os om s o f m an y, y ou ng a ndo ld , w he n t he c he er in g b la ze r os e t hr ou gh t he d ry p in e l og s w e h ad p il ed t og et he r. O ne w ou ld s ay ,'Th an k G od f or the f ir e! ' A no th er ,' H ow g oo d it is! ' T he p oo r, little, h alf- star ve d, h alf- fr oz en c hild re nwo ul d s ay, ' I' m gl ad, I' m gl ad w e hav e go t som e fi re ! Oh , how good i t fe el s! It i s go od o ur fi re di dn 't go

o ut !' A t t im es t he s to rm w ou ld b urs t f or th w it h s uc h f ur y t ha t I fe lt a la rm ed f or t he s af et y o f t he p eo pl e o na cc ou nt o f the tall tim be r tha t s ur ro un de d u s. "

D ea th e nt ere d t he ca mp o n t he f ir st n ig ht . H e c am e t o c la im o ne w ho w as a t ru e, f ai th fu l m ot he r. O newho merits greater praise than language can convey. Though comparatively little has been told concerningh er l if e b y t he s ur vi vo rs , d ou bt n ot t ha t M rs . E li za be th G ra ve s w as o ne o f t he n ob les t o f t he m ot he rs o f t he D on ne r P ar ty . H er c ha ri ty i s k in dl y r em em be re d b y a ll w ho h av e s po ke n h er n am e. T o h er c om pa nion s in m is fo rtun e s he a lw ay s g av e s uc h f oo d a s s he p os se ss ed ; f or h er c hild re n s he n ow g av e h er l if e. T he l as t m ors el s o f f oo d, t he l as t g ra in o f f lo ur, sh e h ad p la ce d i n t he m ou ths o f h er b ab es , t ho ug hshe was dying of starvation.

Mrs. Farnham, who talked personally with Mrs. Breen, gives the following description of that terriblenight:

P a g e 6 9



" Mr s. B re en told m e tha t s he h ad h er h us ba nd a nd f iv e c hild re n tog ethe r, lying w ith the ir f ee t to the f ir e,a nd t he ir h ea ds u nd er s he lt er o f t he s no w b re as t- wo rk . S he s at b y t he m, w it h o nl y m oc ca si ns o n h er f ee t,a nd a b la nk et d ra wn o ve r h er s ho ul de rs a nd h ea d, w it hi n w hi ch , a nd a s ha wl s he c on st an tl y w or e, s hen urs ed he r po or b ab y o n h er k ne es , H er m il k h ad be en g on e s ev era l da ys , a nd t he ch il d w as s oe ma ciated a nd lif eles s tha t s he s ca rc ely e xp ec te d a t a ny tim e o n o pe ning the c ov er in g to f in d it a live ,M rs ., G ra ve s l ay w it h h er b ab e a nd t hr ee o r f ou r o ld er c hi ld re n a t t he o th er s id e o f t he f ir e, T he s to rm

w as v er y v io le nt a ll n ig ht, a nd s he w atch ed thr ou gh it, d oz in g o cc as io na lly f or a f ew m in utes , a nd the nr ou sing h er se lf to b ru sh the s no w a nd f ly in g s pa rk s f ro m the c ov er in g o f the s le ep er s, T ow ar d m or nings he h ea rd o ne o f t he y ou ng g ir ls o pp os it e c al l t o h er m ot he r t o c ov er h er . T he c al l w as r ep ea te d s ev er altimes impatiently, when she spoke to the child, reminding her of the exhaustion and fatigue her mother s uf fe re d in n ur sing a nd c ar ry in g the b ab y, a nd b id ding h er c ov er h er se lf , a nd let h er m othe r r es t. P re se ntlysh e h eard t he mo ther sp eak , i n a qui et , un nat ural t one, a nd she c al led t o o ne of t he m en n ear her t o g oa nd s pe ak t o h er , H e a ro se a ft er a f ew m in ut es a nd f ou nd t he p oo r s uf fe re r a lm os t p as t s pe ak in g, H et oo k h er i nfa nt , a nd a ft er s ha ki ng t he s no w f ro m h er b la nk et , c ov er ed h er a s w el l a s m ig ht b e. S ho rt lya ft er , M rs . B re en o bs er ve d h er t o t ur n h er se lf s li gh tl y, a nd t hr ow o ne a rm f ee bl y u p, a s i f t o g o t o s le ep .S he w aite d a little w hile , a nd s ee in g h er r em ain q uite s till, s he w alke d a ro un d to h er . S he w as a lr ea dy

c old in d ea th . H er p oo r s ta rv in g c hild w aile d a nd m oa ne d p iteo us ly in the a rm s o f its y ou ng s is te r, b ut them othe r's h ea rt c ou ld n o m or e w ar m o r n ou rish it. "

T he m em be rs o f the s ec on d r elie f p ar ty r ea lize d tha t the y w er e the ms elve s in imm in en t d an ge r o f d ea th .T he y w er e p ow er le ss to c ar ry the s ta rv in g c hildr en o ve r the d ee p, s of t, tre ac he ro us s no w, a nd it w asd ou btfu l if the y w ou ld b e a ble to r ea ch the s ettlem en ts u ne nc um be re d. I sa ac D on ne r, o ne o f the s on s o f J ac ob a nd E liza be th D on ne r, p er is he d d ur in g o ne o f the s to rm y n ig hts. H e w as lying o n the b ed o f p in e boughs between his sister Mary and Patty Reed, and died so quietly that neither of the sleeping girlsawoke.

T he r el ie f p ar ty d et er mi ne d t o s et o ut o ve r t he s no w, h as te n t o t he s et tl em en ts , a nd s en d b ac k r el ie f.

S ol om on H oo k, J ac ob D on ne r' s o ld es t b oy , i ns is te d t ha t h e w as a bl e t o w al k, a nd t he re fo re j oi ne d t he party. Hiram Miller, an old friend of the Reed family, took little Thomas Reed in his arms, and set outw it h t he o th er s. P at ty R ee d, f ul l o f h op e a nd c ou ra ge , r ef us ed t o b e c ar ri ed b y h er f at he r, a nd s ta rt ed o nfoot.

W it h w ha t e mo ti on s d id t he p oo r s uf fe re rs i n S ta rv ed C am p w at ch t he p ar ty a s i t d is ap pe ar ed a mo ng t he pines! There was no food in camp, and death had already selected two of their number. What a pitiableg ro up i t w as ! C ou ld a s it ua ti on m or e d es ol at e o r d ep lo ra bl e b e i ma gi ne d? M r. B re en , a s h as b ee nh er etof or e m en tion ed , w as f ee ble, s ic kly, a nd a lm os t a s h elples s a s the c hild re n. U po n Mrs . B re end ev ol ve d t he c ar e, n ot o nl y o f h er h us ba nd , b ut o f a ll w ho r em ai ne d i n t he f at al c am p, fo r a ll o th er s w ere

c hild re n. J oh n B re en ; the ir e ld es t s on , w as the s tr on ge st a nd m os t v ig or ou s in the f am ily, y et the f ollo wingi nc id en t s ho ws h ow n ea r h e w as t o d ea th 's d oo r. I t m us t h av e o cc ur re d t he m or ni ng t he r el ie f p ar ty l ef t.The heat of t he fi re had m el ted a deep , round hol e i n t he sn ow. A t t he bot to m o f t he pi t was t he fi re. Them en w er e a bl e t o d es ce nd t he s id es o f t hi s c av it y, a nd f re qu en tl y d id s o t o a tt en d t o t he f ir e. A t o ne t im e,w hi le W il li am M cC ut ch en w as do wn b y t he fi re, J oh n B re en w as si tt in g o n t he e nd o f o ne o f t he l og s onw hich the f ir e h ad o rigina lly b ee n k in dled . S ev er al log s h ad b ee n laid s id e b y s id e, a nd the f ir e h ad b ee n built in the middle of the floor thus constructed. While the central logs had burned out and let the fired es ce nd , t he o ut er l og s r em ai ne d w it h t he ir e nd s o n t he f irm s no w. O n o ne o f t he se l og s J oh n B re en w assitting. Suddenly overcome by fatigue and hunger, he fainted and dropped headlong into the fire-pit.F or tu na te ly , Mr. McC utch en c au gh t the f alling b oy , a nd thu s s av ed h im f ro m a h or rible d ea th . I t w ass om e tim e b ef or e the b oy w as f ully r es to re d to c on sc io us ne ss . Mrs . B re en h ad a s ma ll q ua ntity o f s ug ar ,a nd a little w as p la ce d b etwe en h is c le nc he d tee th . T his s ee me d to r ev iv e h im , a nd h e n ot o nly s ur vive d, but is living to-day, the head of a large family, in San Benito County.

P a g e 7 0



Mrs . B re en 's y ou ng er c hild re n, P atrick , J am es , P eter , a nd the n ur sing b ab e, I sa be lla, w er e c om pletelyh el pl es s a nd d ep en de nt . N ot l es s h el pl es s w er e t he o rp ha n c hi ld re n o f M r. a nd M rs . G ra ve s. N an cy w aso nl y a bo ut n in e y ea rs o ld , a nd u po n h er d ev ol ve d t he t as k o f c ar in g f or t he b ab e, E li za be th . N an cyG ra ve s is n ow the w if e o f the e ar ne st a nd e lo qu en t d iv in e, R ev . R .W. William so n, o f L os G atos , S an taC la ra C ou nt y. T o h er l as ti ng h ono r b e i t s ai d, t ha t a lt hou gh s he w as d yi ng o f h un ge r i n S ta rv ed C am p, y ets he f aith fu lly ten de d, c ar ed f or , a nd s av ed h er b ab y s is te r. A side f ro m o cc as io na l b its o f s ug ar , this b ab y

a nd Mrs . B re en 's h ad n othing f or a n e ntire w ee k, s av e s no w- wa te r. B es id es N an cy a nd E liza be th , the rew er e o f the G ra ve s c hild re n, J on atha n, a ge d s ev en , a nd F ra nk lin, a ge d f iv e y ea rs . F ra nk lin s oo n perished. Starvation and exposure had so reduced his tiny frame, that he could not endure these days of c on tinu al f as ting .Mar y M. D on ne r, w ho m a ll m en tion a s o ne o f the m os t lov ely g ir ls in the D on ne r P ar ty ,m et w ith a c ru el a cc id en t the n ig ht b ef or e the r elie f p ar ty lef t S ta rv ed C am p. H er f ee t h ad b ec om e f ro ze na nd ins en sible to p ain. H ap pe ning to lie too n ea r the f ir e, o ne o f h er f ee t b ec am e d re ad fu lly b ur ne d. S hesuffered excruciating agony, yet evinced remarkable fortitude. She ultimately lost four toes from her leftf oo t, o n a cc ou nt o f this s ad o cc ur re nc e.

S ev en o f t he B re en s, M ar y D on ne r, a nd t he t hr ee c hi ld re n o f M r. a nd M rs . G ra ve s, m ad e t he e le ve n

n ow w aiting f or r elie f a t S ta rv ed C am p. Mrs . G ra ve s, h er c hild F ra nk lin, a nd the b oy , I sa ac D on ne r, w hol ay s ta rk i n d ea th u po n t he s no w, c om pl et ed t he fo ur te en w ho w er e l ef t' b y t he r el ie f p ar ty .

Mea ntim e, h ow f ar ed it w ith tho se w ho w er e p re ss in g f or wa rd tow ar d the s ettlem en ts ? A t e ac h s te p the ys an k t wo o r t hre e f ee t i nt o t he s no w. O f co ur se t ho se w ho w ere a hea d b rok e t he p at h, an d t he o th er s, a sf ar a s p os si bl e, s te pp ed i n t he ir t ra ck s. T hi s, P at ty R ee d c ou ld n ot d o, b ec au se s he w as t oo s ma ll . S od eter mine d w as s he , h ow ev er , tha t d es pite the e xtra e xe rtion s he w as c om pe lled to u nd er go , s he w ou ldn ot a dm it b ei ng e it he r c ol d o r f at ig ue d. P at ty R ee d h as b ee n m en ti on ed a s o nl y e ig ht y ea rs o ld . M an y o f t he s ur vi vo rs s pe ak o f h er , h ow ev er , i n m uc h t he s am e t er ms a s J oh n B re en , w ho s ay s: " I w as u nd er t hei mp re ss io n t ha t s he w as o ld er . S he h ad a w on de rf ul m in d f or o ne o f h er a ge . S he h ad , I h av e o ft entho ug ht, a s m uc h s en se a s a g ro wn p er so n. " O ve r P atty 's lar ge , d ar k e ye s, o n this m or ning , g ra du ally

c re pt a f il m. P re vi ou s s ta rv at io n h ad g re at ly a tt en ua te d h er s ys te m, a nd s he w as f ar t oo w ea k t o e nd ur ethe hardship she had undertaken. Gradually the snow-mantled forests, the forbidding mountains, thed ee p, d ar k c an yo n o f B ea r R iv er , a nd e ve n t he f or ms o f h er c om pa ni on s, f ad ed f ro m v ie w. I n t he ir s te adc am e a p ic tu re o f s uc h g lo ry a nd b ri gh tn es s a s s el do m c om es t o h um an e ye s. I t w as a v is io n o f a ng el sa nd o f b rillia nt s ta rs . S he c om me nc ed c alling h er f athe r, a nd tho se w ith h im , a nd b eg an talking a bo ut ther ad ia nt f or ms tha t h ov er ed o ve r h er . H er w an , p ale f ac e w as illum in ed w ith s mile s, a nd w ith a n e cs ta sy o f

joy she talked of the angels and stars, and of the happiness she experienced. "Why, Reed," exclaimedMcC utch en , " Pa tty is d ying !" A nd it w as too tru e.

F or a f ew m om en ts the p ar ty f or go t the ir o wn s uf fe ring s a nd trials, a nd m in is te re d to the w an ts o f the

spirituelle child, whose entrance into the dark valley had been heralded by troops of white-winged angels.A t S ta rv ed C am p, R ee d h ad t ak en t he h ar d, f ro ze n s ac ks i n w hi ch t he p ro vi si on s h ad b ee n c ar ri ed , a nd by holding them to the fire had thawed out the seams, and scraped therefrom about a teaspoonful of c rum bs. T he se he h ad p la ce d i n t he t hu mb o f h is w oo len m it te n t o b e u se d i n c as e o f e me rg en cy . L it tl ed id h e s up po se tha t the e me rg en cy w ou ld c om e s o s oo n. War ming a nd m oisten in g the se c ru mb s b etwe enh is o wn lip s, the f athe r p la ce d the m in h is c hild 's m ou th . Mea ntim e the y h ad w ra pp ed a b la nk et a ro un dh er c hilled f or m, a nd w er e b us ily c ha fing h er h an ds a nd f ee t. H er f ir st r etur n to c on sc io us ne ss w ass ig na le d b y the r eg re ts s he e xp re ss ed a t h av in g b ee n a wa ke ne d f ro m h er b ea utif ul d re am . T o this d ay s hec he rish es the m em or y o f tha t v is io n a s the d ea re st, m os t e nc ha ntin g o f a ll h er lif e. A fter this, s om e o f thek in d- he ar te d F re nc hm en in the p ar ty too k tur ns w ith R ee d in c ar ry in g P atty u po n the ir b ac ks .

Past-midshipman S.E. Woodworth is a name that in most published accounts figures conspicuouslya mo ng the r elie f p ar ties o rg an iz ed to r es cu e the D on ne r P ar ty . A t the tim e R ee d a nd h is c om pa nion sw er e s uf fe ring u ntold h or ro rs o n the m ou ntains , a nd tho se lef t a t S ta rv ed C am p w er e p er is hing o f

P a g e 7 1



s ta rv atio n, Woo dw or th , w ith a n a bu nd an ce o f s up plie s, w as lying idle in c am p a t B ea r V alle y. T his w ast he p ar t t ha t S el im E . W oo dw or th t oo k i n t he r el ie f o f t he s uf fe re rs .

T he t hr ee m en w ho h ad b ee n s en t f or wa rd t o t he c ac he s, l ef t t he r em na nt o f t he p ro vi si on s w hi ch h ad n ot been destroyed, where it could easily be seen by Reed and his companions. Hurrying forward, theyr ea ch ed W oo dw or th 's c am p, a nd t wo m en , J oh n S ta rk a nd H ow ar d O ak le y, r et ur ne d a nd m et R ee d' s

party. It was quite time. With frozen feet and exhausted bodies, the members of the second relief were ina s ad p ligh t. T he y lef t the s ettlem en ts s tr on g, h ea rty m en . T he y r etur ne d in a h alf- de ad c on dition . S ev er all os t s om e o f t he ir t oe s o n a cc ou nt o f h av in g t he m fr oz en , a nd o ne o r t wo w ere c ri pp le d fo r l if e. T he y h ad been three days on the way from Starved Camp to Woodworth's. Cady and Stone overtook Reed andh is c om pa nion s o n the s ec on d d ay a fter lea ving S ta rv ed C am p. O n the n ig ht o f the third d ay , the y a rr iv edat Woodworth's.

Whe n P atty R ee d r ea ch ed Woo dw or th 's a nd h ad b ee n p ro vide d w ith s uita ble f oo d, a n inc id en t o cc ur re dwhich fully illustrates the tenderness and womanliness of her nature. Knowing that her mother and dear o ne s w er e s af e, k no wing tha t r elie f w ou ld s pe ed ily r etur n to tho se o n the m ou ntains , r ea lizing tha t f or h er

t here wa s t o b e n o m ore hu ng er, or s no w, an d t hat s he w oul d no l on ge r be s ep ara ted fro m h er f at her , h er f ee ling s m ay w ell b e ima gine d. I n h er q uiet joy s he w as n ot w ho lly a lo ne . H id de n a wa y in h er b os om ,d ur in g a ll the s uf fe ring a nd a go ny o f the jou rn ey o ve r the m ou ntains , w er e a n um be r o f c hild is h tre as ur es .F ir st , t he re w as a l ock o f s il ve ry g ra y h ai r w hi ch h er o wn h an d h ad c ut fr om t he h ea d o f h er G ra nd mo th er K ey es w ay b ac k o n t he B ig B lu e R iv er . P at ty h ad a lw ay s b ee n a f av or it e w it h h er g ra nd ma , a nd w he nt he l at te r d ie d, P at ty s ec ur ed t hi s l oc k o f h ai r. S he t ie d i t u p i n a l it tl e p ie ce o f o ld -f as hi on ed l aw n, d ot te dw it h w ee b lu e f lo we rs , a nd al wa ys c ar ri ed i t i n h er b os om . B ut t hi s w as n ot a ll . S he h ad a d ai nt y l it tl eg la ss s alt- ce llar , s ca rc ely lar ge r tha n the ins id e o f a h um ming -b ir d's n es t, a nd , w ha t w as m or e p re ciou st ha n t hi s, a t in y, w oo de n d ol l. T hi s d ol l h ad b ee n h er c on st an t c om pa ni on . I t h ad b la ck e ye s a nd h ai r, a ndw as i nd ee d v er y p re tt y. A t W oo dw or th 's c am p, P at ty t ol d " Do ll y" a ll h er j oy a nd g la dn es s, a nd w ho c ann ot p ar do n the little g ir l f or think in g h er d olly loo ke d h ap py a s s he lis te ne d ?

P at ty R ee d i s n ow M rs . F ra nk L ew is , o f S an J os e, C al . S he h as a p le as an t h om e a nd a b ea ut if ul f am il yof children. Yet oftentimes the mother, the grown-up daughters, and the younger members of the family,g at he r w it h t ea r- di mm ed e ye s a bo ut a l it tl e s ac re d b ox . I n t hi s b ox i s t he l oc k o f h ai r i n t he p ie ce o f l aw n,the tin y s alt- ce llar , the m uc h lov ed " Do lly, " a nd a n o ld w oo le n m itte n, in the thu mb o f w hich a re y et thetra ce s o f f in e c ru mb s.

C HA PT ER X VI

A Mother at Starved Camp--Repeating the Litany--Hoping in Despair--Wasting Away--The PreciousLump of Sugar--"James is Dying"--Restoring a Life--Relentless Hunger--The Silent Night-Vigils--The

Sight of Earth-Descending the Snow-Pit--The Flesh of the Dead--Refusing to Eat--The MorningStar--The Mercy of God--The Mutilated Forms--The Dizziness of Delirium--Faith Rewarded--"There is

Mrs. Breen!"

V ER Y n ob le w as the p ar t w hich Mrs . Mar ga re t B re en p er fo rm ed in this D on ne r tra ge dy , a nd v er y beautifully has that part been recorded by a woman's hand. It is written so tenderly, so delicately, andw ith s o m uc h r ev er en ce f or the m ater na l lov e w hich a lo ne s us ta in ed Mrs . B re en , tha t it c an h ar dly b e

i mp ro ve d. T hi s a cc ou nt w as p ub li sh ed b y i ts a ut ho r, M rs . F ar nh am , i n 1 84 9, a nd i s m ad e t he b as is o f t hef ollo wing s ke tc h. With a lter atio ns h er e a nd the re , m ad e f or the s ak e o f b re vity , the a rtic le is a s it w aswritten:

P a g e 7 2



Th ere w as n o foo d i n S tarv ed C am p. T he re wa s no thi ng t o ea t sav e a few s eed s, t ied i n bi ts o f cl ot h, t hath ad b ee n b ro ug ht a lo ng b y s om e o ne , a nd t he p re ci ou s l um p o f s ug ar . T he re w er e a ls o a f ewt ea sp oo nf ul s o f t ea . T he y s at a nd l ay b y t he f ir e m os t o f t he d ay , w it h w ha t h ea vy h ea rt s, w ho s hal lk no w! T he y w er e u po n ab ou t t hi rt y f eet o f sn ow . T he d ea d l ay b ef or e t hem , a g ha st li er s ig ht i n t hes un sh in e tha t s uc ce ed ed the s to rm , tha n w he n the d ar k c lo ud s o ve rh un g the m. T he y h ad n o w or ds o f

c he er t o s pe ak t o e ach o th er , no c ou rag e o r ho pe t o s har e, b ut t ho se w hi ch po int ed t o a l ife w he reh un ge r a nd c old c ou ld n ev er c om e, a nd the ir b en um be d f ac ulties w er e s ca rc ely a ble to s eize u po n ac on so la tion s o r em ote f ro m the tho ug hts a nd w an ts tha t a bs or be d the ir w ho le b eing .

A situation like this will not awaken in common natures religious trust. Under such protracted suffering,the animal outgrows the spiritual in frightful disproportion. Yet the mother's sublime faith, which had brought her thus far through her agonies, with a heart still warm toward those who shared them, did notf ai l h er n ow . S he s po ke g en tl y t o o ne a nd a no th er ; a sk ed h er h us ba nd t o r ep ea t t he l it an y, a nd t hec hild re n to join h er in the r es po ns es ; a nd e nd ea vo re d to f ix the ir m in ds u po n the tim e w he n the r elie f w ou ld p ro ba bly c om e. N atur e, a s u ne rr in gly a s p hilo so ph y c ou ld h av e d on e, tau gh t h er tha t the o nly

h op e o f s us ta in in g tho se a bo ut h er , w as to s et b ef or e the m a ter mina tion to the ir s uf fe ring s.

Wha t d ay s a nd n ig hts w er e tho se tha t w en t b y w hile the y w aite d! L if e w an in g v is ib ly in tho se a bo ut h er ;n ot a m or se l o f f oo d t o o ff er t he m; h er o wn i nf an t- -a nd t he l it tl e o ne t ha t h ad b ee n c he ri sh ed a nd s av edthr ou gh a ll b y the m othe r n ow d ea d- -w as ting h ou rly into the m or e p er fe ct ima ge o f d ea th ; h er h us ba ndw or n to a s ke le to n; it n ee de d the f ulle st m ea su re o f e xa lted f aith , o f w om an ly ten de rn es s a nd s elfs ac rifice ,t o s ust ai n he r t hr oug h su ch a sea so n. S he w at ched b y ni ght as w el l a s by d ay. Sh e gat here d wo od t ok ee p t he m w ar m. S he b oi le d t he h an df ul o f t ea a nd d is pe ns ed i t t o t he m, a nd w he n s he f ou nd o ne s un ke na nd s pe ec hl es s, s he b ro ke w it h h er t ee th a m or se l o f t he p re ci ou s s ug ar , a nd p ut i t i n h is l ip s. S he f ed h er babe freely on snow-water, and scanty as was the wardrobe she had, she managed to get fresh clothingn ex t t o i ts sk in t wo o r t hre e t ime s a we ek . W her e, o ne a sk s i n w on de r a nd rev eren ce , di d sh e g et t he

s tre ng th a nd c our ag e f or al l t hi s ? S he sa t a ll n ig ht b y h er f am il y, he r e lb ow s o n h er k ne es , b ro od ing o ve r the meek little victim that lay there, watching those who slept, and occasionally dozing with a fearfulconsciousness of their terrible condition always upon her. The sense of peril never slumbered. Manyt im es d uri ng t he n ig ht s he w ent t o t he s lee pe rs t o a sc ert ai n i f t he y a ll s ti ll b re at he d. S he p ut h er h an du nd er the ir b la nk ets, a nd h eld it b ef or e the m ou th . I n this w ay s he a ss ur ed h er se lf tha t the y w er e y et a live .B ut o nc e h er b lo od c ur dl ed t o f in d, o n a pp ro ac hi ng h er h an d t o t he l ip s o f o ne o f h er o wn c hi ld re n, t he rew as n o wa rm b re at h u po n i t. Sh e t ri ed t o op en h is m ou th, an d fo un d t he j aw s se t. S he r ou sed her h us ba nd , " Oh ! P atrick , m an ! a rise a nd h elp m e! J am es is d ying !" " Le t h im d ie !" s aid the m is er ab le f athe r," he w il l b e b et te r o ff t ha n a ny o f u s. " S he w as t err ib ly s ho cke d by t hi s r ep ly . I n h er o wn e xp res si vel an gu ag e, h er h ea rt s to od s ti ll w he n s he h ea rd i t. S he w as b ew il de re d, a nd k ne w n ot w he re t o s et h er

w ea ry h an ds t o w or k, bu t sh e re co ve red i n a few m om en ts and be ga n t o ch afe t he bre as t an d h an ds o f the p er is hing b oy . S he b ro ke a b it o f s ug ar , a nd w ith c on side ra ble e ff or t f or ce d it b etwe en h is tee th w itha f ew d ro ps o f s no w- wa te r. S he s aw h im s wa llow , the n a s ligh t c on vu ls iv e m otio n s tirr ed h is f ea tu re s, h es tr et ch ed h is l im bs f ee bl y, a nd i n a m om en t m or e o pe ne d h is e ye s a nd l oo ke d u po n h er . H ow fe rv en tw er e h er t ha nk s t o t he G re at F at he r, w ho m s he f or go t n ot d ay o r n ig ht .

T hu s s he w en t o n. T he t ea l ea ve s w er e e at en , t he s ee ds c he we d, t he s ug ar a ll d is pe ns ed . T he d ay s w er e bright, and compared with the nights, comfortable. Occasionally, when the sun shone, their voices wereh ea rd , tho ug h g en er ally the y s at o r lay in a k in d o f s tu po r f ro m w hich s he o ften f ou nd it a la rm in gly d if ficu ltto arouse them. When the gray evening twilight drew its deepening curtain over the cold glittering heavensa nd the icy w as te , a nd w he n the f am is hing b od ie s h ad b ee n c ov er ed f ro m the f ro st tha t p in ch ed the m w ith but little less keenness than the unrelenting hunger, the solitude seemed to rend her very brain. Her own powers faltered. But she said her prayers over many times in the darkness as well as the light, and alwaysw it h r en ew ed t ru st i n H im w ho h ad n ot y et f or sa ke n h er , a nd t hu s s he s at o ut h er w ea ry w at ch . A ft er t he

P a g e 7 3



tur ning o f the n ig ht s he a lw ay s s at w atch in g f or the m or ning s ta r, w hich s ee me d e ve ry tim e s he s aw it r is ec le ar i n t he c ol d e as te rn s ky , t o r en ew t he p ro mi se , " As t hy d ay i s, s o s ha ll t hy s tr en gt h b e. "

T he ir f ir e h ad m el te d t he s no w t o a c on si de ra bl e d ep th , a nd t he y w er e l yi ng o n t he b an k a bo ve . T hu sthe y h ad les s o f its h ea t tha n the y n ee de d, a nd f ou nd s om e d if ficu lty in g etting the f ue l s he g athe re d p la ce ds o it w ou ld b ur n. O ne m or ning a fter s he h ad h aile d h er m es se ng er o f p ro mise , a nd the lig ht h ad inc re as ed

s o a s t o r en de r o bj ec ts v is ib le i n t he d is ta nc e, s he l oo ke d a s u su al o ve r t he w hi te e xp an se t ha t l ay t o t hes ou th -w es t, to s ee if a ny d ar k m ov in g s pe ck s w er e v is ib le u po n its s ur fa ce . O nly the tre e- to ps , w hich s heh ad s ca nn ed s o o ft en a s t o b e q ui te f am il ia r w it h t he ir a pp ea ra nc e, w er e t o b e s ee n. W it h a h ea vy h ea rts he b ro ug ht h er se lf b ac k f ro m tha t d is ta nt h op e to c on side r w ha t w as imm ed ia te ly a bo ut h er . T he f ir e h ads un k so f ar a way t ha t t he y h ad fe lt b ut l it tl e o f i ts w arm th t he l as t t wo n ig ht s, a nd ca st in g h er e yes d ow ni nt o t he s no w- pi t, w he nce i t s en t f or th o nl y a d ul l gl ow , s he t ho ug ht s he s aw t he w el co me f ac e o f b el ov edmother Earth. It was such a renewing sight after their long, freezing separation from it! She immediatelya ro us ed h er e ld es t s on , J oh n, a nd w it h a g re at d ea l o f d if fi cu lt y, a nd r ep ea ti ng w or ds o f c he er a nde nc ou ra ge me nt, b ro ug ht h im to u nd er stan d tha t s he w is he d h im to d es ce nd b y o ne o f the tre e- to ps w hichha d fal len i n so a s t o m ake a so rt of l adde r, an d see i f t hey c oul d reac h t he n ake d eart h, a nd i f i t w ere

possible for them all to go down. She trembled with fear at the vacant silence in which he at first gazed ath er , b ut a t l en gt h, a ft er s he h ad t ol d h im a g re at m an y t im es, h e s ai d " Ye s, m ot he r, " a nd w en t.

H e r ea ch ed t he b ot to m s af el y, a nd p re se nt ly s po ke t o h er . T he re w as n ak ed , d ry e ar th u nd er h is f ee t; i tw as wa rm , an d h e w is hed h er t o co me do wn. S he l ai d h er ba by be si de so me o f t he s le ep er s, an dd es ce nd ed . I mm ed ia te ly s he d eter mine d u po n tak in g the m a ll d ow n. H ow g oo d, s he tho ug ht, a s s hed es ce nd ed t he b ou gh s, w as t he G od w ho m s he t ru st ed . B y p er se ve re nc e, b y e nt re at y, b ye nc ou ra ge me nt, a nd w ith h er o wn a id , s he g ot the m into this s nu g s he lter .

R elief c am e n ot, a nd a s s ta rv atio n c re pt c lo se r a nd c lo se r to h im se lf a nd tho se a bo ut h im , P atrick B re end eter mine d tha t it w as h is d uty to e mp lo y the m ea ns o f s us ta in in g lif e w hich G od s ee me d to h av e p la ce d

before them. The lives of all might be saved by resorting to such food as others, in like circumstances,h ad s ub si st ed u po n. M rs . B re en , h ow ev er , d ec la re d t ha t s he w ou ld d ie , a nd s ee h er c hi ld re n d ie , b ef or eh er l ife o r t he ir s s ho ul d b e p re se rv ed b y s uc h m ea ns . I f e ve r t he f at her g av e t o t he d yi ng c hi ld re n, i t w asw itho ut h er c on se nt o r k no wled ge . S he n ev er tas te d, n or k ne w o f h er c hild re n p ar ta king . Mrs . F ar nh ams ay s tha t w he n P atrick B re en a sc en de d to o btain the d re ad fu l r ep as t, h is w if e, f ro ze n w ith h or ro r, h id h er f ac e i n h er h an ds , a nd c ou ld n ot l oo k u p. S he w as c on sci ou s o f h is r et ur n, a nd o f s om et hi ng g oi ng o na bo ut the f ir e, b ut s he c ou ld n ot b ring h er se lf to u nc ov er h er e ye s till a ll h ad s ub side d a ga in into s ilen ce .

H er h us ba nd r em ar ke d tha t p er ha ps the y w er e w ro ng in r ejec ting a m ea ns o f s us ta in in g lif e o f w hicho th er s h ad a va iled the ms elve s, b ut s he p ut a wa y the s ug ge stio n s o f ea rf ully tha t it w as n ev er r en ew ed , n or

a ct ed u po n b y a ny o f h er f am il y. S he a nd h er c hi ld re n w er e n ow , i nd ee d, r ea ch in g t he u tm os t v erg e o f lif e. A little m or e b attle w ith the g rim e ne mies tha t h ad p ur su ed the m s o r elen tles sly, twe nty- fo ur , o r a tm os t f or ty -e ig ht h ou rs o f s uc h w ar fa re , a nd a ll w ou ld b e e nd ed . T he inf an ts s till b re athe d, b ut w er e s ow as te d the y c ou ld o nly b e m ov ed b y r aising the m b od ily w ith the h an ds . I t s ee me d a s if e ve n the ir lig htw eigh t w ou ld h av e d ra gg ed the lim bs f ro m the ir b od ie s. O cc as io na lly, thr ou gh the d ay , s he a sc en de d thet re e t o l oo k o ut . I t w as a n i nc id en t n ow , a nd s ee me d t o k in dl e m or e l if e t ha n w he n i t o nl y r eq ui re d a t ur nof the head or a gl ance of t he eye to t el l t hat there was no li vi ng t hi ng near t hem . She coul d no l onger w al k o n t he s no w, b ut s he h ad s ti ll s tr en gt h e no ug h t o c ra wl f ro m t re e t o t re e t o g at he r a f ew b ou gh s,w hi ch s he t hre w al on g b ef or e h er t o t he p it , a nd p il ed t he m i n t o re ne w t he f ir e. T he e ig ht h da y w as passed. On the ninth morning she ascended to watch for her star of mercy. Clear and bright it stood over a ga in st h er b es ee ch in g g az e, s et in the lig ht liq uid b lu e tha t o ve rf lo ws the p athw ay o f the o pe ning d ay . S he prayed earnestly as she gazed, for she knew that there were but few hours of life in those dearest to her.I f h um an a id c am e n ot t ha t d ay , s om e e ye s, t ha t w ou ld s oo n l ook i mp lo ri ng ly i nt o h er s, w ou ld b e c lo se din d ea th b ef or e tha t s ta r w ou ld r is e a ga in . Wou ld s he h er se lf , w ith a ll h er e nd ur an ce a nd r es is ting lov e,

P a g e 7 4



l iv e t o s ee i t? W er e t he y a t l en gt h t o p er is h? G re at G od ! s ho ul d i t b e p er mi tt ed t ha t t he y, w ho h ad b ee n preserved through so much, should die at last so miserably?

H er e ye s w er e d im , a nd h er s ig ht w av er in g. S he c ou ld n ot d is ting uish tre es f ro m m en o n the s no w, b uth ad t he y b ee n n ea r, s he c ou ld h av e h ea rd t he m, f or h er e ar h ad g ro wn s o s en si ti ve t ha t t he s li gh te stu na cc us to me d n oise a rr es te d h er a tten tion . S he w en t b elow w ith a h ea vier h ea rt tha n e ve r b ef or e. S he

h ad n ot a w or d o f h op e t o a ns we r t he l an gu id , i nq ui ri ng c ou nt en an ce s t ha t w er e t ur ne d t o h er f ac e, a nds he w as c on sc io us t ha t i t t ol d t he s to ry o f h er d es pa ir . Y et s he s tr ov e w it h s om e h al f- in sa ne w or ds t os ug ge st t ha t s om eb od y w ou ld s ur el y c om e t o t he m t ha t d ay . A no th er w ou ld b e t oo l at e, a nd t he p it y o f m en 's h ea rt s a nd t he m er cy o f G od w ou ld s ur el y b ri ng t he m. T he p al lo r o f d ea th s ee me d a lr ea dy t o b es te alin g o ve r the s un ke n c ou nten an ce s tha t s ur ro un de d h er , a nd , w ea k a s s he w as , s he c ou ld r em ain below but a few minutes together. She felt she could have died had she let go her resolution at any timew ithin the las t f or ty -e ig ht h ou rs . T he y r ep ea te d the litan y. T he r es po ns es c am e s o f ee bly tha t the y w er es ca rc ely a ud ib le , a nd the p ro tr ac te d u tter an ce s s ee me d w ea riso me . A t las t it w as o ve r, a nd the y r es te d insilence.

T he s un m ou nt ed h igh an d h ig her i n t he h ea ve ns , a nd w hen t he d ay w as t hr ee o r f ou r h our s o ld s he placed her trembling feet again upon the ladder to look out once more. The corpses of the dead laya lw ay s b ef or e h er a s s he r ea ch ed t he t op -- th e m ot he r a nd h er s on , a nd t he l it tl e b oy , w ho se r em ai ns s hec ou ld n ot ev en g la nc e a t s in ce t he y h ad b ee n m ut il at ed . T he b la nk et t ha t c ov er ed t he m c ou ld n ot s hu t o utthe h or ro r o f the s ig ht.

T he r ay s o f t he s un f el l o n he r w it h a fr ie nd ly w arm th, b ut s he c ou ld n ot l oo k i nt o t he l igh t t hat fl oo ded t hew hite e xp an se . H er e ye s lac ke d s tr en gth a nd s te ad in es s, a nd s he r es te d h er se lf a ga in st a tre e a nde nd ea vo re d to g athe r h er w an de ring f ac ulties in v ain. T he e nf ee bled w ill c ou ld n o lon ge r h old r ule o ve r them. She had broken perceptions, fragments of visions, contradictory and mixed--former mingled withlatter times. Recollections of plenty and rural peace came up from her clear, tranquil childhood, which

s ee me d to h av e b ee n a no th er s ta te o f e xisten ce ; f la sh es o f h er latte r lif e- -its c om fo rt a nda bu nd an ce -- glea ms o f m ater na l p ride in h er c hild re n w ho h ad b ee n g ro wing u p a bo ut h er to e as e a ndindependence.

S he liv ed thr ou gh a ll the p ha se s w hich h er s im ple lif e h ad e ve r w or n, in the f ew m om en ts o f r ep os e a fter the d iz zy e ff or t o f a sc en ding ; a s the thin b lo od lef t h er w hirlin g b ra in a nd r etur ne d to its s hr un ke nc ha nn els, s he g re w m or e c le ar ly c on sc io us o f the ter rible p re se nt, a nd r em em be re d the w ea ry q ue st u po nw hi ch sh e c am e. I t w as n ot t he m em or y o f t ho ug ht , i t w as t ha t o f l ov e, t he o ld t ug gi ng at t he h ear t t hath ad n ev er r el ax ed I on g e no ug h t o s ay , " No w I a m d on e; I c an b ea r n o m or e! " T he m is er ab le o ne s d ow nthe re -- fo r the m h er w av er in g lif e c am e b ac k; a t tho ug ht o f the m s he tur ne d h er f ac e lis tles sly the w ay it

h ad s o o ft en g az ed . B ut t hi s t im e s om et hi ng c au se d i t t o f lu sh a s i f t he b lo od, t hi n a nd c ol d a s i t w as ,w ou ld b urs t i ts v es se ls ! W ha t w as i t? N ot hi ng t ha t s he s aw , f or h er e ye s w er e q ui te d im me d b y t hes ud de n a cc es s o f e xc item en t! I t w as the s ou nd o f v oice s! B y a s up er hu ma n e ff or t s he k ep t h er se lf f ro mf al li ng ! W as i t r ea li ty or d el us io n? Sh e m us t a t l eas t l iv e t o k now t he t rut h. I t c am e a ga in a nd a gai n. S heg re w c al me r a s s he b ec am e m or e a ss ur ed , a nd t he f ir st d is ti nc t w or ds s he h ea rd u tt er ed w er e, " Th er e i sMrs . B re en a live y et, a ny ho wl" T hr ee m en w er e a dv an cing tow ar d h er . S he k ne w tha t n ow the re w ou ld be no more starving. Death was repelled for this time from the precious little flock he had so longthr ea te ne d, a nd s he m ig ht o ff er u p tha nk sg iv in g u nc he ck ed b y the d re ad s a nd f ea rs tha t h ad s o lon gfrozen her.

C HA PT ER X VI I

P a g e 7 5



T he R es cu e- -C alifo rn ia A ro us ed -- A Y er ba B ue na N ew sp ap er -- Tid in gs o f Woe - -A C ry o f Distress--Noble Generosity--Subscriptions for the Donner Party--The First and Second

Reliefs--Organization of the Third--The Dilemma--Voting to Abandon a Family--The Fatal Ayes--JohnStark's Bravery--Carrying the Starved Children--A Plea for the Relief Party

F OS TE R a nd E dd y, it w ill b e r em em be re d, w er e o f the f if te en w ho c om po se d the " Fo rlor n H op e. "F os te r w as a m an o f s tr on g, g en er ou s imp ulse s, a nd g re at d eter mina tion . H is b oy w as a t D on ne r L ak e,a nd h is w if e' s m ot he r a nd b ro th er . H e h ar dl y t oo k t im e t o r es t a nd r ec ru it h is w as te d s tr en gt h b ef or e h e began organizing a party to go to their rescue. His efforts were ably seconded by W.H. Eddy, whosew if e a nd d au gh te r h ad p er is he d, b ut w ho se b oy w as s till a live a t the c ab in s.

California was thoroughly aroused over tidings which had come from the mountains. It was difficult to getv olun te er s to u nd er ta ke the jou rn ey o ve r the S ie rr a, b ut h or se s, m ules , p ro vision s, a nd g oo d w ag es w er ea llow ed a ll w ho w ou ld v en tu re the p er ilou s trip. T he tro ub le w ith Mex ic o h ad c au se d m an y o f thea ble- bo died c itiz en s o f C alif or nia to e nlis t in the s er vice . H en ce it w as tha t it w as s o d if ficu lt to o rg an iz e

relief parties.

T he f ollo wing e xtra cts a re m ad e f ro m the C alif or nia S ta r, a n ew sp ap er p ub lish ed a t " Ye rb a B ue na ," a sS an F ra nc is co w as the n c alle d. T he y d o jus tice to the s en time nt o f the p eo ple o f C alif or nia, a nd ind ic ates om et hi ng o f t he w il li ng ne ss o f t he p io ne er s t o a id t he D on ne r P ar ty . F ro m t he S ta r o f J an ua ry I 6, 1 84 7,is taken the following article, which appeared as an editorial:

" E MI G RA NT S O N T H E MO UN T AI NS .

" It is p ro ba bly n ot g en er ally k no wn to the p eo ple tha t the re is n ow in the C alif or nia m ou ntains , in a m os t

d is tr es sing s itua tion , a p ar ty o f e migr an ts f ro m the U nite d S ta te s, w ho w er e p re ve nted f ro m c ro ss in g them ou ntains b y a n e ar ly , h ea vy f all o f s no w. T he p ar ty c on sists o f a bo ut s ix ty p er so ns -- me n, w om en , a ndc hild re n. T he y w er e a lm os t e ntir ely o ut o f p ro vision s w he n the y r ea ch ed the f oo t o f the m ou ntains , a nd but for the timely succor afforded them by Capt. J.A. Sutter, one of the most humane and liberal men inC al if or ni a, t he y m us t h av e a ll p er is he d i n a f ew d ay s. C ap t. S ut te r, a s s oo n a s h e a sc er ta in ed t he ir situation, sent five mules loaded with provisions to them. A second party was dispatched with provisionsf or the m, b ut the y f ou nd the m ou ntains imp as sa ble in c on se qu en ce o f the s no w. We h op e tha t o ur c itiz en swill do something for the relief of these unfortunate people."

F ro m t he s am e s ou rc e, u nd er d at e o f F eb ru ar y 6 , 1 84 7, i s t ak en t he f ol lo wi ng :

"PUBLIC MEETING.

" It w il l b e r ec ol lec te d t ha t i n a p re vi ou s n um be r o f o ur p ap er, w e c al le d t he a tt en ti on o f o ur c it iz en s t o t hesituation of a company of unfortunate emigrants now in the California mountains. For the purpose of m ak in g the ir s itua tion m or e f ully k no wn to the p eo ple, a nd o f a do ptin g m ea su re s f or the ir r elie f, a p ub licm ee ting w as c alle d b y the H on or ab le Was hing to n A . B ar tlett, a lc alde o f the tow n, o n Wed ne sd aye ve ning las t. T he c itiz en s g en er ally a tten de d, a nd in a v er y s ho rt tim e the s um o f $ 80 0 w as s ub sc ribe d to purchase provisions, clothing, horses, and mules to bring the emigrants in. Committees were appointed toca ll on t hose w ho co ul d n ot at tend t he me et in g, a nd t here i s no d ou bt bu t t hat $5 00 o r $ 60 0 mo re wi ll b er aise d. T his s pe ak s w ell f or Y er ba B ue na ."

P a g e 7 6



O ne o th er e xt ra ct i s q uo te d f ro m t he S ta r o f F eb ru ar y1 84 7:"COMPANY LEFT."A company of twenty men left here on Sunday last for the California mountains, with provisions,c lo th in g, e tc ., f or the s uf fe ring e migr an ts n ow the re . T he c itiz en s o f this p la ce s ub sc ribe d a bo ut $ I, 50 0 f or the ir r elie f, w hich w as e xp en de d f or s uc h a rtic le s a s the e migr an ts w ou ld b e m os t lik ely to n ee d. Mr.G re en wo od , a n o ld m ou ntaine er , w en t w ith the c om pa ny a s p ilot. I f it is p os sible to c ro ss the m ou ntains ,

the y w ill g et to the e migr an ts in tim e to s av e the m. "

T he se thr ee a rticles m ay a id the r ea de r in b etter u nd er stan ding w ha t h as h er etof or e b ee n s aid a bo ut theo rg an iz atio n o f the r elie f p ar ties . I t w ill b e r em em be re d tha t J am es F . R ee d a nd William McC utch en f ir st procured animals and provisions from Capt. Sutter, attempted to cross the mountains, found the snowimp as sa ble, c ac he d the ir p ro vision s, a nd r etur ne d to the v alle ys . R ee d, a s d es cr ib ed in h is lette r to theR ur al P re ss , w en t t o S an J os e, C al ., a nd t II en ce t o Y er ba B ue na . M cC ut ch en w en t t o N ap a a ndS on om a, a nd a wa ke ne d s uc h a n i nt er es t t ha t a s ub sc ri pt io n o f o ve r $ 50 0 w as s ub sc ri be d f or t hee migr an ts , b es id es a n um be r o f h or se s a nd m ules . L ie ut. W.L . Mau ry a nd M.G . V alle jo h ea de d thiss ub sc riptio n, a nd $ 50 0 w as p ro mise d to G re en wo od if h e s uc ce ed ed in r aising a c om pa ny , a nd in

piloting them over the mountains. In order to get men, Greenwood and McCutchen went to YerbaB ue na , a rr iv in g the re a lm os t a t the s am e tim e w ith R ee d. T he a bo ve n otic es c hr on ic le the e ve nts w hichsucceeded the announcement of their mission. The funds and supplies contributed were placed in chargeo f L ie ut. Woo dw or th . T his p ar ty s et o ut imm ed ia te ly , a nd the ir jo ur ne y h as b ee n d es cr ib ed . T he y f or mthe s ec on d r elie f p ar ty , b ec au se imm ed ia te ly u po n the a rr iv al o f the s ev en w ho s ur vive d o f the " Fo rlor nH op e, " C ap t. T uc ke r' s p ar ty h ad b ee n o rg an iz ed a t J oh ns on 's a nd S ut te r' s, a nd h ad r ea ch ed D on ne r Lake first.

Whe n F os te r a nd E dd y a ttem pted to f or m a r elie f p ar ty , the y f ou nd the s am e d if ficu lty in s ec ur in gv olun te er s w hich o th er s h ad e nc ou nter ed . I t w as s uc h a ter rible u nd er ta king , tha t n o m an c ar ed to r is k h islife in the expedition.

C ap ta in J .B . H ull, o f the U nite d S ta te s n av y, a nd C om ma nd er o f the N or th er n D is tr ic t o f C alif or nia,f ur nish ed F os te r a nd E dd y w ith h or se s a nd p ro vision s. S etting o ut f ro m J oh ns on 's r an ch , the y a rr iv ed a tW oo dw ort h' s c am p i n t he a ft ern oo n. D ur in g t ha t v er y n ig ht t wo o f R ee d' s m en c am e t o t he c am p, a nd brought news that Reed and a portion of his party were a short distance back in the mountains. WhenR ee d a nd h is c om pa nion s w er e b ro ug ht into c am p, a nd it w as a sc er ta in ed tha t f ou rtee n p eo ple h ad b ee nlef t in the s no w, w itho ut f oo d, the third r elie f p ar ty w as a t o nc e o rg an iz ed . T he g re at d an ge r a nd s uf fe ringe nd ur ed b y tho se w ho h ad c om po se d the f ir st a nd s ec on d r elie f p ar ties , p re ve nted m en f ro mv olun te er in g. O n this a cc ou nt g re ater h on or is d ue tho se w ho d eter mine d to p er il the ir liv es to s av e theemigrants. Hiram Miller, although weak and exhausted with the fatigues and starvation he had just

u nd er go ne in the s ec on d r elie f p ar ty , joine d Mes sr s. F os te r a nd E dd y. T he se thr ee , w ith Wm.T ho mp so n, J oh n S ta rk , H ow ar d O ak le y, a nd C ha rles S to ne , s et o ut f ro m Woo dw or th 's c am p the n ex tm or ni ng a ft er R ee d' s a rr iv al . I t w as a gr ee d t ha t S ta rk , O ak le y, a nd S to ne w er e t o r em ai n w it h t hes uf fe re rs a t S ta rv ed C am p, s up ply the m w ith f oo d, a nd c on du ct the m to Woo dw or th 's c am p. F os te r,E dd y, T ho mp so n, a nd M il le r w er e t o p re ss f or wa rd t o t he r el ie f o f t ho se a t D on ne r L ak e. T he t hr ee m en ,th er ef or e, w ho se v oice s r ea ch ed Mrs . B re en , w er e S tar k, O ak le y, a nd S to ne .

Whe n the se m em be rs o f the third r elie f p ar ty r ea ch ed the d ee p, w ell- like c av ity in w hich w er e the s ev enB re en s, the thr ee G ra ve s c hild re n, a nd Mar y D on ne r, a s er io us q ue stion a ro se . N on e o f the e le ve n,e xc ep t M rs . B re en a nd J oh n B re en , w er e a bl e t o w al k. A s to rm a pp ea re d t o b e g at he ri ng u po n t hemountains, and the supply of provisions was very limited. The lonely situation, the weird, desolates ur ro un ding s, the a pp alling s ce ne s a t the c am p, a nd a bo ve a ll, the d an ge r o f b eing o ve rtak en b y as no w- st or m, fi ll ed t he m in ds o f O ak le y a nd S to ne w it h t err or . W he n i t w as fo un d t ha t n in e o ut o f t hee le ve n p eo pl e m us t b e c ar ri ed o ve r t he s no w, i t i s h ar dl y t o b e w on de re d a t t ha t a p ro po si ti on w as m ad e

P a g e 7 7



t o l ea ve a p or ti on o f t he s uf fe re rs . I t w as p ro po se d t o t ak e t he t hr ee G ra ve s c hi ld re n a nd M ar y D on ne r.T he se f ou r c hild re n w ou ld b e q uite a s uf ficien t b ur de n f or the thr ee m en , c on side ring the s no w o ve r w hicht he y m us t t ra ve l. T he B re en s, o r a t l ea st s uc h o f t he m a s c ou ld n ot w al k, w er e t o b e a ba nd on ed . T hi sw as e qu iv alen t to lea ving the f athe r, m othe r, a nd f iv e c hild re n, b ec au se the m othe r w ou ld n ot a ba nd ona ny m em be r o f h er f am ily, a nd J oh n, w ho a lo ne c ou ld tra ve l, w as in a s em i- life le ss c on dition . T hem em be rs o f t he t hi rd r el ie f p ar ty a re s ai d t o h av e t ak en a v ot e u po n t he q ue st io n. T hi s s ce ne i s d es cr ib ed

in the m an us cr ip t o f H on . J am es F . B re en : " Th os e w ho w er e in f av or o f r etur ning to the s ettlem en ts , a ndlea ving the B re en s f or a f utur e r elie f p ar ty ( wh ic h, u nd er the c ir cu ms ta nc es , w as e qu iv alen t to the d ea th penalty), were to answer 'aye.' The question was put to each man by name, and as the names werec al le d, t he d re ad fu l ' ay e' r es po nd ed . J oh n S ta rk 's n am e w as t he l as t o ne c al le d, b ec au se h e h ad , d ur in gthe discussion of the question, strongly opposed the proposition for abandonment, and it was naturallys up po se d tha t w he n h e f ou nd h im se lf in s o h op eles s a m in or ity h e w ou ld s ur re nd er . Whe n h is n am e w asc al le d, h e m ad e n o a ns we r u nt il s om e o ne s ai d t o h im : ' St ar k, w on 't y ou v ot e ? ' S ta rk , d ur in g a ll t hi s proceeding of calling the roll, had stood apart from his companions with bowed head and folded arms.Whe n h e w as thu s d ir ec tly a pp ea le d to, h e a ns we re d q uick ly a nd d ec id ed ly : " No , g en tlem en , I w ill n otabandon t hese peopl e. I am here o n a m issi on of m ercy, and I w ill not hal f d o t he w ork. Y ou can al l go i f

y ou w an t t o, b ut I s ha ll s ta y b y t he se p eo pl e w hi le t he y a nd I l iv e. '"

I t w as n ob ly s ai d. I f t he B re en s h ad b ee n l ef t a t S ta rv ed C am p, e ve n u nt il t he r et ur n o f F os te r, E dd y,Mille r, a nd T ho mp so n f ro m the lak e, n on e w ou ld h av e e ve r r ea ch ed the s ettlem en ts . I n c on tinu atio n o f the above narration, the following is taken from the manuscript of John Breen: "Stark was finally lefta lo ne . T o h is g re at b od ily s tr en gth, a nd u ne xc elle d c ou ra ge , m ys elf a nd o th er s o we o ur liv es . T he re w as probably no other man in California at that time, who had the intelligence, determination, and what wasa bs olutely n ec es sa ry in tha t e me rg en cy . T he imm en se p hy sica l p ow er s o f J oh n S ta rk . H e w as a s s tr on ga s t wo o rd in ar y m en . O n h is b ro ad s ho ul de rs , h e c ar ri ed t he p ro vi si on s, m os t o f t he b la nk et s, a nd m os to f t he t im e s om e o f t he w ea ke r ch il dr en . In r eg ar d t o t hi s, he w ou ld l au ghi ng ly s ay t ha t h e co ul d ca rrythe m a ll, if the re w as r oo m o n h is b ac k, b ec au se the y w er e s o lig ht f ro m s ta rv atio n. "

B y e ve ry m ea ns in h is p ow er , S ta rk w ou ld c he er a nd e nc ou ra ge the p oo r s uf fe re rs . F re qu en tly h e w ou ldca rry on e or t wo ah ead a l it tl e w ay, pu t t hem dow n, and ret urn for t he ot hers . Ja me s F. B ree n say s: " Id is tinc tly r em em be r tha t m ys elf a nd J on atha n G ra ve s w er e b oth c ar ried b y S ta rk , o n h is b ac k, the g re ater part of the journey." Others speak similarly.

Regarding this brave man, Dr. J.C. Leonard has contributed much valuable information, from which isselected the following:

" Jo hn S ta rk w as b or n in 1 81 7, in Way ne C ou nty, I nd ia na . H is f athe r, William S ta rk , c am e f ro m V ir ginia,

a nd w as o ne o f t he f ir st s et tl er s o f K en tu ck y, a rr iv in g t he re a bo ut t he s am e t im e a s D an ie l B oo ne . H em ar ri ed a c ou si n o f D an ie l B oo ne , an d t hey h ad a f am il y o f e ig ht c hi ld re n. T .J . S ta rk , t he o ld es t s on , n owliv es a t F re nc h C or ra l, N ev ad a C ou nty, C alif or nia. J oh n S ta rk , the y ou ng er b ro th er , s ta rted f ro mMon mo uth C ou nty, I llin ois, in the s pr in g o f 1 84 6, b ut tak in g the F or t H all r oa d, r ea ch ed C alif or nia ins af ety. H e w as a p ow er fu lly b uilt m an , w eigh in g two h un dr ed a nd twe nty p ou nd s. H e w as s he riff o f N ap aC ou nt y f or s ix y ea rs , a nd i n 1 85 2 r ep re se nt ed t ha t c ou nt y i n t he S ta te L eg is la tu re . H e d ie d n ea r C alis to ga , in 1 87 5, o f h ea rt d is ea se . H is d ea th w as ins ta ntan eo us , a nd o cc ur re d w hile p itch in g h ay f ro m aw ag on . H e w as the f athe r o f e le ve n c hild re n, s ix o f w ho m, w ith h is w if e, a re n ow liv in g. "

E ac h o ne o f t he p er so ns w ho w er e t ak en f ro m S ta rv ed C am p b y t hi s m an a nd h is t wo c om pa ni on s,r ea ch ed S utter 's F or t in s af ety. J am es F . B re en h ad h is f ee t b ad ly f ro ze n, a nd a fter wa rd s b ur ne d w hile a tt he c am p. N o o ne h ad an y h op e t ha t t hey c oul d b e s ave d, a nd w he n t he p art y re ach ed t he fo rt , a d oc to r w as s ou gh t t o a mp ut at e t he m. N on e c ou ld b e f ou nd , a nd k in d n at ur e e ff ec te d a c ur e w hi ch a p hy si ci anwould have pronounced impossible.

P a g e 7 8



I n c on clud in g this c ha pter , it is q uite a pp ro pr ia te to q uo te the f ollo wing , w ritten b y J .F . B re en : " No o neca n a tt ac h b la me t o t ho se w ho v ot ed t o l eav e p ar t o f t he e mi gra nt s. It wa s a de sp er at e c as e. T he ir i de aw as t o s av e a s m an y a s p os si bl e, a nd t he y h on es tl y b el ie ve d t ha t b y a tt em pt in g t o s av e a ll , a ll w ou ld b elos t. B ut this c on side ra tion -- an d the f ur th er o ne tha t S ta rk w as a n e ntir e s tr an ge r to e ve ry o ne in theca mp s, n ot bo und t o t he m by a ny t ie o f bl oo d or k ind red, nor h avi ng an y hop e of re war d, e xce pt t he

g ra nd c on sc io us ne ss o f d oing a n ob le a ct-- ma ke s h is c on du ct s hine m or e lus tr ou sly in the e ye s o f e ve ry person who admires nature's true and only nobility."

C HA PT ER X VI II

Arrival of the Third Relief--The Living and the Dead--Captain George Donner Dying--Mrs. Murphy'sWor ds -- Fo ste r a nd E dd y a t the L ak e- -T am se n D on ne r a nd h er C hildr en -- A F ea rf ul S tr ug gle- -T he

Husband's Wishes-Walking Fourteen Miles--Wifely Devotion--Choosing Death--The Night

Journey--An Unparalleled Ordeal--An Honored Name--Three Little Waifs--"And Our Parents areDead."

E dd y, F os te r, T ho mp so n a nd Miller p as se d N ic ho la s C la rk a nd J oh n B ap tiste n ea r the h ea d o f D on ne r L ak e. T he se s ta rv in g f ug itiv es h ad jou rn ey ed thu s f ir in the ir d es pe ra te e ff or t to c ro ss the m ou ntains . O f a ll t ho se e nc am pe d a t A ld er C re ek t he s ol e s ur vi vo rs n ow w er e G eo rg e D on ne r, t he c ap ta in o f t heDonner Pary, and his faithful wife, Tamsen Donner. Under the snow-drifts which covered the valley, layJacob Donner, Elizabeth Donner, Lewis Donner, Samuel Donner, Samuel Shoemaker, Joseph Rhinehart,a nd Ja mes Sm it h. O ne m ore wa s s oon t o be ad de d t o t he n um ber . I t w as t he m an w hos e n am e ha d b eeng iv en to the c om pa ny ; the o nly o ne w ho d ie d o f a lin ge ring , p ainf ul d is ea se . T he injur y o f G eo rg e

D on ne r's h an d h ad g ro wn into a f ev er is h, v ir ulen t u lc er atio n, w hich m us t h av e p ar ta ke n o f the n atur e o f e ry sipe la s. A t a ll e ve nts, m od if ic atio n h ad s et in, a nd w he n the third r elie f p ar ty a rr iv ed it h ad r ea ch ed h iss ho ul de r. I n a f ew h ou rs a t m os t h e m us t d ie .

F os te r's p ar ty f ou nd tha t m uc h s uf fe ring h ad o cc ur re d a t D on ne r L ak e d ur in g the tea rf ul d ay s w hiche la ps ed b etwe en R ee d's d ep ar tu re a nd the ir o wn a rr iv al. Mrs . L av in a Mur ph y h ad c ha rg e o f h er s on ,S im on Mur ph y, h er g ra nd ch ild, G eo rg e F os te r, o f the c hild J am es E dd y, a nd o f the thr ee little D on ne r g ir ls , F ra nc es , G eo rg ia , a nd E liza . A ll d we lt in the s am e c ab in , a nd w ith the m w as L ew is K es eb er g.F os te r a nd E dd y f ou nd a ll the re , s av e the ir o wn c hild re n. T he y w er e b oth d ea d. K es eb er g h as g en er ally been accused of the murder of little George Foster. Except Mrs. Murphy, the oldest of those who werew it h K es eb er g w as o nl y n in e y ea rs o f a ge . A ll t ha t t he c hi ld re n k no w i s t ha t K es eb er g t oo k t he c hi ld t o

bed with him one night, and that it was dead next morning. One of the little ones who survived--onewhose memory has proven exceedingly truthful upon all points wherein her evidence could be possiblys ub stan tiated - -a nd w ho is n ow Mrs . G eo rg ia A . B ab co ck -- give s the m ilde st v er sion o f this s ad a ff air w hi ch h as e ve r a pp ea re d i n p ri nt . S he d en ie s t he s to ry , s o o ft en r ei te ra te d, t ha t K es eb er g t oo k t he c hi ldto b ed w ith h im a nd a te it u p b ef or e m or ning ; b ut w rite s the f ollo wing : " In the m or ning the c hild w as d ea d.M rs . M ur ph y t oo k i t, sa t d ow n n ea r t he b ed w he re m y s is te r a nd m ys el f w er e l yi ng , l ai d t he l it tl e o ne o nh er l ap , a nd m ad e r em ar ks t o o th er p er so ns , a cc us in g K es eb er g o f k il li ng i t. A ft er a w hi le h e c am e, t oo k i t fr om h er, an d hun g i t u p i n si ght , i nsi de t he c abi n, o n t he wa ll ."

F os te r, E dd y, T ho mp so n, a nd Mille r r em aine d b ut a little w hile a t the m ou ntain c am p. D ur in g this tim e

Mr. F os te r h ad n o o pp or tu nity to talk w ith Mrs . Mur ph y s av e in K es eb er g's p re se nc e. A fter wa rd s, w he nthe c hild re n told h im o f the s us picion s e xp re ss ed in the ir p re se nc e b y Mrs . Mur ph y, F os te r d ee plyr eg re tted tha t h e h ad n ot s ou gh t a p riva te inter view w ith h er , f or the p ur po se o f lea rn in g the r ea so ns f or

P a g e 7 9



her belief.

I n t he m or ni ng t he r el ie f p ar ty w as t o s ta rt b ac k t o t he s et tl em en ts . E dd y w as t o c ar ry G eo rg ia D on ne r,T ho mp so n, F ra nc es D on ne r, Mille r, E liza D on ne r; a nd F os te r w as to c ar ry S im on Mur ph y. J oh nB ap ti st e a nd N ic ho la s C la rk r em ai ne d a t t he h ea d o f D on ne r L ak e, a nd w er e t o a cc om pa ny t he p ar ty .T hi s l eft M r. a nd M rs . D on ner a t A lde r C re ek , an d K es ebe rg a nd M rs . M ur phy a t t he c ab ins . M rs.

Mur ph y h ad c ar ed f or h er c hild re n a nd h er g ra nd ch ildr en , a nd m in is te re d to the w an ts o f tho se a ro un dh er , u ntil s he w as s ic k, e xh au sted , a nd u tter ly h elples s. S he c ou ld n ot w alk. S he c ou ld s ca rc ely r is e f ro mh er b ed . W it h a ll t he t en de rn es s o f a s on , M r. F os te r g av e h er s uc h p ro vi si on s a s h e c ou ld l ea ve , procured her wood, and did whatever he was able to do to render her comfortable. He also promised tor etur n s pe ed ily, a nd w ith s uc h a ss is ta nc e tha t h e c ou ld c ar ry h er o ve r the s um mits to h er c hild re n.

T he v er y a fter no on tha t the third r elie f p ar ty r ea ch ed the c ab in s, S im on Mur ph y d is co ve re d a w om anw an de ri ng a bo ut i n t he s no w a s i f l os t. I t p ro ve d t o b e M rs . T am se n D on ne r. S he h ad w ea ri ly t ra ve le do ve r t he d ee p s no ws f ro m A ld er C re ek , a s n ar ra te d i n a p re vi ou s c ha pt er , t o s ee h er c hi ld re n, a nd , i f n ec es sa ry , t o p ro te ct t he ir l iv es . O h! t he j oy a nd t he p ai n o f t he m ee ti ng o f t ho se l it tl e o ne s a nd t he ir

m ot he r. A s t he y w ou nd t he ir a rm s a bo ut h er n ec k, k is se d h er l ip s, l au gh ed i n h er e ye s, a nd t wi ne d t he ir f in ge rs in h er h air, w ha t a s tr ug gle m us t h av e b ee n tak in g p la ce in h er s ou l. A s the p le ad in g, u ptur ne df ac es o f h er b ab ie s b eg ge d h er n ot t o l ea ve t he m, h er v er y h ea rt -s tr in gs m us t h av e b ee n r en t w it h a go ny .Well m ay the v oice q uive r o r the h an d tre mb le tha t a ttem pts to p or tr ay the a ng uish o f this m othe r d ur in gthat farewell interview. From the very first moment, her resolution to return to her husband remainedu ns ha ke n. T he m em be rs o f the r elie f p ar ty e ntre ated h er to g o w ith h er c hild re n a nd s av e h er o wn lif e.T he y u rg ed t ha t t he re co ul d o nl y b e a f ew h ou rs o f l if e l eft i n G eo rg e D on ne r. T hi s w as s o t rue t ha t s heo nc e v en tu re d t he r eq ue st t ha t t he y r em ai n u nt il s he c ou ld r et ur n t o A ld er C re ek , a nd s ee i f h e w er e y etalive. The gathering storm-clouds, which had hovered over the summit for days, compelled them tor ef us e this r eq ue st. A n h ou r's d elay m ig ht b e f atal to a ll.

G eo rg e D on ne r kn ew t ha t h e w as d yi ng , a nd h ad f re qu en tl y u rg ed h is w if e t o l ea ve hi m, c ros s t hem ou ntains , a nd tak e c ar e o f h er c hild re n. A s s he h eld h er d ar ling s in h er a rm s, it r eq uire d n o p ro ph eticvision to disclose pictures of sadness, of lonely childhood, of longing girlhood, of pillows wet with tears, if the se thr ee little w aifs w er e lef t to w an de r f rien dles s in C alif or nia. S he n ev er e xp re ss ed a b elie f tha t s hew ou ld s ee t ha t l an d o f p ro mi se b ey on d t he S ie rr a. O ft en h ad h er c al m, e ar ne st v oi ce t ol d t he m o f t hef ut ur e w hi ch a wa it ed t he m, a nd s o f ar a s p os si bl e h ad s he p re pa re d t he m t o m ee t t ha t f ut ur e w it ho ut t hec ou ns el o r s ym pa th y o f f athe r o r m othe r.

The night-shadows, creeping through the shivering pines, warned her of the long, dreary way over whichh er t ir ed f ee t m us t p as s e re s he r ea ch ed h er d yi ng h us ba nd 's s id e. S he i s s ai d t o h av e a pp ea re d s tr an ge ly

c om po se d. T he s tr ug gl e w as s il en t. T he p oo r, b le ed in g h ea rt b ro ug ht n ot a s in gl e m oa n t o t he l ip s. I t w asa c ho ic e be tw een l ife , h op e, a nd h er c li ng in g b abe s, o r a l on el y v ig il b y a d yi ng h us ba nd , a nd anunknown, shroudless death in the wintry mountains. Her husband was sixty-three; he was well stricken iny ea rs , a nd h is lif e w as f as t e bb in g a wa y. I f s he r etur ne d thr ou gh the f ro sty n ig ht-w in ds , o ve r' the c risp ,freezing snow, she would travel fourteen miles that day. The strong, healthy men composing the relief parties frequently could travel but five or six miles in a day. If she made the journey, and found her h us ba nd w as d ea d, s he c ou ld h av e n o h op e o f r et ur ni ng o n t he m or ro w. S he h ad s uf fe re d t oo l on g f ro mh un ge r a nd p ri va ti on t o h op e t o b e a bl e t o r et ur n a nd o ve rt ak e t he r el ie f p ar ty . I t w as c er ta in l if e o r c er ta in d eat h. O n t he s id e o f t he fo rm er w as m at er na l l ov e; o n t he s id e o f t he l at te r, w if el y d ev ot io n. T hew ho le w id e r an ge o f h is to ry c an n ot p ro du ce a p ar al le l e xa mp le o f a dh er en ce t o d ut y, a nd t o t he d ic ta te so f c on ju ga l f id elity. With q uick , c on vu ls iv e p re ss ur e o f h er little o ne s to h er h ea rt; w ith a h as ty ,s ou l-t hr ob bi ng k is s u po n t he l ip s o f e ac h; w it h a p ra ye r t ha t w as s ti fl ed w it h a s ob o f a go ny , T am se nD on ne r h ur ried a wa y to h er h us ba nd . T hr ou gh the g athe ring d ar kn es s, p as t the s ha do wy s en tine ls o f thef or es t, the y w atch ed w ith tea rf ul e ye s h er r etre atin g f or m. A s if s he d ar ed n ot tru st a no th er s ig ht o f the

P a g e 8 0



little f ac es -- as if to e sc ap e the p itif ul w ail o f h er d ar ling s- -s he r an s tr aigh t f or wa rd u ntil o ut o f s ig ht a ndh ea ring . S he n ev er o nc e loo ke d b ac k.

T he re a re m en ta l s tr ug gles w hich s o a bs or b the b eing a nd s ou l tha t p hy sica l ter ro rs o r tor tu re s a reu nn otic ed . T am se n D on ne r's m in d w as p as sing thr ou gh s uc h a n o rd ea l. T he f ir es o f Moloc h, the d re ad fu lsuttee, were sacrifices which long religious education sanctioned, and in which the devotees perished

a mids t the p la ud its o f a dm ir in g m ultitu de s. T his w om an h ad c ho se n a d ea th o f s olitud e, o f h un ge r, o f bitter cold, of pain-racked exhaustion, and was actuated by only the pure principles of wifely love.A lr ea dy t he d ea th -d am p w as g at he ri ng o n G eo rg e D on ne r' s b ro w. A t t he u tm os t, s he c ou ld h op e t o d on o m or e tha n s mo oth the p illo w o f the d ying , ten de rly c la sp the f as t- ch illing h an d, p re ss f ar ew ell k is se su po n the w hite ning lip s, a nd f in ally c lo se the d ea r, tir ed e ye s. F or this, o nly this, s he w as y ie ld in g lif e, thew or ld , a nd h er d ar ling b ab es . F itte d b y c ultu re a nd r ef in em en t to b e a n o rn am en t to s oc ie ty , q ua lified b ye du ca ti on t o r ear h er d au gh te rs t o l iv es o f h on or a nd u se fu ln es s, h ow i t m us t h av e w ru ng h er h ea rt t oa ll ow h er l it tl e o ne s t o g o u np ro te ct ed i nt o a w il de rn es s o f s tr an ge rs . B ut s he c ou ld n ot ' l ea ve h er h us ba nd t o d ie a lo ne . R at he r s ol it ud e, b et te r d ea th , t ha n d es er t t he f at he r o f h er c hi ld re n. O , L an d o f t heS un se t! let the m em or y o f this w if e's d ev otio n b e e ve r e ns hr in ed in the h ea rts o f y ou r f aith fu l d au gh te rs ! I n

tab le ts thu s p ur e, e ng ra ve the n am e o f T am se n D on ne r.

When the June sunshine gladdened the Sacramento Valley, three little barefooted girls walked here andt he re a mo ng ! t he h ou se s a nd t en ts o f S ut te r' s F or t. T he y w er e s ca nt il y c lo th ed , a nd o ne c ar ri ed a t hi n blanket. At night they said their prayers, lay down in whatever tent they happened to be, and, folding the blanket about them, fell asleep in each other's arms. When they were hungry, they asked food of w ho ms oe ve r the y m et. I f a ny o ne inq uire d w ho the y w er e, the y a ns we re d a s the ir m othe r h ad tau gh tthe m: " We a re the c hild re n o f Mr. a nd Mrs . G eo rg e D on ne r. " B ut the y a dd ed s om ething the y h ad lea rn eds in ce . I t w as , " An d o ur p ar en ts a re d ea d. "

C HA PT ER X IX

F alse I de as a bo ut the D on ne r P ar ty -- Ac cu se d o f S ix Mur de rs -- In ter view s w ith L ew is K es eb er g- -H isStatement--An Educated German--A Predestined Fate--Keseberg's Lameness--Slanderous

Reports--Covered with Snow--"Loathsome, Insipid, and Disgusting"--Longings toward Suicide- -T am se n D on ne r's D ea th -G oing to G et the T re as ur e- -S us pe nd ed o ve r a H id de n S tr ea m- -" Whe re is

Donner's Money?"--Extorting a Confession

K es eb er g i s o ne o f t he l ea di ng c ha ra ct er s i n t he D on ne r P ar ty . U su al ly , h is p ar t i n t he t ra ge dy h as b ee nc on side re d the e ntir e s to ry . C om pa ra tive ly f ew p eo ple h av e u nd er stoo d tha t a ny e xc ep t this o ne m an a teh um an f le sh , o r w as a w it ne ss o f a ny s ce ne o f h or ro r. H e h as b ee n l oa th ed , e xe cr at ed , a bh or re d a s ac an niba l, a m ur de re r, a nd a h ea rtle ss f ie nd . I n the v ar io us p ub lish ed s ke tc he s w hich h av e f ro m tim e tot im e b ee n g iv en t o t he w or ld , L ew is K es eb er g h as b ee n c ha rg ed w it h n o l es s t ha n s ix m ur de rs . H isc an niba lism h as b ee n d en ou nc ed a s a rising f ro m c ho ic e, a s g ro wing o ut o f a d ep ra ve d a nd p er ve rteda pp etite, ins te ad o f b eing the r es ult o f n ec es sity . O n the f ou rth o f A pr il, 1 87 9, this s tr an ge m an g ra nted a ninter view to the a utho r, a nd in this a nd s uc ce ed in g inter view s h e r eluc ta ntly m ad e a s ta te me nt w hich w asr ed uc ed to w riting . " Wh at is the u se ," h e w ou ld u rg e, " of m y m ak in g a s ta te me nt? P eo ple inc line to believe the most horrible reports concerning a man, and they will not credit what I say in my own

d efe ns e. M y c on sc ie nce i s c le an . I a m a n o ld m an , a nd a m c al ml y a wa it in g m y d ea th . G od i s m y j ud ge ,a nd i t l on g a go c ea se d t o t ro ub le m e t ha t p eo pl e s hu nn ed a nd s la nd er ed m e. "

P a g e 8 1



K es eb er g is s ix f ee t in h eigh t, is w ell p ro po rtio ne d, a nd w eigh s f ro m o ne h un dr ed a nd s ev en ty -f iv e to o neh un dr ed a nd e ig hty p ou nd s. H e is a ctiv e, v ig or ou s, a nd o f a n e re ct, m an ly c ar riag e, d es pite h is y ea rs a ndh is m an y a ff lictio ns . H e h as c le ar b lu e e ye s, r eg ular f ea tu re s, lig ht h air a nd b ea rd , a d is tinc t, r ap id m od eo f e nu nc ia tion , a lou d v oice , a nd a s om ew ha t e xc ited m an ne r o f s pe ec h. I n c on ve rs in g h e loo ks o nes qu ar ely a nd s te ad ily in the e ye , a nd a pp ea rs lik e a n h on es t, intellige nt G er ma n. H e s pe ak s a nd w rite sG er ma n, F re nc h, S pa nish , a nd E ng lish , a nd h is s elec tion o f w or ds p ro ve s h im a s ch olar . H is f ac e

generally wears a determined, almost fierce expression, but one is impressed with the thought that thisa pp ea ra nc e is c au se d b y h is h ab itua lly s ta nd in g o n the d ef en sive a s a ga in st h is f ello w- me n. S in ce h e h asn ev er b ef or e h ad a n o pp or tu nity o f s pe ak in g in h is o wn d ef en se , it is p er ha ps f itting tha t h is s ta te me ntshould be given in his own language:

" My n am e i s L ew is K es eb er g. I w as b or n i n t he c it y o f B er Ie bu rg , P ro vi nc e o f W es tp ha li a, i n t heK in gd om o f P ru ss ia , o n the twe nty- se co nd o f May , 1 81 4. I a m the re fo re a lm os t s ix ty -thr ee y ea rs o f a ge .I w as m ar ri ed J un e 2 2, 1 84 2, c am e t o t he U ni te d S ta te s M ay 2 2, 1 84 4, a nd e mi gr at ed t o C al if or ni a i n1 84 6 w ith the D on ne r P ar ty . I n ev er h av e m ad e a s ta te me nt c on ce rn in g m y c on ne ctio n w ith tha t P ar ty toa ny o ne c on ne ct ed w it h t he p re ss . I t i s w it h t he u tm os t h or ro r t ha t I r ev er t t o t he s ce ne s o f s uf fe ri ng a nd

u nu tter ab le m is er y e nd ur ed d ur in g tha t jou rn ey . I h av e a lw ay s e nd ea vo re d to p ut a wa y f ro m m e a lltho ug hts o r r ec olle ctio ns o f tho se ter rible e ve nts. T im e is the b es t p hy sician , a nd w ou ld , I tru sted , h ea l thew ou nd s p ro du ce d b y tho se d ay s o f tor tu re ; y et m y m in d to- da y r ec oils w ith u nd im in is he d h or ro r a s Ie nd ea vo r to s pe ak o f this d re ad fu l s ub je ct. H er etof or e I h av e n ev er a ttem pted to r ef ute the v illaino uss la nd er s w hich h av e b ee n c ir cu la te d a nd p ub lish ed a bo ut m e. I f ee l it m y d uty to m ak e this s ta te me nt,h ow ev er , b ec au se I a m c on vinc ed o f y ou r w illing ne ss to d o jus tice to a ll w ho w er e c on ce rn ed in tha tdreadful affair, and heretofore I have been treated with gross injustice.

" If I b elie ve in G od A lm ig hty h av in g a ny th in g to d o w ith the a ff airs o f m en , I b elie ve tha t the m is fo rtun ew hi ch o ve rt oo k t he D on ne r P ar ty , a nd t he t er ri bl e p ar t I w as c om pe ll ed t o t ak e i n t he g re at t ra ge dy ,were predestined. On the Hastings Cut-off we were twenty-eight days in going twenty-one miles.

D if ficu lty a nd d is as te r h ov er ed a bo ut u s f ro m the tim e w e e nter ed u po n this c ut-o ff .

" On e d ay , w hi le w e w er e t ra ve li ng o n G oo se C re ek , w e s aw s o m an y w il d g ee se t ha t I t oo k m y s ho tg unand went hunting. Ordinarily I am not superstitious, but on this morning I felt an overwhelming sense of impending calamity. I mentioned my premonitions to Mrs. Murphy before starting on the hunt. Becominge xc it ed w it h t he s po rt , a nd e ag er ly w at ch in g t he g am e, I s te pp ed d ow n a s te ep b an k. S om e w il lo ws h ad been burned off, and the short, sharp stubs were sticking up just where I stepped. I had on buckskinm oc ca si ns , a nd o ne o f t he se s tu bs r an i nt o t he b al l o f m y f oo t, b et we en t he b on es a nd t he t oe s. F ro m t hi st im e, unt il we arri ved at D onne r Lak e, I w as u nabl e t o w al k, or even t o put my foot t o t he g round. T hef oo t b ec am e g re atly s wo llen a nd inf la me d, a nd w as e xc ee ding ly p ainf ul. O ne d ay , a t D on ne r L ak e, o ne

o f m y c om pa ni on s, a t m y e ar ne st r eq ue st , l an ce d m y f oo t o n t he t op . I t d is ch ar ge d f re el y, a nd s om e d ay sa fter wa rd s, in w as hing it, I f ou nd a h ar d s ub stan ce p ro tr ud in g f ro m the w ou nd , a nd o btaining a p air o f f or ce ps , s uc ce ed ed in e xtra ctin g a p ie ce o f the w illo w s tu b, o ne a nd a h alf inc he s in len gth. I t h ad liter allyw or ke d u p thr ou gh m y f oo t. I m en tion this p ar ticu la rly, b ec au se I h av e b ee n f re qu en tly a cc us ed o f r em aining a t the D on ne r c ab in s f ro m s elfish o r s in is te r m otiv es , w he n in f ac t I w as u tter ly u na ble to jointhe relief parties."

I t is p ro pe r to m en tion , in c or ro bo ra tion o f K es eb er g's s ta te me nt r eg ar ding h is lam en es s, tha t s ev er al o f the s ur vivo rs r em em be re d, a nd h ad r elated the c ir cu ms ta nc e p rior to the inter view . I t is aw el l- au th en ti ca te d f ac t t ha t h e w as v er y l am e, a nd c ou ld n ot w al k, y et , a s a s pe ci me n o f t he a bu se w hi chh as b ee n h ea pe d u po n the m an , a q uo ta tion is intro du ce d f ro m T ho rn to n's " Or eg on a nd C alif or nia. " I ns pe ak in g o f t he d ep ar tu re o f F os te r a nd E dd y, T ho rn to n s ay s: " Th er e w er e i n c am p M rs . M ur ph y, M r.a nd Mrs . G eo rg e D on ne r, a nd K es eb er g- -the latter , it w as b elie ve d, h av in g f ar m or e s tr en gth to tra ve lt ha n o th er s w ho h ad a rr iv ed i n t he s et tl em en ts . B ut h e w ou ld n ot t ra ve l, f or t he r ea so n, a s w as s us pe ct ed ,

P a g e 8 2



t ha t h e w is he d t o r em ai n b eh in d f or t he p ur po se o f o bt ai ni ng t he p ro pe rt y a nd m on ey o f t he d ea d. "Keseberg's statement continues:

" When w e reach ed t he l ake, we l os t o ur roa d, an d ow ing t o t he d ept h o f t he sno w on t he mo unt ai ns,w er e c om pe ll ed t o a ba nd on o ur w ag on s, a nd p ac k o ur g oo ds u po n o xe n. T he c at tl e, u nu se d t o s uc h burdens, caused great delay by 'bucking' and wallowing in the snow. There was also much confusion as

t o w ha t a rt ic le s s ho ul d b e t ak en a nd w ha t a ba nd on ed . O ne w an te d a b ox o f t ob ac co c ar ri ed a lo ng ;a no th er , a b al e o f c al ic o, a nd s om e o ne t hi ng a nd s om e a no th er . B ut f or t hi s d el ay w e w ou ld h av e p as se dthe s um mit a nd p re ss ed f or wa rd to C alif or nia. O wing to m y lam en es s, I w as p la ce d o n h or se ba ck , a ndmy foot was t ied up to t he saddl e i n a sort of sl ing. N ear eveni ng we were cl ose t o t he t op of t he di vi di ngr id ge . I t w as c ol d a nd c hi ll y, a nd e ve ry bo dy w as t ir ed w it h t he s ev er e e xe rt io ns o f t he d ay . S om e o f t hee mi gr an ts s at d ow n t o r es t, a nd d ec la re d t he y c ou ld g o n o f ur th er . I b eg ge d t he m f or G od 's s ak e t o g eto ve r t he r id ge b ef or e h al ti ng . S om e o ne , h ow ev er , s et f ir e t o a p it ch y p in e t re e, a nd t he f la me s s oo na sc en de d to its top mo st b ra nc he s. T he w om en a nd c hild re n g athe re d a bo ut this f ir e to w ar m the ms elve s.Mea ntim e the o xe n w er e r ub bing o ff the ir p ac ks a ga in st the tre es . T he w ea th er loo ke d v er y thr ea te ning ,a nd I e xh or te d t he m t o g o o n u nt il t he su mm it w as r eac he d. I fo re sa w t he d an ge r p la in ly a nd

u nm is ta ka bly. O nly the s tr on ge st m en , h ow ev er , c ou ld g o a he ad a nd b re ak the r oa d, a nd it w ou ld h av et ak en a de term ine d ma n t o i nd uce t he par ty t o l ea ve t he f ire. H ad I be en w el l, a nd be en ab le t o pu sha he ad o ve r t he r id ge , s om e, i f n ot a ll , w ou ld h av e f ol lo we d. A s i t w as , a ll l ay d ow n o n t he s no w, a ndf ro m e xh au stio n w er e s oo n a slee p. I n the n ig ht, I f elt s om ething imp ed in g m y b re ath. A h ea vy w eigh ts ee me d to b e r es ting u po n m e. S pr in ging u p to a s itting p os tu re , I f ou nd m ys elf c ov er ed w ithf re sh ly -f alle n s no w. T he c am p, the c attle, m y c om pa nion s, h ad a ll d is ap pe ar ed . A ll I c ou ld s ee w as s no we ve ry wh er e. I s ho ut ed a t t he t op o f m y v oi ce . S ud de nl y, h er e a nd t he re , a ll a bo ut m e, h ea ds p op pe d u pthr ou gh the s no w. T he s ce ne w as n ot u nlik e w ha t o ne m ig ht ima gine a t the r es ur re ctio n, w he n p eo ple r is eu p o ut o f t he e ar th . T he t er ro r a mo un te d t o a p an ic . T he m ul es w er e l os t, t he c at tl e s tr ay ed a wa y, a ndo ur f ur th er p ro gr es s r en de re d imp os sible. T he r es t y ou p ro ba bly k no w. We r etur ne d to the lak e, a nd prepared, as best we could, for the winter. I was unable to build a cabin, because of my lameness, and

s o e re ct ed a s or t o f b ru sh s he d a ga in st o ne s id e o f B re en 's c ab in .

" Wh en R ee d' s re li ef p ar ty l ef t t he c ab in s, M r. R ee d l ef t m e a h al f t ea cu pf ul of f lo ur , a nd a bo ut h al f a pound of jerked beef. It was all he could give. Mrs. Murphy, who was left with me, because too weak a nd e ma ci at ed t o w al k, h ad n o l ar ge r p or ti on . R ee d h ad n o a ni mo si ty t ow ar d m e. H e f ou nd m e t oo w ea k t o m ov e. H e w ash ed m e, co mb ed my ha ir , an d t rea te d m e ki nd ly . In de ed , he ha d n o c au se t o doo th er wi se . S om e o f m y p or ti on o f t he f lo ur b ro ug ht b y S ta nt on f ro m S ut te r' s F or t I g av e t o R ee d' sc hi ld re n, a nd t hu s s av ed t he ir l iv es . W he n h e l ef t m e, h e p ro mi se d t o r et ur n i n t wo w ee ks a nd c arr y m eo ve r t he m ou nt ai ns . W he n t hi s p ar ty l ef t, I w as n ot a bl e t o s ta nd , m uc h l es s t o w al k.

" A h ea vy s to rm c am e o n i n a f ew d ay s a ft er t he l as t r el ie f p art y l ef t. M rs . G eo rg e D on ne r h ad r em ai ne dw it h h er s ic k h us ba nd i n t he ir c am p, s ix o r s ev en m il es a wa y. M rs . M ur ph y l iv ed a bo ut a w ee k a ft er w ew er e lef t a lo ne . Whe n m y p ro vision s g av e o ut, I r em aine d f ou r d ay s b ef or e I c ou ld tas te h um an f le sh .T he re w as n o o th er r es or t- -i t w as t ha t o r d ea th . M y w if e a nd c hi ld h ad g on e o n w it h t he f ir st r el ie f p ar ty .I k ne w n ot w he th er t he y w er e l iv in g o r d ea d. T he y w ere p en ni le ss a nd f ri en dl es s i n a s tr an ge l an d. F or t he ir s ak es I m us t l iv e, i f n ot f or m y o wn . M rs . M ur ph y w as t oo w ea k t o r ev iv e. T he f le sh o f s ta rv ed beings contains little nutriment. It is like feeding straw to horses. I can not describe the unutterabler ep ug na nc e w ith w hich I tas te d the f ir st m ou th fu l o f f le sh . T he re is a n ins tinc t in o ur n atur e tha t r ev olts a tt he t ho ug ht o f t ou ch in g, m uc h l es s e at in g, a c or ps e. It m ak es m y b lo od c ur dl e t o t hi nk o f i t! I t h as b ee nt ol d t ha t I b oa st ed o f m y s ha me -- sa id t ha t I e nj oy ed t hi s h or ri d f oo d, a nd t ha t I r em ar ke d t ha t h um anf le sh w as m or e p alatab le tha n C alif or nia b ee f. T his is a f alse ho od . I t is a h or rible, r ev olting f alse ho od .T his f oo d w as n ev er o th er wise tha n loa th so me , ins ip id , a nd d is gu stin g. F or n ea rly two m on th s I w asa lo ne in tha t d is ma l c ab in . N o o ne k no ws w ha t o cc ur re d b ut m ys elf- -n o liv in g b eing e ve r b ef or e w as toldo f t he o cc ur re nc es . L if e w as a b ur de n. T he h or ro rs o f o ne d ay s uc ce ed ed t ho se o f t he p re ce di ng . F iv e o f

P a g e 8 3



m y c om pa nion s h ad d ie d in m y c ab in , a nd the ir s ta rk a nd g ha stly b od ie s lay the re d ay a nd n ig ht,s eem in gl y ga zi ng a t m e w it h t he ir g la ze d a nd s ta ri ng e ye s. I w as t oo w eak t o m ov e t he m ha d I t ri ed . T her elief p ar ties h ad n ot r em ov ed the m. T he se p ar ties h ad b ee n too h ur ried , too h or ro r- strick en a t the s ig ht,t oo f ea rf ul l es t a n h ou r' s d el ay m ig ht c au se t he m t o s ha re t he s am e f at e. I e nd ur ed a t ho us an d d ea th s. T oh av e o ne 's s uf fe ring p ro lo ng ed inc h b y inc h, to b e d es er te d, f or sa ke n, h op eles s; to s ee tha t loa th so mef oo d e ve r b ef or e m y e ye s, w as a lm os t too m uc h f or h um an e nd ur an ce . I a m c on ve rs an t w ith f ou r

d if fe re nt lan gu ag es . I s pe ak a nd w rite the m w ith e qu al f lu en cy ; y et in a ll f ou r I d o n ot f in d w or ds e no ug ht o e xp re ss t he h or ro r I e xp er ie nc ed d ur in g t ho se t wo m on th s, o r w ha t I s ti ll f ee l w he n m em or y r ev er ts t ot he s ce ne . S ui ci de w ou ld h av e b ee n a r el ie f, a h ap pi ne ss , a g od se nd ! M an y a t im e I h ad t he m uz zl e o f m y pistol in my mouth and my finger on the trigger, but the faces of my helpless, dependent wife and childw ou ld r is e u p b ef or e m e, a nd m y h an d w ou ld f al l p ow erl es s. I w as n ot t he c au se o f m y m is fo rt un es , a ndG od A lm ig hty h ad p ro vide d o nly this o ne h or rible w ay f or m e to s ub sist."

D id y ou b oi l t he f les h ?

" Ye s! B ut to g o into d etails -- to r elate the m in utia e- -is too a go nizing ! 1 c an n ot d o it! I ma gina tion c an

s up ply the se . T he n ec es sa ry m utilatio n o f the b od ie s o f tho se w ho h ad b ee n m y f rien ds , r en de re d theghastliness of my situation more frightful. When I could crawl about and my lame foot was partiallyrec ov ered , I wa s cho ppi ng so me w oo d on e day a nd t he a x gl ance d and c ut off m y he el . The p iece o f f le sh g re w b ac k i n t im e, bu t no t i n i ts fo rm er po si ti on , an d m y fo ot i s m ai me d t o t hi s da y.

" A m an , b ef or e h e j ud ges m e, s ho ul d b e p lac ed i n a s im il ar s it ua ti on ; b ut i f h e w er e, i t i s a t ho us and t oo ne h e w ou ld p er is h. A c on stitutio n o f s te el a lo ne c ou ld e nd ur e the d ep riva tion a nd m is er y. A t this tim e Iw as liv in g in the log -c ab in w ith the f ir ep la ce . O ne n ig ht I w as a wa ke ne d b y a s cr atch in g s ou nd o ve r m yh ea d. I s ta rt ed u p i n t er ro r, a nd l is te ne d i nt en tl y f or t he n oi se t o b e r ep ea te d. I t c am e a ga in . I t w as t hewo lve s t ryi ng t o g et i nt o t he cabi n t o eat me an d t he de ad bod ies.

" At m id ni gh t, o ne c ol d, b it te r n ig ht , M rs . G eo rg e D on ne r c am e t o m y d oo r. I t w as a bo ut t wo w ee ks a ft er R ee d h ad g on e, a nd m y l on el in es s w as b eg in ni ng t o b e u ne nd ur ab le . I w as m os t h ap py t o h ea r t he s ou ndof a human voice. Her comi ng was l ike t hat of an angel from heaven. But she had not come t o bear mec om pa ny . H er h us ba nd h ad d ie d i n h er a rm s. S he h ad r em ai ne d b y h is s id e u nt il d ea th c am e, a nd t he nh ad l ai d h im o ut an d h ur ri ed a wa y. H e d ie d a t n ig ht fa ll , an d sh e h ad t ra ve le d o ve r t he s no w a lo ne t o m yc ab in . S he w as g oi ng , a lo ne , a cr os s t he m ou nt ai ns . S he w as g oi ng t o s ta rt w it ho ut f oo d o r g ui de . S hek ep t s ay in g, ' My c hi ld re n ! I m us t s ee m y c hi ld re n! ' S he f ea re d s he w ou ld n ot s ur vi ve , a nd t ol d m e s heh ad s om e mo ney i n h er t en t. It w as t oo h ea vy for he r t o ca rry . S he sa id , ' Mr. K es eb erg , I co nf id e t hi s t oy ou r c ar e. ' S he m ad e m e p ro mi se s ac re dl y t ha t I w ou ld g et t he m on ey a nd t ak e i t t o h er c hi ld re n i n c as es he p er is he d a nd I s ur vi ve d. S he d ec la re d s he w ou ld s ta rt o ve r t he m ou nt ai ns i n t he m or ni ng . S he s ai d, ' I

am b ound t o g o t o m y chi ldren. ' She se eme d v ery col d, and h er c lot he s w ere l ike i ce. I t hi nk sh e h ad goti n t he c re ek i n co mi ng . S he s ai d s he w as v ery h un gr y, b ut re fu se d t he o nl y f oo d I c ou ld o ffe r. S he h adn ev er e aten the loa th so me f le sh . S he f in ally lay d ow n, a nd I s pr ea d a f ea th er -b ed a nd s om e b la nk ets o ve r h er . I n the m or ning s he w as d ea d. I think the h un ge r, the m en ta l s uf fe ring , a nd the icy c hill o f the preceding night, caused her death. I have often been accused of taking her life. Before my God, I swear t hi s i s u nt ru e! D o y ou t hi nk a m an w ou ld b e su ch a m is cr ea nt , s uc h a d am na bl e f ie nd, s uch a ca ri cat ur eo n h um an ity, a s to k ill this lon e w om an ? T he re w er e p le nty o f c or ps es lying a ro un d. H e w ou ld o nly a ddo ne m or e c or ps e t o t he m an y!

" Oh! t he day s and wee ks o f hor ror w hi ch I pas sed i n t ha t cam p! I h ad no h op e of he lp or o f bei ngr es cu ed , u nt il I sa w t he g ree n g ra ss co mi ng up b y t he s pri ng o n t he h il ls id e, a nd t he w il d g ees e c om in g t on ib bl e i t. T he b ir ds w er e c om in g b ac k t o t he ir b re ed in g g ro un ds , a nd I f el t t hat I co ul d k il l t he m f or f oo d.I h ad p le nt y o f g un s a nd a mm un it io n i n c am p. I a ls o h ad p le nt y o f t ob ac co a nd a g oo d m ee rs ch au m p ip e,a nd a lm os t t he o nl y s ol ac e I e nj oy ed w as s mo ki ng . I n m y w ea k c on di ti on i t t oo k m e t wo o r t hr ee h ou rs

P a g e 8 4



e ver y d ay t o g et su ff ic ie nt w oo d t o ke ep m y f ir e g oi ng .

" So me tim e a fter Mrs . D on ne r's d ea th , I tho ug ht I h ad g aine d s uf ficien t s tr en gth to r ed ee m the p le dg e Ihad made her before her deat h. I start ed t o go t o the camps at Al der Creek to get the money. I had av er y d if ficu lt jou rn ey . T he w ag on s o f the D on ne rs w er e loa de d w ith tob ac co , p ow de r, c ap s, s ho es ,s ch oo l- bo ok s, a nd d ry -g oo ds . T his s to ck w as v er y v alua ble, a nd h ad it r ea ch ed C alif or nia, w ou ld h av e

been a fortune to the Donners. I searched carefully among the bales and bundles of goods, and found fiveh un dr ed a nd t hi rt y- on e d ol la rs . P ar t o f t hi s s um w as s il ve r, p ar t g ol d. T he s il ve r I b ur ie d a t t he f oo t o f a pine tree, a little way from the camp. One of the lower branches of another tree reached down close tot he g rou nd , an d ap pe ar ed t o p oi nt t o t he s po t. I p ut t he go ld i n m y p oc ket , a nd s ta rt ed t o r et urn t o m ycabi n. I h ad s pent one ni ght at t he Donn er t ent s. On m y re turn I bec ame l ost . W hen i t was nearl y da rk, i nc ro ss in g a l it tl e f la t, t he s now su dd en ly g av e w ay u nd er m y fe et , a nd I sa nk d ow n a lm os t t o m y a rm pi ts .B y m ea ns o f t he c ru st o n t op o f t he s no w, I k ep t m ys el f s us pe nd ed b y t hr ow in g o ut m y a rm s. A s tr ea mo f w at er f lo we d u nd er ne at h t he p la ce o ve r w hi ch I h ad b ee n w al ki ng , a nd t he s no w h ad m el te d o n t heu nd er si de u nt il i t w as n ot s tro ng e no ug h t o s up po rt m y w ei gh t. I c ou ld n ot t ou ch b ot to m w it h m y fe et , an ds o c ou ld f or m n o i de a o f t he d ep th o f t he s tr eam . B y l on g a nd c ar ef ul e xe rt io n I m an ag ed t o d ra w m ys el f

backward and up on the snow. I then went around on the hillside, and continued my journey. At last, justa t d ar k, c om pl et el y e xh au st ed a nd a lm os t d ea d, I c am e i n s ig ht o f t he G ra ve s c ab in . 1 s ha ll n ev er f or ge tm y j oy a t s ig ht o f t ha t l og -c ab in . I fe lt t ha t I w as n o l on ge r l os t, a nd w ou ld a t l ea st h av e s he lt er . S om et im e a ft er d ar k I r ea ch ed m y o wn c ab in . M y c lo th es w er e w et b y g et ti ng i n t he c re ek , a nd t he n ig ht w ass o c ol d t ha t m y g ar me nt s w er e f ro ze n i nt o s he et s o f i ce . I w as s o w ea ry , a nd c hi ll ed , a nd n um be d, t ha t Id id n ot b ui ld u p a f ir e, o r at te mp t t o g et an yt hi ng t o e at , b ut r ol le d m ys el f u p i n t he b ed -c lo th es a nd t ri edto g et w ar m. N ea rly a ll n ig ht I lay the re s hive ring w ith c old; a nd w he n I f in ally s le pt, 1 s le pt v er y s ou nd ly .I d id n ot w ak e u p un ti l q ui te l at e t he n ex t m orn in g. To m y ut te r a st on ish men t m y c am p w as i n t he m os tinexplicable confusion. My trunks were broken open, and their contents were scattered everywhere.E ve ry th in g a bo ut the c ab in w as tor n u p a nd thr ow n a bo ut the f lo or . My w if e's jew elry , m y c lo ak , m y pistol and ammunition were missing. I supposed Indians had robbed my camp during my absence.

S ud de nl y 1 w as s ta rt le d b y t he s ou nd o f h um an v oi ce s. I h ur ri ed u p t o t he s ur fa ce o f t he s no w, a nd s aww hi te m en co mi ng t ow ar d t he c ab in . I w as o ve rw he lm ed w it h j oy a nd g ra ti tu de a t t he p ro sp ec t o f m yd el iv er an ce . I h ad s uf fe re d s o m uc h, a nd f or s o l on g a t im e, t ha t 1 c ou ld s ca rc el y b el ie ve m y s en se s.I ma gine m y a ston is hm en t u po n the ir a rr iv al to b e g re eted , n ot w ith a 'go od m or ning ' o r a k in d w or d, b utwith the gruff, insolent demand,' Where is Donner's money?'

" I t ol d t he m t he y o ug ht t o g iv e m e s om et hi ng t o e at , a nd t ha t I w ou ld t al k w it h t he m af te rw ar ds , b ut n o,t he y i ns is te d t ha t I s ho ul d t el l t he m a bo ut D on ne r' s m on ey . I a sk ed t he m w ho t he y w ere , a nd w he re t he yc am e f ro m, bu t t he y re pl ie d b y t hre at en ing t o k il l m e i f 1 di d n ot g iv e u p t he m on ey . T he y t hr ea ten ed t oha ng or sh oo t m e, and at l ast I t ol d t hem I h ad pro mi sed M rs. Do nne r t hat I wo ul d c arry h er mo ney t o

h er c hi ld re n, a nd 1 p ro po se d t o d o s o, u nl es s s ho wn s om e a ut ho ri ty b y w hi ch t he y h ad a b et te r c la im .T hi s s o e xa sp er at ed t he m, t hat t he y a ct ed a s t ho ug h t he y w er e g oi ng t o k il l m e. I o ff er ed t o l et t he m b in dm e as a p ri son er, an d t ak e m e be for e t he a lca ld e at S ut ter' s Fo rt , and I pro mi se d t ha t I wo ul d t hen t el l al lI k ne w a bo ut the m on ey . T he y w ou ld lis te n to n othing , h ow ev er , a nd , f in ally I told the m w he re the yw ou ld f in d t he s il ve r b ur ie d, a nd g av e t he m t he g ol d. A ft er I h ad d on e t hi s, t he y sh ow ed m e a d oc um en tf ro m A lc alde S in clair, b y w hich the y w er e to r ec eive a c er ta in p ro po rtio n o f a ll m on ey s a nd p ro pe rtywhich they rescued."

T he m en s po ke n o f b y K es eb er g, w er e the f ou rth r elie f p ar ty . T he ir n am es w er e, C ap ta in F allo n, WilliamM . F os te r, J oh n R ho de s, J . F os te r, R .P . T uc ke r, E . C of fe em ir e, a nd Ñ ÑK ey se r. W il li am M . F os te r h adr ec ro ss ed the m ou ntains the s ec on d tim e, h op in g to r es cu e h is w if e's m othe r, Mrs . Mur ph y. A la s! h efound only her mutilated remains.

P a g e 8 5



CHAP TER XX

Dates of the Rescues--Arrival of the Fourth Relief--A Scene Beggaring Description-The Wealth of theD on ne rs -- An A pp ea l to the H ig he st C ou rt - -A D re ad fu l S ho ck -- Sa ve d f ro m a G rizz ly B ea r- -A T rial f or

Slander-Keseberg Vindicated--Two Kettles of Human Blood--The Enmity of the Relief Party--"Bornunder an Evil Star"--"Stone Him! Stone him!"-- Fire and Flood--Keseberg's Reputation for Honesty--A

P riso ne r in h is o wn H ou se -- Th e Mos t Mis er ab le o f Men

D EC EMBE R 1 6, 1 84 6, the f if te en c om po sing the " Fo rlor n lor n H op e, " lef t D on ne r L ak e. J an ua ry 1 7,1 84 7, the y r ea ch ed J oh ns on 's r an ch ; a nd F eb ru ar y 5 th C ap ta in T uc ke r's p ar ty s ta rted to the a ss istan ceo f the e migr an ts . T his f ir st r elie f a rr iv ed F eb ru ar y 1 9th a t the c ab in s; the s ec on d r elie f, o r R ee d's p ar ty ,a rr iv ed M ar ch 1 st ; t he t hi rd , o r F os te r' s, a bo ut t he m id dl e o f M ar ch ; a nd t he f ou rt h, o r F al lo n' s, o n t hes ev en te en th o f A pr il. U po n the a rr iv al o f C ap t. F allo n's c om pa ny , the s ig ht p re se nted a t the c ab in s beggars all description. Capt. R.P. Tucker, now of Goleta, Santa Barbara County, Cal., endeavors, inh is c or re sp on de nc e, to g iv e a s ligh t ide a o f the s ce ne . H um an b od ie s, ter ribly m utilated , leg s, a rm s, s ku lls,a nd p or tion s o f r em ains , w er e s ca tter ed in e ve ry d ir ec tion a nd s tr ew n a bo ut the c am p. Mr. F os te r f ou ndM rs . M ur ph y' s b od y w it h o ne o f he r l im bs s aw ed o ff , t he s aw st il l l yi ng b y h er r em ai ns . I t w as s uc hs ce ne s a s t he se w hi ch g av e t hi s p ar ty t he ir f ir st a bh or re nc e f or K es eb er g. T he m an w as n ow he re t o b es ee n, b ut a f re sh t ra ck w as d is co ve re d i n t he s no w l ea di ng a wa y f ro m t he c ab in s t ow ar d t he D on ne r t en ts . T he p ar ty p re ss ed f or wa rd t o A ld er C re ek . C ap ta in T uc ke r w ri te s: " Th e d ea d b od ie s l aym ol de ri ng a ro un d, b ei ng a ll t ha t w as l eft t o t el l t he t al e o f s orr ow . O n m y f ir st t ri p w e h ad c ut d ow n al arg e pi ne t ree, and l ai d t he g oods of t he Do nners on t hi s t ree t o dry i n t he sun . Thes e g oods l ay t he rey et, w ith the e xc ep tion o f tho se w hich R ee d's p ar ty h ad tak en a wa y. "

G eo rg e D on ne r w as w ea lthy . H is w ea lth c on sisted n ot m er ely o f g oo ds , a s m an y c la im , b ut o f a lar ge

a mo un t o f c oin. H ir am Mille r, o f the r elie f p ar ties , is a utho rity f or the s ta te me nt tha t Mr. D on ne r o wn ed aq ua rter s ec tion o f lan d w ithin the p re se nt c ity lim its o f C hica go . T his lan d w as s old f or ten tho us an dd olla rs , s ho rtly b ef or e Mr. D on ne r s ta rted f or C alif or nia. Mr. A llen F ra nc is , w ho h as b ee n m en tion ed a sthe very best authority concerning this family, camped with them on the evening of their first night's

journey out of Springfield, Illinois, saw Mr. Donner's money, and thinks there was ten thousand dollars.Mrs . F .E . B on d, o f E lk G ro ve , S ac ra me nto C ou nty, C alif or nia, d oe s n ot r em em be r the e xa ct a mo un t, but knows that Mr. Donner started with a great deal of gold, because she helped make the belts in whichit w as to b e c ar ried in c ro ss in g the p la in s. T he r elie f p ar ties a lw ay s u nd er stoo d the re w as a t D on ne r'sc am p a l ar ge s um o f m on ey , e st im at ed at fr om s ix t o f ou rt ee n t ho us an d d ol la rs . I t i s n ot d is pu te d t ha tH allo ra n lef t a bo ut f if te en h un dr ed d olla rs to this f am ily. Y et C ap t. F al1o n's p ar ty c ou ld f in d n o m on ey . I t

w as c le ar t o t he ir m in ds t ha t s om e o ne h ad r ob be d t he D on ne r t en ts .

Remaining over night, thoroughly searching in every place where the supposed money could bec on ce aled , this p ar ty r etur ne d to D on ne r L ak e. O n the ir w ay the y f ou nd the s am e m ys te riou s tra ck , a ls or etur ning to the c ab in s. T he y p ro ba bly d is co ve re d K es eb er g in a bo ut the m an ne r d es cr ib ed . I t is p la in to be seen that they regarded him as the murderer of Mrs. Donner. In forcing him to tell what he had donewi th t he mon ey, t hey, t oo, cl ai m t o have ch oked h im, t o h ave put a rope aro und hi s ne ck, an d t o havet hr ea te ne d t o h an g h im . O n t he o th er h an d, i f K es eb er g' s s ta te me nt b e a cc ep te d a s t ru th , i t i s e as y t ou nd er st an d w hy h e r ef us ed t o s ur re nd er t he m on ey t o m en w ho t re at ed h im f ro m t he o ut se t a s a m ur de re r a nd a r ob be r.

L et t he Go d t o w hom L ew is Ke se berg ap pea ls b e h is j ud ge. It i s n ot t he p art of t hi s b oo k t o c on dem n o r a cq ui t h im . M os t o f t he f ou rt h r el ie f p ar ty h av e a lr ea dy g on e b ef or e t he b ar a t w hi ch K es eb er g a sk s t o b etried . C ap t. T uc ke r is a bo ut the o nly a va ilab le w itne ss , a nd h is tes timo ny is f ar m or e len ie nt tha n the

P a g e 8 6



rumors and falsehoods usually published.

If K es ebe rg b e g ui lt y o f a ny o r o f a ll cr im es , i t wi ll p re se nt ly b e se en t ha t t he m ost re ven gef ul be ing o ne ar th c ou ld n ot a sk t ha t a no th er d ro p b e a dd ed t o h is c up o f b it te rn es s. H is s ta te me nt c on ti nu es :

" Th es e m en t re at ed m e w it h t he g re at es t u nk in dn es s. M r. T uc ke r w as t he o nl y o ne w ho t oo k m y p ar t o r

befriended me. When they started over the mountains, each man carried two bales of goods. They hads ilks , c alic oe s, a nd d elaine s f ro m the D on ne rs , a nd o th er a rtic le s o f g re at v alue . E ac h m an w ou ld c ar ryone bu ndl e a l it tl e w ay, l ay i t dow n, and com e back and get t he ot he r bu ndl e. In t hi s wa y t hey passedov er t he sno wy t hre e t im es. I co ul d no t ke ep up w it h t hem be ca us e I w as s o w eak , b ut ma na ge d t oc om e u p t o t he ir ca mp e ver y n ig ht . O ne d ay I w as d ra gg in g m ys el f s lo wl y al ong b eh in d t he p ar ty, w he n Ic am e t o a p la ce w hi ch h ad e vi de nt ly b ee n u se d a s a c am pi ng -g ro un d b y s om e o f t he p re vi ou s p ar ti es .F eel ing v er y t ire d, I t ho ug ht i t w ou ld b e a go od p lac e t o m ak e s om e c of fe e. K ind li ng a f ir e, I fi ll ed m yc of fe e- po t w it h f re sh s no w a nd s at w ai ti ng f or i t t o m el t a nd g et h ot . H ap pe ni ng t o c as t m y e ye scarelessly around, I discovered a little piece of calico protruding from the snow. Half thoughtlessly, half o ut o f i dl e cu ri osi ty, I ca ug ht h ol d of t he cl ot h, a nd f in di ng i t di d no t co me re ad il y, I ga ve i t a s tr on g p ul l. I

h ad i n m y h an ds t he b od y o f m y d ea d c hi ld A da ! S he h ad b ee n b uri ed i n t he s no w, w hi ch , m el ti ng d ow n,h ad d is cl ose d a p or ti on o f he r cl ot hi ng . I t ho ugh t I sh ou ld g o f ra nt ic ! I t w as t he f irs t i nt im at io n I h ad o f h er d ea th , a nd i t c am e w it h s uc h a s ho ck !

" Ju st a s w e w er e g et ti ng o ut o f t he s no w, I h ap pe ne d t o b e s it ti ng i n c am p a lo ne o ne a ft er no on . T he m enw er e h un ting , o r a tten ding to the ir g oo ds . I w as c on gr atulatin g m ys elf u po n m y e sc ap e f ro m them ou ntains , w he n I w as s ta rtle d b y a s nu ff ling , g ro wlin g n oise , a nd loo king u p, I s aw a lar ge g rizz ly b ea r only a few feet away. I knew I was too weak t o att empt t o escape, and so remai ned where I sat ,e xp ec ti ng e ve ry m om en t h e w ou ld d ev ou r m e. S ud de nl y t he re w as t he r ep or t o f a g un , a nd t he b ea r f el ld ea d. M r. F os te r h ad d is co ve re d t he a ni ma l, a nd s li pp in g u p c lo se t o c am p, h ad k il le d i t. "

W he n t he p ar ty a rr iv ed a t S ut te r' s F or t, t he y t oo k n o p ai ns t o c on ce al t he ir f ee li ng s t ow ar d K es eb er g.S om e o f the m en o pe nly a cc us ed h im o f Mrs . D on ne r's m ur de r. K es eb er g, a t the s ug ge stio n o f C ap ta inS utte r, b ro ug ht a ction a ga in st C ap ta in F allo n, N ed C of fe em ir e, a nd the o th er s, f or s la nd er . T he c as e w astried b ef or e A lc alde S in clair, a nd the jur y g av e K es eb er g a v er dict o f o ne d olla r d am ag es . T he o lda lc alde r ec or ds a re n ot in e xisten ce , b ut s om e o f the s ur vivo rs r em em be r the c ir cu ms ta nc e, a nd Mrs .S am ue l K yb ur z, n ow o f C la rk sv iI Ie , E l D or ad o C ou nt y, w as a w it ne ss a t t he t ri al . I f K es eb er g w as a bl eto v in dica te h im se lf in a n a ctio n f or s la nd er a ga in st the e vide nc e o f a ll the p ar ty , it is c le ar tha t s uc he vide nc e w as n ot a dd uc ed a s h as f re qu en tly a pp ea re d in b oo ks . F or ins ta nc e, in C ap ta in F allon 's r ep or to f t hi s t ri p, h e al leg es t ha t " in t he c ab in w it h K es eb er g w ere f oun d t wo ke tt le s o f h um an b lo od , i n a lls up po se d t o b e o ve r o ne g al lo n. " H ad t hi s b ee n p ro ve n, n o j ur y w ou ld h av e f ou nd f or K es eb er g. F re sh

blood could not have been obtained from starved bodies, and had the blood been found, Kesebergw ou ld h av e b ee n a djud ge d a m ur de re r.

S pe ak in g u po n this p oint, K es eb er g d en ie s the a ss er tion tha t a ny b lo od w as d is co ve re d, c alls a tten tion tot he l en gt h o f t im e M rs . D on ne r h ad b ee n d ea d, t o t he r ea di ne ss w it h w hi ch b lo od c oa gu la te s, a nd a dd stha t n ot a w itne ss tes tified to s uc h a c ir cu ms ta nc e a t the tha i. Why s ho uld K es eb er g m ur de r Mrs . D on ne r ? I f h e w an te d h er m on ey , i t w as o nl y n ec es sa ry t o a ll ow h er t o g o o ut i nt o t he m ou nt ai ns al on e, w it ho ut provisions, without any one to point out the way, and perish in the trackless snows. She could not carrya ny c on si de ra bl e p or ti on o f h er m on ey w it h h er , a nd h e h ad o nl y t o g o b ac k t o A ld er C re ek a nd s ec ur et he t re as ur e. H e b ea rs w it ne ss t ha t s he n ev er t as te d h um an f le sh ; t ha t s he w ou ld n ot p ar ta ke o f t he f oo dh e o ff er ed ; h ow r ea so na bl e, t he n, t he s to ry o f h er d ea th . T he f ou rt h r el ie f p ar ty e xp ec te d t o f in d a v as ts um o f m on ey . O ne h al f w as t o b e g iv en t he m f or t he ir t ro ub le . T he y r eg ard ed t he m an K es eb er g a s t hem ur de re r o f G eo rg e F os te r, b ec au se o f the r ep or ts g iv en b y the little c hild re n b ro ug ht o ut b y the thirdr elie f. T he f athe r o f this c hild w as w ith b oth the third a nd f ou rth r elie fs . A rr iv in g a t the c ab in s, the y w er e

P a g e 8 7



a ma ze d a nd h or rified a t the d re ad fu l s ig hts. H as te ning to the ten ts , the y f ou nd n o m on ey . T he ir ide a tha tK es eb er g w as a thief w as c on firm ed b y h is d is go rg in g the m on ey w he n thr ea te ne d w ith d ea th . T he re w asm uc h r ea so n f or the ir h atre d o f the m an w ho c ro ss ed the m ou ntains w ith the m, a nd this w as inten sified b ythe ir b eing b ro ug ht b ef or e A lc alde S in clair a nd p ro ve n s la nd er er s. O ut o f this h atre d h as g ro wn r ep or tswhich time has magnified into the hideous falsehoods which greet the ear from all directions. Kesebergm ay b e r es po ns ib le f or t he d ea th o f H ar dc oo p, b ut u rg es i n h is d ef en se t ha t a ll w er e w al ki ng , e ve n t o t he

w om en a nd t he c hi ld re n. H e s ay s H ar dc oo p w as n ot m is se d u nt il e ve ni ng , a nd t ha t i t w as s up po se d t heo ld m an w ou ld c atch u p w ith the tra in d ur in g the n ig ht. T he ter rible d an ge rs s ur ro un ding the c om pa ny , thee xtre me laten es s o f the s ea so n, the w ea kn es s o f the o xe n, a nd the c on stan t f ea r o f lur king , h os tileI nd ia ns , p re ve nt ed h im o r a ny o ne e ls e f ro m g oi ng b ac k. K es eb er g m ay b e r es po ns ib le f or t he d ea th o f W ol fi ng er , o f G eo rg e F os te r, o f J am es E dd y, o f M rs . M ur ph y, a nd o f M rs . T am se n D on ne r, b ut t hem os t c ar ef ul s ea rc he r f or e vide nc e c an n ot f in d the s ligh te st tra ce o f p ro of s. I n h is o wn m ou rn fu llan gu ag e, h e c om es n ea r the tru th w he n h e s ay s:

" I h av e b ee n b orn u nd er a n e vi l s ta r! F at e, m is fo rt un e, b ad l uc k, c om pe ll ed m e t o re ma in a t D on ne r L ak e. I f G od w ou ld d ec re e t ha t 1 s ho ul d a ga in p as s t hr ou gh s uc h a n o rd ea l, I c ou ld n ot d o o th er wi se

t ha n I d id . M y c on sc ie nc e i s f re e f ro m r ep ro ac h. Y et t ha t c am p h as b ee n t he o ne b ur de n o f m y l if e.Whe re ve r I h av e g on e, p eo ple h av e c ried , 'Ston e h im ! s to ne h im l' E ve n the little c hild re n in the s tr ee tsh av e m oc ke d m e a nd t hr ow n s to ne s a t m e a s I p as se d. O nl y a m an c on sc io us o f h is i nn oc en ce , a nd c le ar in the s ig ht o f G od , w ou ld n ot h av e s uc cu mb ed to the ter rible thing s w hich h av e b ee n s aid o f m e- -w ou ldnot have committed suicide! Mortification, disgrace, disaster, and unheard-of misfortune have followeda nd o ve rw he lm ed m e. I o ften think tha t the A lm ig hty h as s in gled m e o ut, a mo ng a ll the m en o n the f ac e o f the e ar th , in o rd er to s ee h ow m uc h h ar ds hip, s uf fe ring , a nd m is er y a h um an b eing c an b ea r!

" So on a ft er m y a rr iv al a t t he F or t, I t oo k c ha rg e o f t he s ch oo ne r S ac ra me nt o, a nd c on ve ye d w he at f ro mS ac ra me nto to S an F ra nc is co , in p ay me nt o f C ap t. S utte r's p ur ch as e o f the R us sian p os se ss io ns . Iwork ed sev en m ont hs for Su tt er; but , al thoug h he was ki nd t o m e, I di d not ge t my mo ney. I t hen wen t t o

S on om a, a nd w or ke d a bo ut t he s am e l en gt h o f t im e f or G er t. V al le jo . I h ad a g oo d p os it io n a nd g oo d prospects, but left for the gold mines. Soon afterward I was taken sick, and for eight months was ani nv al id . I t he n w en t t o S ut te r' s F or t a nd s ta rt ed a b oa rd in g- ho us e. I m ad e m on ey r ap id ly . A ft er a t im e I built a house south of the Fort, which cost ten thousand dollars. In 1851 I purchased the Lady Adamsh ot el , i n S acr am en to . I t w as a v al ua bl e pr op er ty , a nd I f in al ly s ol d i t at a uc ti on f or a l ar ge s um o f m on ey .T hi s m on ey w as t o b e p ai d t he n ex t d ay . T he d ee ds h ad a lr ea dy p as se d. T ha t n ig ht t he t er ri bl e f ir e o f 1 85 2 o cc ur re d, a nd n ot o nl y s we pt a wa y t he h ot el , b ut r ui ne d t he p ur ch as er , s o t ha t I c ou ld n ot c ol le cto ne c en t. I w en t b ac k t o S ut te r' s F or t a nd s ta rt ed t he P ho en ix B re we ry . I s uc ce ed ed , a nd a cq ui re dc on side ra ble p ro pe rty. I f in ally s old o ut f or f if ty tho us an d d olla rs . I h ad c on clud ed to tak e this m on ey , g o back to Germany, and live quietly the rest of my days. The purchaser went to San Francisco to draw the

m on ey . T he s al e w as e ff ec te d e ig ht d ay s b ef or e t he g re at f lo od o f 1 86 1- 2. T he f lo od c am e, a nd I l os teverything."

Thus, throughout his entire career, have business reverses followed Lewis Keseberg. Several times heh as b ee n w ea lt hy a nd h on or ab ly si tu at ed . A t o ne t im e h e w as a p ar tn er o f S am . B ra nn an , i n a m am mo thd is tiller y a t C alis to ga ; a nd Mr. B ra nn an is o ne a mo ng m an y w ho s pe ak in h ig he st ter ms o f h is h on es ty ,integrity, and business capacity. On the thirtieth of January, 1877, Phillipine Keseberg, his faithful wife,d ie d. T hi s w as t he s ev er es t l os s o f a ll , a s w il l p re se nt ly b e s ee n.

E le ve n c hild re n w er e b or n to the m, a nd f ou r a re n ow liv in g. O ne o f the se , L illie, n ow liv es in S ac ra me ntow ith h er h us ba nd . A no th er , P au lina , a w id ow , r es id es in S an R af ae l. B er th a a nd A ug us ta liv e w ith thefather at Brighton, Sacramento County. Both these children are hopelessly idiotic. Bertha is twenty-sixy ea rs o f a ge , a nd h as n ev er u tter ed a n intelligible w or d. A ug us ta is f if te en y ea rs o ld , w eigh s two h un dr edand five pounds, and possesses only slight traces of intelligence. Teething spasms, occurring when they

P a g e 8 8



w er e a bo ut t wo y ea rs o ld , i s t he c au se o f t he ir i di oc y. B ot h a re s ub je ct t o f re qu en t a nd v io le nt s pa sm s o r e pile ptic f its. T he y n ee d c on stan t c ar e a nd a tten tion . S ho uld B er th a's h an d f all into the f ir e, s he h as n otsufficient intelligence to withdraw it from the flames. Both are helpless as children. The State provides for i ns an e, b ut n ot f or i di ot s. K es eb er g s ay s a b il l se tt in g a si de a w ar d i n t he S ta te A sy lu m f or h is t woc hild re n, p as se d the L eg is la tu re , b ut r ec eive d a p oc ke t v eto b y the G ov er no r. S ac ra me nto C ou nty g iv esthe m e ig htee n d olla rs a m on th . T he ir h elples sn es s a nd v io le nc e r en de r it imp os sible to k ee p a ny n ur se in

c ha rg e o f t he m l on ge r t ha n a f ew d ay s. K es eb er g i s v er y p oo r. H e h as e mp lo ym en t f or p er ha ps t hr eem on th s d ur in g the y ea r. While h is w if e liv ed , s he too k c ar e o f the se c hild re n; b ut n ow h e h as p er so na llyt o w at ch o ve r t he m a nd p ro vi de f or t he ir n ec es si ti es . W hi le a t w or k, h e i s c om pe ll ed t o k ee p t he ml oc ke d i n a r oom i n t he s am e b ui ld ing . T he y sc re am s o l ou dl y w hi le go in g i nt o t he s pa sm s t ha t h e c an n otd we ll n ea r o th er p eo ple. H e the re fo re liv es iso la te d, in a p la in little h ou se b ac k o f h is b re we ry . H er e h eliv es , the s ad de st, lon elie st, m os t p itia ble c re atur e o n the f ac e o f the e ar th . H e tra ce s a ll h is m is fo rtun es tot ha t c ab in o n D on ne r L ak e, a nd i t i s l it tl e w on de r t ha t h e s ay s: " I b eg o f y ou , i ns er t i n y ou r b oo k a f er ve nt prayer to Almighty God that He will forever prevent the recurrence of a similar scene of horror."

C HA PT ER X XI

S ke tc h o f G en . J oh n A . S ut te r- -T he D on ne r P ar ty 's B en ef ac to r - -T he L as t a nd M os t t ha t E ar th c anBestow--The Survivors' Request--His Birth and Parentage--Efforts to Reach California--New

Helvetia--A Puny Army-Uninviting Isolation--Ross and Bodega--Unbounded Generosity--Sutter'sWealth--Effect of the Gold Fever--Wholesale Robbery--The Sobrants Decision--A "Genuine and

Meritorious" Grant--Utter Ruin--Hock Farm --Gen. Sutter's Death--Mrs. E.P. Houghton's Tribute

JEALOUS in sending supplies and relief to the suffer ing Donner Party, earnest in providing shelter,

c lo th in g, a nd f oo d to a ll w ho w er e r es cu ed , C ap ta in S utte r's F or t w ith the tid in gs tha t a d es titu te e migr an ttra in w as e n r ou te f or C alif or nia u ntil the r etur n o f the f ou rth r elie f p ar ty w ith L ew is K es eb er g, C ap ta inS utte r's tim e, w ea lth, a nd inf lu en ce w er e e nlis te d in b eh alf o f the p ar ty . A ctua te d o nly b y m otiv es o f benevolence and humanity, he gave Stanton and the various relief parties full and free access to whatever h e p os se ss ed , w he th er o f m on ey , p ro vision s, c lo th in g, m ules , c attle, o r g uide s. With a ll d ue d ef er en ce tothe g en er os ity o f Y er ba B ue na 's c itiz en s, a nd to the h er oic e nd ea vo rs o f the n ob le m en w ho r is ke d the ir lives in rescuing the starving emigrants, it is but just and right that this warm-hearted philanthropist should be accorded the honor of being first among the benefactors of the Donner Party. His kindness did notc ea se w ith the a rr iv al o f the h alf- star ve d s ur vivo rs a t S utte r's F or t, b ut c on tinu ed u ntil a ll h ad f ou nd p la ce sof employment, and means of subsistance. Pitiful and unworthy is the reward which history can bestowu po n s uc h a n ob le c ha ra cter , y et s in ce h e n ev er r ec eive d a ny r em un er atio n f or h is e ff or ts a nd s ac rifice s,

t he re war d o f a n obl e n am e i s t he l eas t an d t he m ost t ha t e art h ca n n ow b est ow. In v iew of h is goo ddeeds, the survivors of the Donner Party have almost unanimously requested that a brief biographicals ke tc h o f t he m an b e i ns er te d i n t he se p ag es .

A t m id ni gh t o n t he t we nt y- ei gh th o f F eb ru ar y ( or f ir st o f M ar ch ), 1 80 3, J oh n A . S ut te r w as b or n i n t hec it y o f B ad en . H e w as o f S wi ss p ar en ta ge , a nd h is f at he r a nd m ot he r w er e o f t he C an to n B er ne .E du ca te d in B ad en , w e f in d h im a t the a ge o f thirty a c ap ta in in the F re nc h a rm y. F ille d w ith e nthu sias m,e ne rg y, a nd lov e o f a dv en tu re , h is e ye s tur ne d tow ar d A me rica a s h is " la nd o f p ro mise ," a nd in J uly,1 83 4, h e a rr iv ed in N ew Y or k. A ga in b re ak in g a wa y f ro m the r es tr aints o f c iv iliz ed lif e, h e s oo n m ad e h isw ay to the the n a lm os t u nk no wn r eg io ns w es t o f the Mis siss ip pi. F or s om e tim e h e liv ed n ea r S t. C ha rles ,

i n M is so uri . A t o ne t im e h e t ert ai ne d t he i de a o f es tab li sh in g a S wi ss c ol ony a t t hi s p oi nt , an d w as o nl y prevented by the sinking of his vessel of supplies in the Mississippi River. During this time hea cc om pa nied a n e xp lo ring p ar ty into the s ultr y, s an d- co ve re d w as te s o f N ew Mex ic o. H er e h e m et

P a g e 8 9



hunters and trappers from California, and listened to tales of its beauty, fertility, and grandeur whichawoke irresistible longings in his breast.

I n M ar ch , 1 83 8, w it h C ap ta in T ri pp , o f t he A me ri ca n F ur C om pa ny , h e t ra ve le d w es tw ar d a s f ar a s t heRocky Mountains, and thence journeying with a small party of trappers, finally reached Fort Vancouver.F in ding n o lan d r ou te to C alif or nia, h e e mb ar ke d in a v es se l b elon ging to the H ud so n B ay C om pa ny ,

w hich w as r ea dy f or a v oy ag e to the S an dw ic h I slan ds . F ro m H on olulu h e tho ug ht the re w ou ld b e littledifficulty in finding passage in a trading vessel for the Coast of California. Disappointed in this, her em aine d a t tim I slan ds s om e m on th s, a nd f in ally s hipp ed a s s up er ca rg o o f a s hip b ou nd f or S itka . I nr et ur ni ng , t he v es se l e nt er ed t he B ay o f S an F ra nc is co , b ut w as n ot a ll ow ed t o l an d, a nd M on te re y w asr ea ch ed b ef or e S utter w as p er mitted to s et f oo t u po n C alif or nia s oil. F ro m G ov er no r A lv ar ad o h eobtained the right of settling in the Sacramento Valley. After exploring the Sacramento, Feather, andA me rica n R iv er s, f in ally , o n the s ix te en th o f A ug us t, 1 83 9, h e lan de d n ea r the p re se nt s ite o f S ac ra me ntoC ity, a nd d eter mine d to p er ma ne ntly loc ate. S oo n a fter wa rd h e b eg an the c on stru ctio n o f the f am ou sS utte r's F or t. H e too k p os se ss io n o f the s ur ro un ding c ou ntry , n am in g it N ew H elve tia. O ne o f the f ir std if ficu ltie s to b e o ve rc om e w as the h os tility o f the I nd ia n tribe s w ho inh ab ited the S ac ra me nto a nd S an

Joaquin valleys. Kindness and humane treatment were generally sufficient to cause these Indians to become his allies, yet in more than one instance he was obliged to resort to arms. Considering the size of h is a rm y, t he re i s a s ort o f g ri m he ro is m i n t he fa ct t ha t h e s uc ce ss ful ly w ag ed at t im es a de fen si ve a nd a ttim es a n a gg re ss iv e w ar fa re . H is e ntir e a rm y w as c om po se d o f s ix w hite m en , w ho h ad b ee n c olle ctedf ro m d if fe re nt p ar ts o f the w or ld , a nd e ig ht K an ak as .

Dunbar, in describing Sutter's situation, says: "This portion of upper California, though fair to look upon,was peculiarly solitary and uninviting in its isolation and remoteness from civilization. There was not eveno ne o f tho se c attle r an ch es , w hich d otte d the c oa st a t lon g inter va ls , n ea re r to S utte r's loc ality tha n S uisu na nd Mar tine z, b elow the m ou th o f the S ac ra me nto. T he I nd ia ns o f the S ac ra me nto w er e k no wn a s'Digg er s. ' T he e ff or ts o f the J es uit F athe rs , s o e xten sive o n this c on tine nt, a nd s o b en ef ic ia l to the w ild

Indians wherever missions were established among them, never reached the wretched aborigines of theS ac ra me nto c ou ntry . T he v alle y o f the S ac ra me nto h ad n ot y et b ec om e the p athw ay o f e migr an ts f ro mthe E as t, a nd n o c iv iliz ed h um an b eing liv ed in this p rimitive a nd s olitar y r eg io n, o r r oa me d o ve r it, if w ee xc ep t a f ew t ra pp er s o f t he H ud so n B ay C om pa ny ."

O ut o f this s olitud e a nd iso la tion , S utte r, a s if w ith a m ag ic ia n's w an d, b ro ug ht f or th w ea lth a nd e vo lv edf or h im se lf a v er itab le little k in gd om . N ea r the c lo se o f the y ea r. 1 83 9, e ig ht w hite m en joine d h is c olon y,a nd in 1 84 0 h is n um be rs w er e inc re as ed b y f iv e o th er s. A bo ut this tim e the Mok elum ne I nd ia ns b ec am etro ub le so me , a nd w er e c on qu er ed . O th er tribe s w er e f or ce d into s ub miss io n, a nd S utte r w as p ra ctic allym on ar ch o f the S ac ra me nto a nd S an J oa qu in . T he o ld p io ne er s s pe ak w ith p ride o f the w on de rf ul p ow er

he exerted over these Indians, teaching them the arts of civilization, forming them into military companies,drilling them in the use of fire-arms, teaching them to till the soil, and making them familiar with ther ud im en ts o f h us ba nd ry . T he v as t h er ds o f c attle w hich in p ro ce ss o f tim e h e a cq uire d, w er e ten de d a ndherded principally by these Indians, and the cannon which ultimately came into his possession werem ou nted u po n the F or t, a nd in m an y ins ta nc es w er e m an ne d b y the se a bo rigine s. H id es w er e s en t toY er ba B ue na , a tra de in f ur s a nd s up plie s w as e stab lish ed w ith the H ud so n B ay C om pa ny , a ndconsiderable attention was given to mechanical and agricultural pursuits.

I n 1 84 1, S utte r o btaine d g ra nts f ro m G ov er no r A lv ar ad o o f the e le ve n lea gu es o f lan d c om pr is ed in h is New Helvetia, and soon afterwards negotiated a purchase of the Russian possessions known as "Rossa nd B od eg a. " B y this p ur ch as e, S utte r a cq uire d v as t r ea l a nd p er so na l p ro pe rty, the latte r inc lu ding twotho us an d c attle, o ne tho us an d h or se s, f if ty m ules , a nd two tho us an d f iv e h un dr ed s he ep . I n 1 84 5 S utte r acquired from Gov. Manuel Micheltorena the grant of the famous Sobrante, which comprised the surpluslands over the first eleven leagues included within the survey accompanying the Alvarado grant.

P a g e 9 0



A s e ar ly a s 1 84 4 a g re at tid e o f e migr atio n b eg an f lo wing f ro m the E as te rn S ta te s tow ar d C alif or nia, atid e w hich , a fter the d is co ve ry o f g old, b ec am e a d elug e. S utte r's F or t b ec am e the g re at ter mina l p oint o f e migr atio n, a nd w as f ar -f am ed f or the g en er os ity a nd o pe n- he ar te dn es s o f its o wn er . R elie f a nda ss is ta nc e w er e r en de re d s o f re qu en tly a nd s o a bu nd an tly to d is tr es se d e migr an ts , a nd a id a nd s uc co r w er e s o o ften s en t o ve r the S ie rr a to f ee ble o r d is ab le d tra in s, tha t S utter 's c ha rity a nd g en er os ity b ec am e

proverbial. In the sunny hillslopes and smiling valleys, amidst the graceful groves and pleasant vineyardso f this G olde n S ta te , it w ou ld b e d if ficu lt to f in d loc alitie s w he re p io ne er s h av e n ot tau gh t the ir c hild re n tol ov e a nd b le ss t he m em or y o f t he g re at b en ef ac to r o f t he p io ne er d ay s, J oh n A . S ut te r. W it h h isc om ma nd in g p re se nc e, h is s miling f ac e, h is w ea lth, h is p ow er , a nd h is lib er ality, h e c am e to b e r eg ar de di n t hose days as a very ki ng among men. W hat he di d for the Donner Party is but an i nst ance of hi sunvarying kindness toward the needy and distressed. During this time he rendered important services tothe U nite d S ta te s, a nd n otab ly in 1 84 1 to the e xp lo ring e xp ed itio n o f A dm ir al Wilke s. T he P ea co ck , av es se l b el on gi ng t o t he e xp ed it io n, w as l os t o n t he C ol um bi a b ar , a nd a p ar t o f t he e xp ed it io n f or ce s, s en to ve rlan d in c on se qu en ce , r ea ch ed S utte r's F or t in a c on dition o f e xtre me d is tr es s, a nd w er e r elie ve d w ith princely hospitality. Later on he gave equally needed and equally generous relief to Colonel Fremont and

h is e xp lo ring p ar ty . Whe n the w ar w ith Mex ic o c am e o n, h is a id a nd s ym pa th y e na bled F re mo nt to f or ma b atta lion f ro m a mo ng tho se in S utte r's e mp lo y, a nd G en er al S he rm an 's tes timo ny is, " th at to h im( Su tter ) m or e tha n a ny s in gle p er so n a re w e ind eb te d f or the c on qu es t o f C alif or nia w ith a ll its tre as ur es ."

I n 1 84 8, w he n g old w as d is co ve re d a t S utte r's Mill, n ea r C olom a, q uo ting a ga in f ro m D un ba r: " We f in dtha t C ap ta in S utte r w as the u nd is pu te d p os se ss or o f a lm os t b ou nd le ss tra cts o f lan d, inc lu ding the f or me r R us si an p os se ss io ns o f R os s a nd B od eg a, a nd t he s it e o f t he p re se nt c it y o f S ac ra me nt o. H e h ad performed all the conditions of his land grants, built his fort, and completed many costly improvements.A t a n e xp en se o f twe nty- five tho us an d d olla rs h e h ad c ut a m ill- ra ce thr ee m iles lon g, a nd n ea rly f in is he da n ew f lo ur in g m ill. H e h ad e xp en de d ten tho us an d d olla rs in the e re ctio n o f a s aw -m ill n ea r C olom a; o netho us an d a cr es o f v ir gin s oil w er e laid d ow n to w he at, p ro mising a y ie ld o f f or ty tho us an d b us he ls , a nd

e xten sive p re pa ra tion s h ad b ee n m ad e f or o th er c ro ps . H e o wn ed e ig ht tho us an d c attle, two tho us an dh or se s a nd m ules , two tho us an d s he ep , a nd o ne tho us an d s wine . H e w as the m ilitar y c om ma nd er o f thed is tr ic t, I nd ia n a ge nt o f the ter rito ry , a nd A lc alde b y a pp ointme nt o f C om mo do re S to ck to n. R es pe cteda nd h on or ed b y a ll , h e w as t he g re at m an o f t he c ou nt ry ."

S ub se qu en tly h e w as a m em be r o f the C on stitutio na l C on ve ntio n a t Mon te re y, a nd w as a pp ointed Major G en er al of m il it ia. W ou ld t hat t he sk et ch o f h is l ife m ig ht e nd h ere ; b ut , a la s! t her e i s a s ad , s ad c lo si ng t othe c ha pter . T his c an n ot b e told m or e b rief ly a nd e lo qu en tly tha n in the lan gu ag e o f the w rite r a lr ea dymentioned:

" As s oo n a s the d is co ve ry o f g old w as k no wn , h e w as imm ed ia te ly d es er te d b y a ll h is m ec ha nics a ndl ab or er s, w hi te , K an ak a, a nd I nd ia n. T he m il ls w er e a ba nd on ed , a nd b ec am e a d ea d l os s. L ab or c ou ldn ot b e h ir ed t o p la nt , t o m at ur e t he c ro ps , o r r ea p a nd g at he r t he g ra in t ha t r ip en ed .

" At a n e ar ly p er io d s ub se qu en t to the d is co ve ry , a n imm en se e migr atio n f ro m o ve rlan d p ou re d into theSacramento Valley, making Sutter's domains their camping-ground, without the least regard for the rightsof property. They occupied his cultivated fields, and squatted all over his available lands, saying thesew er e t he u na pp ro pr ia te d d om ai n o f t he U ni te d S ta te s, t o w hi ch t he y h ad a s g oo d a r ig ht a s a ny o ne .T he y s to le a nd d ro ve o ff h is h or se s a nd m ul es , a nd e xc ha ng ed o r s ol d t he m i n o th er p ar ts o f t he c ou nt ry ;t he y b ut ch er ed h is c at tl e, s he ep , a nd h og s, a nd s ol d t he m ea t. O ne p ar ty o f f iv e m en , d ur in g t he f lo od o f 1 84 9- 50 , w he n t he c at tl e w er e s ur ro un de d b y w at er , n ea r t he S ac ra me nt o r iv er , k il le d a nd s ol d $ 60 ,0 00w or th o f t he se -- as i t w as e st im at ed -a nd l ef t f or t he S ta te s. B y t he f ir st o f J an ua ry , 1 85 2, t he s o- ca ll edsettlers, under pretense of pre-emption claims, had appropriated all Sutter's lands capable of settlemento r a pp ro pr ia tion , a nd h ad s to le n a ll o f h is h or se s, m ules , c attle, s he ep , a nd h og s, e xc ep t a s ma ll p or tion

P a g e 9 1



u se d a nd s old b y h im se lf .

" Th er e w as n o law to p re ve nt this s tu pe nd ou s r ob be ry ; b ut w he n law w as e stab lish ed , the n c am e law ye rsw ith it to a dv oc ate the s qu atte rs ' p re te ns io ns , a ltho ug h the re w er e n on e f ro m a ny p ar t o f C hr is te nd omw ho h ad n ot h ea rd o f S ut te r' s g ra nt s, t he p ea ce fu l a nd j us t p os se ss io n o f w hi ch h e h ad e nj oy ed f or t enyears, and his improvements were visible to all.

" Su tter 's e ff or ts to m aintain h is r ig hts, a nd s av e e ve n e no ug h o f h is p ro pe rty to g iv e h im a n e co no mica l,comfortable living, constitute a sad history, one that would of itself filll a volume of painful interest. Inthese efforts he became involved in continuous and expensive litigation, which was not terminated till thef in al d ec is io n o f t he S up re me C ou rt i n 1 85 8- 59 , a p er io d o f t en y ea rs . W he n t he U ni te d S ta te s C ou rt o f Land Commissioners was organized in California, Sutter's grants came up in due course for confirmation.T he se w er e the g ra nt o f e le ve n lea gu es , k no wn a s N ew H elve tia, a nd the g ra nt o f twe nty- tw o lea gu es ,k no wn a s the S ob ra nte. T he lan d c om miss io ne rs f ou nd the se g ra nts p er fe ct. N ot a f la w o r d ef ec t c ou ld be discovered in either of them, and they were confirmed by the board, under the provisions of the treatyof Guadalupe Hidalgo.

" Th e s qu atte r inter es t the n a pp ea le d to the U nite d S ta te s D is tr ic t C ou rt f or the N or th er n D is tr ic t o f California. This court confirmed the decision of the land commissioners. Extraordinary as it may appear,t he s qu at te r i nt er es t t he n a pp ea le d b ot h c as es t o t he S up re me C ou rt o f t he U ni te d S ta te s a t W as hi ng to n,and still more extraordinary to relate, that court, though it confirmed the eleven-league grant, decided thato f the S ob ra nte- -twe nty- tw o lea gu es -- in f av or o f the s qu atter s. T he c ou rt a ck no wled ge d tha t the g ra ntw as a " ge nu in e a nd m er itor io us " o ne , a nd the n d ec id ed in f av or o f the s qu atte r inter es t o n p ur ely tec hn ic algrounds.

" Su tt er 's r ui n w as c om pl et e, a nd i ts m et ho d m ay b e t hu s s ta te d: H e h ad b ee n s ub je ct ed t o a v er y g re ato utla y o f m on ey in the m ainten an ce o f h is title , the o cc up an cy a nd the imp ro ve me nt o f the g ra nt o f N ew

H elve tia. F ro m a m as s o f inter es ting d oc um en ts w hich I h av e b ee n p er mitted to e xa mine , I o btaine d thefollowing statement relative to the expenses incurred on that grant:

Expenses in money, and services which formed the original consideration of the grant

$50,000

S ur ve ys a nd t ax es o n t he s am e

50,000

Cost of litigation extending through ten years, including fees to eminent counsel, witness fees, travelingexpenses, etc.

125,000

A mo un t p ai d o ut t o m ak e g oo d t he c ov en an ts o f d ee ds u po n t he g ra nt , o ve r a nd a bo ve w ha t w asreceived from sales.

100,000- - - - - - - - - - -

$325,000

P a g e 9 2



" In a dd itio n, G en er al S utte r h ad g iv en title s to m uc h o f the S ob ra nte g ra nt, u nd er d ee ds o f g en er alw ar ra nty, w hich , a fter the d ec is io n o f the s up re me c ou rt o f the U nite d S ta te s in f av or o f the s qu atte r i nt er es t, S ut te r w as o bl ig ed t o m ak e g oo d, a t a n i mm en se s ac ri fi ce . o ut o f t he N ew H el ve ti a g ra nt ; s o t ha tthe c on firm atio n o f h is title to this g ra nt w as c om pa ra tive ly o f little a dv an ta ge to h im . T hu s S utte r los t a llhis landed estate.

" Bu t a mid the w re ck a nd r uin tha t c am e u po n h im in c um ulativ e d eg re e, f ro m y ea rto y ea r, S utte r m an ag ed t o s av e, f or a p er io d, w ha t i s k no wn a s H oc k f ar m, a v er y e xt en si ve a nd v al ua bl e e st at e o n t heF ea th er R iv er . T hi s e st at e h e p ro po se d t o s ec ur e a s a r es ti ng -p la ce i n h is o ld a ge , a nd f or t he s ep ar at e benefit of his wife and children, whom he had brought from Switzerland in 1852, having been separatedfrom them eighteen years. Sutter's titles being generally discredited, his vast flocks and herds havingdw ind led t o a few he ad, a nd hi s re sour ces bei ng al l gon e, he w as no l onger ab le t o hi re l ab or t o wo rk t hef ar m; a nd as a f in al c at as tr op he, t he f ar m m an si on w as t ot al ly d es tr oy ed by f ire i n x 865 , an d w it h i t a llGeneral Sutter's valuable records of his pioneer life." As difficulties augmented, Hock farm becameincumbered with mortgages, and ultimately it was swallowed up in the general ruin.

F or s om e y ea rs h e r cce iv ed a s ma ll a ll ow an ce f ro m t he S ta te o f C al if or ni a; bu t a ft er a t im e t hi sa pp ro pr ia tion e xp ir ed , a nd w as n ev er the re af te r r en ew ed . T he later y ea rs o f the p io ne er 's lif e w er e passed at Litiz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and his time was devoted to endeavoring to obtain fromC on gr es s a n a pp ro pr ia tion o f $ 50 ,0 00 , a s c om pe ns ation f or the e xp en ditur es h e m ad e f or the r elie f o f the e ar ly s ettler s o f C alif or nia. H is d ea th o cc ur re d a t Was hing to n, D . C ., o n the e ig htee nth d ay o f J un e,1 88 0, a nd h is r em ains w er e laid a t r es t in L itiz , P en ns ylva nia. T he ter mina tion o f this g ra nd , h er oic lif e,u nd er c ir cu ms ta nc es o f a bjec t p ov er ty a nd d es titu tion , f or ms a s s tr an ge a nd m ou rn fu l a s to ry a s c an b ef ou nd i n t he a nn al s o f t he p re se nt a ge.

I n c on cl ud in g t hi s c ha pt er , i t m ay n ot b e i na pp ro pr ia te t o q uo te f ro m a p ri va te l et te r w ri tt en b y M rs . S .O .Houghton, nee Eliza P. Donner, immediately after the General's death. It aptly illustrates the feeling

e nter ta in ed tow ar d h im b y the m em be rs o f the D on ne r P ar ty . Writing f ro m S an J os e, s he s ay s:

" I h av e b ee n s ad , o h! s o s ad , s in ce tid in gs f la sh ed a cr os s the c on tine nt telling the f rien ds o f G en er al S utte r t o m ou rn hi s l os s. In t end er an d l ov in g t ho ugh t I h av e fo ll ow ed t he re ma ins t o hi s h om e, h av e s to od b y h is bier, touched his icy brow, and brushed back his snowy locks, and still it is hard for me to realize that hei s d ea d; t ha t h e w ho i n m y c hi ld ho od b ec am e m y i de al o f a ll t hat i s g en er ou s, n ob le , a nd g oo d; h e w hoh as e ve r a wa ke ne d t he w ar me st g ra ti tu de o f m y n at ur e, i s t o b e l ai d a wa y i n a d is ta nt l an d! B ut I m us tn ot y ie ld t o t hi s m oo d l on ge r. G od h as o nl y h ar ve st ed t he r ip e a nd g ol de n g ra in . N or h as H e l eft u scomfortless, for recollection, memory's faithful messenger, will bring from her treasury records of deedss o n ob le , t ha t t he n am e o f G en er al S ut te r w il l b e s ta mp ed i n t he h ea rt s o f a ll p eo pl e, s o l on g a s C al if or ni a

h as a h is to ry . Y es , h is n am e w ill b e w ritten in lette rs o f s un ligh t o n- Sier ra 's s no wy m ou ntain s id es , w ill b et ra ce d o n t he c la sp s o f g ol d w hi ch r iv et t he r oc ks o f o ur S ta te , a nd w il l b e a rc he d i n t ra ns pa re ntc ha ra ct er s o ve r t he g at e w hi ch g ua rd s o ur w es te rn t id e. A ll w ho s ee t hi s l an d o f t he s un se t w il l r ea d, a ndk no w, a nd l ov e t he n am e o f J oh n A . S ut te r, w ho f ed t he h un gr y, c lo th ed t he n ak ed , a nd c om fo rt ed t hesorrowing children of California's pioneer days."

C HA PT ER X XI I

The Death List--The Forty-two Who Perished--Names of Those Saved-Forty-eightSurvivors--Traversing Snow-Belt Five Times--Burying the Dead--An Appalling Spectacle--TamsenDonner's Last Act of Devotion-A Remarkable Proposal--Twenty.six Present

P a g e 9 3



Survivors--McCutchen-Keseberg--The Graves Family--The Murphys--Naming Marysville--TheReeds--The Breens

WIT H the a rr iv al o f the e migr an ts a t p la ce s o f s af ety, this h is to ry p ro pe rly c lo se s. T he m em be rs o f theD on ne r P ar ty w er e a ctiv ely a nd intim ateI y a ss oc ia te d w ith a ll the e ar ly p io ne er h is to ry o f the S ta te .

The life of almost every one would furnish foundation for a most interesting biographical sketch. Ninetyn am es w er e m en tion ed in the f ir st c ha pter . O f the se , f or ty -two p er is he d. Mrs . S ar ah K ey es , H allo ra n,J oh n S ny dc r, H ar dc oo p, Wolfing er a nd William M. P ik e d id n ot liv e to r ea ch the m ou ntain c am ps . T hefirst victim of starvation, Baylis Williams, died in the Reed cabin. About this time Jacob Donner, SamuelS ho em ak er , J os ep h R hine ha rt a nd J am es S mith p er is he d a t A ld er C re ek . T he f iv e d ea th s las t m en tion edo cc ur re d w ithin o ne w ee k, a bo ut the m id dle o f D ec em be r. D ur in g the jou rn ey o f the " Fo rlor n H op e, " thef if te en w er e r ed uc ed t o s ev en b y t he d ea th s o f C .T . S ta nt on , F .W . G ra ve s, A nt oi ne , P at ri ck D ol an ,L em ue l Mur ph y, J ay F os dick , L ew is , a nd S alva do r. Mea ntim e, e nr olle d o n the d ea th -lis t a t D on ne r L ak e, w er e the n am es o f C ha rles B ur ge r, L ew is K es eb er g, J r. , J oh n L an dr um Mur ph y, Mar ga re t E dd y,Harriet McCutchen, Augustus Spitzer, Mrs. Eleanor Eddy, Milton Elliott, and Catherine Pike.

D ur in g the jou rn ey o f the f ir st r elie f p ar ty , A da K es eb er g, J oh n D en to n, a nd William H oo k p er is he d, a ndw ith the s ec on d r elief p ar ty d ie d Mrs . E liza be th G ra ve s, I sa ac D on ne r, a nd F .W. G ra ve s, J r. A bo ut thistim e, a t the ten ts , d ie d L ew is D on ne r, Mrs . E liza be th D on ne r, a nd S am ue l D on ne r, G eo rg e F os te r a ndJ am es E dd y. N o de at hs o cc ur re d i n t he p ar ty of t he t hi rd re li ef , a nd n o n ame s a re t o b e a dd ed t o t hef atal lis t s av e Mrs . L av in a Mur ph y, G eo rg e D on ne r, a nd Mrs . T am se n D on ne r.

O ut o f the D on ne r P ar ty , f or ty -e ig ht s ur vive d. Walte r H er ro n r ea ch ed C alif or nia w ith J am es F . R ee d,a nd d id n ot r et ur n. O f t he " Fo rl or n H op e, " M ar y A . G ra ve s, M rs . S ar ah F os di ck , M rs . A ma nd a M .M cC ut ch en , M rs . H ar ri et F . P ik e, M rs . S .A .C . F os te r, W il li am M . F os te r, a nd W .H . E dd y l iv ed . T hetwo last mentioned returned and again braved the dangers which encompassed the emigrants. The first

r el ie f p ar ty r es cu ed M rs . M ar ga re t W . R ee d, V ir gi ni a E . R ee d a nd J am es F . R ee d, J r. , E li th a C . D on ne r,L ea nn a C . D on ne r, G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. , W in . G . M ur ph y, M ar y M . M ur ph y, N ao mi L . P ik e, W .C .G ra ve s, E le an or G ra ve s, L ov in a G ra ve s, Mrs . P hillipine K es eb er g, E dw ar d J . B re en , S im on P . B re en ,Eliza Williams, Noah James, and Mrs. Wolfinger.

T he s ec on d r elie f s uc ce ed ed in r ea ch in g the s ettlem en ts w ith o nly S olom on H oo k, P atty R ee d, a ndT ho ma s K . R ee d. W it h t hi s p ar ty w er e i ts C ap ta in , J am es F . R ee d, a nd W il li am M cC ut ch en . T ho se w how er e b ro ug ht t o S ta rv ed C am p b y t he s ec on d r el ie f, a nd s av ed b y a p or ti on o f t he t hi rd r el ie f, w er eP at ri ck B re en , M rs . M ar ga re t B re en , J oh n B re en , P at ri ck B re en , J r. , J am es F . B re en , P et er B re en ,I sa be lla M. B re en , N an cy G ra ve s, J on atha n G ra ve s, E liza be th G ra ve s, a nd Mar y M. D on ne r. T he

r em aind er o f the third r elie f r es cu ed S im on P . Mur ph y, F ra nc es E . D on ne r, G eo rg ia A . D on ne r, E liza P .D on ne r, a nd J oh n B ap tiste. W.H . E dd y r em aine d in the v alle ys a fter m ak in g this jou rn ey . Wm. M. F os te r tra ve rs ed the s no w- be lt n o les s tha n f iv e tim es -- on ce w ith the " Fo rlor n H op e, " twice w ith the third r elie f,a nd twice w ith the f ou rth. T he f ou rth r elie f r es cu ed L ew is K es eb er g.

G en er al K ea rn ey v is ited the c ab in s a t D on ne r L ak e o n the twe nty- se co nd o f J un e, 1 84 7- E dw in B ry an t,t he a ut ho r o f " Wh at I S aw i n C al if or ni a, " w as w it h G en er al K ea rn ey , a nd s ay s: " A h al t w as o rd er ed f or the p ur po se o f c olle ctin g a nd inter ring the r em ains . N ea r the p rinc ip al c ab in s I s aw two b od ie s e ntir e,w ith the e xc ep tion tha t the a bd om en s h ad b ee n c ut o pe n a nd the e ntra ils e xtra cted . T he ir f le sh h ad b ee ne it he r w as te d b y f am in e o r e va po ra te d b y e xp os ur e t o t he d ry a tm os ph er e, a nd t he y p re se nt ed t hea pp ea ra nc e o f m um mies . S tr ew n a ro un d the c ab in s w er e d is lo ca te d a nd b ro ke n s ku lls ( in s om e ins ta nc ess aw ed a su nd er w ith c ar e, f or the p ur po se o f e xtra ctin g the b ra in s) , h um an s ke le to ns , in s ho rt, in e ve ryvariety of mutilation. A more revolting and appalling spectacle I never witnessed. The remains were, bya n o rd er o f G en er al K ea rn ey , c ollec te d a nd b ur ie d u nd er the s up er in te nd en ce o f Major S wo rd s. T he y

P a g e 9 4



we re i nt erred i n a pi t wh ich had been du g i n t he cen ter o f on e of t he cabi ns fo r a cach e. Thes em el an ch ol y d ut ie s t o t he d ea d b ei ng p er fo rm ed , t he c ab in s, b y o rd er o f M aj or S wo rd s, w er e f ir ed , a ndwith everything surrounding them connected with this horrid and melancholy tragedy were consumed.T he b od y o f G eo rg e D on ne r w as f ou nd a t h is c am p, a bo ut e ig ht o r t en m il es d is ta nt , w ra pp ed i n a s he et .H e w as b ur ie d b y a p ar ty o f m en d et ai le d f or t ha t p ur po se ."

T o c ar ef ully lay o ut h er h us ba nd 's b od y, a nd ten de rly e nf old it in a w in ding -s he et, w as the las t a ct o f d ev otio n to h er h us ba nd w hich w as p er fo rm ed b y T am se n D on ne r.

With varying incidents and episodes, the immigrants all reached Sutter's Fort. One very attractive younglad y r ec eive d a p ro po sa l o f m ar riag e w hile d oing h er b es t to m an ag e the r eb elliou s m ule o n w hich s hew as r id in g. T he w ou ld -b e lov er p le ad ed h is c as e w ell, c on side ring the a dv er se c ir cu ms ta nc es , b ut they ou ng lad y g av e n ot h er c on se nt.

Twenty-six, and possibly twenty-eight, out of the fortyeight survivors, are living to-day. Noah James is believed to be alive, and John Baptiste was living only a short time since, at Ukiah, Mendocino County,

California. Besides these two, there are twenty-six whose residences are known. William McCutchen,w ho c am e f ro m J ac ks on C ou nty, Mis so ur i, is h ale a nd s tr on g, a nd is a h ig hly- re sp ec te d r es id en t o f S anJ os e, C alif or nia. Mr. McC utch en is a n ativ e o f N as hv ille , T en ne ss ee , w as a bo ut thirty y ea rs o ld a t thetim e o f the d is as te r, a nd h as a c le ar , c or re ct r ec olle ctio n o f a ll tha t tra ns pire d. L ew is K es eb er g's h is to ryhas been pretty fully outlined in his statement. He resides in Brighton, Sacramento County, California.

In M ay, 1 84 7, M ar y A . G ra ves m ar ri ed Ed war d Pi le . He w as m ur der ed by a S pan iar d i n 1 848 , an d t hi sS pa ni ar d w as t he f ir st p er so n h an ge d i n C al if or ni a u nd er t he l aw s o f t he U ni te d S ta te s. I n 1 85 1 o r 1 85 2M rs . P il e m ar ri ed J , T . C la rk e. T he ir c hi ld re n a re : R ob er t F ., b orn i n 1 85 2, w ho i s m ar ri ed a nd l iv in g a tW hi te R iv er , T ul ar e C ou nt y C al .; M at ti e, b or n i n 1 85 4, a nd n ow t he w if e o f P . B eq ue tt e, J r. , o f V is al ia :J am es T ho ma s, b or n i n 1 85 7; a n i nf an t, w ho d ie d s oo n a ft er b ir th ; B el le , b or n i n 1 86 0, a nd d ie d i n 1 87 1;

A le xa nd er R ., b or n i n 1 86 5, a nd D an ie l M ., b or n i n 1 87 2. M rs . M .A . C la rk e' s a dd re ss i s W hi te R iv er ,Tulare County, California. Eleanor Graves married William McDonnell about the first of September,1 84 9. T he ir c hi ld re n a re : A nn , b or n S ep te mb er , 1 85 0; C ha rl es , b or n i n 1 85 2; M ar y, b or n i n 1 85 5,m ar ried to L es te r G re en , J an ua ry 2 , 1 87 8, a nd n ow liv in g o n the S ac ra me nto R iv er , a bo ut s ev en te enm il es b el ow t he c it y; L il li e, b or n A pr il 1 4, 1 85 7, d ie d i n F eb ru ar y, 1 87 3; F ra nk li n, b or n i n 1 86 0, d ie d i nM ar ch , 1 87 3; H en ry , b or n J ul y, 1 86 4; E le an or , b or n J ul y, 1 86 8; L es li e, b or n O ct ob er , 1 87 2' d ie dMar ch , 1 87 3; L ou is a, b or n in 1 87 8. Mrs . E le an or McD on ne ll a nd f am ily r es id e in K nigh ts V alle y,Sonoma County. Their address is Calistoga, California. Loving Graves married John Cyrus June 5,1 85 6. T he ir c hi ld re n a re : H en ry E ., b or n A pr il 1 2, 1 85 9; J am es W ., b or n F eb ru ar y 1 6, 1 86 1; M ar y A ., born April 26, 1863; Sarah Grace, born December 11 1866; and Rachel E., born January 27, 1873.

T he ir a dd re ss is C alis to ga . N an cy G ra ve s m ar ried R ev . R .W. William so n in 1 85 5. T he ir e ld es t, G eo rg e,is a n a rtis t in V ir ginia C ity; E mily is tea ch in g s ch oo l in K nigh ts V alle y; K ate, F re de rick , a nd L yd ia P ea rla re r es id in g w ith the ir p ar en ts a t L os G atos , S an ta C la ra C ou nty, C al. William C . G ra ve s is a b la ck sm ith,liv in g a t C alis to ga . H e v is ited T ru ck ee this s pr in g, e xa mine d the s ites o f the d if fe re nt c ab in s, a nd h asr en de re d m os t v alua ble a ss is ta nc e in the p re pa ra tion o f this h is to ry . T he Mur ph ys h av e a lw ay s b ee n w ella nd f av or ab ly k no wn i n t he b es t s oc ie ty o f C al if or ni a. M rs . H ar ri et F . P ik e w as m ar ri ed a t S ut te r' s F or t,i n 1 84 7, b y A lc al de S in cl ai r, t o M .C . N ye . P ri or t o t he d is co ve ry o f g ol d, t he y l iv ed a bo ut t hr ee m il esa bo ve M ar ys vi ll e, w hi ch , a t t hi s t im e, b or e t he n am e o f N yc 's R an ch . M rs . N ye d ie d i n 1 87 2, a t D al le s,O re go n, a nd h er r em ains w er e b ro ug ht to Mar ys ville a nd laid in the c ity c em eter y. N ao mi L . P ik e w asm ar ri ed , i n 1 86 5, t o D r. M it ch el l, o f M ar ys vi ll e, m ov ed t o O re go n, b ec am e a w id ow , a nd i s n ow t hew if e o f J oh n L . S ch en ck . H er a dd re ss i s, T hc D al le s, W as co C ou nt y, O re go n.

M ar y M . M ur ph y w as m ar ri ed, i n 1 84 8, t o C . C ov il lau d, t he n o f Ny e' s Ra nc h, Ca l. In 1 85 0 t he ci ty of Mar ys ville w as laid o ut, a nd w as n am ed in h on or o f Mrs . Mar y C ov illa ud . A fter liv es o f d is ting uish ed

P a g e 9 5



h on or , Mr. a nd Mrs . C ov illa ud d ie d, b ut the re a rc n ow liv in g f iv e o f the ir c hild re n. Mar y E llen is m ar riedto a p ro mine nt s to ck d ea le r, o f D alle s, O re go n; C ha rles J ., a v er y b righ t a nd p ro mising y ou ng m an , is inthe law o ff ic e o f h is u nc le , William G . Mur ph y; William P ., F ra nk M., a nd N ao mi S ., a re a ll liv in g a tD alle s, O re go n. William G . Mur ph y r es id ed a t Mar ys ville u ntil 1 84 9, w he n h e w en t e as t to r ec eive a ne du ca tion . H e g ra du ated w ith h ig h h on or s a t the S ta te U nive rs ity o f Mis so ur i. H e w as m ar ried inT en ne ss ee , r et ur ne d t o t he P ac if ic C oa st i n 1 85 8, a nd i n 1 86 3 w as d ul y a dm it te d a m em be r o f t he b ar o f

the S up re me C ou rt o f N ev ad a. H e r es id ed a nd p ra ctic ed h is p ro fe ss io n a t V ir ginia C ity u ntil in the f all o f 1 86 6, w he n h e r et ur ne d t o M ar ys vi ll e, C al . H e n ow h ol ds t he p os it io n o f C it y A tt or ne y, a nd h as a nexcellent and remunerative practice. He has a beautiful and charming home, and his family consists of h im se lf , h is w if e, a nd s ev en c hild re n. H is o ld es t, L ulie T ., w as b or n in the T er rito ry o f N ev ad a, a nd h iss ec on d c hi ld , K at e N ye , w as b or n i n N ev ad a s ub se qu en t t o i ts a dm is si on a s a S ta te . W il li am G ., J r. ,C ha rles Mitch ell, E rn es t, H ar riet F ., a nd L ea nd er B . w er e b or n in Mar ys ville.

S im on P . M ur ph y w en t b ac k t o T en ne ss ee , a nd m ar ri ed a t h is o ld h om e. H e s er ve d i n t he U ni on a rm y.H e d ie d in 1 87 3, lea ving a w if e a nd f iv e c hild re n.

W 'i ll ia m M . F os ter g av e hi s nam e t o Fo st er' s B ar , o n t he Yu ba R iv er. He d ied i n 1 874 , o f ca nce r. O f t hec hi ld re n o f M r. a nd M rs . F os te r, t he re a re n ow l iv in g, A li ce , b or n i n 1 84 8; G eo rg ia , b or n i n 1 85 0; W il l, born in 1852; Minnie, born in 1855; and Hattie, born in 1858. Mrs. S.A.C. Foster has been residing inS an F ra nc is co , b ut h er p re se nt a dd re ss is, c ar e o f h er b ro th er , Win . G . Mur ph y, Mar ys ville .

M r. a nd M rs . R ee d s et tl ed w it h t he ir f am il y i n S an J os e, C al if or ni a. M rs . M ar ga re t R ee d d ie d o n t hetwe nty- fifth o f N ov em be r, 1 86 1, a nd h er h us ba nd , J am es F . R ee d, o n the twe nty- fo ur th o f J uly, 1 87 4.T he y a re b ur ie d s id e b y s id e, the ir c of fins tou ch in g. Mrs . R ee d d ie d w ith h er e ntir e f am ily g athe re d a bo uth er b ed si de , a nd f ew d ea th -b ed s ce ne s e ve r r ec or de d w er e m or e p ea ce fu l. A s s he e nt er ed t he d ar k w at er s, a ll a bo ut h er s ee me d s ud de nl y b ri gh t. S he s po ke o f t he l ig ht , a nd a sk ed t ha t t he w in do ws b ed ar ke ne d. T Im c ur ta in s w er e a rr an ge d b y tho se a bo ut h er , b ut a m om en t a fter wa rd s he s aid, " Ne ve r

m in d; I se e y ou c an n ot sh ut o ut t he b ri gh t l ig ht w hi ch I s ee ." L oo ki ng u p a t t he f ac es of h er h us ban d a ndc hi ld re n, s he s ai d v er y s lo wl y, " I e xp ec t, w he n I d ie , I w il l d ie t hi s w ay , j us t a s i f I w as go in g t o s lee p.Wo ul dn' t i t b e a b le ssin g i f I di d P" The l ast words were ut tered j ust as t he soul t ook i ts fli ght . T homas K.R ee d a nd J am es F . R ee d, J r. , r es id e i n S an J os e, C al . T he l at te r w as m ar ri ed M arc h 1 6, 1 87 9, t o S ar ahA da ms . V ir ginia E . R ee d w as m ar ried o n the twe nty- sixth o f J an ua ry , 1 85 0, to J .M. Mur ph y. T he ir c hi ld re n' s n am es a re , M ar y M ., L lo yd M ., M at ti e H ., J oh n M ., V ir gi ni a B ., J . A da , D an J am es , A nn ieM ab el , a nd T . S ta nl ey . L lo yd , M at ti e, a nd M ab el a re s le ep in g i n O ak H il l C em et er y, a t S an J os e, C al .M ary wa s ma rri ed t o P. M cA ra n, J un e 28 , 18 69. M r. M cA ran i s on e o f t he d ir ec to rs o f t he Hi ber ni aB an k, a nd r es id es i n S an F ra nc is co . J oh n M . M ur ph y, J r. , w as m ar ri ed A pr il 1 , 1 88 0, t o M is s H at ti e E .W at ki ns . M ar th a J . ( Pa tt y) R ee d w as m ar ri ed a t S an ta C ru z, C al ., D ec em be r 2 5, x 85 6, t o M r. F ra nk

L ew is . T he y h ad e ig ht c hi ld re n: K at e, b or n O ct ob er 6 , 1 85 7; M ar ga re t B ., b or n J un e 6 , 1 86 0; F ra nk , born March 22, 1862; Mattie J., born April 6, 1864; James Frazier, born August 31, 1866; a babe, born May 30, 1868, who died in infancy; Carrie E., born September 15, 1870; and Susan A., bornD ec em ber 3 1, 18 73 . M r. L ew is d ie d J un e 1 8, 1 87 6. M rs . L ew is a nd h er c hi ld re n r esi de a t S an Jo se .

Win . H . E dd y m ar ried Mrs . F . A lf re d, a t G ilro y, C alif or nia, in J uly, 1 84 8- T he y h ad thr ee c hild re n:E le an or P ., J am es P ., an d A lo nz o H . E le an or m ar ri ed S .B . A nd er so n, i n 1 87 1, a nd r es id es i n S an J os e.J am es m ar ri ed i n 1 87 5, a nd w it h h is w if e an d t wo c hi ld re n r es id es i n S an Jo se . A lon zo i s a p hy si ci an i nM on um en t, C ol or ad o. I n 1 85 4, M r. a nd M rs . E dd y s ep ar at ed , a nd i n 1 85 6 h e m ar ri ed M is s A .M .P ar de e, o f S t. L ou is . M r. E dd y d ie d D ec em be r 2 4, 1 85 9, a t P et al um a, C al if or ni a.

P atrick B re en r em ov ed w ith h is f am ily f ro m S utte r's F or t e ar ly in 1 84 8, a nd p er ma ne ntly s ettled a t theMis sion o f S an J ua n B au tista, in S an B en ito C ou nty, C alif or nia. Mr. B re en liv ed to s ee a ll h is c hild re ng ro w to m atur ity a nd b ec om e h ap pily e stab lish ed in lif e. O n the twe nty- firs t o f D ec em be r, 1 86 8, h e

P a g e 9 6



A woman who with gentle influence brightenedT he h ea rt s o f a ll w ho t o h er p re se nc e c am e.

A h al o o f g oo d d ee ds h er l if e s ur ro un de d;H er c ro wn o f y ea rs w as b ri gh t w it h d ee ds o f H ers w as a g if t o f c ha ri ty w hos e m er it s

A g olde n tre as ur e w aite th h er a bo ve .

O ut o f t he w ea lt h t he M as te r g av e u nt o h er S he c lo th ed the n ee dy a nd the h un gr y f ed ;T he p oo r w ill m ou rn a tru e f rien d tak en f ro m the m- -A bo ve h er w il l t he o rp ha n' s t ea r b e s he d.

T he o rp ha n's p ra ye r, a p ra ye r o f p ow er u nb ou nd ed ,I n g ra te fu l a cc en ts s ha ll f or h er a sc en d,And strength and consolation for her children

Down from the Savior's pitying heart descend;

F or o ve r d ea th the C hr is tian 's f aith d oth trium ph --T he c ro wn o f v ic to ry s hine s a bo ve the C ro ss ;H er s i s t he f ad el es s j oy a nd o ur s t he s or ro w- -H er s i s t he g ai n a nd o ur s t he b it te r l os s.

A nd w hile the h ea rts. o f k in dr ed a ch e in s ad ne ss ,A nd g lo om r es ts o n h er o nc e f ai r h om e t o- da y,A s a t ru e! f ri en d w ho m ou rn s a l ov ed o ne t ak en ,T his s im ple w re ath u po n h er g ra ve I lay .

C HA PT ER X XI II

The Orphan Children of George and Tamsen Donner--Sutter, the Philanthropist--"If Mother wouldOnly Comel"--Christian and Mary Brunner--An Enchanting Home--"Can't You Keep Both of

Us?"--Eliza Donner Crossing the Torrent--Earning a Silver Dollar--The Gold Excitement--Getting anE du ca tion -- Elitha C . D on ne r, L ea nn a C . D on ne r, F ra nc es E . D on ne r, G eo rg ia A . D on ne r, E liza P .

Donner

U NU SU AL inter es t a ttac he s to the thr ee little o rp ha n c hild re n m en tion ed in a p re ce ding c ha pter .F ra nc es , G eo rg ia a nd E liza D on ne r r ea ch ed S utte r's F or t in A pr il, 1 84 7. H er e the y m et the ir two e id er s is te rs , w ho , I n c ha rg e o f t he f ir st r el ie f p ar ty , h ad a rr iv ed a t t he F or t a f ew w ee ks e ar li er . T he t hr ee l it tl egirls were pitiable-looking objects as they gathered around the blazing fire, answering and askingq ue stio ns r es pe ctin g w ha t h ad tak en p la ce s in ce the y p ar te d w ith the ir s is te rs a t the ir m ou ntain c ab in s.

A mo ng the f ir st to s tr etch f or th a h elping h an d to c lo th e the n ee dy c hild re n w as tha t n ob le p hila nthr op is t,C ap t. J oh n A . S utte r. O th er n ew ly -f ou nd f rien ds g av e f oo d f ro m the ir s ca nty s up plie s, a nd the c hild re nw ou ld h av e b ee n c om fo rtab le f or a tim e, h ad n ot s om e p ilfe ring h an d tak en a ll tha t h ad b ee n g iv en the m.

T he y w er e a ga in o bl ig ed t o a sk f or f oo d o f t ho se w ho m t he y t ho ug ht w ou ld g iv e. A s t he w ea th er b ec am ewarmer it had a cheering influence over them. They forgot their wish for heavier clothing; but oftener r ep ea te d the m or e h ea rtfe lt o ne -- " I f m othe r w ou ld o nly c om e! "

P a g e 9 8



Those who have suffered bereavement under similar circumstances can understand how fully these littleg ir ls r ea lize d the ir s itua tion w he n the y w er e told tha t the ir m othe r w as d ea d.

Not long after it became known that their parents were dead, Georgia and Eliza enlisted the sympathieso f a k in dh ea rted S wiss c ou ple, C hr is tian a nd Mar y B ru nn er , w ho liv ed a s ho rt d is ta nc e f ro m the F or t.

M rs . B ru nn er b ro ug ht t he m b re ad , b ut te r, e gg s, a nd c he es e, w it h t he k in d r em ar k t o t ho se i n w ho seh an ds s he p la ce d the a rtic le s: " Th es e a re f or the little g ir ls w ho c alle d m e g ra nd ma ; b ut d on 't g iv e the mt oo m uch a t a t im e. " A fe w d ay s l at er , up on i nq ui ri ng o f t he m ho w t he y l ike d w ha t sh e br oug ht , g ran dm aw as t ol d t he y h ad n ot h ad a ny th in g, a nd w as s o s ur pr is ed t ha t s he d ec id ed t o t ak e G eo rg ia h om e w it hh er f or a w ee k. G eo rg ia w as m or e d elic ate tha n h er y ou ng er s is te r. E liza w as p ro mise d tha t s he s ho uld be treated as kindly upon Georgia's return. The week passed, and Georgia returned, looking stronger.S he t ol d s uc h w on de rf ul s to ri es a bo ut t he m an y c ow s! l ot s o f c hi ck en s! t wo s he ep t ha t w ou ld n ot l et h er pass unless she carried a big stick in sight! about the kindness grandma, grandpa, and Jacob, his brother,h ad s ho wn t o h er , t ha t i t s ee me d t o E li za t he t im e w ou ld n ev er c om e w he n s he a nd g ra nd ma w er e t o s ta rtto tha t e nc ha ntin g h om e! S uc h a w ee k o f p le as ur e! Who b ut tha t little g ir l c ou ld d es cr ib e it! G ra nd ma 's

bread and milk gave strength to her limbs and color to her cheeks. She chased the chickens, and drovet he c ow s; s he b ro ug ht c hi ps f or g ra nd ma , r od e t he h or se f or J ac ob , a nd s at u po n g ra nd pa 's k ne e s oc he er fu ll y, t ha t t he y b eg an t o f ee l a s i f s he b el on ge d t o t he m. B ut h er w ee k h ad c om e t o a n e nd !G ra nd ma , a ll d re ss ed f or a w al k t o t he F or t, s ou gh t t he l it tl e g ir l, w ho w as b us y a t p la y, a nd s ai d: " Co me ,El iza, I hear t hat Georgi a i s si ck, and I am goi ng t o t ake you back, and bri ng her i n yo ur pl ace." T hes we et little g ir l loo ke d v er y g ra ve f or a m om en t, the n g la nc in g u p w ith h er lar ge b la ck e ye s into tha t d ea r o ld f ac e, s he too k c ou ra ge , a nd a sk ed , w ith the e ar ne stne ss o f a n a nx io us c hild : " Gr an dm a, c an 't y oukeep both of us P"

T his s im ple q ue stio n p ro vide d a h om e f or b oth u ntil a fter H ir am Mille r w as a pp ointed the ir g ua rd ia n. H ew as intru sted w ith the ir m on ey , o btaine d f ro m K es eb er g a nd f ro m o th er s ou rc es . T he little s is te rs w er e

t he n a ga in s ep ar at ed . F ra nc es h ad f ou nd a h om e i n M rs . R ee d' s f am il y. G eo rg ia w as t o g o w it h g ra nd pa ,w ho w as a bo ut t o r em ov e t o S on om a. E li za w en t t o h er e ld es t s is te r, w ho w as n ow m ar ri ed a nd l iv in g o nthe Cosumnes River. Here she remained until winter. Then, hearing that Mr. Brunner's family and Georgiad es ir ed h er r etur n, s he b ec am e s o h om es ic k tha t h er s is te r c on se nted to h er g oing to the m. F or tu na te ly ,t he y h ear d o f t wo f am il ie s w ho w ere t o m ove t o S on om a i n a v er y s ho rt t im e, a nd E li za w as p la ce d i ntheir charge. This journey was marked with many incidents which seemed marvelous to her child-mind.T he o ne w hich imp re ss ed its elf m os t f or cibly o cc ur re d u po n the ir a rr iv al a t the b an k o f the S on om aR iv er . S he w as t ol d t ha t J ac ob w ou ld m ee t h er h er e a nd t ak e h er t o g ra nd ma 's , a nd w as d el ig ht ed t ha th er jou rn ey w as s o n ea rly o ve r. I ma gine h er d is ap po in tm en t a t f in ding the r ec en t r ains h ad r aise d the r iv er u ntil a tor re nt f lo we d b etwe en h er a nd h er a nx io us f rien ds . F or d ay s J ac ob s ou gh t the s lo wly- de cr ea sing

f lo od a nd c alle d a cr os s the r us hing s tr ea m to c he er the e ag er c hild . F in ally , a n I nd ia n, w ho u nd er stoo dJ ac ob 's w is h, o ff er ed to c ar ry h er s af ely o ve r f or a s ilve r d olla r. N ev er d id s ilve r loo k b righ te r tha n tha tw hich J ac ob h eld b etwe en h is f in ge rs , a bo ve h is h ea d, tha t s un ny m or ning , to s atis fy the I nd ia n tha t h is price would be paid when he and his charge reached the other bank.

W ha t a p ic tu re t hi s s ce ne p re se nt s t o t he m in d! T he re i s t he I nd ia n l ea di ng h is g ra y p on y t o t he ri ve r' ss id e! H e e xa mine s h im c ar ef ully , a nd p uts the b la nk et o n m or e s ec ur ely ! H e w aits f or the a pp ro ac hingc hi ld . H ow s ma ll s he i s- -n ot f iv e y ea rs o ld ! H ow s he t re mb le s w it h d re ad a s t he s wi ft c ur re nt m ee ts h er e ye ! Y et s he i s a nx io us t o g o. O ne p le ad in g l oo k i n t he I nd ia n' s f ac e, a nd s he i s r ea dy . H e m ou nt s; s he i s placed behind him; her little arms are stretched tightly around his dusky form! He presses his elbows toh is s id es t o m ad e h er m or e s ec ur e, a nd , b y s ig ns , w ar ns h er a ga in st l oo se ni ng h er g ra sp , o r s he , l ik e t he passing branches, will be the water's prey ! They enter the scream. Oh! how cold the water is! Theyr ea ch the m id dle; h er g ra sp is tig hter , a nd s he h olds h er b re ath w ith f ea r, f or the y a re d riftin g w ith thec ur re nt p as t w he re J ac ob s ta nd s! B ut j oy c om es a t l as t. T he y h av e c ro ss ed t he r iv er . T he re s ta nd s t he

P a g e 9 9



pony shaking the water from his sides. The Indian takes his dollar with a grunt of satisfaction, and Jacobc atch es u p the little g ir l, m ou nts h is h or se , a nd h ur ries o ff to g ra nd pa 's , w he re g ra nd ma , L ea nn a, a ndG eo rg ia a re w aiting to g iv e h er a w ar m w elco me .

Mon th s p as se d p le as an tly, b ut g ra du ally c ha ng es o cc ur re d. T he w ar w ith Mex ic o e nd ed , a nd g old w asd isc ov ere d. A ll t he m en w ho w ere a bl e t o g o, hu rr ie d o ff t o t he m in es t o m ak e a f ort un e. T he l it tl e g ir ls

g av e u p t hei r p lay s, f or g ra nd ma w as no t a bl e t o do al l t he w or k, a nd gra ndp a a nd Jac ob w er e aw ay.T he y s pe nt s ev en y ea rs w ith Mr. a nd Mrs . B ru nn er . T he y w er e k in dly tre ated , b ut the ir e du ca tion w asn eg le cted . I n 1 85 4, the ir e ld es t s is te r, E lith a, a nd h er h us ba nd , c am e to S on om a, a nd o ff er ed the m ah om e a nd a n o pp or tu nity o f a tten ding s ch oo l. T his k in d o ff er w as a cc ep te d. F or s ix y ea rs E liza r em aine din S ac ra me nto, in the f am ily o f h er s is te r, E lith a. T o h er s he w as ind eb te d f or the o pp or tu nity s he e njoy edo f a tten ding , f or o ne y ca r, w ith h er s is te r F ra nc es a nd a fter wa rd s G eo rg ia , S t. C athe rine 's A ca de my , a tBenicia, and the public schools of Sacramento.

E lith a C . D on ne r m ar ried P er ry McC oo n, w ho w as s ub se qu en tly k ille d b y a r un aw ay h or se . O n thee ig ht h o f D ec em be r, 1 85 3, M rs . M cC oo n w as m ar ri ed t o B en j. W . W il de r. T he y r es id e o n t he

C os um ne s R iv er , a f ew m iles f ro m E lk G ro ve , S ac ra me nto C ou nty, C al., a nd h av e s ix c hild re n. L ea nn aC . D on ne r w as m ar ri ed S ep te mb er 2 6, 1 85 2, t o j oh n A pp . T he y n ow r es id e i n J am es to wn , T uo lu mn eC ou nt y, C al ., a nd t he ir f am il y c on si st s o f R eb ec ca E ., b or n F eb ru ar y 9 , 1 85 4; J oh n ( Q. , b or n J an ua ry1 9, 1 86 4; a nd L uc y E ., b or n A ug us t 1 2, 1 86 8, w ho r es id e w it h t he ir p ar en ts .

F ra nc es E . D on ne r w as m ar ri ed N ov em be r 2 4, 1 85 8, t o W il li am R . W il de r, a nd n ow r es id es a t P oi nt o f T im be r, C on tr a C os ta C ou nty, C al. T he ir c hild re n a re : H ar riet, b or n A ug us t 2 4, 1 85 9; J am es William , born May 30, 1863; Frances Lillian, born July 17, 1867; Asaph, born May 7, 1870; and Susan Tamsen, born September 3, 1878. Georgia A. Donner was married November 4, 1863, to W.A. Babcock. Their f am il y c on si st s o f H en ry A ., b or n A ug us t 2 3, 1 86 4; F ra nk B ., b or n J un e 2 9, 1 86 6; a nd E di th M ., b or nA ug us t 2 4, 1 86 8. T he ir a dd re ss is Mou ntain V ie w, S an ta C la ra C ou nty, C al.

E li za P . D on ne r, o n t he t en th o f O ct ob er , 1 86 1, w as m ar ri ed t o S he rm an O . H ou gh to n. M r. H ou gh to nw as bo rn i n N ew Y or k C it y, A pri l 1 0, 1 82 8, s er ve d i n t he M ex ic an w ar , wa s M ayo r o f S an J os e i n1 85 5 a nd 1 85 6, r ep re se nt ed C al if or ni a i n t he F or ty -s ec on d a nd F or ty -t hi rd C on gr es s, a nd i s a t p re se nt a prominent member of the San Jose bar. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton have six children. The youngest livingw as b or n in Was hing to n, D .C ., a t w hich c ity h is f am ily r es id ed d ur in g the f ou r y ea rs h e s er ve d a sm em be r o f C on gr es s. T he ir c hildr en a re : E liza P ., S he rm an 0 ., C la ra H ., C ha rles D ., F ra nc is J ., a ndS ta nl ey W . T he ir y ou ng es t b or n, H er be rt S ., d ie d M ar ch 1 8, 1 87 8, a ge d t we nt y m on th s. M ar y M .D on ne r, d au gh te r o f J ac ob D on ne r, w as a do pt ed i nt o t he f am il y o f M r. J am es F . R ee d, i n 1 84 8. S hec on tinu ed a m em be r o f this f am ily u ntil h er m ar riag e w ith H on . S .O . H ou gh to n, o f S an J os e, A ug us t 2 3,

1 85 9. J un e 2 1, 1 86 0, M rs . M ar y M . H ou gh to n d ie d, l ea vi ng a n i nf an t d au gh te r, M ar y M ., w ho i s n ow ay ou ng l ad y, an d a m em be r of t he fa mi ly o f M r. a nd M rs. H ou gh ton .

G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. , s on o f J ac ob D on ne r, m ar ri ed M is s M ar ga re t J . W at so n, J un e 8 , 1 86 2. T he ir c hi ld re n n ow l iv in g a re : M ar y E ., C or a J ., G eo rg e W ., J oh n C ., B et ty L ., a nd F ra nk M . A lb er t, t he ir e ld es t, d ie d i n 1 86 9, a nd a n i nf an t s on d ie d i n 1 87 5- G eo rg e D on ne r, J r. , d ie d a t S eb as to po l, F eb ru ar y1 7, 1 87 4. Mrs . D on ne r n ow live s w ith h er c hild re n o n the ir f ar m n ea r S eb as to po l, S on om a C ou nty,California.

C HA PT ER X XI V

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Y er ba B ue na 's G if t to G eo rg e a nd Mar y D on ne r- -A n A lc alde 's N eg lige nc e Mar y D on ne r's L an dRegranted--Squatters Jump George Donner's Land-A Characteristic Land Law Suit--Vexatious

L itiga tion -- Tw ic e A pp ea le d to S up re me C ou rt, a nd O nc e to U nited S ta te s S up re me C ou rt-- AWelltaken Law Point--Mutilating Records--A Palpable Erasure--Relics of the Donner Party--Five

Hundred Articles--Buried Thirty-two Years--Knives, Forks, Spoons--Pretty Porcelain--IdentifyingChinaware--Beads and Arrow-heads--A Quaint Bridle Bit--Remarkable Action of Rust--A Flintlock

Pistol--A Baby's Shoe--The Resting Place of the Dead--Vanishing Landmark

Y ER BA B UE NA 'S c itiz en s, s ho rtly a fter the a rr iv al o f G eo rg e a nd Mar y D on ne r, c on tr ib uted a f un d f or t he p ur po se o f p ur ch as in g f or e ac h o f t he m a t ow n l ot . I t h ap pe ne d t ha t t he se l ot s w er e b ei ng t he nd is tr ib ut ed a mo ng t he r es id en ts o f t he t ow n. U po n t he p et it io n o f J am es F . R ee d, a g ra nt w as m ad e t oGeorge Donner of one hundred vara lot number thirty-nine, and the adjoining lot, number thirty-eight,w as g ran te d t o M ary. Th e p ri ce of e ach l ot w as t hi rt y-t wo d ol lar s, a nd bo th w ere pai d fo r ou t of t hef un d. T he g ra nt s w er e b ot h e nt er ed o f r ec or d b y t he A lc al de , G eo rg e H yd e. T he g ra nt m ad e t o G eo rg ew as s ig ne d b y t he A lc al de b ut t ha t t o M ar y w as t hr ou gh i na dv er te nc e n ot s ig ne d. A s uc ce ss or o f H yd e,a s A lc al de , r eg ra nt ed t he l ot o f M ar y D on ne r t o o ne W ar d, w ho d is co ve re d t he o mi ss io n o f t he A lc al de 's

n am e t o h er g ra nt . T hi s o mi ss io n c au se d h er t o l os e t he l ot . I n 1 85 1, a n um be r o f p er so ns s qu at te d o n t hel ot o f G eo rg e D on ner , a nd i n 1 85 4 b ro ug ht s ui t a ga in st h im i n t he U ni te d S ta te s C irc ui t C ou rt t o q ui etthe ir title . T his s uit w as s ub se qu en tly a ba nd on ed u nd er the b elie f tha t G eo rg e D on ne r w as d ea d. I n 1 85 6a s uit w as ins titu te d b y G eo rg e D on ne r, thr ou gh h is g ua rd ia n, to r ec ov er p os se ss io n o f the lot. D ow n tot he s pr in g o f 1 86 0, b ut l it tl e p ro gr es s h ad b ee n m ad e t ow ar d r ec ov er in g t he p os se ss io n o f t he l ot f ro mthe s qu atte rs . T he a ttor ne ys w ho h ad thu s f ar c on du cted the litig atio n o n b eh alf o f G eo rg e D on ne r, w er eg re atly e mb ar ra ss ed b ec au se o f the ir ina bility to f ully p ro ve the d eliv er y o f the g ra nt to h im , o r to s om eo ne f or h im , the c ou rts o f the S ta te h av in g, f ro m the f ir st litig atio n c on ce rn in g s im ilar g ra nts, laid d ow n a nda dh er ed t o t he r ul e t ha t s uc h g ra nt s d id n ot t ak e e ff ec t u nl es s t he o ri gi na l g ra nt w as d el iv er ed t o t heg ra ntee . S uc h p ro of w as the re fo re d ee me d ind is pe ns ab le . A fter s uc h p ro of s u po n this p oint a s w er ea cc es si bl e h ad b ee n m ad e, t he p ro ce ed in gs h ad c ea se d, a nd f or s ev er al m on th s t he re h ad b ee n n o

prospect of any further progress being made. During this time, one Yontz, who had undertaken tor ec ov er p os se ss io n o f t he l ot a t h is o wn e xp en se f or a s ha re o f i t, h ad t he m an ag em en t o f t he c as e, a ndhad employed an attorney to conduct the litigation. Yontz became unable, pecuniarily, to proceed further w ith the c as e, a nd inf or me d D on ne r o f the f ac t, w he re up on the latte r ind uc ed h is b ro th er -in- la w, S .O .H ou gh to n, t o a tt em pt t o p ro se cu te h is c la im t o s om e f in al r es ul t. M r. H ou gh to n a pp li ed t o t he c ou rt t o b es ub stituted a s a ttor ne y in the c as e, b ut r es is ta nc e w as m ad e b y the a ttor ne y o f Y on tz , a nd the a pp lica tionw as d en ie d. H ou gh to n t he n a pp li ed t o t he S up re me C ou rt f or a w ri t o f m an da te t o c om pe l t he j ud ge o f the c ou rt b ef or e w hich the s uit w as p en ding , to o rd er h is s ub stitutio n a s a ttor ne y o f r ec or d f or D on ne r.T hi s w ri t w as g ra nt ed b y t he S up re me C ou rt , a nd i n J an ua ry , 1 86 1, M r. H ou gh to n b ec am e t he a tt or ne yo f r ec or d. T his s uit h ad b ee n b ro ug ht b y G re en McMah on , w ho h ad b ee n a pp ointed D on ne r's g ua rd ia n

f or tha t p ur po se , a nd a fter a f ull e xa mina tion o f the c as e, Mr. H ou gh to n d is miss ed it, a nd imm ed ia te lyc om me nc ed a no th er in the n am e o f G eo rg e D on ne r, w ho w as the n o f a ge . I n the f ollo wing y ea r,F eb ru ar y, 1 86 2, i t w as b ro ug ht t o t ri al b ef or e a j ur y, a nd a ft er a c on te st w hi ch l as te d t en d ay s, a v er di ctw as r en de re d in f av or o f D on ne r.

T he sq uat te rs ap pea le d t o t he S up re me C our t o f t he S ta te wh ere t he v er di ct of t he j ur y wa s s et as id e, an ew t ri al o rd er ed , a nd t he c as e s en t b ac k f or t ha t p ur po se . T hi s n ew t ri al w as p ro cu re d b y m ea ns o f a na me nd me nt o f the law r eg ulatin g trials b y jur y in c iv il c as es . T his a me nd me nt w as p as se d b y theL eg is la tu re , a t t he i ns ta nc e o f t he s qu at te rs , a ft er t he v er di ct h ad b ee n r en de re d. A n ew t ri al w as h ad i n1 86 4, b ef or e a jur y, a nd r es ulte d in a no th er v er dict f or D on ne r. T he f ir st trial h ad a ttra cted m uc ha tten tion , a nd w as f re qu en tly m en tion ed in the n ew sp ap er s o f S an F ra nc is co , a nd thu s s ev er al p er so nsw ho w er e p re se nt w he n t he g ra nt w as m ad e h ad t he ir a tt en ti on c al le d t o t he c on tr ov er sy , a nd t o t hed if ficu Ity e nc ou nter ed in p ro ving a d eI iv er y o f the g ra nt. T he y c om mu nica te d to D on ne r the f ac t tha t itw as d eliv er ed f or h im to William McD on ald, the m an w ith w ho m h e liv ed a t the tim e. T he y a ls o n ar ra te d

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the circumstances attending the delivery of the grant. This information, however, came too late for the purposes of the trial. Prior to the second trial, the written testimony of all these witnesses was procureda nd in r ea dine ss f or u se w he n r eq uire d, b ut it w as n ev er r eq uire d. Mr. H ou gh to n a nd the a ttor ne ys w ho mh e h ad c al le d u po n t o a id i n t he c as e, d et er mi ne d t o r es t i ts d ec is io n u po n a no th er g ro un d. T he yc on clud ed to ins is t tha t, a s it w as a g ra nt iss uing f ro m the g ov er nm en t thr ou gh its ins tr um en t, the A lc alde ,w ho w as inv es te d w ith a utho rity f or the p ur po se , n o d eliv er y o f the g ra nt w as n ec es sa ry , a nd tha t o ne

w as p os si bl e, a s t he e nt ry o n t he r ec ord b oo k o f t he A lc al de w as t he o ri gi na l, i t b ear in g h is o ff ic ia ls ign at ur e an d b ei ng a p ub li c r ec ord o f h is o ffi ci al a ct . T hi s w as a b ol d a tt ack u po n t he r ul e w hi ch t hec ou rts h ad lon g e stab lish ed to the c on tr ar y. A fter a f ull a rg um en t o f the q ue stio n a t the s ec on d trial, thec ou rt s us ta in ed t he v ie w o f t he l aw t ak en b y M r. H ou gh to n a nd h is a ss oc ia te s, a nd , o n a pp ea l, t hed ec is io n w as s us ta in ed b y the S up re me C ou rt o f the S ta te , a nd s ub se qu en tly a ff ir me d b y the S up re meC ou rt o f t he U ni te d S ta te s, b ef or e w hi ch t he q ue st io n w as c ar ri ed b y w ri t o f e rr or .

D on ne r's a ttor ne ys a do pted this c ou rs e b ec au se , a t the f ir st trial, the s qu atter s h ad p ro du ce d the c op y o f the g ra nt w hich h ad a ctua lly b ee n iss ue d a nd d eliv er ed . T his the y b ad o btaine d p os se ss io n o f a ndm utilated , a nd the n h ad s ur re ptitio us ly p la ce d it in the o ff ic e o f the C ou nty C le rk o f S an F ra nc is co , w ho

w as t he c us to di an o f t he r ec or ds o f t he o ff ic e o f t he A lc ai de s o f S an F ra nc is co . T he ir p ur po se w as t om ak e i t a pp ea r t ha t i t h ad n ev er b ee n s ig ne d o r i ss ue d b y t he A lc al de , b ut h ad b ee n t ra ns fe rr ed w it h t heo th er p ap er s a nd r ec or ds o f t ha t o ff ic e t o t he o ff ic e o f t he C ou nt y C le rk . T hi s d oc um en t w as w ri tt en o n paper having the same watermarks as numerous other grants to other persons, admitted to be genuine,m ad e a bo ut t he sa me t im e a s t he g ra nt t o D on ner . T he b od y o f t hi s i ns tr um en t w as i n t he ha nd wri ti ng o f t he t he n c le rk o f t he A lc al de , a nd t he c er ti fi ca te t ha t t he A lc al de 's f ee s h ad b ee n p ai d b or e t he g en ui nes ig na tu re o f the c le rk . T he re w as , h ow ev er , n o s ig na tu re o r n am e w he re the s ig na tu re o f the A lc aldes ho uld h av e b ee n; b ut the re w as , ins te ad , a p la in , p alpa ble e ra su re , e as ily s ee n b y h olding the p ap er tothe light.

G eo rg e D on ne r liv ed to s ee h is p ro pe rty b ec om e v er y v alua ble, b ut the v ex atio us litig atio n a bo ve

described was not terminated until after his death. Meantime, however, he sold his interest, receivingthe re fo r a c on side ra ble s um o f m on ey . I n c on clus io n it m ay b e p ro pe r to s pe ak o f the m an y inter es tingr elic s w hich h av e r ec en tly b ee n f ou nd u nd er the f or me r s ites o f the c ab in s o f the D on ne r P ar ty . Whe n thelas t r elie f p ar ty lef t D on ne r L ak e, a ll a rtic le s o f m in or v alue w er e lef t s ca tter ed h er e a nd the re a bo ut thef lo or s a nd d oo ry ar ds . S oo n a fter wa rd the tid e o f e migr an t tra ve l tur ne d p rinc ip ally to o th er r ou te s, a ndthe D on ne r L ak e r oa d w as c om pa ra tive ly d es er te d. Y ea rs p as se d, a nd the loo se s oil, the w in d- blow nd us t, the g ra ss a nd f alle n lea ve s c ov er ed the a rtic le s f ro m s ig ht. I t w as twe nty y ea rs b ef or e m en b eg an tos ea rc h f or the s ites o f the c ab in s, a nd to c ar ry a wa y little m em en to s o f the m ou rn fu l p la ce . N othing a t thistim e r em aine d in s ig ht s av e a f ew c ha rr ed log s, a nd a f ew s co re o f tall, u ns ig htly s tu mp s. E ve n the o ld pioneers had great difficulty in pointing out the location of more than one or two of the cabins. After the

preparation of this history began, the author induced several of the survivors to visit Donner Lake, and toassist in definitely determining the location and boundaries of the cabins. Digging in the earth whichthirty- tw o y ea rs a go f or me d the c ab in f lo or s, the m os t inter es ting r elic s w er e f ou nd . A c olle ctio n o f o ve r f iv e h un dr ed o f the se a rtic le s is in the a utho r's p os se ss io n. T he re a re s po on s w hich a re b en t a ndrust-eaten, some of which are partially without bowls, and some destitute of handles, the missing portions being vaguely shadowed in the rust-stained earth in which they were imbedded. Knives there are whose blades are mere skeleton outlines of what they formerly were, and which in some instances appear to beo nly thin s ca le s o f r us t. T he tin es o f the f or ks a re s om etim es p re tty w ell p re se rv ed , s om etim es a lm os te ntir ely w or n a wa y b y the a ctio n o f r us t.

A mo ng the r elic s f ou nd a t the B re en c ab in a re n um er ou s p ie ce s o f o ld p or ce la in , a nd c hina -w ar e. T he sefragments are readily distinguished by painted flowers, or unique designs enameled in red, blue, or purplec olor s u po n the p ur e w hite g ro un d- su rf ac e o f the c hina -w ar e. T his w ar e is c eleb ra te d f or the d ur ab ility o f i ts g la ze o r e na me l, w hi ch c an n ot b e s cr at ch ed w it h a k ni fe , a nd i s n ot a ct ed u po n b y v eg et ab le a ci ds .

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T he r el ics u nea rt he d w er e f ou nd a t a d ep th o f f ro m o ne t o s ix i nc he s b en ea th t he g ro un d w hi ch f or me dthe f lo or . A f ra gm en t o f this w ar e, tog ethe r w ith a n o ld fa sh io ne d g un -f lint, w as s en t to H on . J am es F .B re en , w ho w ro te in r ep ly :

"The relics, piece of chinaware and gun-flint, are highly appreciated. The chinaware was at oncer ec og ni ze d b y m y b ro th er . I n f ac t, t he re i s o ne p ie ce o f t he c hi na s et (a c re am p it ch er) s ti ll i n t he

possession of my brother. The piece sent is recognizable by the decoration figures, which correspondexactly with those on the pitcher."

T he re is les s o f the " gh as tly" a nd " ho rr ib le " a mo ng the r elic s thu s f ar d is co ve re d tha n w ou ld b e s up po se d.T he re a re m an y, lik e the b ea ds a nd a rr ow -h ea ds , w hich w er e e vide ntly tre as ur ed b y m em be rs o f the party as relics or curiosities collected while crossing the plains. There are pieces of looking-glass whichr ef le cted the s un ke n, s ta rv ed f ea tu re s o f the e migr an ts . A mo ng the p or ce la in a re p ie ce s o f p re tty c up sa nd s au ce rs , a nd d ainty, e xp en sive p la te s, w hich in tho se d ay s w er e g re atly p rize d. B its o f g la ss wa re ,s uc h a s tum bler s, v ia ls , a nd d is he s, a re q uite n um er ou s. B olts , n ails , s cr ew s, n uts, c ha in s, a nd p or tion s o f the w ag on iro ns , a re a lm os t u nr ec og niza ble o n a cc ou nt o f the r us t. T he n ails a re w ro ug ht, a nd s om e o f

the m loo k a s if the y m ig ht h av e b ee n h am me re d o ut b y the e migr an ts . O ne o f the se n ails is s o f ir mlyimb ed de d in r us t a lo ng side a s cr ew , tha t the two a re ins ep ar ab le . Metallic b utto ns a re f ou nd w ell preserved, a sewing awl is quite plainly distinguishable, and an old-fashioned, quaint-looking bridle-bitr etains m uc h o f its o rigina l f or m. S om e o f the m or e d elic ate a nd p er is ha ble a rtic le s p re se nt the s om ew ha tr em ar ka ble a pp ea ra nc e o f h av in g inc re as ed in s iz e b y the a cc um ulatio ns o f r us t a nd e ar th in w hich the yare encased. This is especially the case with a darning-needle, which has increased its circumference in places nearly one half while in other places it is eaten away until only a mere filament of steel remains. Thes har p p oi nt o f a cu rv ed s ew in g- aw l h as g ro wn w it h r ust u nt il i t i s l ar ge r t ha n t he b od y o f t he a wl . S ev era lf is h- ho ok s h av e b ee n f ou nd , a ll m or e o r les s r us t- ea te n. A b ra ss p is to l, s in gleb ar re le d, a pp ar en tly ac en tu ry o ld , w as f ou nd u nd er t he G ra ve s c ab in , a nd n ea r i t w as a n o ld f li nt -l oc k. I n t he c or ne r o f t hef ir e- plac e o f the R ee d c ab in w er e f ou nd s ev er al b ulle ts a nd n um be r two s ho t. G un -f lints, r ea dy f or u se o r

i n a c ru de f or m, w er e f ou nd i n e ac h o f t he c ab in s.

W.C . G ra ve s v is ited the s ite o f h is f athe r's c ab in o n the twe nty- firs t o f A pr il, 1 87 9, a nd m an y a rtic le sw er e d ug u p in h is p re se nc e w hich h e r ea dily r ec og nize d. A lar ge n um be r o f the lea ding c itiz en s o f T ru ck ee w er e p re se nt, a nd a ss is te d in s ea rc hing f or the r elics . A mo ng o th er thing s w as a c oo pe r'si ns ha ve , w hi ch b el on ge d t o h is f at he r, w ho w as a c oo pe r b y t ra de . A n i ro n w ag on -h am me r w as a ls oimmediately recognized as having been used in their wagon. A small tin box, whose close-fitting cover w as h er me tica lly s ea le d w ith r us t, w as f ou nd , a nd w hile it w as b eing e xa mine d, o ne o f the g en tlem en , Mr.F ran k R ab el , t ap pe d i t l ig ht ly w it h h is k ni fe h an dl e. T he s id e o f t he b ox c ru sh ed a s e as il y a s i f i t h ad be ena n e gg -s he ll. T he w on de rf ul f ac t c on ne cted w ith this r elic , h ow ev er , is tha t Mr. G ra ve s s aid, b ef or e the

box was crushed, that his mother kept oil of hemlock in this box, and that upon examination a distincto do r o f o il o f h em lo ck w as f ou nd r em aining in the b ox .

A w he ts to ne , o r w ha t m ig ht m or e p ro pe rl y b e c al le d a n o il -s to ne , w as d is co ve re d a t t he B re en c ab in . O nthis s to ne w er e the initials " J. F .R ., " w hich h ad e vide ntly b ee n c ut into its s ur fa ce w ith a k nife -b la de . Mrs .V .E . M ur ph y a nd M rs . F ra nk L ew is , t he d au gh te rs o f J am es F . R ee d, a t o nc e r em em be re d t hi swhetstone as having belonged to their father, and fully identified it upon examination.

A g re at m an y p in s h av e b ee n f ou nd , m os t o f w hich a re the o ld -f as hion ed r ou nd -h ea de d o ne s. A s tr an gef ea tu re i n re ga rd t o t he se p in s i s t ha t a lt ho ug h b ri gh t a nd c le an , t hey c ru mb le a nd b re ak a t a lm os t t hes li gh te st t ou ch . T he m et al o f w hi ch t he y a re m ad e a pp ea rs t o b e e nt ir el y d ec om po se d. O ne o f t he m os tt ou ch in g r el ic s, i n v ie w o f t he s ad , s ad h is to ry , i s t he s ol e o f a n i nf an t' s s ho e. T he t in y b ab e w ho w or e t hes ho e w as p ro ba bly a mo ng the n um be r w ho p er is he d o f s ta rv atio n.

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T he b ig r oc k a ga in st w hich the Mur ph y c ab in s to od is h alf h id de n b y w illo ws a nd b y f alle n tam ar ac ks ,w ho se b ra nc he s a re i nt er la ce d s o a s t o f or m a p er fe ct n et -w or k a bo ve t he p la ce w he re t he c ab in s to od .U nd er t he f lo or o f t hi s c ab in t he r em ai ns o f t he p oo r v ic ti ms a re s up po se d t o h av e b ee n b ur ie d. N at ur ea pp ea rs t o h av e m ad e e ve ry e ff or t t o c on ce al t he s po t. I n a dd it io n t o t he b us he s a nd t he f al le n t re es t he reis a r an k g ro wth o f m ar sh g ra ss , w ho se r oo tlets e xten d f ar d ow n in the s oil, a nd f ir mly r es is t e ithe r s ho ve lo r s pa de . U ntil v er y late in the s um me r this m ou rn fu l s po t is s till f ur th er p ro te cted b y b eing inu nd ated b y

t he w at er s o f D on ne r C re ek . I t i s h ar dl y n ec es sa ry t o r em ar k t ha t n o r el ic s h av e e ve r b ee n f ou nd u nd er t he s it e o f t he M ur ph y c ab in . T he t al l s tu mp s w hi ch s ur ro un d t hi s r oc k, a nd t he si te o f t he G ra ve s a ndR ee d c ab in , a nd w hich a re p ar ticu la rly n um er ou s a ro un d the s ite o f the D on ne r ten ts a t A ld er C re ek , a reo f t he ms el ve s r em ar ka bl e r el ic s. M an y o f t he m w er e c ut b y p er so ns w ho s to od o n t he t op o f v er y d ee ps no w. T he y a re f re qu en tly ten , f if te en , a nd twe nty f ee t in h eigh t. T im e a nd the a ctio n o f the e le me nts h av ec au se d t he m t o d ec ay u nt il , i n s om e i ns ta nc es , a c hi ld 's h an d m ig ht c au se t he m t o t ot te r an d fa ll . I n a f ewy ea rs m or e the y a ll w ill h av e d is ap pe ar ed .

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McGlashan.C History of the Donner Party

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Transcript of McGlashan.C History of the Donner Party