James F. Reed, Jr., since reaching California, has always had
a horse of his own. No matter what vicissitudes of fortune have
overtaken him, he has always kept a saddle horse.
Sad scenes were occurring at the cabin at Donner Lake and the tents at
Alder Creek. Starvation was fast claiming its victims. The poor
sufferers tried to be brave and trust God, but sometimes hope well-nigh
disappeared. The evening prayers were always read in Patrick Breen's
cabin, and all the inmates knelt and joined in the responses. Once when
they were thus praying, they heard the cries of wild geese flying over
the cabin. With one accord all raised their heads and listened for a
moment to the soul-inspiring sound. "Thank God, the spring is coming,"
was all Patrick Breen said, and again bowing their heads, the prayer was
resumed.
Charles L. Cady, writing from Calistoga, says that Commodore Stockton
employed Greenwood and Turner to guide the second relief party over the
mountains to Donner Lake. Cady, Stone, and Clark, being young, vigorous
men, left their companions, or were sent forward by Reed, and reached
the cabins some hours in advance of the party. At one time, near the
present station of Summit Valley, Cady and Stone became bewildered,
thought they were lost, and wanted to return. Mr. Clark, however,
prevailed upon them to press forward, agreeing that if they did not
catch some glimpse of Donner Lake when they reached a certain mountain
top in the distance, he would give up and return with them.
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