Donner, Georgia A.
Donner, Eliza P. Donner.
Unusual interest attaches to the three little orphan children mentioned
in a preceding chapter. Frances, Georgia, and Eliza Donner reached
Sutter's Fort in April, 1847. Here they met their two elder sisters,
who, in charge of the first relief party, had arrived at the Fort a few
weeks earlier. The three little girls were pitiable-looking objects as
they gathered around the blazing fire, answering and asking questions
respecting what had taken place since they parted with their sisters at
their mountain cabins.
Among the first to stretch forth a helping hand to clothe the needy
children was that noble philanthropist, Capt. John A. Sutter. Other
newly-found friends gave food from their scanty supplies, and the
children would have been comfortable for a time, had not some pilfering
hand taken all that had been given them. They were again obliged to ask
for food of those whom they thought would give. As the weather became
warmer it had a cheering influence over them. They forgot their wish for
heavier clothing; but oftener repeated the more heartfelt one - " If
mother would only come!"
Those who have suffered bereavement under similar circumstances can
understand how fully these little girls realized their situation when
they were told that their mother was dead.
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