Transcription:
B By this time it was about the middle of February, and the lost immigrants had been cooped up in their log camp about three
months and reduced to the last extremity, eating human flesh and ox hides. Some were dead and most of the living were unable
to travel. The first relief party reached the camp and started back with those able to travel, the children on the rescuers'
backs, February 13, 1847. A second party arrived March 1st and started back with another lot of the immigrants but were overtaken
by storm and compelled to leave the sufferers on the road while going ahead for further help, but by the time the help came
three were dead and the survivors feeding on their flesh. Three, Mr. Donner and his wife and Mr. Keysburg were left in camp
and when the third relief party reached it in April Mr. Donner and wife were dead and Keysburg alive. It was supposed that
Keysburg killed ate and robbed Mrs. Donner after the death of her husband. Of the eighty persons composing the original party,
thirty-six perished. For further information see Hittell's History of California and Peter Burnett's Reminiscences. Faithfully
yours, 05907