On his return, the whole party united and made their way to Klamath Lake, in what was then Oregon Territory.

When their observations were completed, they took up their march in the direction of California.
After a long and wearisome journey, attended by much suffering for the lack of food, they came in sight of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which were seen to be covered with snow.

The men were in a sorry plight.

The provisions were nearly gone; they could not turn back, and there seemed but two alternatives before them: to push on through the mountains or remain where they were and starve to death.

Such men were not the ones to fold their hands and lie down in helpless despair.