CHAPTER XIII.
STORY OF THE JAYHAWKERS.
In the foregoing chapters describing the trip across the deserts and mountains, the author has had occasion many times to refer to the "Jayhawkers." Their history is in many respects no less remarkable and intensely interesting than that of his own party.

The author has therefore collected many notes and interviews with prominent members and presents herewith the only written history of their travels.
The little train afterward known by this name was made up in the state of Illinois in 1849, of industrious, enterprising young men who were eager to see and explore the new country then promising gold to those who sought.

The young men were from Knoxville, Galesburg and other towns.

Not all were influenced by the desire for gold.

It was said that California had a milder climate and that pleasant homes could there be made, and the long, cold winter avoided.
They placed some of the best men in position to manage for the whole.
The outfit was placed on a steam-boat and transported to Kanesville, on the Missouri River above Council Bluffs.