On the 22nd they crossed the Truckee River for the forty-ninth time.
Heavy snow now began to intercept their weary way.

They were finally compelled to take refuge in an abandoned cabin near the shore of what is now known as Donner Lake, and there, under circumstances of horror and terror that can never fully be comprehended and appreciated, the devoted men, women and children were imprisoned in the snow until the first relief party reached them, February 19th, with scant provisions, brought in at life's peril on snowshoes.

A "Forlorn Hope" had tried to force its passage over the snowy heights.

Fifteen brave men and women determined to see if they could not win their way over and send back help.

Out of the fifteen seven only survived and reached the Sacramento Valley, and they were compelled to sustain life by eating the flesh of those who had perished.
The second relief party was organized by Mr.Reed,--the banished leader--and thirty-one of the party were still in camp at Donner Lake when he arrived, with nine stalwart men to help, on March 1st.