The first section succeeded in their mission of mercy and a few days later caught up with the other section from Starved Camp.
Mr.C.F.McGlashan, formerly editor of the _Truckee Republican_, has written a graphic account, with great care and desire for accuracy, of the complete expedition, which gives the heart-rending story with completeness, and I expect to publish ere long the personal story of Virginia Reed Murphy, who is still alive, one of the few survivors of the ill-fated party.
[Illustration: The Steamer at the Wharf, Tahoe Tavern, Lake Tahoe] [Illustration: Donner Lake, on the Automobile Highway from Sacramento to Truckee and Lake Tahoe] [Illustration: The Canyon of the Truckee River in Winter] [Illustration: Automobiling along the Picturesque Truckee River, on the way to Lake Tahoe] Through privations and hardships untold the survivors were ultimately enabled to reach Sutter's Fort, only to find the most vile and fearful stories set in circulation about them.

Four separate relief parties were sent from California, and their adventures were almost as tragic as those of the sufferers they sought to help.

Bret Harte, in his _Gabriel Conroy_, has told much--though in the exaggerated and unjust form the stories were first circulated--of the Donner tragedy, and it has been made the subject of much newspaper and other writing and discussion.
An unusual trip that can be taken from Tahoe Tavern is down to the foot of Donner Lake and then, turning to the left, follow the old emigrant and stage-road.

It has not been used for fifty years, but it is full of interest.

There are many objects that remain to tell of its fascinating history.