20 ELDORADO 



serious, and large quantities of supplies, especially in 

 '49, had to be abandoned. These losses became a dis- 

 astrous matter before the end of January was reached 



Along- the valley of the Humboldt, across the wide 

 sandy plains, covered with sage brush and alkali, under 

 a burning sun, the long journey was slowly performed. 

 Many trains, to avoid the 45 -mile desert between the 

 sink of the Humboldt and Carson river, took what 

 was known as Lassen's cut-off, but which proved to 

 be much farther and more difficult. A large number 

 that were in the rear were caught in the snows of the 

 Sierras, and relief parties were sent from Sutter's 

 Fort to their assistance. After having slept in the 

 open air for months on the ground, the rainy season 

 in the mines had to be provided for. Some gained 

 shelter for themselves by building canvas or log 

 cabins. Others, neglecting to so provide for them- 

 selves, in their haste to secure and work their mining 

 claims, became dependent for shelter and food upon 

 the more thoughtful and provident at great expense. 

 My first winter in the mines was spent in a canvas 

 tent, where snow fell at considerable depth on Ranch- 

 eria creek, in Amador countv. Many suffered from 

 scurvy and other ailments in consequence of improper 

 food. The late Dr. Stillman. who conducted a hos- 

 pital in Sacramento in '49 and '50. in his interesting 

 book. "Seeking the Golden Fleece." estimates that "in 

 less than one year at least 10,000 of the young men 

 who started on their long journey with cheers and 

 songs were sleeping their last sleep beneath the wild 

 flowers." 



Fruit and vegetables were impossible to obtain. All 

 our ticnu", butter and cheese were brought from Chili. 



