He was a careful, prudent, and honest officer, well qualified for his business, and extremely accurate in all his work.

He and I had been intimately associated during our four years together in California, and I felt his loss deeply.

The season was then too far advanced to attempt to avenge his death, and it was not until the next spring that a party was sent out to gather up and bury his scattered bones.
As winter approached, the immigrants overland came pouring into California, dusty and worn with their two thousand miles of weary travel across the plains and mountains.

Those who arrived in October and November reported thousands still behind them, with oxen perishing, and short of food.

Appeals were made for help, and General Smith resolved to attempt relief.