Johnson's Ranch, Yuba California February 30th, 1847

God heard my cries, my pleas, my prayers. We were saved. 

A relief party came to our camp, claiming they’d came from Sacramento. On February 21st we set out through Fremont Pass. The snow was still quite deep, but with the premade path it was easier to cross through. Along the way we got to our first cache of food, but it was all eaten up. The man leading our party seemed distressed, but we’d all dealt with starvation for longer than this, mother and I found his panic slightly amusing. But that isn’t even the best part. On our journey toward Johnson’s Ranch, we saw the second relief party, led by father. 

I’ve never seen him so happy before. He took mother into his arms and held her like he’d never let her go. I think I almost saw him shed a tear when he pulled sister and I into his arms. Soon after he had to depart, but knowing that he was well gave us all a new sense of relief and hope. 

Our journey towards Johnson ranch was difficult, but manageable. Unfortunately one of the children in another family died at a food cache. We were told not to eat too quickly, as we were extremely malnourished. After the incident, mother made sure to watch how much sister and I were eating.

I should apologize for how long it’s been. Not much has happened since January. Everyday was a fight for survival, and I was focused on that instead of writing. Please forgive me, but I’ll do my best to recount everything I remember at another time. 

As for our situation now, things are looking up. Here at Johnson’s ranch, they took very good care of us. I share a bed with sister and my stomach is full every day. Father promised to get us new clothes and that we would never go hungry again. He also promised we would have a proper funeral for brother. Unfortunately I heard that Mr. Darcy isn’t doing so well. From word of the second relief party, he has a terrible wound that became infected. Mother says he thinks it will be amputated. I’m just grateful we made it out in one piece. Not only that, but we were the only family to not turn our backs on our brethren and feast on their flesh… 

I’m sure this will stick with me and many others for a very long time, I just hope this can teach others a lesson..