Truckee Meadows, Nevada October 26th, 1846

Hello again. It’s been a difficult few weeks. Death has taken a handful of our travelers now, some from disease, old age, and each other. Yesterday, two of the adults were going out to hunt for us. But while loading the gun, one of them shot the other. He died, just like that, in 20 minutes he bled out to death.. 

Father was exiled from our travels about a month ago, and grandmother died a week ago. Father got in a fight with Mr. Darcy’s wagon driver, causing him to lash out and attack him. I saw Spyder attack him with his whip first, and he even hit mother, but father let his anger get the best of him. As a result, he stabbed and killed Mr. Spyder. The adults had a vote on what to do with him, some wanted to hang father, but by god's merciful grace they agreed to exile him. He was sent off with a small ration of food, a weapon, and his horse. We gave our goodbyes and he was gone.. just like that. When we reached the end of Weber canyon, we saw a note from Hastie to take a different route. Fortunately we did, and made it to Truckee Meadows in one piece, but we lost an extra month on our trip.

Food is becoming a little more scarce, often I am skipping meals with mother, so my little siblings can eat. It’s harder to catch food out here, and it’s becoming colder quite fast. I wish I hadn’t left my warm clothes on the cache back at Salt Lake. 

We hesitate to continue on our route, we’ve been in Truckee meadows for quite some time. Slowly people are making their way, but Mother is finding difficult without Father around. She said soon we will join the others in Bear Valley. Once we go through there she said we’ll arrive at Truckee Lake. Hopefully the sightseeing will make up for the uneasy feeling of death around the party. 

Until next time.