buffalo and antelope, and over mountains and plains where little
more than the westward course of the sun guided the travelers.
Trading-posts were stationed at only a few widely distant points,
and rarely did the party meet with any human beings, save
wandering bands of Indians. Yet these first days are spoken of by
all of the survivors as being crowned with peaceful enjoyment and
pleasant anticipations. There were beautiful flowers by the
roadside, an abundance of game in the meadows and mountains, and
at night there were singing, dancing, and innocent plays. Several
musical instruments, and many excellent voices, were in the
party, and the kindliest feeling and goodfellowship prevailed
among the members.

"The formation of the company known as the Donner Party was
purely accidental. The union of so many emigrants into one train
was not occasioned by any preconcerted arrangement. Many
composing the Donner Party were not aware, at the outset, that
such a tide of emigration was sweeping to California. In many
instances small parties would hear of the mammoth train just
ahead of them or just behind them, and by hastening their pace,
or halting for a few days, joined themselves to the party. Many
were with the train during a portion of the journey, but from
some cause or other became parted from the Donner company before
reaching Donner Lake. Soon after the train left Independence it
contained between two and three hundred wagons, and when in
motion was two miles in length. The members of the party proper
numbered ninety."

This caravan, like many others of the great assemblage westbound
at that time, had great extremes in personnel. Some were out for