Heaven he knew nothing concerning it, and that he had not the property of any one in his possession.  They told him that to lie to them would effect nothing; that there were others back at the cabins who unless informed of the spot where the treasure was hidden would not hesitate to hang him upon the first tree.  Their threats were of no avail.  He still affirmed his ignorance and innocence.  Rhodes took him aside and talked to him kindly, telling him that if he would give the information desired, he should receive from their hands the best of treatment, and be in every way assisted; otherwise, the party back at Donner’s Camp would, upon arrival, and his refusal to discover to them the place where he had deposited this money, immediately put him to death.  It was all to no purpose, however, and they prepared to return to us, leaving him in charge of the packs, and assuring him of their determination to visit him in the morning; and that he must make up his mind during the night.  They started back and joined us at Donner’s Camp.

April 20.  We all started for Bear River Valley, with packs of one hundred pounds each; our provisions being nearly consumed, we were obliged to make haste away.  Came within a few hundred yards of the cabins and halted to prepare breakfast, after which we proceeded to the cabin.  I now asked Keseberg if he was willing to disclose to me where he had concealed that money.  He turned somewhat pale and again protested his innocence.  I said to him, “Keseberg, you know well where Donner’s money is, and damn you, you shall tell me!  I am not going to multiply words with you or say but little about it.  Bring me that rope!” He then arose from his hot soup and human flesh, and begged me not to harm him; he had not the money nor goods; the silk clothing and money which were found upon him the previous day and which he then declared belonged to his wife, he now said were the property of others in California.  I told him I did not wish to hear more from him, unless he at once informed us where he had concealed the money of those orphan children; then producing the rope I approached him.  He became frightened, but I bent the rope around his neck and as I tightened the cord, and choked him, he cried out that he would confess all upon release.  I then permitted him to arise.  He still seemed inclined to be obstinate and made much delay in talking.  Finally, but without evident reluctance, he led the way back to Donner’s Camp, about ten miles distant, accompanied by Rhodes and Tucker.  While they were absent we moved all our packs over the lower end of the lake, and made all ready for a start when they should return.  Mr. Foster went down to the cabin of Mrs. Murphy, his mother-in-law, to see if any property remained there worth collecting and securing; he found the body of young Murphy who had been dead about three months with his breast and skull cut open, and the brains, liver, and lights taken out; and this