While Captain Kerns at Sutter’s Fort was sending messengers to different points, and Mrs. Sinclair was collecting clothing to replace the tattered garments of the members of the Forlorn Hope, her husband despatched an open letter to the people of San Francisco, describing the arrival of the survivors of the Forlorn Hope, and the heart-rending condition of those remaining in the mountains.  He urged immediate action, and offered his services for individual work, or to cooeperate with Government relief, or any parties that might be preparing to go out with Messrs. Reed and McCutchen, who were known to be endeavoring to raise a second expedition.

[Illustration:  SUTTER’S FORT]

[Illustration:  SAM BRANNAN’S STORE AT SUTTER’S FORT]

The letter was taken to the City Hotel in San Francisco, and read aloud in the dining-room.  Its contents aroused all the tender emotions known to human nature.  Some of the listeners had parted from members of the Donner Party at the Little Sandy, when its prospects appeared so bright, and the misfortunes which had since befallen the party seemed incredible.  Women left the room sobbing, and men called those passing, in from the street, to join the knots of earnest talkers.  All were ready and willing to do; but, alas, the obstacles which had prevented Mr. Reed getting men for the mountain work still remained to be overcome.

Existing war between Mexico and the United States was keeping California in a disturbed condition.  Most of the able-bodied male emigrants had enlisted under Captain Fremont as soon as they reached the country, and were still on duty in the southern part of the province; and the non-enlisted were deemed necessary for the protection of the colonies of American women and children encamped on the soil of the enemy.  Moreover, all felt that each man who should attempt to cross the snow belt would do so at the peril of his life.

Mr. Reed, who in the late Autumn had sent petitions to the Military Governor and to Lieutenant Washington A. Bartlett of the United States Navy, Alcalde of the town and district of San Francisco, but as yet had obtained nothing, now appeared before each in person, and was promised assistance.  Captain Mervine of the United States Navy, and Mr. Richardson, United States Collector, each subscribed fifty dollars to the cause on his own account.

As a result of these appeals, Alcalde Bartlett called a public meeting; and so intense was the feeling that Mr. Dunleary, “the first speaker, had scarcely taken his seat on the platform when the people rushed to the chairman’s table from all parts of the house with their hands full of silver dollars,” and could hardly be induced to stay their generosity until the meeting was organized.

A treasurer and two committees were appointed; the one to solicit subscriptions, and the other to purchase supplies.  The Alcalde was requested to act with both committees.  Seven hundred dollars was subscribed before the meeting adjourned.  Seven hundred dollars, in an isolated Spanish province, among newly arrived immigrants, was a princely sum to gather.