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Chapter 1

• The families of George Donner, Jacob Donner, and James Reed left Illinois for California.
• The Reeds had a special wagon made for the trip.
• They packed their belongings and left Illinois with 32 people.

Chapter 2

• They reached Independence Missouri after a smooth trip. They were slightly behind schedule due to rains.

• Tamsen was pleased with the trip, but Margaret Reed and Sarah Keys were wondering if the trip was a good idea.
• The Donner Party teamed up with a larger wagon train.

• Sarah Keyes died.
• James Clyman met up with them and told them not to take the Cutoff. They ignored his warnings.

• They met with friendly Indians and more members joined the wagon train.

Chapter 3

• James Reed was determined to follow the Emigrants' Guide.
• The males in the Donner Party voted to take the Cutoff, but made George Donner the official train captain.
• James Bridger encouraged them...

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