I have just acquired a copy of 31st Congress Sen. Ex. Document 52, 1849-1850,pages 85-152 This fascinating document contains reports to General P. Smith from D.H. Rucker and his aides regarding the relief parties sent out to assist the last of the 49'ers still out on the trails in late September and October, 1849. The relief effort began as there was some concern that there might be a repeat of the Donner Party disaster. The following is a notice posted on the Lassen Trail. Hope you enjoy it. Jeanne K >=========================================================================== === For the information of all emigrants on the Lawson's or Northern route. Camp on the left branch of Feather river, Oct. 13, 1849. The undersigned is on this road with provisions for the relief of all emigrants who may be in a starving condition .These supplies have been forwarded by order of General Persifer Smith, the military commandant of this country, to be furnished only to those who are in a destitute state. I have a few beef-cattle, (some thirty head,) some hard bread, flour, pork & and a little rice. The bearer of this, Mr. Hicks, has passed over the whole of the route to Lassen�s, in the valley of the Sacramento, and will give any information to the emigrants that is necessary for the preservation of their stock or their speedy progress. I would advise all families who may be in the vicinity of the Sierra Nevada, or whose teams are not in fine condition to throw away all heavy articles that they can possibly do without, and push on to Feather river valley, where there is plenty of grass, and to remain there one or two days to recruit their animals, also to cut grass sufficient last their stock from Deer Creek Valley to Lassen�s, which is about fifty-three miles, over a very hilly and rocky country, without a blade of grass for the whole distance. I believe that it is important that all the families should move on to the utmost of their abilities, as the season is far advanced, and the danger of being caught in the snow in these hills by no means slight. For that reason I have advised that those who are far in the rear. and have light teams, to throw away all heavy and useless property; to keep only their provisions and actual necessities. The distance from Feather river valley to the valley of Deer Creek. is about fifteen to twenty miles. In Deer Creek valley there was grass sufficient for the stock to eat during the night, but not of sufficient length to cut for hay: hence, the necessity of cutting on Feather River. Respectfully, D. H. Rucker, Brvt. Maj. 1st Dragoons.