We crossed on the fourth day of July and Peter H. Burnett who was later the first Governor of California crossed a few minutes later. I remember that because aunt Rachel, who had gone over some days before, had a big dinner all cooked and ready for us. Someone had killed a buffalo and aunt had a great pan of juicy steaks all broiled and piping hot. We were terribly hungry and after the steaks were eaten, we found that they had been broiled over buffalo "chips". Mrs. Burnett was not altogether happy about it. She even said that she would have "starved before she would have eaten anything cooked on them if she had known it". I guess that was not altogether true, for a few mornings later, the Hon. Peter H. was surprised when he had gone out about daylight to gather a good supply before other people were up. The boys said he was gathering them in a big white table cloth. Dry fuel of any kind was very scarce, so even the finicky ones were compelled to use them, and after a time, used them in preference, when other fuel was plentiful. They were good tinder and made beautiful coals that held the heat for a long time. Walt Davies Monmouth, OR