Discovery of Gold in California : From Henry W. Bigler's Journal
Carter, Kate B.
Heart Throbs of the West
1946
7
1946
169-171
September 27, 1847 to September 28, 1848. Bigler does odd jobs before being discharged and traveling to San Francisco, California. The men receive a letter from the First Presidency advising those ill-prepared for the return journey to work the winter. Its messengers describe the Donner party remains, which they recently passed, and Bigler himself views one of their camps. He spends the winter working at Sutters Mill. He is present when gold is discovered and stakes a claim for land and another for gold. He records a sudden rush to Sutters Mill, and complains that theres no respect for claims. Bigler and the other Mormons decide to leave and move to the Salt Lake Valley.