The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-09-26
SUFFERING ON THE PLAINS.

In addition to the letter from fellow citizen A.
H. OWNS, we publish the following from Mr.
CRuM, formerly editor Of the Iowa City Standard,
which we find in the Sacramento Transcript Of
July 29th. In the same paper is contained the
proceedings Of meeting held 10 afford relief 10
those crossing the plains. At this meeting
committee was appointed, Judge $. c. Hastings.
OF Iowa, chairman, who were to send out col
lectors to different points to obtain nds for the
purchase Of provisions for the relief OF those suf
ierlng on the plains: -
MEssRs. EDIroRs Since my arrival in this
city from the Plains. / have seen to my great Joy
and satisfaction that the citizens are, some mea
sure, acquainted with the suffering that prevails
among the emigrants now crossing the plains
Though being informed to certain extent, they
cannot realize it so fully as one who has seen ii
among the advanced trains perceive by the
Transcript that liberal subscriptions were made
Thursday evening, on short notice. The number
now on the plains is variously estimated, from
50, 900 10 900 souls, destined for this Eldora-
do: the one half Of whom will not reach here
without suffering, and one quarter without sub
sistng on their animals, or enduring starvation -
have seen hundreds, more than $50 miles OH the
other side Of the Sink Of Mary's river, that were
out Of provisions, OF had but few pounds to sus-
tain a miserable and wretched existence, with
animals that could never reach the Desert, BY
reason Of the scarcity of forage. Mary's river IS
six or seven feet higher than it was ever known
to be before; the bottoms, where the only feed
grows, are almost entirely under water. Not be-
ing able myself for several days, 10 get grass on
this side Of the river, hired some Indians for
Sl5 TO swim across and float some over to keep
my animals from pershing. Had been entirely
destitute Of means, as thousands are, I would
havn auHapad IN that Arki in the man
ner. From this circumtance alone, 1t may be
possible that thTee-fourths OF the animals now on
the plains must perish from hunger, and the emf
grant, with bis scanty fare must foot il till life it.
self becomes . burthen. Those who started late
faie still worse; as the season beroines warmer,
feed less, and provisions shorter. lsaw one man
with two small boys, 100 miles beyond the Sink,
who had lett his wagon and lost all his animals
but one and all he had three or four pounds Of
rice; another with his lie and Children overlook
seventy five miles beyond the Sink, with four h0r-
ses that were just able to " lib the empty wag
on, the wife walking ahead in the burning sand and
scorching sun to relieve the poor laden animals,
that were destined Aever to see the Sink. saw,
on the road side where slices had been taken ont
Of dead horses and mules 10 appease the gnawing
appetite ofemigrants. #4
These are but few instances among hundreds
that come under review in quick succession.
might enumerate many more incidents Of distress
and suffering that have occurred in my piigrimase,
did deem II necessary to awaken the feelings and
sympathy Of those who sre comfortably sit0atsd
here Il not thi. the time when the deepest
sympathy OF man for his fellow man should be
.hoWn BY acts Of liberality? Is not this the time
when the phiIanthropst should arouse and exert
his influence in procuring relieffor distressed hu-
manity! Il not this the time when any man
who is able to contribute, should do 90 10 the ut
most Of his capacity! Yours, &c.
w. CRUM.