A Donner Party survivor later told J. Quinn Thornton, author of one account of the snowshoe expedition, that the men had been ready to give up well before the women. The deep stupor into which their calamities had plunged the most of them often changed to despair. Each seemed to see inevitable destruction, and expressed in moans, sighs, and tears the gloomy thoughts over which their minds were brooding. Of the women, though, the same survivor said, Most of them manifested a constancy and courage; a coolness, presence of mind, and patience. . . . The difficulties, dangers, and misfortunes which
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