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Subject: Klondike Letter -- John MAHONEY -- Apr 1898
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 14:11:38 -0800


The Free Lance
Hollister, CA
22 Apr 1898 --

ESCAPED THE AVALANCHE -- As many friends of John MAHONEY expressed fear
that he had been caught in the avalanche on the Chilkoot Pass, on April
3rd, as his last letter was dated from the scene of the disaster of April
3rd, we are pleased to lay before our readers the following letter
received from him last Monday:

Dear Folks,
You, no doubt, have heard, ere this, of the great snow slide in the
Chilkoot, and may, perhaps, have thought I was one of the victims.
However, I am happy to state that I am still amongst the living, though
over 100 souls, including several women, were caught in the slide.

They were camped at the “Scales,” at the foot of the summit. About 7
o’clock in the morning they were routed from their slumbers by the
intelligence that an avalanche was likely to break upon them at any
moment. About 9 o’clock they took hold of a long rope and started in a
string for Sheep Camp, where I happened to be staying. It was snowing
very hard at the time, as it had been for 3 days past, and one could
scarcely see 3 feet ahead of him. They took hold of the rope so they
would not stray off from each other and get lost. The slide struck them
at about the center of the line. They heard it but could not see it
coming. Some of those overwhelmed got out alive, and proceeded to Sheep
Camp, and gave the alarm. Instantly everybody at the camp turned out, and
every man grabbing a shovel started to the rescue. No account was taken
of those dug out alive. So far 12 men and 1 woman have been taken out
dead. How many more still remain buried beneath the snow will not be
known until the snow melts in the summer. My belongings are up at the
“Scales,” partly covered with snow. Since I have started to write this
letter they have taken out 12 more bodies. One man rescued was buried in
the snow for 24 hours. The rescuers are still at work, and expect to find
many more bodies before night. Outfits can be bought to-day for a song,
as many have become disheartened at the dangers and hazards of the trip,
and are preparing to return home.

Now, don’t fear for me, as I will not try to cross the pass or, in fact,
do anything until the weather moderates. I went up yesterday to lend a
hand, and started up this morning but turned back, and will not try
again. It is too hazardous an undertaking. This is the heaviest snowfall
for the season. Three men were caught in their beds, and were dead when
found. Their ox, which was stalled in a tent adjoining them, escaped
unhurt. A description of the scenes that attended this awful disaster is
heartrending. I talked with several of the victims, who were rescued.
They stated they could hear men all along the line of rope praying or
bidding good-bye to friends, and then they knew no more until the keen
biting wind struck them after they were dug out of the snow. I am well
and hearty, and send regards to friends.
Signed,
John MAHONEY
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