t Reed, too enchanted by the idea of a shorter and briefer route, ignored Clyman's warning and embarked on the path to Fort Bridger.
             On July 17, when the party was attempting to cross the Continental Divide, a man carrying a letter from Lansford W. Hastings met them. The letter stated that Hastings would meet the party at Fort Bridger and that he would personally take them over the pass. The party was happy about this and continued on in good spirits.
             On July 20, they reached the Sandy River, which was the parting of the routes. It was either Hasting's new cutoff or the normal, withered wagon path. The Donner Party went the risky way towards Fort Bridger while all of the other wagons took the other route. This was the point of no return. The Donner Party had sealed its fate with Lansford W. Hastings and his new route to California.
             While on their way to Fort Bridger, the party decided to pick a leader, and
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