Packer near Provo. After they told him they were headed to the gold country of the San Juan Mountains, Packer said he would like to join them, claiming he was both a prospector and a guide, and that he knew the San Juan territory well. As he had no provisions, he offered $25 to join the band. The prospectors, who needed a guide, accepted Packer's help.

On the first part of the trip to the San Juan Mountains, members of McGrue's party later said he had apparently