Probably the dead body was a tough logistics problem. Gotta haul a casket, and also feed the party over the course of the days, while also watching out for roving highwaymen. Perilous days.
The California missions are spaced approximately 30 miles apart, which was considered a days journey with the intention one could travel from mission to mission. This was, of course, with horses and wagons, etc... So about 10-15 miles a day back then is a reasonable assumption I think.