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Return to The Adventure Begins: Paths to El Dorado
View Large Image of John Sutter's Letter to William Leidesdorff
John Sutter to William Leidesdorff, March 25, 1848
Dear Sir!
The launch "Dicemi Nana" arrived here on the 17th. inst
evening. My Wagons has all been in the Mountains then, and I thought
it would be the best to sent her up to my farm "Hock,"
as the house is right on the river banck. I furnished the Canaea's
imediately with a good pilot and crew to take them up, likewise
plenty of provisions.
We has had last Sunday, and several other day's in this week,
very bad stormy weather, that they had to lay by, and one day
they lost themselves in company with their countymen. I furnish
them again with provision, for which I charge nothing. The Launch
have 180 fanegas*
of Wheat. To complete the 1500 fanegas for the
Russians, I have to send 416 1/2 fanegas more.
My launch has not arrived yet, but I hope she will be in the river.
My sawmill in the mountains is now completed. She cuts 200 feet
of planks in 12 hour's. The Grist mill is advancing.
We intend to form a company for working the Gold mines, which
prove to be very rich. Would you not take a share in it? So soon
as if it would not pay well, we could stop it at any time.
I have the honnor to be
Your
Obedient Servant
J A Sutter * fanega: a measure of grain or seeds about the same as a bushel (32 dry quarts) |
  California 150
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