Number 11

Amador County Branch 96 - Jackson, California

OXEN’S TALE #11

JOHN SUTTER and Travel to California Part 4

By Frank Tortorich

While Sutter was staying at Ft. Vancouver, he acquired considerable information about the central valley of California. In order to get to California, Sutter would have to take a ship to the Hawaiian Islands and then, hopefully, another ship to California. In fact, this did work but it took months. He was able to sign on a ship that would go to California, but it would have to take a bit of a side trip to Sitka, Alaska.

While at Ft. Vancouver, Hawaii, and Alaska, Sutter asked each of the heads of state if they would write a letter of introduction for him for the next port of call. Now these people knew little about the man Sutter. However, I am sure he was more than delighted to provide the detailed information for these letters, even if meant some exaduation of the facts if not down right untruths.

In the summer of 1839, when Sutter reached the Mexican capital of California at Monterey, he was well prepared with some very convincing particulars about himself written by some respected leaders of other nations.

Next time - Sutter applies for land in the area of the south bank of the American River.

Home • Up

Website Last Modified: August 29, 2008

Information to contact the Webmaster is on the "Contact" Page.