
#MD10
1853
Octavo (ca. 24.5 x 19.5 cm or 9 ½ x 7 ¾ in). Brown ink on creamy lined laid paper, with papermaker’s blindstamp on upper left corner. 1 pp. Docketed on verso. Fold marks, paper slightly age-toned, otherwise a very good letter.
An interesting letter providing insight on settlements near Sacramento during the California Gold Rush (1848-1855). The letter is written by Sacramento local H. O. Henry to his friend John “up” in Washington. He opens the letter by asking his friend about his journey back and updating him on the problem of their lots. He talks about the Sutterville settlement and how the residents are coming back to Sacramento, commenting on the nature of their character. Sutterville was a settlement near Sacramento, established in 1844. In 1853, it experienced a boom and bust—in spring “real estate… began to look up” and “many… passed by Sacramento and pitched their tents in Sutterville,” however, by summer “it was evident Sutterville was suffering collapse” (Sacramento Union, 26 April 1939, 6). The settlement was later absorbed by the city of Sacramento, sometime between 1853 and the 1910s. He also mentions the business of one McNulty, who has been offered $25,000 for his property in El Dorado County, California.
Excerpts from the letter (spelling original):
“As there was nothing came for you to the P[ost] Office I did not write the day you left here. If the [sic] should be anything for you in next mail I will send it up. How did you find things on your return to Washington? Did you see old man Burnell on your way up? And what did he say? I do not know yet wheather [sic] we shall see the lots or not. If we do I will let you know. I have not found anything to do yet. I [sic] you should see anything in your quarter please let me hear from you.
“Cahoon came up here a day or two since—he talks of going up there soon. Did you learn anything of the letter you took up for Mr Banister? I will send up some papers with this. Let me hear from you and if this, and all come safe to you. I should not dare to send your letters if you should not get this promptly. Nothing new of interest. The Sutter-Ville folks are backing out and coming back to Sacramento. I hear the sheriff has levy’d on their bridge, the [sic] and they were building when we were down there. Just as I always expected from the character of those who were engaged in building the new City. McNulty is going on with his business again. They have been offered $25,000 for the Eldorado [sic] property. Respects to Mr Banister and the Boys.”