May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/7/2024
An interesting and very significant letter regarding the California Gold Rush, written and signed by John Sutter, who became famous following the discovery of gold by his employee at Sutter's Mill. The letter is dated September 1st, 1849, and the subject matter includes Sutter giving his attorney the right to handle his land in Vernon, California. The letter reads: "Know all men by these presents that I, John A. Sutter of Hock in Upper California, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents doth constitute and appoint Archibald C. Peachy of San Francisco, my true & lawful attorney, for me & in my name to sell all the lots, pieces & parcels of land, belonging to me in the City of Vernon situated on the east banks of the Feather & Sacramento rivers at the junction of the same-to execute deeds of conveyance to the purchasers thereof containing a clause of warranty against myself and all other persons whatever - and the other usual convenants for the better assurance of title, to sell the said lots of land upon such terms with regard to the price or prices – the time of payment thereof, and the recei[p]ts to be had and taken therefore as to him shall seem proper, to give sufficient receipts and discharges to purchaser[s] for the money which they shall pay in – and finally to all things in the premises as fully & with the same legal effect & validity as I myself might perform them them were I personally present at the transaction thereof - Hereby ratifying and confirming all the acts of my said attorney done in pursuance of the power hereby granted. Witness my hand and seal, the first day of September, in the year one thousand, eight hundred and forty nine.". Sutter's business ventures failed during the California Gold Rush and he was forced to sell his land in Vernon, now Verona City, California, which was then referred to as "the gateway to the gold fields." The letter is nicely framed and measures 20 - 1/2" x 19" with nice matted engraving of Sutter. Visible fold lines with bold and legible writing. A truly interesting letter dated at the beginning of one of the most historic events for the state of California. The document comes with a JSA LOA. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 2"