Sutter, John August

Autograph letter signed ("J. A. Sutter" with an elaborate paraph), 1 page (9 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 248 x 199 mm) on a sheet of ruled blue paper (watermarked American eagle p & s), Hock Farm, 17 December 1856, to Colonel James Lloyd La Fayette Warren (at Sacramento), reception docket on verso. Half blue morocco portfolio.

Sutter apologizes that his agricultural responsibilities have prevented his finishing some writing for Warren. "I am very sorry that I had no time to keep my promise, because never in my life I was more occupied as at present, being the whole day outside some times two Miles below and some times one Mile above the house, and all time on foot, with my laborers, of the Works which are done now chiefly by Indians I will inform you in my next. And so you can imagine that in the evening when I come home I feel somewhat fatigued; but now to day is a rainy day, and I will just commence at once, and when interrupted I make it up in the Night, and send it to morrow to Marysville, and from there to Express or Mail. I would have employment for a few Months, for a good Horticulturist."

Sutter's rainy-day occupation was likely composing some sort of contribution for Warren's California Farmer and Journal of Useful Science, the first agricultural journal in the state.