[Sutter, John August]

3 items relating to Sutter's longstanding efforts to gain from the United States government some compensation for the huge losses he suffered by the vacating of his title to the Sobrante lands granted to him by the Mexican government and from the destruction caused by hordes of American immigrants:



Jefferson Davis, letter signed ("Jeffn: Davis") as Secretary of War, 1 page, Washington, 18 May 1855, to B. T. Reed, informing Reed, "I have received your letter of the 14th, instant asking a settlement of the claim of Lieut. John A. Sutter, for services in California during the Mexican War, and in reply have to inform you that the claims of Lt. Sutter and the other men on Kern's roll are now under consideration"; endorsed in pencil by Reed at the foot of the letter, "I addressed Mr. Davis again Feby 23/56 & in July 1855 but got no reply."



John August Sutter, autograph sentiment signed ("With my best regards I am your Obedt. Servt. J. A. Sutter"), on a leaf from an autograph album, [Washington, 1878–80], also signed by 5 members of Congress.



Printed Report from the House of Representatives, "The Committee on Claims, to whom were referred the memorial and papers of John A. Sutter, asking relief, respecting report that they have had the same under consideration ...," 4 pages, [Washington, April 1880]; chipped without loss. The Report, No. 867 of the 46th Congress, quotes William T. Sherman to the effect that to Sutter "more than any single person, are we indebted for the conquest of California, with all its treasures," and recommends the appropriation of $50,000 "to be paid Gen. John A. Sutter, in full satisfaction for his services and losses, and whatever equities he may have had under the said Sobrante grant." Congress adjourned 16 June 1880 without voting on the appropriation; Sutter died two days later.



The 3 items are housed together in a brown cloth portfolio.