Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Bidwell, John, 1819-1900, Loker, William N., Sutter, John Augustus, 1803-1880, and Swasey, W.F. (William F.), 1823-1896
- Abstract:
- "A record of events kept by John A. Sutter and his clerks at New Helvetia, California from September 9th 1845 till May 25th 1848". The entries, made by John Bidwell, W.F. Swasey, William N. Loker, and Sutter are concerned with the arrival and departure of persons, supplies, and cargo, as well as significant events on Sutter's holdings. The Diary has been printed by Grabhorn Press in limited edition of 950 copies. The book contains an index of "Persons at the Fort" located references to all names recorded.
- Extent:
- 1.0 folders Cord bound volume with 1843 Boston newspaper binding, 56 pages, handwritten both sides
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
New Helvetia Diary. The Society of California Pioneers.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
"A record of events kept by John A. Sutter and his clerks at New Helvetia, California from September 9th 1845 till May 25th 1848". The entries, made by John Bidwell, W.F. Swasey, William N. Loker, and Sutter are concerned with the arrival and departure of persons, supplies, and cargo, as well as significant events on Sutter's holdings.
The Diary documents the Fort's involvement with the significant events occurring in California during that time including the increase in overland immigration to California, the Bear Flag Revolt, interaction with John Fremont, United States takeover, and the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill.
The Diary has been printed by Grabhorn Press in limited edition of 950 copies. The book contains an index of "Persons at the Fort" located references to all names recorded.
- Biographical / historical:
-
J. A. Sutter arrived in Yerba Buena on July 1st, 1839, aboard the ship "Clementina" from Sitka, Alaska. He was the first white inhabitant of the Sacramento Valley, where he established Sutter's Fort. During the period of the Diary, the Fort was the initial destination of all overland travellers coming to California, offering food, sustinence, protection, and shelter to pioneers upon completion of the transcontinental passage. Sutter created a self-sufficient settlement at Sacramento based upon his extensive lands and cattle, in addition to the capabilities of the people that came there. James Marshall was in Sutter's employ, when he discovered gold in the mill race of the sawmill that he was building in Coloma for Sutter in January of 1848.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of John Bidwell, July 5, 1886.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
There are no restrictions on access.
- Preferred citation:
-
New Helvetia Diary. The Society of California Pioneers.
- Location of this collection:
-
300 Fourth StreetSan Francisco, CA 94107, US
- Contact:
- (415) 957-1849 ext. 160