Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/84



together, fastened at the top, and covered with grass and dirt. We found those in the upper part of the Valley, entirely naked; and so wild, that they fled from our approach, into the thickets, leaving their villages and all their property behind them. They subsist, principally, upon salmon, (which ascend the River in great quantities,) upon acorns, and wild oats. One hundred and sixty miles from the head of the valley, we came to the Fort of Capt. Sutter, a large trading establishment, built of dobies. Capt. Sutter's Fort is situated on the East side of the Sacramento River, about fifty miles above its entrance into the Bay of St. Francisco, at the head of tide water, and some distance below the affluance of the Rio de los Americanos, or the American River, a stream which has its source in the Mountains to the East. It is in latitude 38 deg. 35 min. North, and is the principal place in the Sacramento Valley, and one to which the foreigners who are residing in Upper California, look for refuge and protection, in case of an out break by the Indians, or an attempt on the part of the Spaniards, to expel them from the country. The Fort is a quadrangular wall, built of large sun-dried brick, and has bastions in the corners, in which are mounted several small pieces of artillery. It is garrisoned by about forty Indians; one of whom, constantly stands sentry, during the day, as well as the night, and apprises those in the Fort, of the approach of any party, whether friends or foes. It covers a large area, and is probably capable of containing a garrison of one thousand men. Within the walls, are the shops, and the residences of the officers, mechanics, and servants; and there is, also, connected with the establishment, a horse mill, a distillery, and a tannery. Captain Sutter, at first, had difficulties with the Indians; but by the promptness, and severity with which he has frequently chastised them; whether he acted against tribes, or individuals, against Chiefs or subjects; has at length brought them to fear, and respect him; and now they seldom molest his property or the men in his employ. The Indians cultivate, and improve his farms, attend to his large herds of animals, make a portion of his trapping parties, and do all the drudgery about the Fort: hundreds of them are ready, also, to defend him against any emergency. The government of California was, at first, suspicious of him, on account of the strength of his fortifications, and the influence which he was acquiring over the Indians; but he has since been appointed an officer of Justice by them. It is, however, very doubtful, whether their former feelings towards him, are changed; were it not for the insufficiency