1-2/3 pp. on 4-page conjugate letter sheet of blue lined paper. 25x20 cm (10x8").

Interesting letter regarding a legal case involving two early California pioneers, John A. Sutter and John Bidwell, written by a 49er who sought California gold but made his reputation as a lawyer, politician, and diplomat. Elisha O. Crosby sailed for California in December of 1848, practiced law in mining camps, was at the 1849 Constitutional Convention, served in the California State Senate, and was by 1857 practicing law in San Francisco. He writes, in part, "Genl. Sutter goes up home today. I could not get his deposition as they required the full notice, but Genl. Sutter will come down next week Friday and give his deposition in full. He has acted like a man in every respect... Genl. Sutter made a full affidavit in the form of a deposition before the U.S. Commissioner and swore to it in due form so that if he should be take sick or die I have it in shape to be used in court... Maj. Bidwell will come down in about a week or ten days to give his testimony he will corroborate Genl. Sutter's testimony all the way through. I told Maj. Bidwell his expenses should be paid when he came... So far I am satisfied and consider the case perfectly certain... I hope you will be able to help me get my law books, if you can please let me know. I want them very much every day. Yours truly, E.O. Crosby."