190 CALIFORNIA. 



Helvetia is bounded on the north by the American Fork, a small 

 serpentine stream, which has a course of but a few miles. This 

 river, having a bar near its mouth, no vessels larger than boats can 

 enter it. At this place the Sacramento is eight hundred feet wide, 

 and this may be termed the head of its navigation during the dry 

 season, or the stage of low water. 



Mr. Geiger, a young American from Newport, is now attached to 

 Captain Suter's establishment ; but he informed me that he intended 

 to settle higher up the Sacramento, on the banks of the Feather river. 

 When Captain Suter first settled here in 1839, he was surrounded 

 by some of the most hostile tribes of Indians on the river ; but by his 

 energy and management, with the aid of a small party of trappers, 

 has thus far prevented opposition to his plans. He has even suc- 

 ceeded in winning the good-will of the Indians, who are now labour- 

 ing for him in building houses, and a line of wall, to protect him 

 against the inroads or attacks that he apprehends, more from the 

 present authorities of the land, than from the tribes about him, who 

 are now working in his employ. He holds, by appointment of the 

 government, the office of administrador, and has, according to his own 

 belief, supreme power in his own district, condemning, acquitting, 

 and punishing, as well as marrying and burying those who are under 

 him. He treats the Indians very kindly, and pays them well for 

 their services in trapping and working for him. His object is to 

 attach them, as much as possible, to his interests, that in case of need 

 he may rely upon their chiefs for assistance. 



Although Captain Suter is, in general, in the habit of treating the 

 Indians with kindness, yet he related to our gentlemen instances in 

 which he had been obliged to fusilade nine of them ; indeed, he does 

 not seem to stand upon much ceremony with those who oppose him 

 in any way. His buildings consist of extensive currals and dwelling- 

 houses, for himself and people, all built of adobes. Labour is paid 

 for in goods. The extent of his stock amounts to about one thousand 

 horses, two thousand five hundred cattle, and about one thousand 

 sheep, many of which are now to be seen around his premises, giving 

 them an appearance of civilization. 



Captain Suter has commenced extensive operations in farming; but 

 in the year of our visit the drought had affected him, as well as others, 

 and ruined all his crops. About forty Indians were at work for him, 

 whom he had taught to make adobes. The agreement for their 

 services is usually made with their chiefs, and in this way, as many 



