A Secret
- -James Marshall arrived at John Sutter's office in Sutter's Fort four days after the discovery. He shut the door, and asked if it was locked.He was clearly agitated, so Sutter locked the door at his request. Alarmed and baffled by his employee's strange demeanor, Sutter returned with scale from the apothecary shop at Marshall's request. (11)
- Marshall pulled a white cloth bundle from his pocket and Sutter saw for the first time what would eventually lead to his demise. They performed more extensive tests on the three to four ounces of gold flakes that Marshall brought.
- They weighed it, noting the rather dense properties of the material. Next they reacted it with acid. Still the gold retained its original characteristics.(12)
- Immediately, Sutter realized the consequences of this discovery. He knew that if news of the discovery spread, his mill would never be finished and his employers would leave his employ to seek their fortunes.
- He dispatched Marshall back to the mill with orders to inform the crew to remain silent about the discovery. But, as most do, the secret leaked out, both through the workers and by Sutter himself. Eventually the news of this small discovery would catalyze the events leading to the great California goldrush.