San Francisco, California          November 23, 1871

My Dear Sir;

It was my intention to avail myself of the opportunity to present some additional statements in regard to the Sutro Tunnel, but my time has been so very much occupied since my return to California that if has been almost impossible for me to find the necessary leisure.

I think now that I shall have to reply to the statements of some of the superintendents of the mines on the Comstock lode after your report is published, so I may ascertain what position they take; my reply, of course, can then form no part of your report.

You are, no doubt, well aware of the continued and persistent prevarications of the men who oppose the great work in which I am engaged; and since I have given a complete history of the tunnel enterprise and the motives for that opposition in a speech delivered by me at Virginia City, Nevada, some time ago, I inclose a copy of the same, and would respectfully ask to have the same embodied in the appendix to your report.

That a work of the magnitude of the Sutro Tunnel, which will radically change the mode of working the mines, should find such local opposition, cannot be wondered at. It is the old fight of the stage-coaches against railroads, and such fights will always take place as long as improvements are contemplated.
I forwarded to you some days ago estimates of the coast of large dam across Canon River, with other statistical information about the water-power on the river, which I hope has duly reached you.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

ADOLPH SUTRO

Major General H.G. Wright
          Senior Officer Sutro Tunnel Commissioners.