Letters written by William Atherton

Lima 19^thMarch 1822

Mr W P Hartnell

Dear Sir

As you are about to proceed to California, and have been so kind as to offer your services, I have consigned to your care an aportment of goods amounting to as per annexed invoice $407.2 which is as far as my means at present will allow me, and I trust you will be able to dispose of them to advantage.

It is my desire to have the remittance made in something small and valuable, assorted with such curiosity as the country whether you are going may afford. I shall always feel very proud if I can be of any service to you here, and wishing you your better health and happiness.

I remain Dear Hartnell

Yours very sincerely

William Atherton

[Below is the invoice which was enclosed]

Invoice of sundry goods shipped by William Atherton on board the Brig John Begg for the Coast of California and consigned to Mr W P Hartnell, on account ….... of the shipper

6 Fine Black Cloth Coats $20 120

36 Pair white Jean Trousers 4 144

36 white Jean Waistcoats 2.4 90

1 Brace Pistols 20

3 Parcels Combs 15

4 dozen Scissors 1 4

3 “ Knives 2.6 8.2

6 Razors 6 4.4

2 …........ for bleeding cattle 6 1.4

$407.2

Errors Excepted

Lima 19^thMarch 1822

Lima January 20^th1823

Mr William P Hartnell

Dear Sir

On the other side I hand you Prices Current of this Market, but I am afraid it will prove of little service to you in the manner in which you are at present situated, however it may amuse you to know how goods are selling, and if you can derive any benefits from it I shall forward you them every conveyance.

You will observe our Market has fully kept it's prices since you left …........ of Goods and the prices quoted might readily be obtained. Referring you to my respects of this date, and Mr McCulloch who can give you every information.

I remain Dear Sir

Yours very respectfully

William Atherton

Lima January 20^th1823

Mr W P Hartnell

Dear Hartnell

I have before me yours of 22^ndOctober received 9^thinst per Sir Francis Baring and note with much disappointment the small progress you have made in the disposal of my adventure per John Begg, however I am satisfied you have used your endeavours for my interest, and I only have to say I hope you will on receipt of this sell off any thing that may be on hand and remit me the proceeds in a bill on John Begg & Co with the regular premium given for cash with you. I have received from Mr McCulloch as per your order one hundred and fifty five dollars, and I hope to receive a like sum per Colonel Young daily expected from your quarter.

By the John Begg I did not receive a word from you, and consider myself ill used, as you must remember promising to write me. Mac says the reason was because I did not write you by the Baring, now this appears strange indeed to me as we never expected you to live the passage down – however I will not dwell on this subject, but as I before told you if you wish to keep up a regular correspondence with me as far as regards our business and domestic affairs I shall always be proud in informing you of all the novedades which may take place with us – but you on the other hand must do the same, and not as you have began in sending seven lines–and sign in haste– as we know you went down from Monterey to San Diego to despatch the Brig, and if in that space you could not find time to write me fully how can you suppose I in my situation can find time.

You say you sent me some small presents per John Begg, and I beg leave to state I never received them – Mac brought me a skin and three bows and arrows for which he gave himself credit, as returns for shot powders etc given him on leaving this. I have mentioned the circumstances to him, and you must touch him up for breach of promise to deliver your presents. In future should you send any trifles be sure to put my name on them, if not – he who gets first on board takes them.

Since your departure from this many changes have taken place in Government of which you would be informed of by Mr Logan, and of those taken place since his departure I ….... beg to refer you to Mr Hugh McCulloch, who we have made quite a polished gentleman of since his arrival. I assure you he cuts it fat in our city and his company is esteemed by every British merchant, he wears the title of “California Ambassador” and believe me your situation and prospects are looked upon by all adventures to this side, and no doubt if you succeed in procurring two or three good cargoes of hides, and can get them safe home your fortunes are made, and from all appearances it seems clear the way is well paved, and although you have been unfortunate in the first attempts, it will all be evened if you succeed in the hides – the proverb says “a bad beginning brings a good ending” and you have my prayers that you and your companions may soon be able to return home highly repaid for you labours – having got so far I will turn to a new subject.

The poncho which Castro gave you previous to your departure, and afterwards demanded payment for, and which you ordered me to pay has died a natural death, as I laughed him out of it, and he has now forgot it. Our establishment since the arrival of the Caledonia has increased, having received a Mr Boardman and a Mr Wallace, the latter a regular scotch skin flin and the former a good fellow and jovial companion – with brass and good connections. Our Patron finds us plenty to do but at one period since your departure we were completely at a standstill – he enjoys most excellent health as well as the whole of us.

Our latest accounts from England are twentieth August when nothing new had taken place more than the horrible circumstance of Lord Casteneagh's cutting his throat, and of the Marquis of Wellesley being appointed Prime Minister. Our Government have at length taken a step towards the acknowledgement of the Independence of these countries, by allowing their vessels to enter into the Ports of Great Britain and paying the same duty as English bottoms. A loan of one million pounds sterling has been granted by individuals in London to the State of Chile on paying six per cent interest – the …... of this is to push the growth of hemp as it is rumoured a war is likely to take place between England and Russia, per last accounts it was selling at 79 ¼ and the Columbian 837/8 – in my opinion these prices are very high when we take into consideration the very disturbed state in which these country's are still in. By Mac you will receive a doz. bottles Soda powders and a [whip?] of which I beg your acceptance – and I beg if ever I can be of …....... to you in procurring you any things here or from England that you will only name them, this is not a complement my friend for I am earnest, for I am aware of your situation, and pray name at any time …..... can serve you - ….. write this out of […..licy?] but I hope you will not ….................... .

To endeavour to amuse you and to lay a foundation for a contuance of our friendship and correspondence I will tell you how we pass our time on high days and holidays.

Picnics have been introduced as a most excellent remedy for killing Sundays, when we all go out to some Chacra where we send our dinner the day previous, and remain there till evening when we return livened with the effects of generous wine, which makes some of our companions visit those shops in which you used to spend so much of your time. On Xmas day we had rather a grand dinner when 104 Britons sat down to beef and pudding, and after taking a small portion of wine (say six bottles each) we retired to the race ground where hunting and racing became the sport, but the groung was so covered with tulips that it was dangerous to ride about, amongst whom was “Sturdy Mac laying on his back”, old Read the same, and many more of our neighbours. The young men of this no longer dull city have also their parties, and we enjoy our Pic Nics regularly. Wyld and myself gave one some time since when only two arrived in Lima that day, poor Armstrong fell off his horse 17 times and myself only 7 – and the rest of our friends averaging each 13 falls in a distance of five miles.

The […....arian?] Society is not carried on here, but the Poetic Society is the talk of the day – a meeting over a good supper is held once a month when no one can appears but with poetry, and that on any subject he may wish to write, and we have fine ….... I assure you – in short we spend our time far better than when you left us. Where am I wandering to, you will think I have little command indeed over my pen to allow it to write so much nonsense.

Respewcting my ….... wishes I remain Dear Hartnell

Yours very truly

William Atherton

½ past 12 – night

Lima 1^stMay 1823

Mr William P Hartnell

Since my note per Bahia Packet I have little to add. I then mentioned having sent you a Ledger and Journal but owing to my inexpertise and their neglect it was omitted to be sent on board, but you have them per this conveyance and I trust they will meet your approbation.

I have little to say in the way of news and must beg to refer you to McCulloch's letter – and hope you will excuse my not repeating the same and I wish you would say what I can in future periods most amuse you. Should the John Begg or any other vessel go from your Coast to England I trust you will forward the balance due to me as that transactionought to be wound up long since, you will also receive from Logan what he may have …... and forward it in the same manner. Heath left this in the Lady [Colliey?] the same time as Mac for Guayaquil where he …... …. to the Columbian Govt. and after a deal of trouble in recovering the payment managed to run off with another man's wife – Mrs [..ance?] who he lived with while here – where he is gone to the devil knows – but it is supposed to Panama.

It is now half past twelve (night) and after writing all day I am completely tired, but will write more fully next opportunity. With this you have a letter from Lincoln – if he is with you remember me to him and tell the ….... to take care of my pistols and himself.

Dear Hartnell

I remain

Yours very truly

William Atherton

Lima July 31^st1823

Mr William P Hartnell

Dear Hartnell – Since my last respects per Neptune we have nothing from your quarter and have felt ourselves very awkwardly situated here. The Spaniards entered this 18^thUltimo and again abandoned it 17^thinst. and during their stay behaved in such a manner as you would hardly imagine, respecting all property and giving protection to every one who put themselves under their power – indeed we have all been surprised at their conduct but no doubt it would have been very different had they entered under any other circumstances than what they did. Our Troops some 5000 Columbians went out to meet them on the Chorillas Road, but retreated before them to the Castles as they advanced and they broke up their camp without fighting a battle – they took up their possessions between this and the …........, and only made one advance to their foes, which was 25^thUltimo, when they were drawn up in number some 3000 men, which behaved in the most gallant manner. You will remember a …....... between Callao and Bella Vista, and this was in the occupation of Canterao and a few infantry, while the main body were stationed all round the Castles, however finding they could not bring their enemy to a battle retired in the greatest order with a very small loss, a little skirmishing took place in which the Patriots were the greatest losers. Indeed had a general action been fought no doubt but they would have beat us – their force is some 7300 to 8000 men in excellent discipline and full of fight. It is said they were not aware of Santa Cruz's expedition to the Intermedios before they came to Lurin, and it is natural to suppose that expedition is now doing great things. Miller and Alvarado have gone on a second expedition with 3600 men, their destination is supposed to be between Pisco and Hilos. We entertain great hopes of the success of these expeditions but still if a general battle is fought I think it will be a hard one if the Spaniards are beaten. Bolivar has not yet arrived nor do we now entertain any hopes of his presence. We got most of our goods down to Callao and left such …. as we could get no means for their transportation. Boardman and Wallace remain here, and all we runaways (Begg, Read, Wyld etc) made the best of our way to the Port. I was up in Lima most of the time they were here and it was a pleasure to see their Camp in such excellent order.

In Domestic affairs I have nothing new to communicate. Our house affairs going on as usual and as for Office business it is in a bad way. I wish you were here to get Don Florentino Castro's Customhouse Accounts into some order, in their present state I would defy old Nick to make any thing out of them. I am still labouring at the Cash and accounts for England but my next will inform you I am no more in the employ of your good partner. My time is out tomorrow, and I have now in Callao some thousands of Pounds of Goods and every reason to expect full encouragements. I might have been connected with John Begg & Co but put no confidence in their speculations with Governments – the [L.....?] has all ended in …...... and how are they to get paid and they speculated in much more than even …....... had to …..- however John Parish Robertson leaves this in a few days in the Viper direct for England, with full power to raise a new house but I fear he will have difficulty in raising one, particularly as he is limited to ….. and if he doesn't succeed the whole of the Contractors are ruined – however I trust this will not be the case but appearances look bad between you and I. I am satisfied however the …..... may turn into he will repent the day he left a sure trade for a chance of getting into a …..... .

Wyllie is in Guayaquil and is to sail in a few days for Intermedios – he has bought a ship the [Tom.....] (a strange name indeed). …........ is in Chile. Gibson in …........ We have lots of new faces here altho few establishments since you left. I enclose you five letters – if you have sent any ….. to England I hope you have sent the balance of my A/c. It is not I hope necessary to say more.

I remain my dear sir

Yours very truly

William Atherton

Lima 31^stJuly 1823

Hugh McCulloch Esq

My dear Mac

It is now near ten o'clock and we are all grumbling for our breakfast. I wish you were here to give our [Goad Man a pull?]. I am so hungry I do not think I shall be able to give you any particulars however I will do my best. I have written Hartnell per this conveyance giving him an account of our politic situation and to him and your letters per this conveyance I beg to refer you – the Captain I am afraid will be able to give you little news – from appearances he seems a stupid fellow – and his vessel is certainly kept in a very dirty state. I have several letters from [Murphy?] he wishes very much to get out here again – his wife has been very ill or he would have been here long since – he wishes me to give him a description of your quarter, and he has I think some notion of going to you. I am not aware what produce or goods might be sold with you, therefore cannot write him on the subject and neither can I beg the favour of your addressing him – as you would imagine I would be doing you injury by having any opposition – and as you intend to monopolise the whole of the trade it would be useless his endeavours to do any good. I shall write to him to stay where he is, and be content – but if you have any respect for an old friend I think you might write him as by so doing you would not only be incurring a favour on him but also by your old friends. We have nothing new in domestic affairs we go on in the old way – but our prospects are not very flattering and unless the Intermedios expeditions turn up well – I was just going to enter into a long detail upon the War between France and Spain but bringing to mind the great inclination you have for doing business in a superior style (that is by knocking of a letter quick) I think I had better conclude, but previously will remind you of your promise to forward me any curiosities you may pick up and have over in your quarter, and for the amount of the same you will be indemnified by Hartnell or myself.

I am not in possession of any of your favours since my last and therefore cannot send you any trifles you may stand in need of.

-½ past 10 – just got our breakfast and by the bye it strikes me you will be anxious to know how your friend [Enidio?] got of with the Spaniards – and it is with pleasure I inform you he saved most part of his Goods being disappointed in not procurring Mules the last day – some part fell into the Enemy's possession. I hope you have met with more success with the Californian ladies than you represented when last with us. I should not be surprised to hear of your being married – a wife from your country would be a curiosity at home – and perhaps you might find some  one here who would go home with you accompanied by a Limenxa,

Adieu dear Mac

Believe me yours very truly

William Atherton

Lima June 30^th1824

Mr William P Hartnell

Dear Hartnell

I now take up my pen to address you, and at same time feel very confident I cannot give you and satisfactory accts of affairs here – but for once must refer you to Lincoln, who will give you all the [variedades?] of this place – which god knows are plenty.

On my return from San Blas I received your favour of 26^thFeby for which I feel truly thankful. I have been to see after the encargo for your Books, but have not fallen in with them, and truly I have not done you justice – however by next conveyance you shall receive them if they are to be had here. My time is at present completely devoured by the attention required to my different correspondents and consignments that have come to hand during my absence and I am sorry to sayi have several thousand sterling now on the …....., and where to find a Market for them would puzzle old Nick.

By this conveyance I address you from …............. of friendship, and in order that you may not say I have entirely neglected you. I received the Indian …...... per Hebe, and for which I return you many thanks, and shall make a suitable return by next opportunity. No more variedades have come out since my …....., but when political affairs become more quiet you shall have them together with every Periodical Work [regulated?] forwarded you.

I have a particular friend here a Mr Tattersal who wishes to have two or three Bows and Arrows from your place, and I now take the liberty of requesting your attention to this matter and by so doing you will much oblige me.

With every sentiment of good feelings for your happiness and prosperity I remain.

My dear Hartnell

Yours truly

William Atherton

Atherton Buildings, Liverpool, 17 May 1849

William P. Hartnell Esq

My dear Sir

It is many years since 1822, that I have neither had the pleasure of seeing you, or of your correspondence. I have however been glad to hear from time to time that you are in the land of the living. I hope it is the case yet, and with this expectation I send these few lines at a venture.

Great indeed have been the vicissitudes we have been subjected to since the period above referred to – the great change in California the result of the American Annexation hardly …..... the individual transitions money men have been subjected to.

I hope you are amongst the most fortunate in the Gold Districts. It would indeed give me great pleasure to see you here with as much as is good for you – more is bad and dangerous.

I have looked anxiously for your name in the different Accounts I have seen of California, but unsuccessfully. I am not however the less hopeful that you have done very well.

I have had great ups and downs. I am now quietly settled, doing a fair general business, and intend to keep to it. I shall be glad of your correspondence and to be of service in the purchase and shipping of Goods or in any way we can be useful to each other.

The bearer, Captain Martin, is an old West Coast Captain – a very decent upright man. I shall be glad if you can be of service to him. I shall be anxious for his return to hear more fully of you.

I am, My dear Sir

Yours Truly

William Atherton