Letters written by various writers

Co-Partnership Agreement 21st March 1822 - First part is missing – this is only the concluding part

….. the aforesaid Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell either or both of them and to dissolve and make void this Memorandum of Copartnership as it relates to and affects the aforesaid Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell as Partners jointly or individually, and to appoint and make a Partner or Partners in their [room?] other person or persons with all the power and privileges as a Partner or Partners which the aforesaid Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell jointly or severally possess.

In the event of the death of either Hugh McCulloch or William Petty Hartnell aforesaid the survivor shall be entitled to receive the Profit or Gain of the three eighth parts alloted for the share of the said Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell until the arrival of person or persons in California which the aforesaid John Begg & Co may send as Partner or Partners to fill the place of the deceased.

And should any dispute arise as to the said profits or gains within the period above mentioned the aforesaid John Begg & Co. have full power to award and decide the amount of the aforesaid Profit or Gain and their award and decision shall be final and binding.

Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell are individually responsible to one another, and individually and jointly responsible to John Begg & Co for their conduct and management – and for loss and injuries done to or sustained by the concern from their neglect and mismanagement, and that responsibility shall be an equivalent in money for the loss and injuries sustained.

The aforesaid parties John Begg – James Brotherston - Hugh McCulloch and William Petty Hartnell bind themselves and their Heirs Executors and Assigns in the sum of Five Thousand Dollars to the fulfilment of this Memorandum of Copartnership.

For John Begg

& James Brotherston

= John Begg & Co.=

= Hugh McCulloch =

Witnesses to the

signatures of John Begg & Co

and Hugh McCulloch

= John Read =

= Robert C. Wylie =

The above is a true and faithful Copy of the

original Memorandum of Copartnership.

[signature - ] Hugh McCulloch

[Copy of Charter Agreement dated 21^stMarch 1822]

It is hereby agreed and understood between John Begg & Co and Hugh McCulloch that the Brig John Begg, Captain John Lincoln is letout on charter to the above parties for a voyage from Callao to California and back to Callao on the conditions mentioned in the within memorandum of Copartnership for the sum of Twelve hundred Dollars per month from this date to her return and discharge in Callao.

Lima 21 March 1822

= John Begg & Co =

= Hugh McCulloch =

Letter from James Wyld

Callao Bay 25 April 1824

Dear Hartnell

As you will not likely receive letters from any one in Lima excepting Mr Begg I cannot let slip this opportunity of writing you a few lines – you would no doubt receive letters both from McCulloch and Atherton from San Blas – as Mac writes there was a small vessel there bound for Monterey. I daresay you will by this time know that Lima and the Fortresses of Callao are in possession of the Spaniards owing entirely to the misgovernment of our former rulers and a petty jealousy against Bolivar and his troops which caused Bolivar to march his forces to [Fa..illo?]. Soon after which the troops under the Buenos Ayrean Flag the only regulars in Lima got dissatified with their food and pay (their Chief, General Martinez had gambled away the money he had received to pay them) to quiet which they were marched to Callao to garrison the forts which they had no sooner got possession of than they put all their officers in confinement and a corporal called Moyano declared himself as head of the revolt. They held out at first for 100,000$ and vessels to carry the troops round the cape which was merely a pretence to gain time as two days after Casariego a Spaniard prisoner in Casas …...... made his appearance as assistant Gobernador [Governor] and hoisted the Spanish flag.

The revolt took place on the 5^thFebruary and on the 28^thGeneral Monet entered Lima with 2,000 men accompanied by General Rodil who is now Governor here. The Congress during the revolt declared Bolivar Dictator but a great many of them have remained here as well as the greater part of the head men such as Torre Tagle, Berindoaga (Minister of War) who are treated by the Spaniards with the greatest contempt and of the Buenos Ayrean troops which consisted of about 1000 men I do not suppose there exists at this day 100 of them – about one half of them were shot here at various times in attempts at a counter revolution the remainder were marched off to Arequipa along with about 200 of the Guarderia de Caballo who likewise passed over accompanied by a strong detachment of Spanish troops but they all deserted or were shot in the attempt and Lima is completely surrounded by [montaneros?] who prevent all supplies coming in.

We have had accounts for some time of a Squadron fitting out in Cadiz for these Seas as likewise in England. The Cambridge 90 gun ship has already sailed with …...... for Chile and this – the papers talk largely on the probability of a war between England, France and Spain. There has been various attempts made by way of petitions from the [Limenos?] to Rodil to ….... all foreigners out of this country but he seems to be of a different opinion and says that when they come forward and pay the foreigners the advances they have made and take upon themselves the paying clothing and feeding of the troops he will then think of it. By last accounts from the Sierra Anterac was said to be in full march with all his troops to attack Bolivar who with his troops is said to be high spirits he has about 8000 Columbians and [2000?] Peruvians upon the latter of which he places very little dependence – upon the decision of a …..... depends the fate of Peru however we are very sanguine of Bolivar and expect to see him ere long.

You will no doubt be sorry to learn on account of those interested that only about £60,000 of the Peruvian loan has been paid but great hopes are placed on Jno P Robertson who has arrived in England with full powers to contract for a loan.

There are dissensions amongst the Spanish Chiefs here the other day Olanete declared for the King in …... and in his proclamations ….... La [Serna..?] traitors and enemies to their King and country as it is only a short time since they declared the constitution which induced La [Serna?] to declare for the King although he and most of the Chiefs are constitutionalists at heart.

Little or no business is doing here at present – a great many cargoes have gone to Intermedios – I believe your old friend Atherton when he comes backleaves Mr Beggs – but this is supposition.

Remember to Logan and write me

I am Dear Hartnell

Yours sincerely

James Wyld

Letter from John Lincoln, Captain of the Brig John Begg

Callao 15^thJuly 1826

Mr W E P Hartnell

Dear Sir

I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you of some of the most recent events in Europe of which am sorry to say are very unfavourable.

The present state of Commerce(i.e. Up to 26 March) was in a most deplorable situation the failures being so great in the Money Market that all Confidence is lost and no person is able to form an idea of the Results (entre nos) public rumour here speaks of the Stoppage of our House in Liverpool but this I can't credit for there is but little doubt it is done through calumny or to answer some private ends.

Most probably you'll hear of the loss of the Brig Esther Capt. Davis (by Inca) on the Coast of Ireland she was lying too about 3 Leagues from the land the night previous to her getting on shore when the Cap. and his watch were all washed overboard and carried all by the Board afterwards she lost her sails and …..... . …...... the Mate and his watch were saved likewise Capt. [Brothers?] who had gone below at the Inst. to see what time it was. Part of the cargo was preserved on Acct. of the underwriters. N.B. The hides have ….. averaged something above 18s each.

I have brought out your encargoes but I understand shall shortly pay you a visit in propia persona so shall decline sending them by this conveyance for fear they might sustain some Injury or be mislaid (except a small parcel of Newspapers) – my Destiny is not at present fixed but imagine shall go to Rio …... and from thence to California if so shall bring down Mrs Tivy and Family who have come out from England with me. I hope you enjoy happiness and good health in your present state which allow me to congratulate you upon and hoping your conubial bliss will every day be exceeded by delicious sweets which can only be enjoyed in the company of your wife and may she be like the fruitful vine bringing forth fruit in due season.

Accompanying this you have a Letter from you Sister in London and sorry am I to be the bearer of news that sooner or later you must hear but it is a debt we must all pay. I mean the death of your Mother who died while I was in the country and Mr Brotherston still continues the allowance which your mother formerly paid to your sister.

As to the state of Peru it is at present in a very unsettled state and Divisions daily occur in the Interior. [Casco?] 3 days past …..... to declare itself an independent state and troops are ordered off there and I fear it will be long ere there is a settled Government here.

Bolivar is about to return to Colmbia where Factions are rising to his prejudice.

Mr Samuel Price of Lima died a few days past – and many others which I suppose you don't know.

Mr McCulloch (I believe) is carrying on the Store in Callao on his own Account solely.

You will undoubtedly be surprised at my not bringing Letters from Don Juan Noriega but having rec'd some from California a few days previous to our sailing he retook back his letters to write others which supposedly will come out by first conveyance. He certainly is a prodigy of nature in acquiring a Language he speaks the English Language fluently and has made great progress in French – he certainly has excelled some that have been in England 3 years from Peru. Adieu I am in haste and shall ever remain

Your obedient Servt to command

John Lincoln

Excuse this Jumble

of a Letter)

Letter from General (then Captain) Henry W. Halleck

Monterey California January 1^st1850

My Dear Sir

General Riley has directed me to communicate to you officially his retirement from office as Governor of California and to inform you that your services as “Government Translator and Intrepreter” will no longer be required. The General also directs me to present you his warmest thanks for the able and faithful manner in which you have, for nearly three years, performed the resposnible and often very laborious duties of your office, and to assure you of his kindest regard and friendship.

Permit me, my dear sir, to add to these assurances my own hearty thanks for the able and willing assistance which I have received from you in the performance of my duties as Secretary of State for California. We have been associated together in office for nearly two years and a half, and during that period I have had full opportunity to learn your varied talent and great accomplishments as a linguist, and at the same time to appreciate your character as a man. It is therefore with no ordinary feelings that I now announce to you the termination of our official relations.

Wishing you long life and prosperity

I have the honour to be

your friend & obedient servant

H W Halleck

Capt of Engineers

WEP Hartnell Esq

Monterey

Letter from John August Sutter

Fortress New Helvetia

8^thNov 1841

Jacob P. Leese Esq

My Dear Sir

It depends at what terms you like to sell me your part of the [Launch?], and then I will make a bargain with you. I believe you told me $700 and now you will tell me how do you like to receive the payment, in goods at moderate prices I should prefer by Mr Sinclairs arrival, or in furs the next spring.

Very curious Rapports came to me from below, but the poor wretch don't know what they do. I explained now Mr Spence to explain these ignorant people what would be the consequence if they do injure me, the first French frigate who came here will do me justice. The people don't know me yet, but soon they will find out what I am able to do. It is too late now to drive me out the country, the first step they do against me is that I will make a Declaration of Independence and proclaimCalifornia for a Republique independent from Mexico. I am strong now one of my best friends a German gentleman came from the Columbia River with plenty people, an other party is close by from Missouri. One of the party arrived here, some of my friends and acquaintances are among them, they aee about 40 or 50 men of Respectability and property, they came in the intention to settle here. I am strong enough to hold me till the couriers go to the [Waillamet?] for raise about 60 or so good men, an other party I would dispatch to the mountains and call the Hunters and Shawney and Delaware with which I am very well acquainted, the same party have to go to Missouri and raise about 2 0r 300 men more. That is my intention Sir, if they let me not alone if they will give me satisfaction and pay the expenses what I had to do for my security here I will be a faithfull Mexican, but when this [??] of Castro should come here, a very warm and hearty welcome is prepared for him. 10 guns here well mounted for protect the fortress and two field pieces, I have also about 50 faithful Indians which shoot their muskets very well.

The whole day and night we are under arms, and you know that foreigners are very expertise, and for this trouble I will be payed[sic] when a French Frigate come here. I wish you to tell the Commandante General that I wish to be his friend and that I am very much obliged to him for his kindness when my people passed Sonoma.

If he would join as in such a case I should like it very much. But all is out question so long they let me alone and trouble me not, but I want security from the Government for that.

I remain Dear Sir, very respectfully

your most obedient servant

J A Sutter