Letters written by Robert Crichton Wyllie

Robert Crichton Wyllie was a man of many parts but was best known as being for twenty years from 1845 until his death in 1865 the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This Paper of the Hawaiian Historical Society is an entertaining description of his services to Hawaii.

Envelope for this letter addressed to McCulloch, Hartnell and [William] Logan

Ship David [C???????] near Cape

San Lucas 16^thOctober 1825

My Dear Sir

Seeing a Boat coming off to us from the land, with which we are close in, I cannot help availing myself of the opportunity of trusting the chance of these notes reaching you, with the information that I have got so far, after so much delay, on my return to the Mexican Coast. I left Calcutta[?] on the 30^thof June, which being 15 days later than I calculated when I wrote per Ship [Mer????] to Monterey and San Diego. I could not put in execution my stated intention of [???ching] in one or other of these Ports, without [??????] my arrival at Mazatlan to a later period[?] than I wished.

There is no news in India except the [war?] with the Burmese, in which the H. Co's Army have met with more difficulty than they have encountered since the days of [?????????] Seringapatam. Three armies each of about 10,000 men have invaded their territories, but being able only to operate in the N.E.[???] and in Dry season, had not been able to conclude [???]{???] last campaign, after immense expenditure, and loss of life from [???] and [????], however, I think, will do the job when India will assume its accustomed tranquility.

I have brought with me a beautiful Brig [ed:this was the Donna Carmelita] well loaded with India Goods, but my Health is greatly impaired by my inevitable delay in Bengal and my Liver diseased to a degree that makes me repent I ever enterprised under a distant expedition, let the Profit deriving from it be what it may.

Whoever receives this hurried note beg him to send it to my Friends in California, Macala, Hartnell and Logan.

Mr Begg's vessels are about to sail for Lima, to mention that here comes the Doctor, half dead and alive.

We must again make sail, having only here to deliver this note to the boat, so I must conclude, and say that [???] [???] the Grave or in Purgatory, or Body, [??] I am always the friend of MacCulloch, Hartnell and Logan and [????}

Robert C Wyllie

23^rdOctober in

Mazatlan 1825

My dear Hartnell

I arrived here from Calcutta on the 21^stult., as you would intrepret by my note from the Mission of Todos Los Santos, near Cape St Lucas. It has given me infinite satisfaction, here, to learn , for all you are not only well, but married and doing well. Prosperity I trust will long attend you and yours, Macculloch, Logan and all my other friends. I cannot find out here, whether the former is in Lima, or California, on which account I do not write to him.

Having only a few moments to scribble down this scarcely intelligible note, I hurry to say, that, if my health will permit, I will establish myself here, and will be most happy to keep up a correspondence with you all, and to serve you in whatever I can.

Could you do me the favour of collecting for me, a few dozen of the finest Furr Skins, which I want to send home to my Mother and Sisters, and remit them to me here or to San Blas, to the care of Mr Forbes. See that they be such, as will bear carriage without spoiling. Besides making every remuneration for them, it will add another …..........................???

Dear Hartnell

your old cronie and Friend etc

Robert C Wyllie

Compts to Logan and

Macculloch if there

Mazatlan 9^thJune 1826

My dear Hartnell

Previous to my entering the Port of Mazatlan, off the Mission of San Jose, I had the pleasure of directing you a few lines announcing my return to this Coast, twice, subsequently, I have repeated my communication with you, but have not yet been favoured with a single line from you in return.

Pray do not forget so entirely your old friends in this out of the way corner of the world.

Being busy dispatching the Ship [Carmelilo?] for Bengal, I have not leisure at present to say much about the Politics of the Day,nor of the Mercantile state of this Coast, but Mr Fraser will hold forth to you, on both these Topics, in a style of eloquence which will leave little request for the benefit of my remarks.

Allow me again to congratulate you upon your having got married, and to hope, along with connubial, you enjoy every other species of felicity.

Do not forget, I entreat you, the otter skins of which I formerly wrote to you. If you can procure to half a dozen, or even a less number, well seasoned and cured for carriage, have the goodness to have them made properly up in a little package and send them to Messrs Brotherston & Co Liverpool addressed to Mr Alexander Wyllie

Hazlebank

Parish of Dunlop

Ayrshire – by the first vessel that offers for England advising me of their amount per post, that I may pay you the same, or give you an order on Messrs Brotherston & Co for it, as may most suit your convenience. This will be better than sending them to this place, as I formerly requested, because they might lay here [??] destroyed before [??} should offer of sending them home.

Make my Compts. To Logan, and believe me, in whatever I may be of service to you.

My dear Hartnell

Yours ever most truly

Robert C Wyllie

Rosario 17^thAugust 1826

William Hartnell Esq

Monterey

My dear friend

though the edifying scoiety of so many Holy Franciscans, and the Contentedness of mind resulting from the perfect happiness you enjoy within the circle of your Family never allowed you a moment to think of an old acquaintance and Physician of yours, yet from the impulse of former recollections one cannot help again obstruding himself upon your patience, by writing you the few hasty lines which the multitude of his occupations and the precipitate departure of the Bearer, give him leisure to throw together.

I hope Fraser and you may have succeeded in procuring opportunely a cargo for the Pizarro which object induced me to [??????] her departure by every means in my power. Had he landed his cargo, running the risk of [?????] he would not have realised up to the present date, to the amount even of 12,000$ which the Purchasers have not yet been able to dispose of tho' they have opened shops in this place, Mazatlan and Cosala.

The Ayacucho sailed from San Blas for the Coast of Guatemala, if I recollect right, about 3 weeks after the Pizano's departure from our Port, carrying with her a considerable portion of her cargo.

Allow me to [???] the request in mine of 9^thJune, respecting a few Furrs for my Sisters. You have no doubt [???] [relations?] and will make allowance for my anxiety to please mine.

I refer you to the [???] Mr Vermont for all the News from [????] (alias) Cape Horn to Cape Mendocino, touching as he does from place to place and having every where so many friends nothing which I can say could have half his authority.

Make my Compts. to Fraser if he be still with you: remember me to Logan and believe me sincerely yours etc.

Robert C Wyllie

Mazatlan 14^thDecember 1827

W.P. Hartnell Esq

Monterey

My dear Sir

I duly received your esteemed favour of the 22^ndAugust with its enclosure, and heartily thank you for your kind attention. The enclosed to your address lately came from Mexico, to my care, and no opportunity has offered sooner of forwarding it.

I am glad to hear that Mr Fraser and you intend visiting your old Lima friends by the first vessel from Callao. An East-India-built Brig named the [???] arrived about five weeks ago at our Port and has been sold for 9750$. I have heard this Capt. say, he had a conditional charter from your Mr Macculloch of Callao to load California produce for Europe, but suppose he said so to enhance the price of his Brig, as I cannot conceive that Mr Mac___ would be such a fool as be a party to a charter of so much importance either binding or not binding as the Capt. chose.

Pray have the otter-skins which I requested you to procure for my Sisters, been sent to Liverpool?

Almost all the States of this Republic are succeedingly issuing decrees expelling the old Spaniards and believe soon none will be left in the country except married individuals, the aged, and the decrepit. These measures have created a great stagnation in Commerce, but in other respects, the Republic goes on flourishingly. Public opinion is every day gaining strength, and public credit in Europe remains unshaken, a fortune which the Sister Republics of the South have not enjoyed.

With the best wishes for your health and prosperity, I remain

My dear Hartnell

Yours ever most sincerely

Robert C Wyllie

Tepic 10^thAugust 1843

My dear Hartnell

I hope you received my letter of the 13^thOctober 1841 with the pamphlet to which it reffered, and without blaming the zest[?] of [?????] Richards, or my disposition to repudiate the [conjanquimity?].

That you may understand why and how I am able to address you from this place, I must enter into some explanations. Early in the year 1842, I was requested to undertake a financial mission to the W. States, on behalf of Holders of American securities, and while there I received a letter from one of the family of my late Partner Don [???], informing me of his recent death and making an appeal to me which induced me to visit the family here, after 13 years absence. In gallantry I could not do less; I have been here since the 1^stApril, but finding I can be of no use to the Appealant or the other two lady-heirs, I am preparing to retrace my steps back to London via Mexico and the U. States.

As an opportunity now offers for your Post, it would be treason to the friendly recollections of 1822, were I to omit a letter to you. But besides there is a matter of business to which I now proceed, respecting which you can give me important information.

I have for years beena member of the Committee in London of the Spanish American Bondholders, and have taken an active part in all their transactions.

By an arrangement with the Bondholders in 1887, the Mexican Debt was divided into about £5,000,000 Active bearing 5 per cent interest and about £5,000,000 Deferred, bearing no interest till the 1^stof October 1847, but up to that date, at the option of the Holder exchangeable for land at the rate of 5 shillings per acre, in payment of which the Bonds were to be received at par, with 5 per cent interest from 1^stOctober 1837 to date payable in so much more land, at the same price.

In guaranty[sic] of this arrangement, so advantageous to Mexico, its Government hypothecated 100 millions of acres of vacant land in Texas, Chihuahua, New Mexico, Sonara and California, and the Bondholders stipulated for and obtained a further grant of 25 millions of acres of land in the Departments nearest to the Atlantic.

As yet, not an acre of land has been taken up under this arrangement, for the British Bondholders want their money and not lands in Mexico. But the 1^stOctober 1847 will soon arrive, and as the whole Deferred Bonds, unless previously redeemed by lands, become Active, that is entitled to 5 per cent interest, the debt of this description will swell up to nearly £11,000,000, requiring £550,000 = $2,750,000 for the yearly interest. There is no chance that Mexico in 1847 will be able to pay this interest, or more than 5 per cent interest upon the half (which would be 2 ½ per cent upon the whole) which she is at present [???] and striving[?] to do. Consequently it becomes of the utmost importance both to Mexico and all classes of creditors, to extinguish as much as possible of the Debt, by converting the Bonds into land in some of the Departments named.

The feeling of the Committee and I may say of the Bondholders generally, is that if lands be taken at all, they should be near the Atlantic coast, where immigrants could so more easily [?????] whence they could so more cheaply ship their produce. But the climate there is unfavourable to the health of Europeans and I myself have always thought that Upper California would best suit both the English Bondholders and the Mexican Government.

I have always contended for this in the Committee, but I want to next collect data wherewith to argue down the objections of those opposed to colonisation in a quarter so remote and so far from markets.

Can you furnish me with replies to the following questions, adding every other information that you may possess orvthink useful.

1 ^st – How much of the lands in Upper California is already appropriated – what lands have the government the right still to grant, their extent, quality, proximity to the coast, rivers or roads etc.

2 – How have the lands already appropriated been acquired and by what tenure are they held – also what public burdens are they subject to.

3 – In what manner and at what price may the vacant lands be acquired under the present system?

4 – What are the different articles of produce that are raised, or that may be raised in California – their prices current in the sea-ports, reducing the Spanish measures and weights to English – What foreign markets that produce is usually shipped to and what export duties are levied.

5 – What cattle of all kinds are raised in California – their present numbers if possible – their prices, and the ratio of their yearly increase.

6 – What is the ratio of increase of Wheat and other grains [?????]?

7 – What are the usual and average prices of field labour and of different artificers, specifying those most wanted?

8 – What are the usual prices of provisions and the expense of living generally?

9 – What is the whole population of Upper California distinguishing Friars, Mexicans, troops, civilised Indians, uncivilised Indians, British and Irish, Americans, French and other Foreigners?

10 – Are the inhabitants generally so orderly and contented under the Mexican government , that European farmers could establish themselves there with a reasonable security of being able to live quietly under the Mexican Government , and of that Government being able to protect them. (This is of great importance for the British Government will give no protection whatever to British subjects settling in California as citizens of Mexico, nor do they wish to see it any other hands but those of Mexico. I know this to be a fact, and that Commodore Jones's apprehension was a perfect bugbear.)

11 – What success has attended the efforts to get up a party in favor of France, or the United States?

12 – What has been the yearly revenue of California for the last five years?

13 – What vessels have entered to and then departed from the Ports of California for the last five years, distinguishing the flags and length of voyages where known?

14 – What are the rates offreight and passage to the different Ports of [?????] - Colombia, Peru, Chile, Sand-Islands, and the foreign Ports?

15 – What is the amount of the circulation of the country and the current rate of interest for money?

16 – What facilities exist on the coast for the whale, seal, or other fisheries – for the collection of furs, and what naval stores could the country afford and at what price?

17 – What commerce exists with Columbia river and the Russian settlements, and the length of voyage from the different places?

18 – What are the biggest rivers and how far navigable?

19 – What is the locality that you would recommend for a settlement, and what articles or implements should settlers carry out?

20 – What are the chief diseases?

21 – Are there any Physicians, Surgeons, or Apothecaries?

22 – How far you think the present missionary system necessary to the temperal welfare of the country and how it will be affected by the restoration of the Jesuits decreed by Santa Anna?

23 – What intercourse overland by way of the Rocky Mountains exists between California and the W. States, and the character of that intercourse?

24 – What mines of coal, pitch, sulphate, or the precious metals are worked or known to exist in California?

24 [sic] – What goods are fit for the market – the quantities consumed and their prices current in the market, and how paid?

Be pleased to add any other information you may think useful and unless you have [????] to the contrary, let me add your name.

If anything in the way mentioned should ever be done (which considering the prejudices against California is doubtful) you must perceive that it would tend greatly to improve your condition and that of every other Californian, and to preserve California to the Mexican Government as a valuable Dependency, for the example of Texas is detested in Great Britain.

Many points above indicated you may not be able to inform me upon, but send me what information you can collect, by every opportunity for the W S addressed to care of Anthony Barclay Esquire, H.B.M.'s Consul, New York, or to England, to care of Messrs Magniac Jardine & Co of London. Were it not too much trouble, I would ask you to write in duplicate, this to London and the original to New York.

If you wish your information to appear in the form of a pamphlett, under your own name, I will have it so published, at my own expense.

Richards completely floored Kennedy, General Hamilton and the Texas Land Co. An action at law was threatened, and I appeared to defend it for Richards, but it came to nothing – K never dared to write a word more to the Times about California.

Our old friend McCulloch died in February 1842 near Liverpool, of disease of the heart. He left his and your claim on the Mexican Govt. under charge of Mr Charles Middleton of Liverpool.

Brotherston became a Bankrupt and is now serving as Clerk to a Bank, in Newport, Wales.

Begg has always kept up a very regular correspondence with me since 1822. He is now engaged smelting copper near Arica. By the two Houses, directly or indirectly, I lost about $8[?],000 .

If any party for the U.S. or England going overland should offer, you could write by him, requesting him to enquire for me, at Messrs [Manning and Marshalls?] , in case I should be detained in Mexico.

With best wishes to you and your family, I remain ever, Dear Hartnell, yours truly

Robert C. Wyllie

Mexico 5^thNovember 1843

By Mr Francis B Green

of New Bedford

My dear Hartnell

I trust before this you will have received my letter from Tepic of the 10^thAugust, by Don Manuel Diaz.

You see, I am this far on my route homewards. Knowing that you ewill have heard much of a war impending between this Republic and Great Britain, I seize the opportunity offered by Mr Green, to put you in possession of all the particulars I can collect on that point and of the views which I entertain.

You are aware that the late Minister Mr Pakenham went to England, on leave of absence, by the Packet of the first of April, and that Mr Percy Wm Doyle was sent out to act as Charge d'affairs in his stead.

Mr Pakenham retired having settled satisfactorily many old British claims, but there were others that remained unsettled, and amongst them that of your old Californian firm, formerly under the cognizance of [????????] of this City, and the documents respecting which now remain in the hands of Mr Charles Middleton of Liverpool. Besides these a fresh ground of complaint arose, by the Decree of Santa Anna of May last, merging in a general hypothecation of 25 per cent of the Revenues of the Custom Houses, a variety of anterior hypothecations, and amongst them the 17 per cent hypothecation to pay off a loan of $2,000,000 in 1841 made by Messrs Montgomery Nicad & Co of this capital, to which hypothecation Mr Pakenham had been a party.

The manners of Mr Doyle, are perhaps less mild and polished than those of Mr Pakenham, and it appears by orders from home, he urged his remonstrances, in a way not agreeable to the authorities here. This necessarily led to a want of cordiality between him and them, but Diplomatic intercourse continued, until on the occasion of a grand festival given in the palace, in September last, a small British White Ensign or St Georges Ensign, taken from the Texans, was exhibited amongst Texan and Spanish Flags, as a trophy of War. Mr Doyle, who was present, insisted that the flag should be taken down – the Mexican chiefs present said the flag was not the common British flag, known as such – Mr Doyle insisted that it was a British flag well known – the Mexicans said it should be sent to him, next day – he insisted that it should be immediately taken down, and because that was not done, left the Palace with all British subjects present. A few days afterwards, another festival was given, in whichthe Flag was still exhibited in the same place, and on learning this, Mr Doyle, put an end to all Diplomatic intercourse, wrote home all the particulars to Ld Aberdeen and awaits instructions.

Meanwhile the Mexican Govt. have instructed their Minister in London to demand Mr Doyle's recall, as a person obnoxious to them.

You will see therefore that the question of peace or war, depends entirely on the view Government may take at home. Many think that war will take place, but I am not of this opinion and for the following reasons.

1. From having waited upon both Lord Palmerston and Lord Aberdeen, on sundry occassions, as one of a a deputation from the Spanish American Committee, I know that the British Government not only wishes well to this Republic, but is disposed to be extremely indulgent, and that they want no part of her territory, not even California, notwithstanding what Commodore Jones said.

2. All Mercantile and other private claims of British subjects, on this Government, are matters to be settled by negotiation, and not legitimate causes of war.

3. The affair of the Flag can be explained away by the Mexicans, from the [???] disavowed any intentional insult, and if they erred, it may very well have been their then belief that the St George's Ensign was not really the British Flag.

4. Were Gt Britain to go to war, it would enable the Texans and “Yucateces” to dismember the Republic, which the British Government would rather prevent their promote.

For these and other reasons I myself have no apprehension of a war with Great Britain, and I would advise you not to entertain any.

I will now pass to another subject. I have for years been a member of the Spanish Am. Bondholders Committee in London, and have taken an active part in all their arrangements.

By an agreement with the Bondholders, in 1837, the Mexican Debt was divided into about ££5,000,000 Active bearing 5 per cent interest and about --- £5,000,000 Deferred bearing no interest till the 1st of October 1847, but up to that date, at the option of the Holders, exchangeable for land, at the rate of 5 shillings per acre, in payment of which, the Bonds were to be received at par, with 5 per cent interest, from 1st October 1837, to date, payable in so much more land, at the same price. In guarentee of this arrangement, so advantageous to Mexico, its Govt. hypothecated 100 millions of acres of vacant lands, in Texas, Chihuahua, New Mexico, Sonora and California, and the Bondholders stipulated for and obtained a further grant of 25 millions of acres in the Departments nearest the Atlantic.

As yet, not one acre has been taken up under this arrangement, for the Brit. Bondholders want their money and not lands in Mexico. But the 1st October 1847 will soon come around, and as the whole Deferred Bonds, unless previously redeemed by lands, become then Active, that is entitled to 5 per cent interest, the debt of this description will swell up to nearly £11,000,000, at that approaching period, requiring to pay the yearly interest £550,000 or 2,750,000 dollars.

It is extremely desirable both for Mexico and her Creditors that the whole Deferred Bonds, or as much as possible should be absorbed in land, agreeably to laws enacted in 1837 and 1839, and while here, I have had some intercourse with the Government upon the subject.

The British Bondholders prefer bonds on the Atlantic Coast, but as without doubt both the United States and France grasp at California, and as Mexico cannot defend it, it is evidently more for the interest of this country to strengthen that remote Department, by [???] the Colonists there – California would thus become capable of defending itself and its connection with Mexico would be secured.

In case the Deferred Bonds should have to be located there, I wish you would favour me, confidentiallywith detailed answers to the following queries:

[Here he repeats almost exactly all of the questions contained in his earlier letter of the 10thAugust 1843 so we will not repeat them here. He continues....]

What queries you cannot reply to, you can pass over.

If ever any thing should be done, and any agency occur, I will not forget my old friend.

On the 13th October 1840, in conformity with the decree of Concersion, I applied to Messrs Lizardi & Co the agents of the Mexican Government, to exchange £10,000 of Deferred Bonds for land, but their reply was, the Govt. had made no preparations to carry out the law. By that law, a Bondholder could claim lands in any of the Departments named. Pray enquire, if any instructions upon the subject were ever [??] sent to California.

By a law dated 11th March last, Foreigners are permitted [here is a long Spanish phrase].

Could you [???] in my name, or your own, a large extent of good land, near San Francisco on the banks of the river. If you can so as to secure the property without more cost than the dues, I will either take the whole, or half with you, and I will send out Colonists from England, good men and true, who will not play the Game of Texas. There is money to be made in this way if you do not say nothing about it.

Address me care of Messrs Barclay and Livingstone New York or Messrs Magniac Jardine & Co London as vessels may offer.

I recommend to your kindness the Bearer Mr Green and with best wishes for your health and

[the final page of this letter is missing from the collection]

Honolulu. Sandwich Islands 17 March 1844

My dear Hartnell

You will be surprised to know that I am here,, along with General Miller, now H.B.M.'s Consul General for these and other islands in the Pacific. I cannot resist the temptation of his invitation to accompany him, altho' I was all ready to start for England, agreeably to what I wrote you, on the 5th November, from Mexico, by Mr Francis B. Green.

As I will stay with General Miller here some months, I beg that any reply you may make to the queries contained in my aforesaid letter and the preceding of August 10th (of which I enclose duplicate) may be sent here to his care.

It is not impossible that the answers from the London Committee to my communications of December last, from Mexico, may lead me to visit California, to determine how far English Settlers there would enjoy greater advantages than in the Departments near to the Atlantic.

If you should think so and you could quietly secure a large grant of land, on our joint account in the most eligible position, I think we could turn it to great account. At Lagos, I met Mr B Hastings, from whom I learned that he was proceeding from California to the U.S. To make arrangements for a large settlement under some understanding with General Micheltorena.

I find a Mr Forbes has been appointed H.M.'s Consul for California I always thought that you would be appointed.

The General begs his compts. And I remain ever my dear Hartnell, your truly

Robert C Wyllie

Honolulu October 1st 1844

By the U.S. Frigate

Savannah

My dear Hartnell

I have very great pleasure in, at last, acknowledging receipt of your esteemed letters of the 5 June and 23 August, both received on the 19 ult.

It is my misfortune not to have received your long letter of the 20th April, sent through Scarborough & Co, but doubtless it will be forwarded to me here.

We have had no arrival, from the Coast, since the 4th of June, but we expect the U.S. Sloop Warren back about the 15th of this month, with the London Mails of 1st April, 1st May, 1st June and 1st July.

I much regret that any misrepresentation should have prevented you from obtaining the appointment of H.M.'s Vice Consul for California, for which I consider you were so well qualified. Of Mr Forbes, I know nothing, but I presume he is also a capable man.

Your present situation of [???but means administrator] to the Customhouse, may be more profitable, if not more honourable to you, than the Vice Consulship, for which I do not suppose that more than £200 or at most £300 per year will be allowed.

I sent you a letter and some Newspapers by the Sardinian Brig of War Eridano, which sailed from this port on the 10th ult. for San Francisco. I now add the Friend of the 1st May, which you asked for, and that of this month and also the Polynesian of the 21st with General Micheltorena's Decree which was very incorrectly printed.

There is no Catholic School here as yet, but one might be formed if a sufficient number of Scholars from California should offer to hold out an inducement. Meanwhile I do not see why you should not avail yourself of Mr Johnstones School here, where young Master Oliver Larkin is. The teacher is a Protestant, but I do not suppose he would interfere with the faith of the children if Catholics.

I regret that you do not say anything about the terms on which Grants of Land can be obtained in California. By & Bye, I think, the N.Americans will overrun your whole Department.

By a letter from Peru, of 20th July, I hear that our old friend Begg has gone to Cupiapo to manage a rich mine, on a salary of £500 a year, and expenses paid.

The General and Mrs Miller have not yet returned from Tahiti. I expect them back, in about a month, in perhaps, the Salamander Steamer.

I shall be happy to hear from you, by all opportunities, and I remain ever

My dear Hartnell

Yours truly

Robert C Wyllie

Honolulu 8th October 1844

By the French Sloop Lion

My dear Hartnell

Under the charge of Capt Bonet, I send the following, viz:

1 A round Bag addressed to Capt Campbell, Marine officer of HMS Carysfort

2 A packet for Lord George Paulet

3 A Packet for Mr Barron of Tepic

If still in time for the Savannah, please enquire for these and sent them on by her, under charge of Capt Armstrong. But if the Savannah should have sailed, or if another good opportunity should offer, before she does sail, be kind enough to send them on to Mazatlan or San Blas. If to the former. Recommend them to the care of Messrs Wm Scarborough & Co, and if to the latter, to that of Mr Barron.

I add for yourself the Friend of this month, which was not out in time for my last.

We have nothing new here, and I remain ever

My dear Hartnell

yours truly

Robert C Wyllie

P.S. 9th October. The Friend will not be out till tomorrow.

Honolulu November 13^th1844

My Dear Hartnell

My last to you was dated 8 ultimo by the French ship Lion.

On the 28^thultimo I had the pleasure of receiving your very important of the 20^thApril, forwarded to me by Messrs ???? of Mazatlan.

The answers to my queries are full and able, just such as I could have expected from the talent that I always attributed to you, and the latter part relating to the willingness of the Governor to grant to you and to me eleven square leagues of land each is very satisfactory. Pray do not lose sight of this but keep your own counsel secret, for a time may arrive, and that soon, when a Grant of land may be of great importance to you and your family. From the surprise landings at California of American ships of war, their views upon the Territory are apparent, and if the question of Texas had led to a war the result cannot be doubted.

Be ready therefore to grasp all you can for me and for yourself if such a crisis should threaten and if the General wishes to join us, he could secretly? have one third of the allotment to me and to you so that his grant also would come under British protection.

You could make use of my Pamphlet on Texas and California to prove to him that I have always been …...... a friend to Mexico and that you and I would only use our grants in a way favourable to Mexico, in any struggle with the United States.

The sites of land ought of course to be well chosen, along the banks of the rivers you mention and as near a sea-port as possible.

If the grants can be obtained for nothing in the old way, of course it is much better than paying for the land in deferred bonds which are now at 15 or 16 £ for each bond of £100.

I send you the ???? of 2 September and 1 November – also the Polynesians of 10-17 and 24-31 August and of September, containing extracts from my Report on Mexico and its Finances, to the London Committee of Bondholders, sent from Mexico in December last. These latter will enable you to prove to His Excellency General Micheltorena (of whom by the bye, I heard many good things from Generals Paredis?, Particce?, Barron? And others) that I am no enemy to Mexico and that in treating with me, he would be quite safe.

This that I have written must of course be kept quite confidential between you and the General. If he be a man of talent, as he is represented to be, he will at once see the advantages of such an arrangement as that which you and I have contemplated, whether California remain a dependency of Mexico, declares itself independent, or be swallowed up by the United States.

I may yet pay you a visit in California, meanwhile with …... to Mr Johnstone, young Master Oliver Larkin and best wishes to yourself and family I remain

your faithful Cousin

Robert C Wyllie

Honolulu November 29th 1845

Private

My dear Hartnell

I wrote you a few lines by the French ship Lion, with the Polynesians up to the 4th of that month. I now complete the series up to this date, that you may see how the political world goes at home.

The visit of the American Commodore had a most beneficial effect, and so had that of the Honourable Captain Gordon. Of the British Admirals, I cannot say [??] [???], but there were circumstances that exculpate him from all blame, except that of too [???] credence.

I suggest you keep the Polynesians on file, that [???] may read them. It will be of advantage to this Government that they be read by the Commanders of all foreign vessels of War.

I hope things go on smoothly in California, and that they go on well with you and your family.

With best wishes, I remain

My dear Hartnell

Yours very truly

R.C. Wyllie

Honolulu Foreign Office

December 10th 1846

My dear Hartnell

Having carefully perused the documents brought by you from Monterey, relating to the claim of your late Partner Mr Hugh McCulloch upn the Mexican Treasury for the amount of an unpaid bill for $7100 1 real and 3 grams drawn on the 20th August 1827 by the then sub-commissary General Don Jose Maria Herrera – confirmed by the Commandante General Don Jose Maria de Echeandia, on the 14th September 1828 – again by the same on the 21st December 1830, and finally by the Commissary General of Occiente Don Domingo Altamirano, on the 14th April 1831. I am confirmed in the opinion that the claim is a clear and just one and beyond all dispute and that the amount ought to be paid, and moreover interest at the rate legal in Monterey, when you made the loan, from the date when the draft was presented by Messrs Exter Graves & Co to the Mexican Treasury to the date when the claim may be finally settled.

I would strongly recommend you, on behalf of the heirs of your late partner, Mr Hugh McCulloch, to whom it appears belonged the funds supplied in 1827, by you, to lodge a copy in duplicate of all the documents you have submitted to me, and of all others you may possess, with James Alexander Forbes Esquire, H.B.M.'s Vice-Consul for California, with an official letter requesting him to preserve on of the copies in his office, and to forward the other duly attested and certified, under his seal, to Her Majexty's Charge d'Affairs in Mexico.

And if the Mexican Government will not pay the claim or otherwise satisfactorily acknowledge and provide for it, it appears to me the regular course would be to transmit from Mexico proof of that refusal, and of the whole correspondence, that the Executors of Mr McCulloch may memorialize Her Majesty's Government upon the subject.

Wm Atherton Esquire of New Brighton, Liverpool, if I rightly remember, is one of the Executors but the safest course would be to address the Executors, to his care, as he is well acquainted with the last will and testament of Mr McCulloch.

I enclose Copy of a note which on the 2nd September last I addressed upon this subject to Rear Admiral Sir George F. Seymour, and further correspondence of mine with Mr Pakenham upon the subject, will be found in the Archives of the British Legation in Mexico.

Into that correspondence I entered, at the explicit request of Mr McCulloch, and I have always felt it to be my duty to do all I can to help in rendering his right effective for the benefit of his Heirs.

You will observe that in writing the Admiral, from memory, I mentioned the years 1823-24, in place of 1827, which I find was the date of the loan by you, in which his claim originates.

Perhaps it might be well to lodge also with Mr J.A. Forbes, copies in duplicate of this letter and of its enclosures.

I need not add my conviction that you will spare no effort to assist the Executors of Mr McCulloch to recover this sum of money, which ought to have been paid without the least hesitation at the time when it became due.

I would most willingly forward your documents from this place, but the official order requires that they should reach H.M.'s Minister in Mexico through the proper channel and that unquestionally is Her Majesty's local Consul.

In a note to the Admiral, I have informed him of your visit here, and of your object, but I do not presume that in the present stage, he could interfere, otherwise than by his good offices.

I remain

My dear Hartnell

Yours truly

R.C.Wyllie

Honolulu 21 February 1847

My dear Hartnell

I hope this will find you in the happy enjoyment of all your domestic comforts, and with prospects of peace and prosperity to California.

You will get all the news by the Polynesians which I send you. As for the Sandwich Island Newsproperly properly so called, if accounts are to be believed, it is about to die of [in..ition]. It is said, some of the Editors are bent on doing great things in California, whither God speed them.

The expected Brig from China (William Nilsen) has not yet made her appearance. Great fears are entertained for her safety.

From England and the U. States, we are likely to hve a glut of goods, great part of which, most likely will find their way to your small market. That will not be the case if the Commodore suspends or removes his blockade of the Ports of Mexico.

I do not think there will be any war between England and France, growing out of the Montpesier marriage. There is too much good sense in both nations.

I have had a very friendly letter from the Admiral, dated Valparaiso 2st November, in acknowledgement of my statement of the 30th August, which you read.

Remember me kindly to Commodore Paty, Don Ant. Aguvise?, Don Manuel Diaz, and to Mr Gray and Mr Ward; and believe me ever

My dear Hartnell

Yours truly

R.C.Wyllie

Honolulu 8 April 1847

My dear Hartnell

I had the pleasure to receive on the 13th ult, your kind and interesting letter of the 11 February with Californians Nos 15 to No 26 inclusive, and on the 24th , your equally welcome notes of the 2 and 6th March. Besides, I have received a verbal message that you had obtained employment under the Government, upon which I congratulate you.

You will have it in your power to do much good both to the Rulers and the ruled, by reconciling them to each other and preventing misunderstandings. In these and many other respects, I consider you a most valuable man, to the Government, and as such I recommended you to Commodore Stockton.

I find Mrs Turrill has received the shells you speak of. She and her husband are wonderfully popular here. They pursue the very course to make the citizens of the U.States to be liked and respected on these Islands.

Give yourself no hurry or inconvenience about the small matter of account, but for the sake of your friends take care not to relapse from the rules of the strictest temperance. I am quite sure that your life depends upon it – so receive this as a friends serious warning.

I enclose a letter for an old friend of mine Mr Robert Walkinshaw. If he be still with you take care that he receive it, and if he have returned to Tepic, see that it go on by the Santa Cruz. Walkinshaw belongs to a most respectable family in Scotland, with whom I was very intimate.

I send you the Polynesians, from last date, which will give you all our news.

If you do anything with Mr Forbes in relation to McCullochs claim, let me have the particulars at your leisure, lest I should be appealed to, in consequence of what I wrote the Admiral.

Don Anto. And family return in the [Francisca?] to sail in about 2 weeks, hence.

Mr Judd and family and the Attorney Genl desire their Compts to you, and I remain ever

My dear Hartnell

Yours truly

R.C.Wyllie