DON GUILLERMO HARTNELL “had fallen deeply in love with an ‘hija del pais’”

+++  … ‘But we fear if a rupture with Russia take place that your operations will be materially fettered if it does not entirely break up your establishment.  By accounts from England of April last, war between France and Spain was considered inevitable and although England had not openly espoused the cause of the latter yet there is little doubt she will be drawn into it.  From Mr. Brotherston’s letters we infer the apprehension of a general continental war, and perhaps you may be better able to judge how the Independence of Alta California will be affected if Russia enter into hostilities with England.  That she would endeavor to take possession of that country may be questioned.  But how far she might impede our trade is a subject for our material consideration.’  ++  Already Hartnell had commenced the study of Russian, and had engaged in several small deals with sea-otter and seal hunters and other Russians on the coast, speaking and writing German with those who did not understand English or Spanish.  His eye was on Sitka in Alaska, or other Russian settlements on the west coast of North America, as outlets for produce unsuitable for longer sea voyages, or in case of a European conflagration.  ++  Mr. Begg often was only a rumor monger and even admitted, about this time:  ++  ’We cannot trace the report of the cession of California to very authentic sources.  But that it is the policy of France to have a possession in these seas there can be no doubt, and that she was offered considerable advantages by the Royal party of Spain for her aid against the “liberales” is also unquestionable.  The opposition of England however to her interference in the affairs of Spain and her consequent abandonment of her view, may perhaps secure the Californias to Mexico for some time but we are inclined to consider them as insecure possessions and that they will ultimately come under the dominion of some European power – an event which may take place within a shorter period than present appearances indicate.  These considerations should make you cautious of not having many dependencies in the country, but of converting and shipping the property which passes through your hands with as little delay as possible.’  ++  This advice fell on deaf ears, for already his representative in California had fallen deeply in love with an ‘hija del pais’ and desired nothing more than to have “many dependencies in the country.”  +++