David Spence wrote from Monterey: ‘We are doing pretty well as to the inside of the house’

+++  As a spiteful momento of his visit, he sent two cannon balls across the town, one for the bride and one for the groom who still were enjoying the fiesta.  This was the last threat made to California by minions of the Spanish king.  ++  Within a week Don Jose received an official communication from Mexico City, saying (translation): “If the ‘Aquiles’ arrives, give her no food; induce her to surrender like the ‘Asia;’ take 2 officers as hostages; seize her sails; and report quickly.”  ++  David Spence supplied the sequel to this incident that had set all tongues a-wagging, besides ringing down the curtain on the wedding festivities.  From Monterey, May 2, he writes to his employer: ++  ’We were varey much alarmed at the arrival of a Spanish Frigate who arrived in this port on the 26th ult. accompanied by a small brig both under the American flag.  After leaving Callao there was a proposal made of taking some or other of these ports in California.  On acct. of the captain’s refusing to pay the seamen of course mutiney arose.  They all joined and put the Captain and officers on shore upon the Island of Marian, apointed another captain and sailed for Monterey, where they have all swore to the Independence and histed the Mexican flag.  They are to be dispatched to Acapulco in a few days to receive further orders.  The Captain who now takes command has been in Monterey before in the mercantile line and was formerly acquainted with Don Luis [McCulloch].’  ++  Of even more interest to the newlyweds is Spence’s announcement:  ++  ’We are doing pretty well as to the inside of the house and you may depend upon it being ready for the reception of our long looked for and welcome mistress. . . . Wishing you many happy days together and safe to your own fireside.’  ++  William Hartnell’s life was at its flood tide when he returned to Monterey in June 1825.  He felt intense happiness and a sense of destiny in his marriage; his business prospects were brilliant; and he liked where he lived. …  +++