DON JOSE de la GUERRA helped WILLIAM HARTNELL by securing a ‘rancho’ for 4,000 cattle near Monterey

+++  Hartnell was somewhat encouraged by the arrival of Tivy, who seemed capable and self-confident.  In addition, Don Jose secured for them the use of a ‘rancho’ near Monterey where as many as 4,000 cattle could be maintained.  The property was covered with fine oaks from which Tivy thought it possible to make staves and casks.  According to Spence, “Mr. Tivy seems to be quite delighted with the farm and says it will suit his purpose well.”  Presently Hartnell was able to write more hopefully to Begg and McCulloch in Lima: “Our salting establishment has a very different appearance to what it had when we last wrote to you on the subject, and we have not the least doubt but it will fully answer your expectations.”  In October he expected to ship 500 barrels of salted beef and from 600 to 700 of dried beef, if all went well.  ++  Good news came from England about this time.  After several disappointments in the condition of hides packed in California for long sea voyages, Hartnell and Spence had learned so well how to stow them away that considerable profit came from the cargoes of the ‘Neptune’ and ‘John Begg’ at public sale in London.  And McCulloch, writing from Lima, was full of praise for samples of salt beef which had arrived aboard the ‘Pizarro.’  He anticipated no difficulty in the disposal of large amounts, and claimed that “the people here now begin to think that California will do well.”  Equally pleased was he with his partner’s marriage, judging from a ribald note dated September 24, 1825:  ++  DEAR HARTNELL:  ++  Allow me Dear Partner to congratulate you, for having made such a good choice, in taking Da Maria Teresa de Jesus y Arnell to bed with you to keep you warm; and to assure you that I approve of your choise, as also all your old Cronies in this quarter; & that I will have much pleasure from time to time, by your pointing out the same to send down any little encargoes she may require for her Comfort.  Along with this you will receive the following artcles for Mrs. Hartnell, which please present to her in my name: viz Two Dresses, one Leghorn Bonnet, one Shawl, one Work Box and Two pair of Stays; with my best respect to the Dear Girl, and in hopes that your Cock may long crow and do his Duty is the sincere wish of ++ Dear WILLIAM  ++  Your affectionate Partner +++