Articles of copartnership between Begg & Co. + McCulloch & Hartnell were on point of expiration

+++  Gervasio Arguello was to accompany his kinsman to Mexico City, as substitute ‘diputado,’ later in the year.  And Don Guillermo, who expected “momentarily” a company ship from Lima, hoped to reach Santa Barbara on business “before the pilgrimedge.”  He also hoped that Teresa would be delivered of a second child in time to visit her mother in Don Jose’s absence.  He himself would then leave for Lima on any vessel with a full cargo ready to sail.  ++  For William Hartnell had made an important decision.  The articles of copartnership between Begg and Company and McCulloch and Hartnell were on the point of expiration.  It seemed necessary to the California partner that he be on the spot, either for termination or renewal of the relationship.  Settling important matters by correspondence had proved unsatisfactory, especially when historical events happened so swiftly, and ships still moved so slowly.  ++  Prices in hides, tallow, and salted beef fluctuated with the political situation and war news in South America and Europe.  For instance, the war early in 1826 between Brazil and Argentina, and the blockade of La Plata prevented sending tallow around the Horn.  So prices soured on the east coast.  Then, as supplies commenced to pour in overland from Chile, “The price peak fell and a steady decline set in” (Begg to Hartnell, July 17, 1826).  Again, Mr. Brotherston has assumed that British men-of-war patrolling the Pacific could be furnished with salt beef from the California establishment.  But London contractors secured a monopoly for supplying warships all over the world.  ++  Always the competitors in the hide business most to be feared were Brazilian and Argentine, whose hides continued superior in quality.  When war cut off supplies from both these countries, prices were raised in England, and more hides could be imported from California with profit (McCulloch to Hartnell, June 16, 1826).  ++  At this time Mr. Begg wrote, reproving Hartnell for not collecting horsehair, an article in great demand, selling at a high price.  Don Guillermo showed spirit in replying that, as usual, the senior partner was unfamiliar with California conditions: …  +++