DON GUILLERMO HARTNELL’S Monterey home, because of Captain Beechey’s patronage, became actual British embassy, despite Hartnell family’s destitution

+++  CHAPTER 4 ++  Rancher ++  We have seen that William Hartnell was often of service to his own and other countries during the late twenties and early thirties.  His Monterey home, because of Captain Beechey’s patronage, became the actual British embassy.  Beechey’s recommendation of Hartnell as consul was widely known, but never officially acknowledged.  No pay for his diplomatic services, other than an occasional trade commission, ever was received by Don Guillermo, although he made undiminishing efforts toward elimination of the insular attitude instilled originally by the Spaniards among the Californians.  ++  Baron von Wrangell, visiting Ross in 1833, acknowleded the Englishman’s long-time service to Russia and offered him an honorable title and impressive salary which never materialized.  Within a few months of von Wrangell’s visit, the untimely death of Governor Figueroa killed any hope of a Russo-Californian entente for years to come.  ++  So from brilliant prospects the Hartnell family descended actually to destitution.  The days of high living slowly ended, with the liquidation of McCulloch, Hartnell and Company and consequent return of the Farm to its owner.  The Tivy family sailed back to Ireland, taking the dairy maid and equipment along.  No longer could Dona Teresa count on dairy products and choice cuts of beef sufficient to feed her many children, many servants, and many guests.  The vegetable garden and orchard, planted by Spence, served her well; but seldom, nowadays, was a ship’s cargo at her disposal for first choice of clothing, medicine, and household supplies.  Guests continued to appear, confident of Hartnell hospitality; and a new child arrived every year or so.  ++  This was a time when Dona Teresa conceivably could have lost confidence in the dreamer who was her husband.  But the young woman remained steadfast, always offering Don Guillermo hope as well as love and understanding. . . . . +++