Both Don Alfredo Robinson + DON GUILLERMO HARTNELL married de la Guerra daughters

+++  Gale’s rivalry with Hartnell, at one time not unfriendly, had changed character over the years until now it seemed actually malevolent.  The change is partially explained in an undated note to McCulloch and Hartnell.  The Bostonian bitterly concludes the discussion of a business deal: “I perhaps ought not to be surprised at being trifled with, but you are the only two gentlemen which (during a considerable number of years spent in mercantile pursuits in various parts of the world) have seen fit to doubt my integrity.”  ++  Whatever the cause, the feud was real, and Don Guillermo felt great relief when his arch rival and most pressing creditor left the country.  Gale took along a young wife, born Marcelina Estudillo.  She was the first ‘hija del pais’ to visit the United States, but she had little time to marvel.  Soon she died in childbirth, and within a few years her widower died insane.  ++  ”Tormenta” made the return trip to Boston as supercargo aboard the ‘Brookline,’ taking the place of Alfred Robinson.  ”Don Alfredo” was to remain in California as resident manager for Bryant and Sturgis.  Though ambitious to make a success in trade, the newcomer admitted:  ”When at last, the hides being all cured and embarked, the day arrived for the ship’s departure . . . . with a heavy heart, and swimming eyes, I took leave of Gale, the officers, and all hope of seeing my home, my native land again for years.”  Massachusetts was his “native land,” and his age, twenty-four.  ++  The early outlook and experiences of Robinson and Hartnell are strikingly similar.  Arriving in an unknown land to fill identical positions with different firms, each homesick youth found a haven in the de la Guerra home and fell in love with a lovely daughter.  Don Jose, alarmed at Don Alfredo’s attentions (at first they were aimed at older sisters of the little Ana whom he was one day to wed), questioned his English son-in-law about this stiff New Englander.  He seemed so difficult to know and understand, at least to the old Spaniard.  ++  Don Guillermo responded reassuringly: “Robinson is a good fellow.  I have high hopes for him, have put good books in his way and given him brotherly advice.”  Robinson quickly dropped his Boston reserve with the Englishman, feeling him to be a kindred spirit. . . . +++