Scot partner McCulloch wrote to DON GUILLERMO HARTNELL from Callao on June 2, 1831, + ‘begged to be remembered to all friends, particularly Dona Teresa’

+++  Don Jose received a plea for assistance dated June 7 (translation):  ++  MI AMADO PADRE:  ++  El Sor. Feliciano Soberanez has asked me to tell you that he has been imprisoned because of a slanderous report that he killed some cattle of Dn Mariano Estrada [David Spence's father-in-law].  They are allowing him to name a Defense Counsel, and being convinced that there is no one in California better versed in these affairs than you he implores you to take the trouble to serve him as Patron and, if it should be necessary, even to come here.  He has begged me to ask that you accept the responsibility; and truly I desire that his suggestion be accepted.  I believe he will win the case because the principal witness is one Julio Vasquez, an avowed enemy of the accused; and I also hazard a guess that there will be no necessity for you to come north, even if the case is tried here.’ ++  Because of Don Jose’s influence, Don Feliciano was cleared of all charges.  During the first year of his association with the Soberanes, Don Guillermo did no more on the ranch than called for by contract.  He was busy in Monterey with the dissolution of McCulloch, Hartnell and Company,  a tedious process.  ++  From Callao, dated June 2, 1831, came a note from McCulloch, in the care of Dr. Stephen Anderson.  This onetime rival was returning to California aboard the ‘Ayacucho,’ entrusted with important documents by his fellow countryman.  McCulloch even had endorsed over to Anderson the private account current signed by Hartnell before his departure from LIma.  The Scot partner said that he had paid Mr. Begg his “full proportion of all losses and hope that some day or other you will be able to reimburse me if not for all at least part of said account.”  The tone of the letter was friendly and understanding, not at all pressing.  ++  It contained the further information that William Logan wished to rent or sell a Los Angeles vineyard left in Hartnell’s care.  At the time of his departure, Logan intended one day to live in the ‘pueblo’; but success, associated with an uncle in a Liverpool chain and cable business, was restraining him even from a short visit to his dearly loved California.  Finally, McCulloch referred Hartnell to Anderson “for the current news of the day” and begged to be remembered to all friends, particularly Dona Teresa.  +++