+++ … ‘Do not have the produce scattered in different points but rather pay a land carriage to have it all together near some safe and commodious bay where a vessel can lay with safety. This will greatly facilitate our operations & most likely reduce the rate of freights. You will be particular when you write us in stating the places at which the produce is collected, its quantity and quality and the description of the Bays or Ports where the Vessels must touch to receive it . . . . In the selection of these places attention must be paid to the Seasons, Winds & Current which prevails on the coast and the nature of the produce which can be had in the greatest abundance in the vicinity – for example the place where the vessel first begins to load must be where the heavy produce is laid up & the last point where the light produce is to be found. ++ ’You will give us particular information of the description of goods consumed there, and to what extent the consumption can be carried . . . . endeavor to bring into use as much as possible . . . . English manufacture in which we must also feel a national interest. … [Thus ends the tail end of page 31 and all of page 32 of the first chapter of Susanna Bryant Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell.'] …
Tag Archive: ADVENTURER: CHAPTER ONE
WILLIAM HARTNELL took brig ‘John Begg,’ ‘from Callao to California and back again for $1200 a month’
+++ The brig “John Begg,’ commanded by John Lincoln, was chartered to the young partners for a voyage from Callao to California and back again at $1200 a month. Experimentally, she was loaded with cargo valued at $22,000. It included such articles as cloth coating, shawls, buttons, combs, cooking utensils, dishes, cocoa, cinnamon, oil, iron bars, window glass, and woods from Brazilian forests. ++ A conversational letter from Mr. Begg containing fatherly advice and business tips was well thumbed during the long days and nights at sea. It encouraged the young men, saying: ++ ’The copartnership which exists between us will we hope be placed on your arrival in California upon a permament footing and lay the foundation of your future prospects and happiness in life… ++ ’Next to permission to remain in the country your fortunes will depend on your own exertions, in which we have every confidence that nothing will be wanting to crown them with success.’ ++ Mr. Begg entrusted them with letters of introduction, considerable cash, and a fantastic Note of Produce, suggesting that the partners secure certain items in addition to the usual hides, tallow, and wheat designated for American and European markets. These included butter and horsehair, the former not made by Californians and the latter too highly prized to part with. Mr. Begg also gave his ideas of adequate prices and advice, mostly erroneous, on the collection of each commodity. He still relied on rumor rather than on knowledge, as in the days of Hartnell’s “wild-goose chase” to Guayaquil. ++ The final section of Mr. Begg’s letter was most realistic: ++ ’We anticipated some considerable expence in the first formation of the Establishment, such as the construction of houses and sheds where produce will be collected and prepared for shipment. In order to avoid expences which are not imperiously necessary we would advise you before laying out money in this way, to select one or more central places convenient for embarking the produce with safety and facility and there erect the edifices required. … ++ … [Thus ends most of page 31 of Dakin's 'The LIves of William Hartnell.'] … +++
+++ John Begg and Company engaged to furnish funds “to carry on the business to as great an extent as can be done with advantage,” and to provide necessary shipping. Insurance was to be regulated by current freight rates, no commission ever to be charged by either party. But Mr. Begg insisted on full power to dissolve this agreement at any time during the five-year extent of the contract, whereas the younger men could not withdraw for three years, and then only with the understanding that, neither individually nor jointly, directly nor indirectly, would they engage in the California trade before March 21, 1827. Profit and loss were to be divided, John Begg and Company receiving five-eighths, McCulloch and Hartnell sharing the remainder. In conclusion: ++ ’Should any dispute arise as to the said profit or gains within the period above mentioned John Begg & Company shall have full power to award and decide the amount of the aforesaid Profit or Gain; and the award and decision will be final and binding.’ ++ Such terms were harsh indeed, but nowhere else could the poor and unknown men secure sufficient funds and shipping space for their project. They must make the most of Mr. Begg’s offer. And even a small share in the profits seemed more desirable than the static low salaries received as company clerks by McCulloch and Hartnell. Signatures were appended to the contract on March 21, 1822. With others, Hartnell’s doctor-cousin, Robert C. Wyllie, witnessed the signing and joined in the celebration afterward. ++ Now that there was no turning back, Hartnell suddenly seemed appalled. Once again he was leaving those who had become nearest and dearest to him, and he feared the truth: some he might never see again. He became roundly, gloriously drunk at the farewell parties and had to be carried aboard at sailing time, so sick he could not raise his head. ”We never expected you to live the passage down,” confessed his friend Atherton a few months later. ”However, I will not dwell on this subject.” Suffice it to say that the sea air, absence of temptation, and youth itself all contributed to Hartnell’s recovery during a long and uneventful voyage. +++ … [Thus ends page 30 of Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell.'] ….
+++ The day seemed at hand for the transformation of California from Spanish colony to Mexican state. ++ McCulloch felt that “Don Guillermo Arnel” should become resident manager of the new enterprise, as much because of his ‘modo corriente’ and knowledge of Latin ways as because of his experience in pioneering trade along the west coast of South America. McCulloch himself planned to act as supercargo of variously chartered ships, plying between the most important Pacific ports of California, Mexico, and Central and South America. ++ When the ambitious plan was broached to Hartnell, he objected, saying that it meant changing the course of his whole career, shifting his setting to a new continent, beginning another life. Nobody realized more clearly than he the many problems to be solved before profit was even forseeable. The time it would take to become entrenched in such a remote and “uncivilized” part of the world might postpone his return to England for many years. ++ McCulloch would not listen to argument. In time the drive of his ambition and his reasoning eloquence carried Hartnell along in the California venture. It even influenced Mr. Begg to finance the infant firm. That the terms were harsh is shown in John Begg’s own Memorandum of Copartnership, and a copy of the signed contract preserved among Hartnell’s business communications. ++ It was agreed for the three to associate in “trade on the coast and country called California in Spanish North America.” The young Britons would sail north on a ship chartered from John Begg and Company, become established in California, and devote all their time and attention to the collection, preparation, and shipping of produce, particularly hides and tallow. The sale and exchange of merchandise and eventual disposal of produce of would be dictated by Mr. Begg. McCulloch was to act as supercargo and intermediary between the parent firm and its youngest offspring; Hartnell to become resident manager, living probably in Monterey, the capital and most important ‘pueblo’ of California. +++ … [Thus ends all of page 29 of Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell.'] …
+++ … It became a sore subject with these educated and ambitious young men that their share remained so meager while company profits were soaring. The Scot, McCulloch, having the most initiative, suffered the most from a sense of injustice. ++ Hartnell realized that some change must be made in his own status, particularly since the term of his three-year contract had expired with the year 1821. He had left an otherwise satisfactory, certainly happy life in Chile for the sole purpose of “making money and pushing myself forward in the world.” However, characteristically, he found decision difficult. The present was becoming too pleasant to admit much worry about the future. ++ In Lima, as everywhere else, William Hartnell fell in love. Here is it was the “lovely Miss Lynch,” with whom he spent his happiest hours, and to whom he found himself engaged. Together they attended home ‘bailes,’ again being given by the liberated ‘Limenos,’ and strolled of an afternoon on the new ‘alameda,’ always in a company, of course. Miss Lynch seemed above reproach in every way. Daily, unknowingly, she drove the memory of “Dulcinea” from William’s mind, just as the Spanish girl had superseded Fraulein Muller. This time, since his fiancee was an “English rose” of background and religion similar to his own, no barrier loomed to prevent the marriage, none save the lover’s chronic lack of funds. ++ Out of sleepless nights and endless scheming, McCulloch evolved a plan which included William Hartnell as his partner. He drew up a contract for presentation to Mr. Begg, proposing the establishment of a new firm, McCulloch and Hartnell by name, to trade along the faraway, fabled coast of California. The young men would operate as agents of John Begg and Company for a share of the profits, just as Messrs. Begg and Barnard had long attended to the South American interests of James Brotherston and Company. McCulloch hoped to arrive in California at a moment as opportune as Begg’s own appearance in Lima. ++ Conversations with sea captains had convinced him that opportunity soon would exist in the north. Spanish power was toppling in Mexico, through the strategy of Guerrero and Iturbide. +++ … [Thus ends the tail end of page 27 and all of page 28 of the first chapter of Susanna Bryant Dakin's biography 'The Lives of William Hartnell.']…
+++ They arrived at the exact psychological moment for establishing what was to become the company’s most important office, its real nerve center. ++ Dependable Jonathan Winstanley, who had preceded Begg and Hartnell by a few weeks on the company ship ‘Caledonia,’ had the spadework well done for the foundation of a new firm. Hartnell worked hard, under the driving hand of Mr. Begg. With sometimes as many as a dozen ships plying up and down the coast or around the Horn to Atlantic ports in South America and Europe (some owned outright by John Begg and Company, others chartered as needed), there were endless inventories to be made out, in addition to other duties. ++ Company ships mentioned in Hartnell’s business correspondence of the time, in addition to the ‘Queen Charlotte,’ ‘Caledonia,’ and ‘Favorite,’ were the ‘Araucano,’ ‘Constancia,’ ‘Embargo,’ ‘Gondrina,’ ‘Hyperion,’ ‘Independencia,’ ‘Indian Oak,’ ‘Olive Branch,’ ‘Macedonia,’ and ‘John Begg.’ Their supercargoes purchased hides, cocoa, corn, cotton, soap, Chilean hams, Coquimbo shawls, Indian curiosities, rum, and sundry other South American products in exchange for British manufactured goods such as muslins, cambrics, canvas, woolens, hardware, earthenware, and spirits of all kinds. ++ Hartnell hardly had time to be homesick, either for England or Chile, except for a few moments whenever he received a letter from family or friends. Edward Hardy sent him the sad news from Santiago, in January 1822, that “the mother of your intended wife (whom we have only known as “Dulcinea”) is dead – so you see your old friends drop off the stage.” He inquires of the new: “How goes Miss Lynch, the famous Miss Lynch that you talked about so much here?” and recommends the Mr. Wyld who delivers this letter as “a good steady fellow, tho’ he has begun to follow bad examples, such as smoking a great many segars, tho’ I believe not so many as you do.” ++ Prominent in the little coterie of congenial spirits that Hartnell drew around himself, here as everywhere else that he went, were Wyld, William Atherton, and Hugh McCulloch, all clerks in Begg and Company …. …[Thus ends most of page 27 of Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell]… +++
+++ … He greatly preferred the business methods and manners of Mr. Barnard; but stronger than everything else was the necessity he felt of contributing to his family’s well-being, and of securing for himself the independence that comes with financial success. Little Lene Muller, waiting in Bremen for him to make a fortune in Peru, seems completely to have been forgotten. Her name never reappears in his correspondence. ++ Accompanying Mr. Begg, Hartnell entered Callao harbor on the ‘Favorite.’ It was only a few weeks since San Martin had been begged, by a delegation from the citizens of Lima, to enter the capital as their Protector. The General accepted, after two days of suspense during which the Spanish viceroy fled the palace, leaving no government at all. ++ As the company ship sailed into Callao, great changes could be perceived since Hartnell’s visit on the ‘Queen Charlotte’ the preceding year. The Patriot flag now flew from the ancient fortress. The harbor was crowded with shipping, even to outer ocean roads, where several vessels were awaiting their turn to unload cargoes of all kinds. Most of the citizens, in port and capital, had ceased to cherish worn-out feuds. They were too busy replenishing stocks in home and store. It now appeared, even to Mr. Begg, that San Martin had spent his time wisely to have achieved such a bloodless yet complete conquest within a few months. ++ The Protector’s first official act upon entering the capital had been to free all slaves, on July 15, 1821. His subsequent establishment of liberal institutions seemed unprecedentedly swift and efficient, although not without the pain of serious dislocation. Certain Royalists, both Spanish and Peruvian, maintained an attitude of stiff-necked pride and irradicable prejudice which never could be changed by San Martin the educator. So San Martin the soldier sometimes was forced into the exercise of ruthless discipline. For this he was criticized as betraying the spirit of his proclamations. Earlier, he had been flayed for failure to take the city by force. ++ San Martin believed in free trade, and welcomed responsible foreigners. Without delay he allotted warehouse and tienda (store) space to the representatives of John Begg and Company. …[Thus ends most of page 26 of Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell.']… +++
+++ … The change would be welcome to Hartnell and his fellow clerks. Mr. Barnard had resided in Santiago for a number of years, and was respected and liked in business and social circles of the Chilean capital. ++ ”I am more comfortable in my situation now than ever I was, as I have the good luck to please Mr. Barnard,” writes William happily to his brother George (on May 3, 1821). His “present Patron” has recommended a raise and plans to cut the working day, as soon as Mr. Begg is safely on the high seas. ++ Hartnell’s peace of mind was short-lived. Presently he confided to George: ++ ”Mr. Begg is going down the coast on the ‘Favourite,’ to sail in 2 or 3 days. He is going to establish himself in Lima as soon as that city falls, which is daily expected from the great scarcity of provisions there – Flour is selling at $130 p. barrel and everything else is dear in proportion – Mr. B. wants very much to take me down with him and Mr. Barnard is stilll more desirous that I should stop with him. I have not yet made up my mind but probably may do so before I close this.” ++ Having lived down his early indescretions and the misfortunes of the Guayaquil venture, Hartnell now finds himself in the difficult position of having to make a choice. Shall he remain where he is happy and respected and not too hard-worked? Or shall he sterly pioneer the Peruvian trade? He continues thinking in writing to George: ++ ”Mr. Barnard is certainly a much pleasanter man to live with than Mr. Begg, but I think it is probable that in Lima I might have more opportunities of making money and pushing myself forward in the world, which is a consideration of no small moment you know. ++ I should like very much to know if [young brother] Nathan has got into a situation yet or not. Poor devil, he is wasting away the best years of his life in inactivity and uneasiness – I myself well know what it is to be out of employment & poor withal and can feel for him with all my heart.” ++ Hartnell made a last-minute decision to accompany Mr. Begg to Lima, to assist in the establishment of a new firm. It was a hard wrench to leave his friends, his “Duclinea,” and the happy… ++ … life in Chile. +++ …[Thus ends most of page 25, and a bit of the top of page 26 of Susanna Bryant Dakin's 'The Lives of William Hartnell']…
+++ He even was requested by Mr. Barnard, a partner in the firm, to send a detailed account of commercial prospects on the west coast to Mr. Brotherston in Liverpool, as an aid in planning company policy. His recent experiences gave him real authority. ++ The Peruvian situation provided material for endless conversations in the Chilean capital. San Martin remained the national hero, and yet his recent action, or lack of it, was hard to understand and often misinterpreted. As the liberating army had progressed northward by sea and then by land, it had proved so successful in engagements en route, and these successes added such luster to the Patriot’s cause, that on the third of December (1820) a whole regiment of Royalists left the Spanish stronghold in LIma, marched over, and volunteered to serve with San Martin. Since Cochrane was in complete control of Callao by this time, there seemed no doubt of an immediate joining of forces, and the complete crushing of Spanish strength in central and southern Peru. But San Martin, the self-styled Protector of Peru, acted in an unpredictable manner. He marched away from Lima, leading his army to Huara, seventy-five miles north. There the army camped for months while San Martin launched an educational campaign. He let it be known that, having shown his might, he now would rely less on military achievement than on the peaceful promulgation of democratic principles. He would use informed public opinion as his most powerful weapon in the continuing war against ignorance, prejedice, and tyranny. ++ ”Bosh.” said Mr. Begg when informed of such “inefficiency.” He advocated the methods of his fellow countryman, Cochrane, a military genius coldly preoccupied with the science of destruction. After sitting out San Martin’s strange campaign for serveral months, the senior partner of Begg and Company no longer could endure the suspence. He set a sailing date for the company ship ‘Favourite’ to be on hand the very moment that trading relations could be established with the Patriots of Peru. He relied on hunger to hasten the fall of LIma, even if San Martin continued to procrastinate. Lord Cochrane kept Callao closed to the world, and supplies were running low in both port and capital. ++ Mr. Begg planned to turn the Santiago office over to partner Barnard, a man more lenient and better-natured than himself, … ++ … perhaps less driven by ambition. …[Thus ends the tail end of page 23, all of page 24, and bit of the top of page 25 of the first chapter of Susanna Bryant Dakin's biography 'The Lives of William Hartnell.'] …
+++ In Lima $8,000 in cash had been exchanged, by advice of the viceroy, for an order in Guayaquil upon a Spanish agent now imprisoned by the new government. ++ Trying to make the best of a bad deal, Hartnell chartered the ‘Queen Charlotte’ to sail to Gibraltar with a cargo of cocoa. But the captain’s belated advice of her unseaworthiness caused the contract to be canceled. An entry in his ‘Journal’ for November 20, 1820, asks: ++ ’What was to be done in this predicament? We had laid in a stock of provisions for a four month’s voyage, had been obliged to pay off all the sailors, as they had signed articles to return to Valparaiso, in short we were in a most complete hobble, which it was necessary to extricate ourselves from the best way we could.’ ++ During his enforced stay in Guayaquil, Don Guillermo’s knowledge of the Spanish language and Latin ways stood him in good stead. He became popular with the all-powerful local merchants and succeeded, shortly after the first of the year, in contracting to transport 3,000 ‘cargas’ of cocoa back to Chile, besides purchasing miscellaneous articles on Mr. Begg’s account, and assembling a new crew. ++ Once again, on January 26, 1821, the ‘Queen Charlotte’ dropped anchor off the Vale of Paradise, and paradise it seemed to her supercargo after eight months of more misadventure than adventure. Hartnell’s report to Mr. Begg stressed the fact that he had found Guayaquil “commercially superior even to Lima in variety and value of native production.” Suspicion of foreigners was slowly being broken down by enlightened patriots. He was able to give information of great value in planning future expeditions, in place of the rumors which had sent him on wild-goose chases during the course of the voyage. In the long run, the company profited by this luckless pioneer voyage. Within a few years Guayaquil became one of its most important trade centers, fulfilling Hartnell’s prophecy. ++ Meanwhile he returned, in excellent health, to his comfortable and happy life in Santiago. His friends welcomed him with great good will and listend to his opinions with respect. … ++ … [Thus ends most of page 23 of Susanna Bryant Dakin's biography called 'The Lives of William Hartnell.'] … +++
