+++ He is too high-spirited to spend all his time moping, or even studying. His dark good looks and melancholy air intrigue every woman he meets. ++ In the fall of 1828 young Juan entered Stonyhurst College, the Jesuit stronghold in northern Lancashire. Here he found a more congenial atmosphere than in Liverpool, but still remained homesick. Continuous reminders of this mood must have made Don Guillermo and Don Jose wonder whether such a long separation was advisable under any circumstances, in the crucial years of adolescence. To his “Dear Brother” Juan writes from his ‘alma mater,’ in a maturing and fine hand: ++ ’I was very glad to hear, that in your next letter you would tell me when I was to go back to California. . . . . I have had no opportunity of seeing Mr. Logan yet, but if he is in Liverpool when the Vacation comes, I shall certainly go and see him. Since I came to England I have been at three different schools; the first was at Liverpool in which I learned Ovid, Sallust and Virgil, in Latin; in French, Grammar Fables, and Telemachus; in the same school I also learned Joyce’s letters on Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Histories of England, Greece and Rome, Arithmatic and some Algebra. The next School was in Shropshire, in which I learned Sallust, Ovid, Nepos in Latin; in French the same as at the last; and I continued learning the same things, except Algebra and Chemistry; in the same school I also learned Drawing, Dancing and Drilling and in Music, the Clarinet and Flute. And now in this College, in which I am at present, I am learning Latin and French, and I expect very soon to go on with Mathematics, for, if they won’t teach them here I shall be obliged to go somewhere else, where they do. . . . . ++ I am thinking that when I go back I shall first go to Jamaica, then to Vera Cruz, Mexico and San Blas or Acapulco, and then to Monterey; it will be much better than to go all the long, tedious and dangerous way around Cape Horn. That is the way I think best, but perhaps Mr. Brotherston will think otherwise. However I expect that will be the way I shall go back, at least the most likely; and then, perhaps if my Father is in Mexico yet, I shall meet him there, and go with him to California, but if not I will manage to go by myself.’ ++ Juan seems to have heard nothing of the persecution of Spaniards which by this time prevails all over California and Mexico. It has caused his father and brothers to be turned back at San Blas on their way to Mexico City. +++
Tag Archive: ‘DON GUILLERMO ARNELL’ HARTNELL
+++ ’I have done about half of it; it not only gives an account of the empires, kingdoms, and their respective provinces & towns, but also of their forms of governments, their political influences among other states, the manners and customs of their inhabitants, the face and appearances of the country &c. together with a number of other little interesting events, connected with their origins and advancement of the several stages of national importance and civilization. I have also learned Joyce’s letter’s on natural and experimental philosophy. I have had History and this is the history of Greece and Rome. As to French I have done Perrin’s Grammar, his conversation and his Fables, I have also commenced to read The Adventures of Telemachus in French, &c. ++ ’There is no more news in Liverpool, than that every day is encreasing its sun. . . . . ++ ’Dear Brother [and so he feels, though the news of Hartnell's marriage to Teresa has not yet crossed the ocean] I ever am more affectionately yours.’ ++ On November 24, 1826, Juan has another opportunity of sending Don Guillermo a letter by a visiting sea captain. This time it is one of congratulation, and contains more information about his course of study under a Reverend Fisher recommended by Mr. Brotherston: ++ ’I received yours 4 May [1825] in which I had much pleasure in hearing of your marriage to my Sister. My master desires me to tell you and my Father that after offering you his compliments, he wishes me to tell you how I am advancing in my education – that I am now become well acquainted with the English and French languages, and have made considerable improvement in Latin, and am now translating Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and I am intended to commence Sallust in a few days – and that I can parse and scan the sentences accurately – also I have now advanced to the 5th Book of Euclid and have constructed the Figures of the 3 first books – much to Mr. Fisher’s approbation, and also Algebra – and I have now almost done the whole of Ancient History, Grecian and Roman History – besides obtaining a complete knowledge of Geography ancient & modern, and having constructed the Maps of almost all the Kingdoms in the known World. In Arithmetic I have performed a considerable number of Rules, and have of late begun to enter the sums on an account book, which the master says that it is done with much taste & elegance – and then I have also made considerable progress in the study of Natural Science & Chemistry. Upon the whole Mr. Fisher says that he is much pleased with my improvement and wishes I may continue the same.’ +++
+++ Since the course of study, cost of tuition, and other features of the California ‘seminario’ were to be based on the British “public school” system, as Hartnell himself had experienced it and as Juan describes it in chronological detail, this correspondence provides an illumination introduction to the California venture. ++ Back in 1825, Mr. Brotherston had estimated the expense of Juan’s first year in England: ++ ”His Board & Education will cost 50 L. p. ‘annum’ – by & by he may want some branches which are not taught at the school, which will cost something more. At present he is studying English, French & Arithmetic – from which he will go on through a Complete Course of Mathematics. He also at present studies Geography. In regard to clothing & pocket money your wishes shall be attended to – about 70 L. will be I think his annual expense.’ ++ Toward the end of the year the boy received a visit from Captain John Lincoln, who reported to Hartnell in California: “He certainly is a prodigy of Nature in acquiring a Language; he speaks the English Language fluently has made great progress in French – he certainly has excelled some that have been in England 3 years from Peru.” As Lincoln indicates, Juan was not alone in being a Spanish-Catholic from the New World sent to secure an education in the old. Many young men from South America, including Bolivar and San Martin a generation earlier, attended schools on the continent or in Great Britain; but Juan appears in his day to have been the only from California studying in England. Naturally he had homesick moods, which lengthened with the years. ++ His letters are ingenious in their expression of pride at acquiring knowledge. The earliest, dated May 4, 1826, is written in an English schoolboy’s hand: ++ ’With regard to my studies, I think I get on pretty well; what I am at present learning is, in the first place the English language; in the next place I am learning Ewing’s Geography, which is I think one of the best in England.’ . . . ++++
+++ CHAPTER 5 ++ SCHOOLMASTER ++ Don Jose answered his son-in-law’s plea for advice with an interesting suggestion. Why not turn a natural inclination into an asset by becoming a schoolmaster? The foundation of a school of higher education in California would mean a great deal to the few fathers like himself, who cared enough now to send their sons on long and dangerous journeys in pursuit of knowledge. Others would patronize a convenient institution, and it even might become the fashion. Hitherto, all schooling in California had been restricted or superficial, as given by busy padres or lay teachers politically appointed and unqualified for advanced instruction. ++ To the old man, Alisal seemed an ideal site for a boys’ school. It was sufficiently removed from town temptations, and its owner often had shown interest in education. Don Jose knew that Hartnell had advised his schoolboy brother at each new step, and had planned with Mr. Brotherston the whole course of study to be followed by Don Juan de la Guerra in England. For years he had tutored Don Jose’s young relatives, Juan Alvarado and Mariano Vallejo. Daily he was answering questions and attempting to stimulate thought in his own and any other children who happened around. ++ It was Don Jose’s further thought that, by establishing a ‘seminario’ on the ‘rancho,’ his son-in-law could continue the necessary supervision of ranch work, augment his income in a congenial manner, and make a lasting contribution to his adopted country. ++ Don Jose’s proposition appealed to Don Guillermo. He recognized the arguments as sincere. Many times the two of them, with Don Alfredo Robinson or someone like-minded, had decried the ignorance and indifference to education of the younger generation in California, however fine the stock from which it sprang. . . . . +++
+++ Besides the rendering of fat, the stretching, cleaning, and curing of hides must be commenced immediately after butchering, to decrease spoilage. ’La matanza’ usually took place in hot weather, and refrigeration was unknown. A great deal of waste occurred, because only the choicest portions of meat were used. From these, long strips would be reserved, cut off, and dried for future use. Birds of prey and prowling coyotes enjoyed what was left. Bleaching bones and the odor of decay marked a ‘matanza’ ground for months after all activity ended. ++ When the Indians were done with their unpleasant tasks, they loaded ‘carretas’ with the hides and ‘botas’ of tallow destined for trading vessels. Following a rutty road to the nearest beach depot, the solid wooden wheels of the lumbering carts would creak protestingly at every revolution. But their song was no more plaintive than that of the native walking alongside, pricking lazy oxen with a long, sharp stick. ++ William Hartnell enjoyed ranching in California. Along with the drama, he accepted the drudgery, and found it a full-time job. But as yet he received insufficient income from ranching on shares to allow him to give up all trading interests in Monterey. ++ In several ways, his arrangement with the Soberanes was not satisfactory. He made them an offer to acquire on terms the entire Alisal property as pasture for greater numbers of cattle. Only in this way could he afford to give all his time to ranching and this offer the Soberanes refused. Not knowing what to do next, Hartnell turned to his father-in-law for advice, as had become his habit. Half humorously, he wrote to Senor de la Guerra early in April 1832 (translation): ++ ’As I write, I think of settng up a lottery booth – perhaps 100 . . . . .for those who work to improve their lot. But I need your advice, because I have not discovered any other way of making money and without money I cannot give up the little business I carry on in Monterey – to live as I wish, entirely on the Ranch, and if I am not there nothing will flourish. Now then – you tell me what I must do to make a killing.’ +++
+++ Dry years were years of tragedy in California. Cattle died like flies on sticky paper, and covered the pasture lands with emaciated black bodies. Lack of rain meant to them complete lack of food and drinking water, and to their owners the failure of a vital source of food, clothing, cleansing, and illumination. ++ Fortunately, the early years of Don Guillermo’s ranching venture were not distinguished by abnormal rainfall, or by flood or famine. With fellow ‘rancheros,’ and also their families and his, he would attend the annual ‘matanza’ at a near-by mission, and there find the whole drama of the cattle business concentrated in a few days’ activity. ++ Starring actors were ‘vaqueros’ (cowboys) who would appear at the ‘matanza,’ herding fat cattle before them, each animal marked by a ranch brand. Approaching the mission, men and beasts would be greeted with shouts and song, by mayordomos, padres, and Indians who previously had asembled such mission cattle as were ready for the kill. From then on, the show belonged to the most skillful ‘vaquero.’ ++ A lean, dark young fellow he usually was, picturesquely dressed, and seeming an extension of his horse, so closely did he cling by his legs. A broad-brimmed black hat, high-heeled boots, colorful shirt, and leather “chaps” to protect his legs from briars and horn pricks – these composed his costume. His saddle had a high pommel in front and stirrups ending in ‘tapaderos’ almost trailing to the ground, the whole lavishly trimmed with silver. Silver also adorned his cruel-bitted bridle and vicious-looking spurs, and silver thread might be braided into the horse’s mane and tale. A ‘vaquero”s whole fortune often was displayed in such trappings, and his devotion to a chosen animal sometimes seemed deeper than to any human being. Actually his horse knew the cattle business, exclusive of buying and selling, as well as he. To sell hair from such a comrade seemed desecration, but the mane of a mare was sometimes cut, or her tail plucked, to make a lasso. This harmless-looking, coiled length of rope tied to every saddle was used by the vaquero to perform miracles of manual dexterity and horsemanship. ++ A signal from the ‘mayordomo’ would indicate the steer whose last moment was at hand. . . +++
+++ The building of his house in company with the inventive old padre likewise gave pleasure to Don Guillermo. Father Arroyo taught his friend sufficient Indian dialect to converse with the laborers in their own tongue. This helped Hartnell in his constant purpose. An educator by nature, he sought to find and develop the distinctive quality in each human being, even the lowly Indian in whom it often lay too deep to be easily perceived. His appeal was subtle, penetrating. It produced tangible results and enduring devotion. In the past he had attributed his unusual success in Indian labor relations to patience alone, and now he would be aided by knowledge of their language, as was the ancient padre. ++ Neither McCulloch nor Mr. Begg ever gave Hartnell credit for the time and effort he had spent in establishing and maintaining good relationships with employees and clients. The impatience of the senior partners contributed not a little toward the failure of a most promising firm. Now Dr. Anderson was building a fortune on Hartnell’s foundation. ++ Since Don Guillermo’s main purpose in becoming a ‘ranchero’ was to feed and clothe his family, he planned to diversify his products as seldom was done on the great cattle ‘ranchos.’ Already, working with the Soberanes, he had planted fruit trees, grapevines, and grain. The ‘siembra,’ or sowing of wheat and corn, started in December, with harvest from July to September. Irrigating and picking came at variable times, depending on species and unpredictable rainfall. Vine-tending, grape-gathering, and wine-making composed one seasonal occupation; as did butchering, hide-curing, tallow-rendering, and soap- and candle-making. The greatest excitement occurred in connection with cattle-raising, at the great rodeo (roundup of cattle) in April or smaller ones throughout the year for slaughtering, doctoring, dehorning, and branding. ++ The size of ‘la matanza’ depended on whether rainfall was sufficient and timely during winter months. Following an abundant spring growth of grass and grain, a large-scale slaughter of fattened cattle took place at each mission some time in mid-summer. +++
+++ Riding up and down the territory, visiting each mission not once but several times a year, the trader would collect long lists of goods desired by the padres. According to Adele Ogden: ++ ’A demand for foreign commodities had been created and failure to receive goods ordered resulted in the keen disappointment of the mission fathers. Each year, the missions were scenes of industrial activity. The matanza, the melting down of tallow and graza, and the transportation of hides and tallow to specified collection depots on the beaches occupied the neophytes of every mission. Trade had become a part of mission life.’ ++ And to whom was credit due? Anderson felt that Hartnell more than any other man had built firm the foundation of California’s commercial structure, which one day would be of great importance. Hartnell considered himself a failure in his trading career. ++ When released from debt, Don Guillermo turned to ranching with the vigor of early youth, more indeed than he ever had shown in trade. To “Mi Amado Padre” on April 3, 1822, he wrote: “I am going to build a house on the Ranch with the aid of Padre Arroyo.” This meant that the old padre had consented to come over from his mission of San Juan Bautista, bringing Indian boys to make adobe bricks. The construction would go fast, because these neophytes loved their Father. It would not be long before the whole family could accompany Don Guillermo on his supervisory visits to Alisal. ++ During the months of March and April, his horseback rides from Monterey must have seemed idyllic, even to the rider. Wild flowers rioted in the open fields, and golden mustard grew untrammeled along ‘El Camino Real.’ The air was cool and clear, warming slowly as he ascended from sea level to the sunny hill country. As summer approached, the shade of live oaks and other wayside trees became a welcome refuge from the noonday sun, a place to share siesta with fat, lazy cattle belonging to the church or to other ‘rancheros’ like himself who pastured them on former mission lands. The uniformly black, long-horned beasts, identified only by brands, wandered at will over the plains and foothills. There were no fences in California. Only ‘tunas’ (cactus) hedges reinforced with steer horns protected ranch homes and mission gardens from marauding beasts and men. +++
+++ On speaking to the most influential Franciscans, he was answered with one voice that they would not give a discharge of Hartnell’s California’s debt until Begg and McCulloch consented to free their friend from his obligation incurred in Lima (Anderson to McCulloch, December 20, 1832). To Anderson’s astonishment, money seemed to mean less than dirt to them, under the circumstances. ++ When the Doctor returned to South America, after consultation with Begg and McCulloch he wrote offering to assume Hartnell’s entire obligation of approximately $18,000. Again, as with the Mexican debt, the correspondence is lengthy, but this time successful in outcome. On April 15, 1833, his onetime partners gave Hartnell a full discharge of all debts. Anderson wrote this welcome news to California, with the added assurance that throughout the whole transaction McCulloch had proved himself a good friend. Old suspicion and accusations could be forgotten; the kindly Doctor wished the slate wiped clean. ++ Anderson must have seemed a ‘deus ex machina’ as he descended from the ‘Solitude’ onto California soil. He promised to continue, in the ‘modo corriente’ so pleasing to the padres, the trade built up through years by patient Don Guillermo. Given an honorable discharge, Hartnell finally was free to enter into his ranching venture, much more to his taste than trade. ++ That Anderson appreciated Hartnell’s pioneering and long-term planning is shown in several extant letters. Each is written in the fine hand and flowing style characteristic of the educated man in those days. Particularly interesting news appears in one dated Lima, November 1, 1832: ++ ’After a very pleasant passage of 54 days we arrived here from California, & find things much the same as when we left. I am happy to say that Capt. Beechey in the work he has just published spoke very highly of California and particularly in favor of the old Padres. He defends them through thick & thin & does not forget the kind treatment he received from your good self. The work is very much liked & from what I have read of it regarding California he is very correct.’ . . . +++
