The Larkin Papers: Volume 1 1822–1842 [Reprint 2020 ed.] 9780520321182

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The Larkin Papers *

THOMAS

OLIVER

LARKIN

THE

Larkin Papers Personalf Business, and Official Correspondence of Thomas Oliver Larkin} Merchant and United States Consul in California J^Edited

hy George

P Hammond^ Director of the Bancroft Library #

VOLUME

I

1822-1842 #

Published for the Bancroft

UNIVERSITY

OF

Library

by the

CALIFORNIA

BERKELEY AND LOS

1951

ANGELES

PRESS

UNIVERSITY

OF C A L I F O R N I A

B E R K E L E Y AND LOS

PRESS

ANGELES

CALIFORNIA

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LONDON,

COPYRIGHT THE REGENTS

PRINTED

PRESS

ENGLAND

I 9 5 I , BY

OF T H E U N I V E R S I T Y

OF

IN T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S O F

CALIFORNIA

AMERICA

INTRODUCTION

AMONG the most valued treasures of the Bancroft Library, which came / l to the University of California in 1905 as part of the great col/ 1 lection purchased at that time from the noted historian, Hubert JL . m . Howe Bancroft, are the papers of Thomas Oliver Larkin, early California businessman and consul of the United States in California before the American acquisition. These papers, bound into nine fat volumes of some thirty-four hundred pieces, many yellowed and tattered, are for the most part letters written to Larkin, and called by Bancroft "Documents for the History of California." In two additional volumes, bound into one, and increasing the total number of documents to more than four thousand, are neat copies of the Official Correspondence sent by Larkin, as consul, to the Secretaries of State and Navy, and to many other persons. When Bancroft was assiduously gathering materials on California history, the records of the Official Correspondence were turned over to him by Alfred O. Larkin, the consul's son; a year later, in 1875, the rest of the papers were added to the historian's shelves after he, with the intervention of friends, had elicited the generous support of Sampson Tams, who had married Larkin's daughter, Caroline. "This collection," Bancroft wrote, "is beyond all comparison the best source of information on the history of 1845-6," and it so remains, furnishing precious data also for the years before and after the war between the United States and Mexico. The project to publish the Larkin Papers originated as a contribution of the University of California to the State's first centennial, when President Robert Gordon Sproul and the Regents made an appropriation to the Bancroft Library to enable the work to be undertaken. With funds available, the arduous task of transcribing the papers began. The documents tell their own story well—a story in which many more persons would be interested than the few who might be able to visit the [v]

[vi] Bancroft Library. Here at first hand are the beginnings of the hundred-year period whose passing the centennial festivities of 1948-1950 celebrated. Written in English and Spanish by many hands, and displaying every degree of literacy, the papers contained all the usual problems of paleography and other snares for the historian. The papers which we present in this series stand as nearly as possible as originally set down with scratching quill or steel pen and now-fading ink. This, briefly, has been our editorial policy. We have arranged the documents in chronological order, and, in the matter of style, we have sought a degree of uniformity by placing the date at the beginning of each paper and by using periods to close sentences and capital letters to open them. We have lowered superior letters in the non-Spanish documents, but in those written in Spanish we have indicated them by the use of italics. When the writer seemed to be almost illiterate, no change has been made in his compositions. There has been no attempt at extensive annotation. All this would, at first glance, seem to simplify the task of preparing the Larkin Papers for publication; instead, the desire to maintain the real flavor of the documents made necessary the meticulous checking and re-checking of transcriptions against originals, not by one person, nor two, but by many. Except for a few scattered items, dated in 1822, 1834, and 1836, the documents in this series may be said to begin in 1839. At that time Thomas Oliver Larkin had been living in Monterey, the capital of the Mexican Department of California, for seven years and had increased his fortune, which he had left the shores of New England to seek, by some eleven thousand dollars. He had become an important, perhaps the most important, man in Pacific Coast commerce. Born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1802, Larkin, through his father, traced his ancestry to a passenger on the Mayflower, a London merchant, Richard Warren. In the Plymouth colony, Warren was recognized as one of its most prominent men. The first Larkin in this country was Edward, admitted to Charlestown as a freeman in 1638. Thomas Oliver Larkin's mother, Ann Rogers Cooper Larkin, was a native of the island of Alderney, England. Her death, when Oliver was sixteen, orphaned the boy who already had gone to Boston "to learn the art of making books"—a trade he later described as "poor business."

Discouraged by lack of opportunity in N e w England, Larkin set sail on October 20, 1 8 2 1 , for Wilmington, North Carolina. Except for a short, but financially unrewarding, voyage to Bermuda as supercargo on the vessel Susan, and a trip of several months' length in 1 8 2 4 back to N e w England by way of N e w York City and the Hudson River, he spent the next ten years in the South. His brother, William, who accompanied him on his return to North Carolina, died there within the year. Larkin himself was plagued by ill health most of the time he remained in the South. That his commercial ventures in Wilmington did not prosper greatly he partly blamed on the guile of his partner, F . G . Thurston. A store which he set up in Rockfish, Duplin County, and a sawmill operation at Long Creek, N e w Hanover County, were no more successful. While at Rockfish, he was appointed Justice of the Peace and Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Duplin County, and later, two days before his twenty-fourth birthday, he received a commission as postmaster, the office to be in his store. H e realized that the returns from this last appointment would be meager, but figured he would at least save postage on his own mail. By 1 8 3 1 , Larkin had decided that he would not become a rich man if he remained in North Carolina, and so he considered three courses of action: first, to have his stepbrother, Ebenezer L . Childs, who was connected with the Post Office Department in Washington, try to secure him a position ; second, to return to Massachusetts and marry a cousin whom he was pretty certain he could love if her fortune were large enough, but who, nevertheless, might not suit him nor have h i m ; and, third, to borrow money and go to California to live among a people whom he had "always dispised and detested." From his half-brother, John Bautista Rogers Cooper, captain of a vessel in the Pacific and a resident of Monterey, had come a report of how well he was doing and an invitation to another of Larkin's stepbrothers, Samuel Chapin Childs, to go to the Mexican outpost as his clerk. A copy of this communication reached Larkin while he was still in North Carolina and opened for him the third possible avenue to his future. Larkin returned to Boston in June, 1 8 3 1 , but if he had a chance at a lucrative post office job in Washington or an opportunity at a suitable

[viii] matrimonial venture, the record is silent, and on September 5 he sailed on the Newcastle for California, ready for new enterprises. Indeed, his stay of several years in the South had netted him only debt and experience, but the latter was very much on the credit side for the life ahead, just the right practical knowledge to stand him in good stead at the "jumping off place of the w o r l d " to which he was going. True, he no longer would be "under the law I was taught to obey in my invancy, under the Government I gloried i n , " but he already had learned to accommodate himself to people and customs almost as foreign as those of the country to which the N e w England-bred young man now set sail. T h a t he would become one of California's ardent boosters must have been far from Larkin's mind. T h e Newcastle reached Monterey on April 1 3 , 1 8 3 2 , by way of Cape Horn, the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands, and San Francisco. Larkin at first took over the work of straightening out Captain Cooper's accounts, which afforded an interim to acquaint himself with his new home and to study its commercial possibilities. W i t h i n a year Larkin opened his own general merchandise store, and on June 1 0 , 1 8 3 3 , married Mrs. Rachel Hobson Holmes, who had been a fellow-passenger on the Newcastle's long voyage f r o m Boston. Traveling to the Pacific Coast to join her husband, a sea captain, Rachel found upon her arrival at Monterey that he had departed for Lima, and three months later, news of his death f r o m a fever reached her. W h i l e awaiting a vessel that would return her to her native N e w England, Mrs. Holmes was a guest at Captain Cooper's home, where, in all probability, Larkin also resided. Whether the charms of the widow were such as to counterbalance Larkin's requirement that his bride have some financial means—"all love and no capital will never do for m e " — o r whether it was her money that enabled him to set up in business is not known. Larkin, however, notes his assets for that year as only five hundred dollars, but fails to say whether or not this was after his old debts had been disposed of. In order that a civil marriage ceremony between two non-Catholic foreigners would not be questioned by the Mexican authorities, the rites were performed off the Santa Barbara coast on the ship Volunteer by its owner, John Coffin Jones, who held the appointment of United States Consul at Honolulu. Jones, in honor of the occasion, wore his f u l l regalia of office,

a costume that apparently made considerable impression upon the handsome bridegroom. Unwittingly, Larkin had chosen a most propitious time for undertaking his commercial activities in California. Since 1823, when an agreement between the missions and Hartnell and McCulloch had brought into existence the prosperous hide and tallow trade, the missions had furnished the major part of the desired cargoes. Now, with the gradual secularization by Mexican law of these religio-economic units, came an opportunity for an enterprising middleman. The newly established merchant kept in his store a year-round stock of goods which he bartered, often on an elaborate and profitable credit system, for hides, tallow, soap, and other products. The residents of the Mexican ranchos found it pleasant not to have to await the arrival of a trading vessel to satisfy their needs, and the ships were able to take on cargoes in large part already assembled for them, much as had been true when the missions flourished. Without the middleman's operations, the supercargo of a vessel would have had to scour the countryside to make his purchases from remote ranchos, and then, if successful, wait for the slow-moving, two-wheeled carretas—the California freight service—to creak to the water's edge with their heavy loads. One system, of course, did not entirely replace the other; often the captain or the supercargo traded with both the merchants and the rancheros. Some of the storekeepers, Nathan Spear in San Francisco, for example, objected to the direct sale of goods at low prices by the whaling ships. These vessels usually carried enough merchandise to pay for their re-outfitting for the voyage home. For such special cargoes the customs duties were small, and they could, therefore, be disposed of cheaply. The whalers, however, were welcomed by Larkin, for he felt that the profit to be gained by supplying the ships' needs more than offset their competition in the retail trade. Thomas Oliver Larkin was now on his way to his long-sought fortune. The first two years he was in business his riches increased more than fivefold, and, at the end of 1842, which concludes the period of Volume I of this series, he estimated his worth at $37,958. This business success was accomplished against a restless background. Mexico only recently had won her independence from Spain, and the un-

M easy atmosphere of revolution still persisted, reaching even to distant California. Faced with the more immediate problems created by her new status as a nation, Mexico was not able to do much to quash the personal ambitions of local political chiefs which caused a constant turmoil in the remote outpost. The first years of Larkin's residence were, under José Figueroa, comparatively uneventful, but with Figueroa's death in September, 1835, the rivalry began again. There followed a quick succession of governors, one of whom, Nicolas Gutiérrez, moved the capital to Los Angeles. After a struggle between northern and southern factions, punctuated by some shooting, Juan Bautista Alvarado, with the aid of the American, Isaac Graham, and his roisterous companions, emerged as leader of the government, with his capital once again in Monterey. Larkin, who heretofore had taken little part in local squabbles, but who perhaps was now disturbed by the threat of southern dominance, lent his support on this occasion to Alvarado. In time the revolutionary government was recognized by Mexico, but the energy which Juan Bautista had displayed while achieving his goal seemed to leave him. Upon several occasions he turned the duties of his office over to his secretary of state, Jimeno Casarin. In 1 8 4 1 , Alvarado's arrest of his former ally, Isaac Graham, and some of the other foreigners became an "international incident" for which he had not bargained. Early in 1842, a new governor for California, Manuel Micheltorena, an officer in the army, was appointed in Mexico City. He was to serve also as comandante general and to take with him to his new post a force of five hundred men, two hundred of whom would be regular soldiers, the rest convicts. The actual number which finally arrived in California was, fortunately, somewhat smaller. Micheltorena reached Los Angeles late in September. His motley following of ragged cholos soon was feared and hated, and it was evident that, as John Coffin Jones in Santa Barbara wrote, the new governor was not to solve the problems of California. Before Micheltorena could journey north to effect the transfer of office from Governor Alvarado, Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, commander of the United States Pacific squadron, believing that his country and Mexico were at war and that he must forestall any action by the British fleet with reference to California, sailed into

Monterey harbor on October 19, 1842, and demanded the surrender of the almost defenseless town. Larkin served as interpreter at the midnight negotiations, and the following morning United States marines and sailors went ashore. These troops were withdrawn in haste and a salute was fired in honor of the Mexican flag when information arrived next day that no war had been declared. Monterey, nevertheless, remained Jones' base of operations until after the close of the year, and the presence of so many officers occasioned numerous gay parties. Business, like the social life, was accelerated. In December, Micheltorena requested Alvarado to meet him in Los Angeles and there make the long-postponed formal transfer of the governorship. Alvarado immediately pleaded illness and, as on previous occasions, appointed his secretary of state, Jimeno Casarin, acting governor and sent him off to participate in the festive celebration. While the political pot bubbled and boiled around him, Larkin's most constant interests were new markets, new products, and new sources of supply. He traded foodstuffs and liquor with merchants in the California communities of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Liens on custom duties to be collected from a foreign vessel were credited to the Mexican government, in exchange for goods furnished the local administration and military. A tireless promoter, Larkin started lumbering operations in the redwoods, shipped timber to points along the coast and to Hawaii, opened a branch store at Santa Cruz, and sent an agent out into the field to collect what he could in the way of soap, hides, and edibles from the inland country near Gilroy. From Mexico and Oahu he requested all kinds of items to stock his shelves and fill his ever-increasing orders; in return the white-sailed ships carried a variety of California products south to Acapulco and Mazatlan and across the Pacific to the Sandwich Islands. Vessels whose business was not essentially trading—military and exploring as well as whaling—put into Monterey harbor and were furnished with food and clothing. Small wonder that Larkin had gained a reputation as "a fly about body," or that, in his new way of life, seasoned though he had been in a conservative New England environment, his personality had taken on an intensely patriotic fervor. The by-product of all this activity was a bulky correspondence. From

[xii] Valparaiso, from San Francisco, from Boston, from Santa Barbara, from Vera Cruz, from Santa Cruz, from Honolulu, from Los Angeles, from Mazatlän, from Sutter's Fort the letters came. They brought orders, complaints, friendly greetings, political and other news. Many—perhaps most —of those which Larkin received he saved. These, with some of his own rough drafts, make up what Hubert Howe Bancroft called the "Documents for the History of California," which we are presenting as The Larkin Papers. Placed in strictly chronological order, together with Larkin's Official Correspondence as United States Consul and Naval Agent, none of which, however, appears in Volume I, for Larkin had not yet been appointed consul, the papers are a contemporary record of the period. Against a setting of pueblos of whitewashed adobes and red-tiled roofs and scattered ranches with their roaming herds of cattle, on all of which the warm California sun shone and the violent California winds and rain beat, Yankee enterprise emerges as the theme of this, the first volume of the series. The letters which came to Larkin's home and store—the home a twostory edifice, forerunner of a type of architecture that a century later became famous throughout the country as the Monterey style—refer to many of the incidents in California history already mentioned, such as the Isaac Graham affair in 1 8 4 0 and the occupation of the capital by Commodore Jones. They tell, too, of the building of N e w Helvetia, which brought frequent orders from John Augustus Sutter and a greater number of regrets for inability to pay just now—but soon, surely; of the arrival in 1 8 4 1 of the first of the organized Overland-to-California parties; the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company in San Francisco; and the visit of the United States Exploring Expedition under Lieutenant Charles Wilkes. T o catalogue the names of Larkin's correspondents in California would be, for the period covered, to repeat much of Bancroft's "Pioneer Register." Already here when Larkin arrived in 1 8 3 2 were the N e w Englanders, A. B. Thompson, Abel Stearns, John Temple, Nathan Spear, Henry Fitch, and Alfred Robinson; the Englishmen, W . E. P. Hartneil and William R . Garner; and the Scots, David Spence and James McKinlay. Giving up his Honolulu consular appointment, John C. Jones became a resident of Santa Barbara in the early 'forties. Talbot H . Green, his shady past well hidden for the time being, and Josiah Beiden of Connecticut, trudged overland

[xiii] with the Bidwell-Bartleson party in 1 8 4 1 , and soon both were in the employ of Larkin. That same year William Glen Rae, the son-in-law of the famous John McLoughlin, came as the Hudson's Bay Company representative when the San Francisco post was established. Among the Mexicans, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and Mariano Castro, as well as the governors, Juan Bautista Alvarado and Manuel Micheltorena, wrote upon occasion to the Monterey merchant. Faxon Dean Atherton, like Larkin a native of Massachusetts, sent from Honolulu, and later from Valparaiso, long, newsy communications, always touched a bit with nostalgic memories of a visit to California. Eventually he was to return and make his home on the San Francisco peninsula, but not until after a war, a gold rush, and the death of Larkin had changed much of the California he had known. Larkin's contacts with the Sandwich Islands, especially in the first decade of his California residence, were numerous. From eccentric Stephen Reynolds came strange combinations of news and opinionated discourse. Reynolds, born in Andover, Massachusetts, settled in Honolulu in 1 8 2 2 or 1 8 2 3 , when he was about forty years old. H e kept a general store which was always in a state of "indescribable confusion," but he also was harbor master and acted as a pilot of Honolulu harbor. Largely self taught, he sometimes served as an attorney in the courts of law. After more than thirty years in the Islands, he returned to his native N e w England, where he soon died. Among the persons whom Reynolds disliked intensely, and they seem to have been many, especially if they were either Englishmen or missionaries, was Andrew Johnstone, to whom Larkin sent his oldest son, Thomas Oliver, Jr., when only six years of age, for schooling. M r . and Mrs. Johnstone originally had gone to Hawaii in a missionary capacity, and, without entirely severing their connections with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, had become the first teachers at the secular Oahu Charity School. A number of children from California, including Thomas Oliver, Jr., boarded at the Johnstone home and attended the Charity School. Progress reports in the best schoolmaster rhetoric were sent by both M r . and Mrs. Johnstone to the distant parents. T h e editor of the Polynesian, published in Honolulu, was James Jackson

(xiv} Jarves, a Bostonian, who went out to the Islands in 1838 at the age of twenty. He chose Larkin as the person in California to solicit subscriptions, an indication that the merchant had been represented to him as the important man in the region. Larkin never forgot his many relatives back in N e w England, and letters from his sister, stepsister, stepmother, and cousins indicate that he wrote them whenever an opportunity offered. These epistles are a missing and significant chapter in the Larkin-California story. The closely penned pages which reached Larkin are filled with homely details about friends and family. Tinged a little with envy of Larkin's reported wealth, which they almost never fail to mention, they show great concern for his soul. While Larkin seems to have remained much more a typical N e w Englander—perhaps because he did not marry into a Mexican family—than many of his fellow-adventurers, it is hard to imagine him living within the narrow confines both of geography and ideas of the little worlds set forth by these letters. On the other hand, in Larkin much that made up those same small worlds was transported to the shores of the Pacific, to become part of California's N e w England heritage. From Washington, where, it will be remembered, he held a Post Office Department appointment, Larkin's stepbrother, Ebenezer Larkin Childs, sent long, postage-saving communications. The lines were written in black ink down the page, the sheet then turned and the message continued crosswise in red ink, the whole effect being that of a rather complicated pattern for lace. Destined to hold minor government positions, always pressed by financial troubles and family responsibilities, Childs' adventures were those he experienced vicariously through the pen of Larkin. He was eager to be of assistance, and it was largely because of his stepbrother's persistent efforts that Larkin received his appointment as consul at Monterey. For this position Larkin was an ideal choice. Twice before, in 1 8 3 3 and 1 8 3 7 , consular appointments had been made for the port of Monterey, but for one reason or another the men never had reached the post. Larkin, however, already was there, and unlike most of his compatriots who settled in California before 1 8 4 1 , he had not given up his United States citizenship, his residence in Mexican territory being permitted under a carta de seguridai which he obtained in 1 8 3 6 and renewed from time to time as necessary.

[XV] In addition, he had become a man of wealth and influence, useful assets in such a government office. Gradually, in later volumes of this series, the emphasis on commercial contacts with Hawaii and Mexico is replaced in the Papers by stress on American interest in California, which reached a climax in the war with Mexico. As consul, and by later appointments as secret agent, naval agent, and naval storekeeper, Larkin was in the midst of events which once more placed him under his own country's flag. Held captive by the Californians in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles for several months in 1846-1847, he resumed his official duties as soon as he was released. Later years saw Larkin as the member of the constitutional convention who, other than the Spanish delegates and Abel Stearns, had been longest in California. With tall Robert Semple as associate, he became a founder of Benicia, which was, they hoped, to become the "metropolis of the Pacific." The Gold Rush upset their well-laid plans. After making three journeys east in as many years, Larkin returned to California in the spring of 1853, and, having traded his Monterey properties with Jacob P. Leese, lived, until his death from typhoid fever on October 27, 1858, in San Francisco. A word here on technical matters of style: each item published in this series has a reference to its source. Those which are from the nine manuscript volumes of documents in the Bancroft Library are indicated by a roman numeral for the volume, an arabic numeral for the document, (I:i). For such of the Official Correspondence as was directed to United States government officials, we have followed the original documents now on file in the National Archives, rather than Larkin's copies in the Bancroft Library. Any important differences between the two sets have been noted. Identified as " O f f . Corr.," we give these papers both the archival number of the National Archives and, in parentheses, the volume and document number of Larkin's copy, " O f f . Corr. No. 1 (II : i ) . " That is, this document is No. 1 of Larkin's consular dispatches preserved in the National Archives at Washington, and is to be found in Volume II, document No. 1, of Larkin's Official Correspondence in the Bancroft Library. As consul, Larkin, of course, sent many letters to persons other than those in government service, and for these we have only his copies. They are marked " O f f .

[xvi] Corr.," with a roman numeral to indicate the volume, and an arabic numeral for the document, (Off. Corr. I : i ) . A brief explanation of the monetary terms used in this volume is desirable, for at times sums of money are expressed in dollars and cents, at other times as dollars and reales—eight reales being equivalent to one dollar. In general, a single figure after the point, as 7 $ . 5 , may be identified as pertaining to reales, whereas when two positions are shown after the point, cents are indicated. In document 1 : 6 1 (June 5, 1842), however, two places follow the point, but it is evident from the total in the addition that the amounts given are in dollars and reales. Some of the original documents appear on stamped paper. If a person wished to do any official business with the government, the required correspondence was written on stationery obtained from the custom house upon payment of varying charges. The paper had a printed heading, followed by the names of the governor of the department and the administrator of the custom house, which read: "Habilitado provisionalmente por la Aduana marítima del puerto de Monterey, en el Departamento de las Californias, para el año de mil ochocientos . " When a document is on stamped paper, we have so indicated, but have omitted the usual printed data. It also is appropriate to note here that many of the letters by Larkin are rough drafts, which accounts for the numerous corrections and the fact that they are occasionally incomplete. Even in his more formal letters, Larkin was inclined to be impatient or hasty in writing, ideas flowing faster than he could set them down on paper. This is not difficult to understand, at a time when everything had to be written in longhand, and competent secretaries were nonexistent, but so irritating or confusing was the resulting carelessness to his friends back east that his cousin and business agent in Massachusetts, the Reverend William M . Rogers, admonished him: "When you write, will you read over your letters. I am often puzzled to make out the meaning from the omission of words. I sh. think you were taking aim at a flying Mexican when you write, holding at once the pen, and the rifle." We have omitted from Volume I a group of documents ( 1 : 2 1 1 , 2 1 3 - 2 x 7 , 238-239, 241-243, 245) which do not pertain to the California story, but have to do entirely with the business matters of Mrs. Mary Camilia Scoular

[xvii] Morison in Scotland. These papers seem to have belonged to James M c Kinlay, who, in 1 8 3 5 , had been an agent for Larkin. Like other pieces of the Scot's correspondence, it is possible they found their way into Larkin's collection because, during the early 1840's, McKinlay traveled much of the time, and in lieu of a permanent address, his mail may have been directed to the care of his former employer. T h e beautiful portrait which embellishes this volume is from the original in the home of Mrs. Henry W . Toulmin, of Monterey, Larkin's granddaughter. Stephen William Shaw, a Vermonter who had drifted westward as he pursued his art, painted it in 1859, a year after Larkin's death. Shaw had come to California in 1849, via the Isthmus of Panama. After a short fling at mining, he eventually turned to his profession and made more than two hundred portraits of famous Californians, most of which hung in the Masonic Temple in San Francisco and were destroyed in the great fire of 1906. T h e portrait of Larkin, fortunately, was not among them. The initial transcription, checking, editing, and other preparatory steps necessary to get the documents ready for the printer were done by Mary Ann Fisher, Eugénie M . McCubbin, Joan Margo Martinelli, and Doris Marion Wright, but the final editorial supervision is largely the work of Maxine Chappell Bethel, to whose diligent and painstaking care much credit for the excellence of the volume is due. W e are grateful to these and to the other members of the staff of the Bancroft Library who have given counsel and encouragement, and especially so to President Robert Gordon Sproul and the Regents of the University of California, whose interest and financial support have made possible the publication of The Larkin Papers —an historical and literary monument to California's pioneers.

CONTENTS #

Introduction Alexander Adams to Schooner California, April 20, 1842 . José Antonio Aguirre to Larkin, April 22, 1840 Juan Bautista Alvarado to Larkin, November 4, 1842 . . . Faxon Dean Atherton to Larkin January 1 3 , 1839 January 1 3 , 1841 April 23, 1841 July x i , 1841 John H . Aulick to Larkin, November 26, 1841 Miguel Avila to Larkin April 4, 1842 June 25, 1842 William P. Avis to Larkin, December 7, 1842 Eustace Barron to Larkin January 4, 1 8 4 1 June 3, 1 8 4 1 John Adams Bates to Richard R . Waldron, July 4, 1840 . . . Josiah Belden to Larkin February 24, 1842 March 1 3 , 1842 March 28, 1842 April 5, 1842 April 1 3 , 1842 April 20, 1842 April 23, 1842 May 4, 1842 May 15, 1842 [xix]

v .201 36 .308 3 71 86 94 137 186 244 336 70 87 46 168 175 182 187 191 204 208 2x8 220

Josiah Belden to Larkin M a y 29, 1842 227 June 14, 1842 242 June 23, 1842 243 July 20, 1842 250 July 29, 1842 253 July 30, 1842 254 July 31, 1842 255 August 7, 1842 262, 263 August 15, 1842 268 August 22, 1842 277 August 26, 1842 278 August 30, 1842 282 September 8, 1842 284 September 20, 1842 289 December 30, 1842 350 E. H . Boardman to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April, 1842 . 198 Teodosia Bojorquez de Prudon to Larkin, M a y 23, 1842 . 220 Joseph Bowles to Larkin, October 28, 1842 302 Charles Brewer to Larkin, March 19, 1842 177 J. J. Brownlon to Larkin, M a y 26, 1841 87 Lewis T . Burton to Larkin June I I , 1840 44 September 7, 1840 55 August 29, 1842 280 Schooner California Manifest of cargo, June 4, 1842 231 Duties levied on the cargo 235 Lawrence Carmichael to Larkin, January 18, 1841 . . . . 75 José Maria Carrasco to Larkin, March 28, 1842 185 Joseph Oliver Carter to Larkin, December 7, 1842 -337 Manuel Jimeno Casarin Regulations pertaining to whaling crews, August 16, 1839 . 24 Passport issued to Larkin, December 10, 1840 64 José Maria Castanos to Larkin, January 19, 1841 76

[xxi) Mariano Macario Castro to Larkin November 7, 1842 313 December 25, 1842 348 Levi Chamberlain to Larkin April 25, 1840 37 April 27, 1840 38, 39 July 15, 1840 46 Frederick Child to Larkin, March 25, 1834 2 Curtis Clap to Larkin October 1, 1840 58 November 4, 1842 308 John Bautista Rogers Cooper to Larkin, December 8, 1841 143 John Bautista Rogers Cooper to Peirce and Brewer April 14, 1842 193 April 18, 1842 199 April 20, 1842 202 John Bautista Rogers Cooper to Manuel Castañares, December 16, 1842 342 John Bautista Rogers Cooper and John Roderick. Draft of affidavit, December—, 1841 138 Theodore Cordua to Larkin November 16, 1842 318 November 27, 1842 328 Thomas Cummins to Larkin October —, 1842 304 November —, 1842 322 Robert G. Davis to Larkin, May 27, 1842 225 Nicholas Augustus Den to Larkin November 6, 1841 132 January 16, 1842 156 March 2 1 , 1842 178 May 29, 1842 229 November 17, 1842 319 Francisco Diaz to Larkin, October 1 3 , 1 8 4 2 299 William Dickey to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, November 20, 1842 325

[xxii] Powhatan Ellis to Larkin, February 26, 1841 Ethan Estabrook to Larkin January 29, 1841 June 12, 1841 John H. Everett to Larkin July 22, 1841 July 26, 1842 William T . Faxon. Draft of affidavit, December —, 1841 . . William T. Faxon to Josiah Belden, August 2, 1842 . Henry Delano Fitch to Larkin March 24, 1840 September 12, 1841 June 10, 1842 November 3, 1842 December 4, 1842 Henry Delano Fitch to James McKinlay June 9, 1842 August 2 1 , 1842 September 17, 1842 November 17, 1842 Villiam French to John Bautista Rogers Cooper April 9, 1842 November 3, 1842 Alexander W. Frere to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, December 2.7. 1842 William Robert Garner to Larkin July 7, 1839 August 6, 1839 January 7, 1841 August 2, 1841 January 15, 1842 June 5, 1842 August 5, 1842 September 7, 1842 September 8, 1842

79 77 88 101 253 139 .258 36 119 241 306 331 236 275 288 320 189 306 349 15 21 70 104 155 233 260 283 285

[xxiii} Elizabeth Goddard and John Goddard to William S. Church, November 27, 1842 Mauricio Gonzales. Anecdote. N o date Talbot H . Green to William T . Faxon, August 1, 1842 Talbot H . Green to Larkin July 1 2 , 1842 July 15, 1842 August 10, 1842 August 18 (?), 1842 August 26, 1842 September xo, 1842 September 26, 1842 September 27, 1842 September 28, 1842 September 29, 1842 October 3, 1842 October 4, 1842 October —, 1842 Talbot H . Green to William Matthews, October 15, 1842 . E. and H . Grimes to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April, 1842 E. and H . Grimes to Larkin December 7, 1841 December 14, 1842 E. and H . Grimes to Schooner California, April 2 1 , 1842 . Louis Grovier to Schooner California, April 16, 1842 . John J. Halstead. Certificate regarding measurement of lumber, March 22, 1842 William Edward Petty Hartnell to Larkin May 8, 1839 November 18, 1842 Federico Hesselbart & Co. to Larkin, March 3 1 , 1841 . . William Sturgis Hinckley to Larkin March 12, 1840 July 4, 1841 July 2 1 , 1841

328 351 257 246 247 264 272 278 285 291 292 293 295 296 297 303 299 205 142 337 205 .196 179

.

10 325 82 34 91 97

'[ x x i v } William Sturgis Hinckley to Larkin July 26, 1 8 4 1 December 1, 1 8 4 1 December 30, 1 8 4 1 August 6, 1842 November 1 5 , 1842 William Davis Merry Howard to Larkin, March 16, 1841 Henry S. Howland to Larkin, December 27, 1840 . . . . Henry S. Howland to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April 1 3 , 1842 H . Jackson to Schooner California, April 15, 1842

101 139 145 261 317 80 67 192 194

W . Jarrett to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April 2 to 15, 1842 James Jackson Jarves to Larkin June 8, 1840 December 8, 1840 April 3, 1 8 4 1 July 12, 1841 August 16, 1 8 4 1 October 8, 1841 José Maria Jimenes to Juan Bautista Alvarado, December 3 1 , 1 8 4 0 Francis Johnson to Larkin May 4, 1840 June 9, 1840 August 3 1 , 1840 Andrew Johnstone to Larkin January 1 3 , 1841 April 2 1 , 1 8 4 1 August 2 1 , 1841 October 14, 1841 Rebecca M . Johnstone to Rachel (Hobson) Holmes Larkin, December 3 1 , 1 8 4 1 John Coffin Jones to Larkin November 16, 1839 July 16, 1 8 4 1 July 2 1 , 1 8 4 1 September 10, 1841

196 42 64 82 95 106 123 68 39 43 52 73 84 112 126 147 29 96 98 118

[xxv]' John Coffin Jones to Larkin November 7, 1841 133 November 20, 1841 135 April 16, 1842 197 October 22, 1842 300 November 5, 1842 310 Thomas ap Catesby Jones to Larkin November 18, 1842 324 December 5, 1842 332 Hotel Lahaina to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, March 16 to 22, 1842 180 Henry La Reintrie to Larkin, November 6, 1842 313 Thomas Oliver Larkin Articles of partnership, June 20, 1822 I To Josiah Belden, August 18, 1842 270 To Joseph Oliver Carter, November 18, 1842 322 To Mariano Macario Castro, August 27, 1842 280 Estimate of expenses for rebuilding Customhouse at Monterey, August 18, 1841 no Invoices of goods for sale by Josiah Belden, February 3 and July 17, 1842 161, 249 To Andrew Johnstone, August 27, 1840 50 To John Coffin Jones, March 12, 1842 172 To Francisco Pérez Pacheco, November 26, 1842 .327 To Parrott & Co., January 12, 1842 150 To John Paty, April 22, 1842 207 To Henry Augustus Peirce, March 12, 1842 174 To Peirce & Brewer November 20, 1842 326 December 5, 1842 333 December 19, 1842 343, 345 To Stephen Reynolds, November 18, 1842 323 Statement regarding food provided for the imprisoned foreigners, December 6, 1840 63 To John Temple June 4, 1839 12

[xxvi] Thomas Oliver Larkin To John Temple, July 22, 1839 With William Trevethan and William Brander. Contract, July 2 1 , 1841 To Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, December 30, 1 8 4 1 . . To Thomas W . Waldron, September 1 , 1 8 4 1 William Alexander Leidesdorff to Larkin, April 10, 1 8 4 2 . . William L. Lewis to Larkin, September 18, 1841 . Joshua Lincoln to Larkin, February 8, 1842 George H . Lyman to Manuel Alvarez, October 9, 1842 . . Catharine McKinlay to James McKinlay, December 1 7 , 1842 . James McKinlay to Larkin March 14, 1841 August 17, 1841 March 1 1 , 1842 Marshall & Johnson to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April 18, 1842 Marshall & Johnson to Larkin April 8, 1841 July 1 3 , 1841 October 1 3 , 1841 October 30, 1841 November 3, 1841 December 9, 1841 March 16, 1842 April 20, 1842 May 26, 1842 December 6, 1842 December 15, 1842 James Fowle Baldwin Marshall to Larkin January 15, 1842 November 1, 1842 John Meek to Schooner California, April 23, 1842 . . . . Henry Melius to Larkin September 29, 1841 September 7, 1842

17 99 146 115 189 120 165 298 342 79 109 172 200 83 95 124 129 130 144 176 202 223 335 340 154 304 208 122 283

[xxvii]' Isaac Montgomery to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April 22, 1842 Esteban Munrás to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, November 4, 1842 Thomas B. Park to Larkin, September 10, 1839 Benjamin Wyman Parker to Larkin, September 30, 1840 . . . Parrott & Co. to Larkin June 1 3 , 1841 May 9, 1842 Henry Paty to Larkin August 14, 1840 October 14, 1840 Henry Paty & Co. to Larkin, April 19, 1839 John Paty to Larkin October 4, 1840 December 2 1 , 1840 February 29, 1842 March 6, 1842 July 16, 1842 August 3, 1842 November 7, 1842 Sherman Peck to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, March 22, 1842 . Miguel F. de Pedrorena to Larkin, March 6, 1842 Peirce and Brewer to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, April 23, 1842 Peirce and Brewer to Larkin January 12, 1842 April 23, 1842 July 1 5 , 1842 November 4, 1842 December 6, 1842 Peirce and Brewer to Schooner California, April 23, 1842 . Henry Augustus Peirce to Larkin January 1 2 , 1842 January 24, 1842 February 6, 1842 Francisco Pérez Pacheco to Larkin March 6, 1842

.

206 309 26 57 90 218 49 61 8 60 66 169 170 249 259 314 179 171 210 153 209 248 310 336 212 151 157 164 171

[xxviii]' Francisco Pérez Pacheco to Larkin November 30, 1842 Benjamin Pitman to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, November 27, 1842 William Glen Rae to Larkin June 8, 1842 August 3, 1842 August 20, 1842 October 2, 1842 Stephen Reynolds to Larkin January 2 1 , 1840 June 6, 1840 August 16, 1841 October 17, 1841 January 9, 1842 January 12, 1842 April 30, 1842 May 23, 1842 July 3, 1842 July 31, 1842 November 3, 1842 December 5, 1842 Thomas M. Robbins to Larkin, April 15, 1842 Alfred Robinson to Larkin August 18, 1841 August 6, 1842 James Robinson & Co. to John Bautista Rogers Cooper April 18, 1842 April 20, 1842 William M. Rogers to John Bautista Rogers Cooper or Larkin July 9, 1841 February 14, 1842 Sale of cook's articles. No date José Mariano Sarmiento (deceased). Inventory of luggage, September 13, 1842

331 330 236 260 273 295 32 40 107 128 149 153 215 221 245 256 307 334 195 hi 262 200 203 92 166 3 52 287

[xxix]' James G. Scott to Larkin April 12, 1842 190 August 20, 1842 274 Thomas Shaw to Larkin, September 29, 1840 56 Stephen Simmons to Larkin, August 20, 1839 25 Stephen Smith to Larkin July 28, 1841 104 August ix, 1841 105 Isaac J. Sparks to Larkin, September 5, 1840 54 Nathan Spear to Larkin June 29, 1839 14 July 27, 1839 19 August 15, 1840 49 December 13, 1840 65 July 2 1 , 1841 100 July 26, 1841 102 September 4, 1841 116 November 3, 1841 131 December 7, 1841 140 December 8, 1841 143 December 29, 1841 145 November 8, 1842 314, 315 November 15, 1842 317 David Spence and James Watson. Draft of affidavit, November 30, 1841 138 Abel Stearns to Larkin September 5, 1840 54 May 3, 1842 217 Edward L. Stetson to Larkin May 31, 1842 230 November 5, 1842 312 John Augustus Sutter to Larkin June 18, 1841 91 August 30, 1841 115 159 January 26, 1842

[xxx]' John Augustus Sutter to Larkin December 14, 1842 Hiram Teal to Larkin September 7, 1841 April 3 [?], 1842 John Temple to Larkin May 5, 1839 May 23, 1839 June 20, 1839 August 8, 1839 August 23, 1839 September 2 1 , 1839 October 9, 1839 January 10, 1840 June 9, 1840 . . July 23, 1840 July 31, 1840 September 28, 1842 Alpheus Basil Thompson to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, November 24, 1842 Alpheus Basil Thompson to Larkin July 2, 1839 March 12, 1840 June 18, 1840 July 16, 1840 September 12, 1840 October i, 1840 November 2 1 , 1840 August 27, 1841 October 2, 1841 October 14, 1841 August 29, 1842 December 14, 1842 December 2 1 , 1842 Thomas G. Thurston. Articles of partnership, June 20, 1822 .

338 1x7 186 9 11 13 22 25 28 28 31 44 48 48 294 327

.

15 35 45 47 56 59 62 114 123 125 281 338 347 1

'[xxxi] Rufus Titcomb to Larkin, July 20, 1842 U.S. Treasury Department. Circular to Navy agents March 22, 1842 August 13, 1842 Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo to José de Jesus Vallejo, November 8, 1842 Maria Dolores Vasquez to Larkin, November 17, 1842 Vessels arriving at Oahu, Sandwich Islands, January 1 to December 31, 1836 Rafael Villavicencio to Larkin January 2, 1842 October 24, 1842 Thomas W. Waldron to Larkin, August x 6, 1841 . Jonathan Trumbull Warner to Larkin, May 2, 1842 . James Watson to John Bautista Rogers Cooper, June 6, 1842 . John W. Weed to Larkin July 26, 1841 February 1, 1842 William Mark West to Henry Delano Fitch, August 20, 1841 . Isaac Williams to Larkin July 13, 1839 August 9, 1839 April 23, 1840 October 17, 1840 September 22, 1841 April 13, 1842 John Wilson to Larkin, December 6, 1841

251 181 266

.

316 321 4-7

149 302 . 108 .216 . 234

.

X03 160 112 17 23 37 61 121 193 140

VOLUME I 1822 -1842

[ * ] —

The Larkin Papers 1822

- 1 8 4 2 #

[THOMAS G. THURSTON AND THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. ARTICLES OF PARTNERSHIP. 1 : 2 8 3 . ]

[June 20, 1 8 2 2 . ] State of North Carolina New Hanover County

IC.NOW all men by these presents That I Thomas G Thurston of the state 8i county aforesaid on one part and Thomas O Larkin on the other part witnesseth

that the said Thurston and the said Larkin doth this

day agree to commence business under the firm of Thurston & Larkin and whatever laudable business either of the said parties may be concerned in whether in merchandise or other profiitable business the other party shall be equally concernd and connected as the contracting party. It is further agreed with the said Thurston & Larkin that either of them are entittled to bargain sell, pay over, & collect any debts that are due or that may become due hereafter in as full and ample a manner as if they were both personaly present and the proceeds to be equealy divided with each of them at a time when they may think expedient to disolve their aforesaid copartnership. It is also agreed by the said Thurston & Larkin that should death disolve their union or copartnership that the one who may survive shall endeavour to transact the deceased's business so as to settle and pay over to the said deceaseds heirs or such persons as are entitled to the same the whole of his part of property which the deceased was entitled to or possesed at the time of his decease in as short a space of time as practicable. And hereafter the firm is to be considered Thurston & Larkin. It is further agreed

M and understood by the said firm of Thurston & Larkin that all matters and things which belongs to the said firm or copartnership each of them are authorised whether present or absent with full power and authority as other firms are generaly understood to exercise, and the said Thurston & Larkin agrees that whenever they may think it expedient to disolve the above mentioned firm & copartnership that it shall be bublished in some newspaper in the State or county where they may then reside. Signed, sealed, and deliverd this twentieth Day of June 1 8 2 2 . Thos. G . Thurston [Rubric] (Seal) Thomas Oliver Larkin (Seal) Reviewed October 24, 1 8 4 3 , twenty one years after the first date. Monterey, Upper California.

[FREDERICK CHILD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I X : 6 6 . ]

Sta. Barbara March 25th 1 8 3 4 Dear Sir

H

ERE I am on the coast of California again. I sent up by the Ship

a Bundle of Newspapers for you, which I hope you have received. Those Tappas that you sent Home by me I delivere'd myself. I am left here to take care of the House whilst the ship is gone to the Windward. I shall join her again as soon as she comes back, and then I hope I shall see you very Soon. I rode through Lynn while I was at Home but I could not stop to see any one. I was with my brother from Portland bound to Boston. I saw at Kendall & Kingsbury's M r Isaac Childs and I believe he sent letters to you by the Ship. How does M r Macondray get along. I have got an order on him from M r Furber of Boston for that snuff he brought out in the Brig. Please write me by the first opportunity to let me know how you get along. I was very

M and understood by the said firm of Thurston & Larkin that all matters and things which belongs to the said firm or copartnership each of them are authorised whether present or absent with full power and authority as other firms are generaly understood to exercise, and the said Thurston & Larkin agrees that whenever they may think it expedient to disolve the above mentioned firm & copartnership that it shall be bublished in some newspaper in the State or county where they may then reside. Signed, sealed, and deliverd this twentieth Day of June 1 8 2 2 . Thos. G . Thurston [Rubric] (Seal) Thomas Oliver Larkin (Seal) Reviewed October 24, 1 8 4 3 , twenty one years after the first date. Monterey, Upper California.

[FREDERICK CHILD TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I X : 6 6 . ]

Sta. Barbara March 25th 1 8 3 4 Dear Sir

H

ERE I am on the coast of California again. I sent up by the Ship

a Bundle of Newspapers for you, which I hope you have received. Those Tappas that you sent Home by me I delivere'd myself. I am left here to take care of the House whilst the ship is gone to the Windward. I shall join her again as soon as she comes back, and then I hope I shall see you very Soon. I rode through Lynn while I was at Home but I could not stop to see any one. I was with my brother from Portland bound to Boston. I saw at Kendall & Kingsbury's M r Isaac Childs and I believe he sent letters to you by the Ship. How does M r Macondray get along. I have got an order on him from M r Furber of Boston for that snuff he brought out in the Brig. Please write me by the first opportunity to let me know how you get along. I was very

[3] I had to stop ashore, because I w a n t e d to see y o u very much. Please give m y respects to your w i f e , and to C a p t . Cooper, and y o u will oblige Y o u r h u m b l e Servt Frederick C h i l d [Rubric] R e m e m b e r m e to M r . Macondray. [Cover bears note: Politeness o f C a p t . Fitch.]

[FAXON DEAN ATHERTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I : I . ]

H o n o l u l u O a h u Jany 1 3 t h 1 8 3 9 M r . T O Larkin Monterrey Dear Sir

I

INTENDED w h e n I did set down, to write you a tiresome long

yarn, b u t it is now impossible. I have just concluded to go home in the D o n Q u i x o t e and intend to return to California although I may not. T h e Lama arrived about t w o hours since f r o m Kigamey C a p t Bancroft & one man having been killed off the Island of Santa Rosa by the Indians, w h o ordered the mate to take t h e m back to K w h i c h he was compelled t o do, where they robbed the vessel everything.

M r s Banrof was badly

w o u n d e d is now very u n w e l l and w i l l it is said have her foot taken off. T h e cause as yet I have not heard probably some trivial thing. Sparks may now have the range o f the w h o l e coast w i t h o u t interuption as there w i l l be no more fitted out f r o m here. T h e r e is no news f r o m home later than that y o u have. Should I see any o f your friends in Boston I w i l l let t h e m k n o w I l e f t y o u in health & c . T h e r e are no Goods here and can see little prospect of anys arriving. D o n t forget to write me to the care o f M r Reynolds before I m i g h t arrive here. Respects t o all friends. Y s &c. F . D . A t h e r t o n [Rubric]

[3] I had to stop ashore, because I w a n t e d to see y o u very much. Please give m y respects to your w i f e , and to C a p t . Cooper, and y o u will oblige Y o u r h u m b l e Servt Frederick C h i l d [Rubric] R e m e m b e r m e to M r . Macondray. [Cover bears note: Politeness o f C a p t . Fitch.]

[FAXON DEAN ATHERTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I : I . ]

H o n o l u l u O a h u Jany 1 3 t h 1 8 3 9 M r . T O Larkin Monterrey Dear Sir

I

INTENDED w h e n I did set down, to write you a tiresome long

yarn, b u t it is now impossible. I have just concluded to go home in the D o n Q u i x o t e and intend to return to California although I may not. T h e Lama arrived about t w o hours since f r o m Kigamey C a p t Bancroft & one man having been killed off the Island of Santa Rosa by the Indians, w h o ordered the mate to take t h e m back to K w h i c h he was compelled t o do, where they robbed the vessel everything.

M r s Banrof was badly

w o u n d e d is now very u n w e l l and w i l l it is said have her foot taken off. T h e cause as yet I have not heard probably some trivial thing. Sparks may now have the range o f the w h o l e coast w i t h o u t interuption as there w i l l be no more fitted out f r o m here. T h e r e is no news f r o m home later than that y o u have. Should I see any o f your friends in Boston I w i l l let t h e m k n o w I l e f t y o u in health & c . T h e r e are no Goods here and can see little prospect of anys arriving. D o n t forget to write me to the care o f M r Reynolds before I m i g h t arrive here. Respects t o all friends. Y s &c. F . D . A t h e r t o n [Rubric]

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65] [JOSHUA LINCOLN T O T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 4 . ]

Boston, Feb. 8 1 8 4 2 Cousin Oliver

M

Y friend Shaw tells me that he is going to clear a vessell to-

morrow for your place and therefore I think it will not be amiss for me to write you a few lines. I was much pleased to learn from M r . Shaw, that he had seen you often while in your region of country and had become well acquainted with you for I was enabled to know more concerning you than ever before. I am glad to know that you have succeeded so well in your efforts and have the prospects of doing still better. May you prosper abundantly and make money as fast as it will be well for you to and when you get it be sure to take care of it and not let others run off with it. It requires no small amt. of shrewdness to take of property after one acquires it and I hope you will keep it as well as make it. Y o u say in one of your letters to me, let me know something about your family and I will therefore do so begining with the oldest. Bro. Oliver is now settled in the city of Philadelphia as a Minister and is pleasantly [MS. torn] and I trust is doing good. H e is married and has three children. Sister Sophia is very well for her. She has not enjoyed good health for many years. She is married as you have probably heard and has one child. Her husband is my partner M r . Gould. N e x t comes myself. I have a wife and two children, live in Boston and get a desent living. Bro. John, who you perhaps dont recollect, is next younger to me, is now pursuing his studies in Germany where he expects to remain for two years or more. H e is a smart fellow, though I say so and if his life is spared will make a great man, I have no doubt. Henry the youngest but one is a hardware dealer, in Boston and is doing a good business—was married last summer. Heman, the youngest is now at Phila. with bro. Oliver. He expects to be minister. This tells the story I believe. W e are all well situated and are trying to live right and prepare for another and better world. W e feel that this is not our home and that we must prepare here for a future existence. I hope my dr. cousin, you do not forget the claims of God upon you, to love and serve him. Your soul is more valuable than

[ i 6 6 ] earthly things and oh! see to it that you are living in such a manner as H e will approve and fit you to meet him in the judgement-day. Study the Bible and make th[MS. torn] and you will reach heaven. Our friends at Lynn are generally well. Samuel got marry sometime last fall and has a nice wife they tell me. I have not had the pleasure of seeing her yet. Uncle Childs health is about as usual this winter. H e is remarkably well for one so aged. I see by the paper that Cousin Ann, has lately lost a child—an interesting boy—their ony boy, and it must be a great lost. She resides at Dorchester and is well. Our business affairs are in a bad state in this country and when we shall get things in a healthly condition again, it is difficult to tell. Business is very dull and we hardly know what is before us. T h e Whigs have done thus far, no better than the Tories and we have to live on in hopes of better times. I hope my good fellow, you will prosper in all your matters and especially, in your soul and live with a wise reference to another and better world. Do not be so much absorbed in the things of this world as to neglect your eternal interests. If you die unprepared, you must be so forever. Prepare, to meet your God. Shall be glad to hear f r m at any time and I will write as often as I can. In haste, Y r . affect Cousin Joshua Lincoln [Rubric] [Cover bears note: Favor of Mrs Nye.]

[WILLIAM M . R O G E R S TO J O H N B A U T I S T A R O G E R S COOPER O R THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 . ]

Boston Feb. 14th 1 8 4 2 My dear Cousin

I

HAVE had no opportunity for a long time of writing you a line,

and I seize the chance offered by the embarkation of a Seamen's Chaplain

[I67] at New York for Honolulu, the Rev. Mr. Damon successor to Mr. Diell, to address you. In relation to your lawsuit, I would state that on the reception of your power of attorney (I wrote you the facts I believe by Capt. Phelps) I got the papers from Price, and among them the original invoice wh. you supposed lost. I do [not] make out exactly the interest you had in the Rover. Will you state if you owned any portion of her and what ? Any portion of the cargo and what? What percentage you were to have on sales? I have put the papers into the hands of a Lawyer and commenced a suit by attaching property of Blanchard & Dorr's to the amount I believe of $10,000. They have removed the case from the common Pleas to the Supreme Court, and no hearing has been had as yet. They have not shown their defence. It will be a question whether the whole claim be not outlawed by time, if not, whether the claim can be established by the papers we have; There is an account rendered by Dorr to Gale, confessing a debt to you of $2,300 dollars more or less. If nothing else can be done I hope to obtain that. In the meanwhile I have advanced such sums as were necessary to the progress of the suit. I hope that justice will be secured. I have communicated the tidings of David's death to Aunt Cooper, and it was no light affliction to her amidst the infirmities of age. If there be any little remnant out of his property, it would be exceedingly useful to her, and I sh. be glad if you could remit it in a bill on some Boston House. Poor David. I had hoped to have seen him again, but he is gone, a warm open hearted generous fellow who thought too little of himself to rise in such a world as this. Your sister Ann Larkin Wright has recently lost a child. She is in comfortable circumstances at Neponset village with her husband in the Tavern there. Lucy Gibson (Mrs. Trask) has recently deceased at St. Louis. She died of consumption. Aunt Gibson is now left childless. Mary Ann, James, and now Lucy have been taken one after another, and she has outlived all her children. I pity her from my heart, solitary in old age. You remember Lucy well, and perhaps can hardly realize that the laughing, light-hearted girl of your remembrance is indeed dead. Uncle and Aunt Rogers are comfortably well. Uncle is 82 years old this month, and as cheerful and active as any man of his years in Boston. For myself I am yet in Boston, and my chh. have recently erected a chh. at an expense

[ i 6 8 ] of $70,000.1 sent you some papers, which have accumulated on my hands longer than I could wish. W i t h kind love to all the family I am yours W m . M . Rogers [Rubric]

[JOSIAH BELDEN T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡ 2 1 8 . ]

Santa Cruz Feby 24th [1842] Mr Larkiti

I F you have any opportunity I wish you would send out a few more hats both large and small but let the boys hats be a little larger size than those I have as I find these are a little smaller than what is generally wanted. Please send also a few pair of Womens shoes of a larger size than those I have. I have only 4 pair left and those are all too small. Send some more ladies silk Hdkfs if you have them and some more narrow black ribbon. I have sold about all the lemon syrup & most of the sweet O i l and could sell more if I had it. Send a little more powder if you have it. I think a few V s of Blue Cloth would sell if I had it and a few plates & cups & saucers and butcher knives. The sawyers are most all in want of files. I wish you could send 2 yds of white linen for myself to make collars &c for shirts. Please send some more brown sugar and some mens shoes if you have them. I dont think of any thing more at present and the man is just about starting. Business has tolerabe good so far but most of the trade is for lumber which appears to be almost the only thing the people have to sell. Hides are pretty scarce. I have taken only about 40 since I have been here and I believe that is about 10 times as many as Carmichael has. The people here seem verry anxious to see you as they ask me every day when you will come here. Some of the sawyers want to see their accounts but I have

{ i 6

9

}

not showed them though some of them seem a litle unwilling to give up their lumber until they see them. I have not time to say more at present. Yours Respcty J. Belden

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 2 1 . ]

St. Francisco Feb. 29 1842 Thos. O Larkin Esqr. Monterey Dear Sir

your letter of the 22 inst. and have presented your note against Mr teal, who seams to think that the note was not due untill Some time in May. However If I can get the Hides I will bring them to Monterey for you, but I shall not have time to Salt Them—and to take dry Hides to Oahu it is worth 3 rls each. I

RECD.

Mr Everett has not arrived here as yet—but I will buy Hides for you if Possible—and ask him (Everret) for money in case I have not enough. I can get a quantity of lumber here, and it is necessary for me to know by the 25 th of March what prospect you have for Lumber at Sta. Cruz. I wish you to mention to Captn. H relative to the Hides for your order on him, and please write me by Captn. H . I have not got my land measured as yet—and I think I never shall. No news of importance. I have not heard any thing more about what I mentioned to you and am inclined to think that you have not much to fear. The Signs are not done as yet. I cannot get the paint to lay smooth on them. My respects to Mrs Larkin and all friends. Your friend John Paty [Rubric]

[ 170 ]

—

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡224.]

St. FranciscoMarch 6th 1842 Mr Thos. O Larkin Monterey Dear Sir

I RECD. yours of 2d inst. by Captn Hinckley. I have presented your note against Teal, and he says that he has written you relative to it. I think he will not hurry himself to pay it. He has but a few hides on hand at present, and I do not see where he will get the Hides in time to pay me. Captn. H has not any hides on hand at present but will probably get them in time for me to take dry. In case I have time I will salt them for you at 8 cts each—but to take dry Hides from here to Oahu at 2 rials, I cannot —but will take them at 3 rls. and salted at 2 rls. Whatever dry Hides I take for P & B I shall charge 3 rls. to Oahu, and if deliver to you a Monterey 1 rl. each—but all I take here on your a/c for me I shall not charge any thing for. I wish you to write me whether you want me to take any for P & B or not. The pine Sticks you Speak of must not be over 25 feet long as I cannot get them in the hold if any longer. I hope you will get the soap for Valp. market. I shall not come down untill the first of April, but shall despatch business quick after I arrive. Yrs. John Paty [Rubric]

[ '71 ] [FRANCISCO P É R E Z PACHECO T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 2 3 . ]

San Felipe, Guadalajara Marso 6 de 1 8 4 2 Sor D . Tomas Larqin Muy Sor mió

C o n el Sor García, remito, a V . la cantida de quinientos, ochenta, pesos 580. de jabón. N o ban ganansiades. Despues mandare las ganansias todos por junto, de todo, lo que le entregue, que sera muy pronto. Espero que me mande V . la oya como emos quedado, también no quiera V . dar me la muy cara. Tanbien le remito dos cueros. Soy de V . su afmo y S. S. Franco Peres Pacheco [Rubric]

[MIGUEL F. DE PEDRORENA T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

1:222.]

Sn Franco 6 March [1842] Ths. O. Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir

D,

"R. DEN writes me about some Joice you have to procure for him

and I am willing to take them down for him in the Barque. We shall sail from this about the 1st April touching at Sta Cruz 81 Monty and you can make your arrangements accordingly. M r Park sends his best respects and I remain yours truly M de Pedrorena [Rubric]

['72 ] [JAMES MCKINLAY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 2 5 - ]

Angeles n t h March 1 8 4 2 M r Thomas O Larkin My Dear Sir I ARRIVED hear a few days ago from San Diego and wrote to M r Williams about the a/c standing between him and you. As yet I have had no answer owing I suppose from his having had the misfortune to fall from his horse and breaken his collorbone. I hope you have received the two hundred dollors from Capt Petty. There is good prosspects of pleanty of tallow in this parte of the country and all apperance of the vinyards doing well. The season is verey promising so far. We had new hear the other day by the way of lower California that Santana had declared for a toloration of religion so now you may go to hell your owne way if you like or be adviesed by others as you like. I suppose the Priests will find it against there interest. Yours Jas McKinlay [Rubric] Pasa a la Vuelta P. S. I have got some hides belonging to Pierce & Brewer to ship for the Islands and should have wroten to capt Petty if knowed where to find him for to ascertain if he can embarke the hides in the Quixote. There will be about four M five hund[MS. torn] hides in all.

[Rubric.]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN COFFIN JONES. COPY. 1 : 2 2 0 . ]

Monterrey, March 12, 1842 John C Jones Esqr

I F you go down to Mazatlan and return here about June or July, I wish to have your services in purchasing some goods for me. I paid M r

[ '73 } Pierce over 4000$ in cash, and paid him some hides in full of all my Debts in Mazatlan which he was to pay for me as soon as he arrived at the last named port. I therefore suppose I can have credit there for more goods. As they trusted me when I was unknown I presume they will do the same now. I do not know whether your bringing up goods for me, may in your opinion hurt your trade or not. Out of Mont it cannot as I only sell here but if you think it will not you will oblige me by purchasing on a years credit the following (or Enclosed) list of goods. If you can make the trade payable in hides in California or the U. S. next year I wish you to make the bill about 4000$. If I have to send down Cash next Jan or Feb 1500 or 2000$ will do. I add the prices about as I gave Messrs Parrott & Co 8c Machado & Co last April and do not want you to give over a mere trifle more. The quality and colours of the callicoes fit for this market you are acquainted with. Let them be of good quality & bright Colours. I want the Blue print of as good a quality as you or Mr Weed brought last year. I forget which of you had the article. The imperial is verey wide and handsome has 40 yds. The red printed flannel such as always comes from Mexico to this place. The Madras hffs I prefer 2A red stripe. You can add or diminish to the number of pees of everything to suit the bales and the circumstances under which you purchase also the whole amt of the invoice be it something over or under 4000$ according to the terms offered to you. Should you be willing to bring up these goods for me in your vessel at an expence of not over about 10$ pr Bale you will do me a great favour and add much to my buisses this summer. If you think this frieght will hurt your business (you will not I think but Mr Thompson may) you will without hesitation refuse to attend to it only inform me if possible because I may have a chance to send to Oahu by Capt Paty for a few goods.

- [

i74 ]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO HENRY AUGUSTUS PEIRCE. COPY. 1 : 3 8 . ]

Monterey March 1 2 , 1 8 4 2 M r H . A . Pierce

Sir

" Y o u r letter from San Diego I reed, by which I find you have made another disposition of my hides and debt, saying it will make no difference to me. I read the letter several and the more I read it, the more I differed with you on the subject. Y o u have allow'd the freight on the hides by the logical style of a mans selling his money at an advance or purchasing a draft at a discount. Though each may be mentioned at 1 0 pr ct there remains some difference in the result. Allowing 1 0 pr ct on m y M o n t . Note, I think I owe you sixteen hides. Y o u may have forgot that I objected to obligeing myself to send the hides to Oahu in the Spring, and you agreed that the fall would do, by your useing the draft on m e of 7 0 0 hides. I was to make 1 0 0 0 rials due as freight yet I willing[ly] allow'd you to tear up the draft. W e at last cam[e] to a final understanding as I thought and now the whole affair is altered. Capt Paty leaves [MS. torn] for Oahu in April. I think your hides will go down in his Bark. I shall do my best to have it so. For the short time that we was trading together and the number of trades betwene us, I think I never had so many mistakes. M y ears or powers of comprehension appeared continually at fault but when the last hide reaches Oahu this winters work will be done. Y o u offered to ship goods to Oahu thence have them come to me I paying freight from Oahu to Monterey at 50 pr ct excepting Bulky furniture. Y o u will oblige me by sending out to M r Brewer for me twenty pit Saws seven (7 f t ) feet Long. If not to be had Six f t Six inches will do, but Seven f t long I prefer. Also 2 4 doz pit saw files six inch and 2 4 doz five inch 2 4 doz 5V2 Being seventy two dozen pit Saw files. If you can have the choice pick the files that have the round part full. Some of them are made rather low on the [o ?]n the round side. I will pay his order for the same. [If ?] you cannot make out the f u l l order get as near the amount as you can. Also

['75) send me a pr of mirrows [MS. torn] glasses) like those in A. B. Thompsons house or [h]andsomer if you like. Y o u will much me by sending [MS. torn] these articles by first Vessel. Copy of a letter to H . A . Pierce Supposed returned

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I :ZZ7.]

Santa Cruz March 1 3 [ 1 8 4 2 ] Mr. Larkin

I YESTERDAY recieved your letter with the invoice of goods but the goods have not yet arrived. I should think they ought to have been here before now unless Arana has met with some accident on the road. I suppose however that the road is verry bad and the river so high that he cannot pass. I have not had any lumber hauled as yet on account of the roads being so bad and these last rains have mad them still worse but as soon as there is any possibility of hauling I shall get the carts agoing. I think Arana will be able to haul some from the rinchorn soon after he gets here. The bearer of this is in a hurry to be off so I have not time to say much now but as soon as I have another opportunity I shall send you a more particular account of what I am doing here. I should have done so before but I have been every day expecting you out here. Yours Respt'y J Beiden

[ '76 }

—

[MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 2 8 . ]

Honolulu March 16, 1 8 4 2 M r Thos. O. Larkin Dear Sir W h

are happy to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed

favor, of Jany 4 / 4 2 which came safely to hand per Barque Cowlitz, informing us of your having taken the case prints at our offer. We should send in a small consignment per " L a m a " , but she will not take any cargo for fear of difficulty in entering. If we could put anything on board, we should send down the articles you mention in your letters. By first opportunity, we shall send the pit saws and files you write for. We cannot procure trypots for $20. but may perhaps, before we have an opportunity to send. N o Spanish playing cards to be obtained. I mentioned to Capt Jones that I thought some playing cards would sell there, & if he can get any, he will take them in with him. In regard to the Lumber—The square Red Cedar Logs you speak of, will always sell here, at from $5 to $ 1 0 ea. They are in good demand for gate posts, and will also sell well sawed into boards, if it is the kind that has the clear straight grain. It is preferred by Carpenters here, on account of the ease with which it is worked, to any lumber excepting Am. soft pine boards, which are worth about $ 1 0 . per M . The pine spars will also sell, though the demand is uncertain & limited. A lower mast will bring here (if good) from $ 2 5 0 to $300. Other spars in proportion to their size. The usual price for a spar or yard 40 f t in length, is $40. or $ 1 . per foot of length. The Red wood logs would sell well we think, for the purposes we have mentioned, & we should be happy to receive a consignment, which we should endeavor to sell to the best advantage. Nothing new has occurred since our last. The Ship Congress arrived yesterday from Mazatlan, with a full cargo which it brought here to be stored, as the recent customhouse regulations there, prevented her from entering. M r Mott, of the house of Scarborough & Co came passenger in her, for a visit to this place.

[ 177] Our Junior Partner, M r Johnson, sailed last Saturday in the Brig Maryland, for Mazatlan, intending to cross Mexico & proceed to the U . S. as soon as possible. H e will return here probably after an absence of a year, we hope, with a helpmeet. Our time will not allow us to write you more fully at present. W e send a package of letters & papers reed per Delaware. Your Obt Servts Marshall & Johnson [Rubric] P. S. If you have not purchased or sent the two horses we wrote for sometime since, you will please consider the order countermanded, as we have no occasion for them. Yrs M . & J. [Cover bears note: Brig Lama.]

[CHARLES BREWER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I

Oahu March 19th 1 8 4 2 M r Thos. O. Larkin Dear Sir ' J . HIS will be handed you by my friend and relative M r . W m . P. Avis of Boston, who visits Calafornia for the purpose of establishing himself in business as a commission merchant. Any kind attentions you may extend to-wards him will confer a great favor on me, and will be gratefully acknowledged whenever an opportunity may occur. H e has the confidence of our firm, and should you wish for a partner, we shall always be glad, to extend our patronage towards him, and we think we could always supply your market with goods, as cheap as any house in the North Pacific. Respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. Charles Brewer [Rubric] of the firm of Peirce & Brewer [Rubric]

[ 17«] [NICHOLAS AUGUSTUS DEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 2 9 . ]

Sta Barbara z i March 1842 Thomas O Larkin Esqr Dear Sir

M

has handed me yours of the 13 Inst in which you mention that it will not be in your power to ship any Lumber for my act on board of Dn Miguel de Pedrorena Vessel, at which I feel much disappointment owing to an agreement of contract which I entered into with two Carpenters here which binds me in a penalty if the Lumber is not at hand before the middle of next month. So all my dependance is on you, as I flatter myself you will do all in your power to ship me at least five or Six M feet per Dn Miguel. I mean Boards plank Joice &c &c. The most urgient necesity alone compels me too press on you at this time knowing as I do that you have to supply Captn Paty but onece more I beg of you not to disappoint me. R. B U R T O N

In your former letters you say nothing about the receipt of four Barrels of aguardiente which I wrote you Dn Miguel would deliver you for me. I have Shipped per Ship Alert a pipe of Wine which I hope will meet your approval. I have no means of procuring Barrils which is the reason I do not send all at the Same time. Dn Carlos Carrillo is not here therefore no oppertunity offered to eneable me to write any thing disesare[?] with respect to the Corn which you For my own part you may Calculate on five or Six Fenegas of Beans which will I expect be Sufficient for your own use. Best respects to Mrs. Larkin and believe me your Very Humble and Obedient Servant N. A. Den [Rubric]

[ 179] [JOHN J . HALSTEAD. CERTIFICATE REGARDING MEASUREMENT OF LUMBER. 1 : 2 3 1 . ]

Lahaina March zzd 1842

I DO hereby certify that the just & true Measurement of 45 logs of Red Wood landed at this port, fom the Schr California by Capt. Cooper, is Five Thousand one hundred and Seventy one feet, say 5171 ft. John J Halstead Witness Sherman Peck John Clark

[SHERMAN PECK TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 4 3 . ]

Lahaina March 22d 1842 Shcr. California Capt. Cooper

to Sherman Peck

March 18 To 138 Gall Syrup @ 25 19 " I Umbrella 21 " 45 lb. Sugar 5 " 2 Silk Hdkfs X. 22 " " " "

5 ps 159V2 Yds Blue Cotton 19ÇÎ " Wht. Cotton i8ji 2 " 56 i " 30 " Br Cotton 14 Cash do for Labor one Chronométré Levitt Maker No. 549 Cash " 368 lb. Sugar @

Dr 34-5° 2.00 2.25 2.00 30.31 10.09 4.20 i.00 1.25 250.00 30.00 18.40 386.00

-[i8o]for 6 mugs $1.4 rs not charged Pr Contra By 5 1 7 1 ft Red Wood @ flit March 22 " order on Mess Peirce & Brewer for

Cr. 232.69 153.31 386.00

E & O E Sherman Peck [Rubric]

[HOTEL LAHAINA TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. I ¡ 4 0 . ]

[March, 1842.] Captain Cooper Dr. to Hotel Lahaina 1842 March 16th to 22.

Board &c. 2 Bottles Gin 2 Bottles Brandy Grapes

7.00 3.00 3.00 3.25 $16.25

[ i8I ] [ u . S. T R E A S U R Y D E P A R T M E N T . C I R C U L A R TO N A V Y A G E N T S . 1 : 2 3 0 . ]

Gideon, Printer CIRCULAR TO NAVY AGENTS Treasury Department Second Comptroller's Office March izd, 1842 Sir

to call your attention to the 5 th section of the Act of March 3, 1809, which requires that all purchases and contracts for supplies, or services, which are or may, according to law, be made, &c., shall be made either by open purchase, or by previously advertising for proposals respecting the same. I

HAVE

Under this law, all such services or supplies as are to be rendered or furnished at a future day, should be contracted for by previously advertising for proposals, and this procedure cannot be dispensed with, except where the public exigencies require the immediate delivery of the articles, or performance of the services. When such necessity exists, and there be not time to advertise for proposals, the articles required may be obtained by open purchase, that is, by purchase at the places where articles of the description wanted are usually bought and sold, and in the mode in which such purchases are ordinarily made between individuals. In the examination of the accounts of several of the Navy Agents, my attention has been called to vouchers for articles purchased in such quantities as would seem, under the law, to have required a previous advertisement for proposals. I have to request that, in future, where the purchase and immediate delivery of supplies are necessary to the wants of the public service, and such supplies are necessarily obtained by open purchase, without advertising for proposals, the necessity of the purchase in that manner may be certified by the commanding officer of the yard; and where the

[,

]

purchase is made under contract growing out of an advertisement for proposals, that fact should be certified in the like manner on the voucher. I have also to call your attention to the class of vouchers chargeable to the appropriation for miscellaneous or contingent expenses. O n recurring to the annual appropriation acts for the naval service, you will perceive that the specific objects for which the appropriations for miscellaneous or contingent expenses are made, are specially enumerated, and at the close of the enumeration, it is expressly provided that the appropriation shall not be applied for any other object or purpose whatever. Expenditures for other objects not enumerated cannot, therefore, be charged upon that appropriation. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Comptroller

[jOSIAH BELDEN T O T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 3 3 - ]

Santa Cruz March 28th 1842 Mr Larkin

A s

I know you are anxious to hear something of affairs here I

send you some account of what I have done. I have sold about 1250$ worth of goods in all for which for which I have recieved 11500 feet of lumber mostly boards and 4000 Shingles. I have 100 hides on hand and 20 due me which I can get any time. I have taken about 75$ in cash 15 of which I have paid for hides and about 20 for rent duties &c and I have 40$ on hand. You will see the reciepts are a good deal short of the amount sold but in the sale are included the beans, pots, Grahams order to George Chapel &c which you told me to let the sawyers have on credit and I have in order to encourage them to work paid considerable for their bullocks for hauling logs, and to their men for work &c. I have also thought best to let them have some things out of the store which they stood in need of because I saw that when I refused them they went to Carmichael and got them and then would saw for him to pay him instead of you and by that

•[ i 8 3 ] • means he got his hands amongst their lumber which I wished to avoid as much as possible. I see the sawyers are a pretty obstinate set of fellows and it requires some policy to manage them. I have not trusted the country people any thing of account except Juan Gonzales the alcalde about 30$ which I know he is good for and I thought it good policy to keep the right side of him. I have let the padre have some goods but that will soon be paid in board. In what I have trusted out I have gone contrary to your orders but I think I can explain it to your satisfaction when you come here. I have recieved on the old accounts 40000 feet of lumber which with what I have bought makes 51500 feet in all and 4000 Shingles. There is 36360 ft of inch boards 8421 ft of 2 inch plank in inch measure 4803 ft of Pillars and 1916 ft of rafters. from Ramon Buelna from Wm. Weare from Juan Hilario from Wm Brander from Wm Brander from Joaquin Castro from Samuel Thompson from Domingo Perez from Wm Trevathan from George Chapel from James Rogers and Sottello tt

((

ti

ti

it

tt

IOOO

IIOO IOOO

2000

ft inch Bds tt

ti

it

it

tt

tt

it

tt

ti

" Pillars 1700 " Bds 6092 " Bds a tt 3000 tt tt 2550 500 feet Pillars 2 inch plank 5519 IOOO

3000 2803 3000 from Alvin Wilson from Elijah Ness or Francis Young 2485 tt it tt ti ti 2902

x inch Bds " Pillars 1 inch Bds it

it

it

2 inch plank

I shall recieve in a day or from Wm Thompson 5 or 6 thousand feet. Michael Lodge has no lumber but I think I can get some Shingles from him if you write me whether you want them and how many. He has just commenced sawing. I have not been able to get any thing hauled to the

[ i 8

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beach yet on account of the bad roads. I have tried several persons who say are willing to haul but that it is impossible to do it in the present state of the roads. It has rained a great deal here within the past 2 weeks so that the creeks are all full and the roads are so soft that a cart would sink to the hubs in the mud. It is verry difficult to get carts at this season of the year as the farmers are all using their bullocks for ploughing and sowing their crops. The weather has cleared up now and if it keeps dry 2 or 3 days I shall do my best to get some carts agoing. The lumber at Otosh I think I shall have hauled to M Lodge's beach as there will be by the time Capt. Paty gets here about 25 thousand there which will make it an object for him to go there. Chard has about 65 thousand Shingles ready which he says he will get to the beach as soon as possible. I understand the carts you sent have returned to Mont so I suppose it will some time before the get here. When you do send them I wish you would send some brown Sugar or panoche as I am nearly out and that is the most salable and necessary article I have. Send also some more shirts some mens shoes some narrow col'd ribbon green or blue some scissors some raso as the Spaniards call it for making womens shoes and some fish hooks. If you can send some more soap it would be well as this is nearly gone. Please send me a box of American cigars. Send also a Bottle of Ink. George Chapel wishes me to ask you if you will by some bullocks for him and trust him for them until he can haul lumber enough to pay for them. He says if he can get Bullocks he will haul for you whenever you want him to. Send out Henry Coopers account. He says he thinks he owes you about 40$ but wants to see his account. Yours Respt'y J Belden

{.85} [in the margin:]

460 200 40 60 760 24 784 64 Beans 848 22 Grayham 870

[JOSÉ MARÍA CARRASCO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 3 2 . ]

S. Luis Obpo 28 de Marzo de 1842 Señor D. Tomas Larguin Muí Señor mío

D

ESPUES de saludar á V . se reduce esta á decirle que del dinero que ha de recivir V . de cuenta del arguilés de mi Casa le entrigue al sastre Americano yerno de Sor. Veliciano Soberanes, seis pesos en plata por cuenta de D. Miguel Avila, los cuales entregados que sean me hara V . fabor de escrivirme inclusandome V . un recibo del dho sastre de aver recivido los seis ps.

También me hara V . fabor de pedirle mis Calsoneras al Sastre que vive en mi Casa las que me hará el fabor de mandarmelas. Y no ofreciendose otra cosa V . mande a su affmo Servr Q. S. M . B. Jose Maria Carrasco [Rubric]

{186} [HIRAM TEAL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I -.4.4.]

Yerba Buana April 3[?] 1842 Mr. Thomas O Larkin Sir

I SEND by Capt Pate one hundred and twenty nine hides it being all that I have on hand at at this time. You wrote me in your last somethng about goeing to Mazatalan for Goods. I have the pleasure to inform you that I am perfectly Sattisfied with what goods I have on hand and hope that I Shall get Red of them without looseing more than one or two thousand Dollers. It looks bad and and a bad prospect but thare is no Remady. You must feell quite comfortable but I am Diferently Sittuated. I have no Blankets Cast as you wished in Mexico Consequently Cannot Give you the price. If you Could take Some fifteen or twenty five hats of me at $ 1 6 it would doo me a favor as I have more than I Can Sell in this place. Price $16.00. Please wite. Yours Hiram Teal

[MIGUEL AVILA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 3 6 . ]

Puerto de S. Luis 4 de Abril de 1 8 4 2 Sr D. Tomas Larquin MUÍ

Sr.

MIÓ

S E me pasó antes de venirme de Monterrey de pedirle á V . los recivos que le di de las dies fanegas de frijol, que entregue á D. Enrrique Mellles, como también el de los onse cueros que entregue á D. Santiago

[ " 87 ]-

—

Magunle, los mismos que me hara V . fabor de mandarme con el portador de esta que es el Sr. Bonilla, pues me conviene ami tenerlos. También suplico a V . que con el Buque en que me mande el Baril y el aguardiente, me haga favor de mandarme dos costales de Sal y cargar me la á mi cuenta. Y no ofreciendose mas V . mande á su affmo Servr Q. S. M. B. Miguel Avila [Rubric]

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 3 7 . ]

Santa Cruz April 5 [1842] Mr Larkin

I

WROTE to you nearly a week since giving you a statement of what I have done here but had no chance of sending the letter for 2 or 3 days. I then gave it to the preist in case he should see any body going there while I was away and he told me yesterday that he had sent it with another I wrote on Sunday by Henry Cooper and as Bowles says he got there before he left I presume you have it before now. If you have not I will just state now that I have recieved in all 51500 feet of stuff. Of that I have recieved for goods that I have sold 1 1 5 0 0 feet. The balance 40000 I reed, on the old accounts. There is 36379 ft inch Boards 8421 ft 2 inch plank 4803 ft Pillars 1 9 1 6 f t rafters and 4000 shingles. of Ramon Buelna of W m Weare Juan Hilario W m Brander it

" " " "

a

a

Joaquin Castro Samuel Thompson Domingo Perez W m Trevathan

1000 ft inch Bds 1 1 0 0 Do Do 1000 Do 2000 Do 1000 ft Pillars 1 7 00 inch Bds 6092 Do 3000 Do 2550 Do

[,88} I have reed, of George Chapel James Rogers

Reed, of Alvin Wilson Reed, of Elijah Ness or Francis Young of W m Thompson

500 f t Pillars 3000 inch Bds 5519 2803 3000 2485 2902 4000

2 inch Plank f t Pillars f t inch Bds f t inch Bds " 2 inch Plank inch Bds

Thompsons lumber is so much above 51500 feet as I reed, it since I made the account. I have on hand now 1x6 hides and 42$ in cash. The water has been so high and the roads so bad that it has been impossible to haul a stick to the beach as yet except 600 feet of rafters which I went yesterday and rafted down the river myself. I got 2 indians today and went to try some more but they were verry green and so heavy that when I put them into the water they sunk to the bottom so that I had to give it up. The water is going down some now and I shall go tomorrow and see the carters and try to get them to make a commencment immediately. You may depend upon my doing all I can to hurry the lumber down, but it is impossible for any one to rule the weather. I have been to M Lodge's Beach and I think the lumber can be taken off there in good weather though it is not quite so good a place this. There is one bad gulch to cross in coming there from J Rogers pit but if it keeps dry 2 or 3 days longer I think the carts will be able to go there. In regard to the boards of the Italians I shall do as you say. As to borrowing any more there in none on the beach to borrow of any account and as soon as there is any possibility of hauling any yours will be hauled. I have bought yesterday 1000 feet of rafters of George Chapels father and can get another xooo of James Weeks as soon as they can be hauled. Dye has not done as to getting down timber but of that he will tell you himself as he started fo Mont this morning. In my other letter I gave you a more particular account of things here which I hope you have recieved. Yours J Belden

[ I89 }

—

[WILLIAM F R E N C H T O J O H N B A U T I S T A R O G E R S COOPER. 1 : 4 5 . ]

Honolulu April 9th 1842 Capt. J. R . Cooper Bot. of Wm. French 1 Mixt Jacket 1 Pair duck Pants 2 Shirts @ 1 . 1 Pair Stockings

1.50 1. 2. 50^

1 1 1 1

Pair Pants 1.50 Blue Jacket 1.50 Pair Shoes 2. Hdkf. 25^

$ 3.00 2.50 4.00 .75 $10.25

Received payment for William French James Austin [Rubric]

[WILLIAM A L E X A N D E R LEIDESDORFF TO T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . I ¡ 2 4 0 . ]

St. Barbara the ioth April 1842 T . O. Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir

B y the Ship Fama I received your letter as also a Jar of butter or rather pieces of a Jar for it was all broke and tide up with a peice of canvas. However it will do well enough for the present use therefore I have concluded to use it and not let those Gentlemen have it. You will therefor have to charge it to the Schooner. As it is settled that she is not going to Mazetland, I leive here tomorrow for St lego to take in hides & return to this place, from whence I expect she will go to the Islands, however not

[ i

9

o ]

certain until my return. I have sent you all letters given in my charge at monterey. You will oblidge me to find out there owners & return them. By so doing you will oblidge Yours truly W m A. Leidesdorff in haste

[JAMES G. SCOTT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I .'244.]

Sta Barbara i z t h April 1 8 4 2 T . O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir favor of the 27th ulto. by M r Baric was duly received & am very sorry indeed to mention that its contents are beyond my comprehention. Regarding our last Settlement you will recolect that Capn Wilson requested your note for the hides to be delivered to Mr. Spence in payment of some rope he had of him and I believe you did not tender him one. However Mr. Spence was satisfied on that score I believe. Regarding the former Note which was drawn by you for the balance of your account before leaving this coast for that of Mexico, I presented it myself to you after being paid & at the time I had a small memorandum of something on it. You took it & tore of your name from the bottom of it & then at my request so returnned it to me. I recolect well it was done in the street just between your own house and that of Mr. Watson's. The same note was on the same class of Paper as this same identical letter & if I mistake not I can produce it when I get time to rummage some of my old Papers. The plain matter of the fact is M y Dear Tom'y it is the first time that I was aware your memory wanted pricking up although I have always had my own doubts regarding whether your ears required it or not. I shall be up your way shortly and if there is any misunderstanding about our affairs I will I hope to settle it amicably. Do not for one moment think that although I am sick that I am about dying and through my decease you may be "perjudicado."

[19l

]

Mr Thomson sail'd this morning for Sn Pedro & Mr Jones' Schooner sailed yesterday for Sn Diego to take in hides for the Islands. I understand he has given up the Idea of going to Mazatlan. The Fama also goes down shortly to the Islands. Compts to all Friends & Remain Your Obt Sert James Scott [Rubric] The Bishop sends his compts. For the last four mos. we have heard no other conversation than the Bishop the Bishop the Bishop.

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 4 6 . ]

Santa Cruz April 13 th [1842] Mr. Larkin

I HAVE got two men at work at Otosh hauling lumber up out of the woods and and tomorrow or next day I expect they will commence hauling to the beach. The ground is so wet and soft they think it will be hard hauling and therefore they thought it best to get it all up from the woods first and by that time the ground will be something dryer. They had up about 10000 feet to day when I was there and thought they would finish tomorrow or next day. There is about 19000 feet there in the neighborhood of J Rogers. That at Elijah Ness' I think it will be impossible to get out for some time yet as it is in a verry bad place. The men who are hauling want to haul to Rafel Castros beach because the road to M Lodge's is worse than there but I am afraid the vessel could not take it off from there well. I expect I shall have to pay them a high price to haul to M Lodges on account of the road. If the lumber is put on Lodge's beach the Sailors will have to haul it across the creek there for the beach runs out so shallow on the South of the creek that it cannot be rafted there. If Capt Paty takes it at present however I see no other chance but to put it on Lodges beach for it is impossible to haul it here now. If we have no more rain I there will be from 10 to 15 thousand on Lodges beach in

[ l

9

2 ]

about 4 days. I have got 6000 feet of board and and 600 feet of Joist hauled to this beach from the Rinchorn. A man who I engaged at Garners to come here and haul has not made his appearance yet and I shall try tomorrow to get somebody else. There is 4000 feet of board of at Sam Thompsons which W m Thompson del'd me which I think I can get hauled in a day or two. The lumber on the other side of the creek at W m Trevathans 81 Wally's I am afraid cannot be got out so soon as it is verry bad passing the river at Chards. I shall do my best though to get it down as soon as possible. Henry Cooper told me you would be here tomorrow but as I am uncertain about it I write this. Yours J Belden

[ H E N R Y S . HOWLAND TO J O H N BAUTISTA R O G E R S COOPER. 1 1 2 4 9 . ]

Honolulu April 1 3 , 1 8 4 2 Capt J G R Cooper Bought of Capt H S Howland 1260 lbs. Bread @

$113.40 Red Payt. Henry S. Howland [Rubric]

[ >93 } [ISAAC WILLIAMS TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 5 0 . ]

April 13 th 1842 Mr. Thomas O Larkin Dear Sir

' J . HE balance that remains on the flour my reason for not closing the bill with Mr James Mckinley I had your account in a small memorandem book the bill I had made out the time I was living the Pueblo and it has got mislaid Mr. Elwell I got to regulate my accounts and whether he has got the account or has mislaid it I cant say but I will have the demand closed with Mr Mckinley on his return here without fail. Yours Obed Y r hum ser Isaac Williams [Rubric]

[JOHN BAUTISTA R O G E R S COOPER TO P E I R C E & B R E W E R . I ¡ 2 4 7 . ]

April 14th [1842] Mess Peirce & Brewer please pay to Luther Wright the Sum of $ 1 6 . 1 2 cts. & charge same to your H Servt J B R Cooper [Rubric] $16.12 Paid. See Pierce & B's a/c

[ I94 ] [H. JACKSON TO SCHOONER "CALIFORNIA". 1 : 2 4 8 . ]

Honolulu April x 5th/42 Schooner California to H Jackson

Dr

April 1842 2nd to i Anchor Stock 1 0 3 V 2 lbs. tt Repr Anchor Stock tt Stratening Anchor Stock 4th " Work on Bobstay it " 6 Block Pins tt 2 Eye Bolts & Thimbles tt 2 Clinch Rings 6th 1 Staple tt " Repr With t( 2 Bolts for Bobstay tt " 2 Rings & 3 Keys tt Repr 4 Blocks tt " Boaring Do. tt " 2 Blocks 9th " 1 2 Dog Nails tt 2 Rivets & 2 Rings tt " 1 Bolt 4 lbs. it Repr Rail Dog nth Repr Ring Bolt tt " Repr Eye Bolt & 3 Nails tt Repr 2 Stove Doors tt Bottom for Oven H 5 Large Rivets & 5 Rings 12th " Repr 2 Ring Bolts u " 18 Ruffs & 2 Spikes tt Rivets " Repr Grains

$25.87% 13.00 0.50 2.50 2.50 X.50 0.12V2 0.12V2

1-75 1.00 0.31V4 4.50 1.50 5.00 0.37V2 0.25 1.00

0.37V2 0.25 0.25 1.00 1.00

1.25 0.25 0.62V2 0.12V2

0.50

['95} 14th to Repr Hatch Bar

1.00

2 Plates & 4 Nails for Pump 15th " Swivle Hook & Thimble

0.50 0.75 $69,683/4

Reed. Payment 4 Thimbles

$69,683/4 .62V2 $70.31

Herrero Settled. Included in Jas. Robinson's bill.

[THOMAS M. ROBBINS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 5 1 . ]

Sta Barbara April 15 1842 Mr. Tomas O Larkin Dear Sir

I SEND you by the Catalina the Sett of castors that you requested and Mr. Thompson Charges 4$ and I Must charge you the Same. Mr. Jones has gave up the Voyage to Masatlan. The Scho Stops on the Coast. My respects to all up your way and remain yours truly

Tomas M. Robbins [Rubric]

[ i96 ] — [w. J A R R E T T

TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER.

1:235.] [April, 1842]

Capt Cooper To W Jarrett 1842 April 2nd " "th 4th 8th 9th 10th 12 15

X Bott Champagne Shares of Supper Fiddlers pay Supper Supper Board Dinner & Wine Breakfast do

Dr

$2.00 1.25 1.50 .50 .50 1.00 1.25 .50 .50 9.00

Honolulu Reed Payt

[LOUIS GROVIER TO SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A " AND OWNERS. 1 : 2 5 3 . ]

Honolulu April 16th 1842 N. x Schooner California & Owners To Louis Grovier To making 1 Flying Jib 1 Gaft Topsail 1 Top Gallt Sail Containing 3V4 Bolts @ 6.50 To 55 lb. Rope 18 c

$ 21.12V2 9.90

[*97 ] To

3 lb. Twine @ $1 8 Thimbles @ .25 To Repairing the following old Sails 1 Fore Sail 1 Main Sail 1 Topsail 1 Square Sail 1 Flying Jib & 1 Gaft topsail To 7 lbs. Twine @ 1.00 " 10 lbs. Rope @ .18 Making Tarpauline 1 2 Yards Heavy Ravens duck

3.00 2.00 51.00 7.00 1.80 1.50 4.00 $101.32^

Deduct for work on Mainsail

5.00 $96.33

Reed, payment Settled

Louis Grovier el q. hiso las velas.

See P. & Brewer's a/c.

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 5 2 . ]

Santa Barbara April 16, 1842 Dear Sir

" Y o u r favour by the Fama, enclosing letters for Mazatlan and the United States was received, and I now return you the same letters, as the Schooner will not proceed to Mazatlan, as was contemplated. Mr Thompson detaned her for long at the North to comport with my intentions as to her, then intended destination. It was not contemplated that the Schooner should have returned here from Mazatlan, and my object was, to have reached that place in season to have got a passage back with Captain Fitch. It was too late howevr, to think of that, after the long detention of the Schooner at Sn Francisco and Monterrey. The Schooner has now gone

[I98] to get the hides of Mr Pierce at Sn Diego. The Ship is at Sn Pedro and will take in the hides there for Mr P. in all, about 4000. They will be sent from this port to the Islands. I am now in statu quo, but if nothing prevents, shall hope to see you in July at Monterrey. We have nothing new here whatever. Religion appears to be the order of the day. Too much of it has made the people mad. The Bishop rules triumphant and the wretched Preest ridden dupes would lick the very dirt from off his shoes, ware he but to will that he should do so. For my self, I am perfectly disgusted with his proceedings; if what is taught here, is religion, I can only say, the less we have of it, the better; in view it is blasphemay. By the way, it is quite certain that his Holiness will make this his place of residence, and here eract his college; the tenths will by paid by this good people with but fiew exceptions, in preference, they unhesitatngly say, to all other demands. I am not certain that that will satisfy the rapacious appetites of these blood sucking emissaries of the Pope. They are all of the Horse leach family whose cry is continually give, give. I hear you have an addition to your family and of the desired gender. I give you joy. Success attend you Very truly John C Jones A Don Thomas O Larkin Monterry Please send the letter for Mr Reynolds by the Quixote, and if she be gone return it to me. Jones

[E. H. BOARDMAN TO J O H N BAUTISTA R O G E R S COOPER. 1 : 4 6 . ]

[April, 1842] Capt Cooper to E H . Boardman 1841 Sept

4

To Cleaning, Glass & Rep'd escap't to silver pocket Chro. no 3 1 3 9

Dr

$18.00

[>99} 1842 March 25 27 29 April

2

To lock Diamond to Chronometer " Cleaning Glass & Repd Gold Lever watch " Cleaning, Glass, 2d. hand, verge & hairspring to watch " Cleaning & bushd wheels to small English watch " Cleaning Repting & polishing case to Box Chronometer " Glass to Lever watch " pd bill of C[?] Lyon's for Box to Chro.

5.00 8.00 12.00 4.50 21.50 2.00 6.00 $77.00

Honolulu April 18th 1842—Rec'd Payt E H Boardman [Rubric] Paid.

See P. & Brewer's a/c.

[JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER TO PEIRCE & BREWER. 1 : 2 5 6 . ]

April 18, 1842 Messrs Peirce & Brewer Centn.

I^EASE pay W Jarrett or order the sum of nine dollars & charge same to acct of Your Obt Servt John B. R. Cooper [Rubric] 9.$ Paid. See P. & Brewer's a/c.

[ 200] [MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 2 5 4 . ]

Honolulu April 18th 1842 Capt Cooper To Marshall & Johnson

Dr.

1842 . Boxes 1 do 2 do 2 do 2 do I do

Raisins Pickles Anchovies Olives Sardines P. Peas

@ 4.00 5.00 5.00

8.00 6.00 10.00 10.00 4.00 2.00 $40.00

Contra Cr March 31. By Freight of 20 Boxes California Soap @ 2.

$40.00

Marshall & Johnson [Rubric] Settled. See the a/c of Sch "California".

[JAMES ROBINSON & CO. TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 2 5 5 - ]

Oahu Aprl 18, 1842 N. 2. Captn Cooper To James Robinson & Co. For Work done on Schooner California and Boat 75 days @ $3.00 355 ft Cedar & Pine @ 10 34 " Oak 15

Dr.

$225.00 35-5° 5.10

[ 201 } 75 lbs. Oakhum

7.50

pitch

12.00

12 lbs. Iron Spikes

3.00

1 paper brads $1.00 Charcoal / 5 0

1 pair butt hinges / 5 0

1.50

15 lbs. lead $i.87V2

2.37V2

6 lbs. copper nails

2.70

2 Knees $1.00

2.00

Rivits $1.00

Wrought & cut nails

3.00

Armourers bill

See Jackson's bill

69.68V2

Wharfage 9 days

18.00 See H . Jackson's bill

4 Thimbles

.62V2 $387.98-/2

Settled: See Pierce & Brewer's a/c Herrero y Carpintero

[ALEXANDER ADAMS TO SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A " , CAPTAIN JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 2 5 8 . ]

Honolulu April 20th 1842 Sch. California

Ì

Capt. Cooper

j T o Tonage dues, 84 by 10 cts Buoys

$ 8.40 2.00

Pilotage, 7 [M5. illegible] Certificate

14.00 1.00 25.40

Reed. Payt. Alexr Adams

\

By Stephen Reynolds j

Pilot Harbor Master

[202} [JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER TO PEIRCE & BREWER. 1 : 2 5 7 . ]

Honolulu April 20th 1842 Messrs. Pierce & Brewer Merchants, Honolulu Gentlemen

o N Demand—Pay Stephen Reynolds, or order, one hundred & thirteen dollars—Value received—and charge the Same to my account. Your Obt. Sert. John B R Cooper [Rubric] $ 1 1 3 . 0 0 Paid—See P. & Brewer's a/c.

[MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 5 9 . ]

Honolulu April 20/42 Mr Thos O. Larkin Dear Sir

i^NCLOSED we send b/1 and Invoice of 6 pit saws, shipped to your address as per your order, per schooner California, Cooper. After we purchased them, we discoverd that Capt Carter had shipped some by the same vessel, consigned to you for sale, but we hope that you will find demand for all. Capt Carter informs me also that he has shipped Pitsaw files, which will render it unnecessary for us to fulfil your order in that particular, even if we could but there are none besides his in the place. Carter also will send you the playing cards which I spoke in my last. We received per Schr California an Invoice of Twenty cases Soap, which Capt Cooper informed us he was instructed to consign to us for sales on your a/c. We have received no advices from you regarding them, and are

{ 203 } at a loss to know what your wishes are regarding them, as they will not bring here the Invoice price. The Retail price is but 6V4 cts per cake, and we could not get more than 4V2 or 5 cts for it. It is preferred by the natives to American Soap, & will eventually sell. Nothing very new stirring. The troubles at Mazatlan, have sent several vessels down here to discharge their cargoes or that part of them which was contraband. The Am. Ship Congress Hayes is & has been here for a month. Mr Mott of the house of Scarborough & Co. came in her. The Hamburg Barque Adolph arrived from Mazatlan this week, bringing the intelligence of Two Hundred Troops having been despatched for California. Mr Greenway's failure is the general topic of excitement here at present; his effects are to be sold at Auction on Saturday & the week following. Business is still very much at a stand, goods plenty & low, purchasing scarce & shy. Those who have buildings for storage are doing the best business at present. We have the cargoes of four vessels from the coast here, on deposit. We are daily expecting the Don Quixote but shall soon conclude that she will remain on the coast another season, if she does not speedily make her appearance. Yours Respectfully Marshall & Johnson [Rubric]

[JAMES ROBINSON & CO. TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. I ¡ 4 7 . ]

Oahu April 20th 1842 Capn Cooper Dr to James Robinson 8i Co Stuf for Bed Ticking 6 Haft for Sundries 5 Blue Sarge Shirts a $2.0 1 Canton Trunk

$ 3.50 2.25 7-75 10.00 11.00

[204] I Pair of Moleskin Trowser

4.50

8 Regatter Shirts a $ 1 . 5 0

12.00

7 Blue Nankeen Shirts a $ 1 . 2 5

8.75 $59-75

Due Robbinson & Co. 1 4 1 . 7 5 cts Jacks Washing

7.75

Making Bed & C

1.50 $69.00 Reed. Payment James Robinson & Co.

[Cover bears note: Mr. Wilsons private bill.]

[jOSIAH BELDEN T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 6 0 . ]

[April 20, 1842.] Mr. Larkin

T H E padre here wishes me to write to you to know if you can let him have a fanega of beans and also one of corn to plant. He says if you will send him word that you can he will send a mule in to Monterey for them. Perhaps though you could send them over sooner by a vessel if there should be any coming. If you have any more yellow Filigrana Buttons I wish you would send some. Some of the sawyers are verry much in want of files and if you could send a dozen or so by some person who is coming it would help them some. I went up yesterday with Dye and helped him to measure what logs Brander has out which amount to about 20000 feet. It came on to rain so hard that we did not measure Trevathans. I think he has about 10 or 1 2 thousand. Dye has gone up again to day to commence getting them out. They are verry heavy some of them containing from 1000

[

2

°5]

to 1400 feet. It still keeps raining here about every other day so there is as yet no chance of hauling any thing. I have 4 carts engaged which will commence as soon as the roads will permit and I intend to go tomorrow or monday to all the ranches about and try to engage some more. The 2 bills of lumber you sent I shall endeavour to have ready if possible. J Belden

[E. & H. GRIMES TO SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A " AND OWNERS. 1 : 4 9 . ]

[April, 1842.] Sehr California & Owners Bought of E & H. Grimes 1842 April I. 2 Deck Lights " 5 3 Blocks

$4.00 1.00 $5.00 Honolulu, April 2 1 , 1842

Received Payment E & H. Grimes per William Baker Jr.

[E. & H. GRIMES TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 5 0 . ]

[April, 1842.] Capt Cooper Bought of E & H. Grimes 1842 March 26.

2 Capes

$ 7.00

{2O6} April

ii 13

i 1 2 1

Brown Linen Jacket Screw augur Marseilles vests velvet vest

2.00 2.00 7.00 2.50 $20.50 Honolulu, April 2 1 . 1842

Received Payment E & H. Grimes per William Baker Jr.

[ISAAC MONTGOMERY TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER.

I:z6l.] [April, 1842.]

Capt Cooper To Isaac Montgomery

12.00 9.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 2.00 20.00

To 120 Pumpkins 6 Barrell S Potatoes I

"

3 1 8 8 20

Dr

Pigs Barrell onions Ducks Fouls goats

$57.00 Schr California April 22nd 1842

Received the above Roderick [Rubric]

Settled. See Pierce 8c Brewer's a/c.

[ 207] [THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N T O J O H N P A T Y . C O P Y . I ¡ 2 6 2 . ]

Monterey April 2 2 / 4 2 Mr John Paty Sir

you would purchase in Oahu for me the following articles and I will pay you the cost and fifty pr cent on the same, I paying here also all duties you may pay. I

WISH

Zinc fifty to Eighty dollars worth with nails to Suit Round Iron for bars of Six windows Flat Iron for the cross pees 1 keg of spikes for 2 inch plank 4 kegs of 4d. cut nails. 4 do iod. x do 6d. S. I. moss for a bed or a large bed ready made A bed for my son if he comes with you 4 or 5 very large locks for the custom house. 3 do pad locks 2 or 3 boxes sperm candles. If you can deliver them here at 6 rials pr lb. free duties up to ten boxes 1 or 2 chains for hauling logs Some kind of candle sticks to hang against the wall -cheap 5 or 6 reflecting Candle Sticks Set of Signs (handsome) for ball room 50 or 60 dollars worth of sash, match, and moulding planes 2 canton trunks, middle size, colour red or chocolate Paper (handsome) for I room 6 feet high

[2O8] [JOSIAH BELDEN T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡ 2 6 4 . ]

Santa Cruz April 23 [1842] Mr Larkin

' JLHE

padre wishes me to write to you to send him 2 lbs of nails

and also the bearer of this Antonio Rodrigues wishes for 2 lbs for which he says he will pay me here. Please write me whether you wish me to buy many shingles as there are several men here who are making shingles and would like to sell them all to me. Write me whether you would take a note of W m Garner's for I think I can get one for 40$ from W m Trevathan or Wally. I wish you would send a few pieces of white Manta by the ship when she comes as I am about out of it. If you have many of those small tin pails or cups I could sell a considerable number of them if you can send them also some more shirts and silk Hdkfs. Perhaps you make a bargain with the Cap't of the Alert to sell me some of those things for lumper when he comes here and if he does not come before the last of this week I think I can have 8 or 10 thousand on the beach to sell him besides what you wish to send to Dr Den &. Lewis Arana. I should like to have a pretty assortment of goods in order to compete with Carmichael who has now a tolerable good assortment. If I can manage to keep a good share of the trade from him I dont think he will stand it a great while and if there is only one shop here I think it will pay verry well. Yours J Beiden

[JOHN MEEK T O SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A " . 1 : 2 6 3 . ]

[April, 1842.] Schooner California Dr

T o John Meek April

3d T o 30V2 pounds beef at 6 c

1.83

4th "

1.08

13V2

Do

Do

8

[209] April

5

T o 18V2 pounds beef at 8 c

1.48

6

"

12

"

"

"

0.96

7

" 26

"

"

"

2.08

9 10

14

"

"

"

1.12

" 26

"

"

"

"

2.08

12

"

15V2

"

"

"

1.24

16

"

16

"

"

"

1.28 $13.15

Reed payment April 23/42 Settled. See P. & Brewer's a/c.

[PEIRCE & BREWER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 5 3 . ]

Oahu April 23, 1842 Mr. Thos. O . Larkin Dear Sir

E T N C L O S E D

you have Capt. John B. R . Cooper's draft on the Govr.

Juan B. Albarado, dated at this place for T w o thousand one hundred and three 08/100 dollars ($2103.08) in our favour, and by us endorsed to you for collection, which you will please collect with Interest (should it not be paid at maturity) in dollars, or Salted hides at one dollar and a half each, and remit us by first conveyance, taking a bill of Lading of the same. The above amount was advanced by us in cash (rather against our will owing to the scarcity of money) to repair the schooner, and for wages and outfits also. W e hope and trust the Governor will pay the amount immediately, as we cannot afford to lay out of the money any time. Money is scarce here now, and goods very plenty. Should there be a vessel coming this way soon we shall hope to receive the amount of the enclosed draft by her. Should you or your friends wish to ship any Salted

[2IO]Hides to this place, we shall be in want of them in the fall and should be willing to pay eight cents pr lb. for good ox & cow hides. You will of course deduct the usual commissions for collecting the said draft. Hoping soon to have the pleasure of hearing from you we remain Yours Obdt. Servts. Peirce & Brewer [Rubric]

[PEIRCB & BREWER TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 2 6 5 . ]

[April, 1842.] Capt J B R Cooper in a/c with Peirce & Brewer 1842 March 24 To Your order on us favr S Peck « 26 a I pr Shoes tt n it 1 Hdkf u tt a 12 Yds Lawns a 50^ « a tt 6 " Muslin a $1.25 a tt Cash u ft a 13 Yds Gros de Naples a $2 u tt tt 3 ps Satin Ribbon a $3.25 « u tt 1 " do. do. « u tt 2 " Black do. (( 28 tt 1 Beaver Hat it 30 tt Cash a x doz Socks 31 tt il tt 1 Grass Cloth Jacket a April I I brass Escutchion 11 tt 2 2 pr Shoes a $2 tt St H Cash ((

((

Dr

E

153.31 2.25 1.00 6.00 7.50 15.00 26.00 9-75 i-75 5.00 10.50 20.00 4.50 2.00 .06 4.00 50.00

L

April tt tt tt

a tt ft ft tt ft tt it it tt tt tt tt tt tt tt

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1842 April tt

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4 To Cash x doz Blank Books 6 Yds Pantaloon Stuff a 3 3 H 6 " do. do. a 62V2 i 2 " Cotton Drill a 25^ 5 " 4 doz. Buttons a \zi 8 " 1 Looking Glass Cash do. 9 do. paid the Tailor do. 13 " do. paid L Wright Your order on us favour Capt Howland E o n a / c 14 " Cash 16 " 9 lb. Polu a J.B.R.C. 1 Blank Book 4 Trenchers J.B.R.C. 2 pr Shoes 5 Shirts Cash $11 & $ 1 0 18 " Your order on us favour Jarrett for board Sch. ft

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ft

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tt

tt

3-75 .50 .50 .25 35.00 50.00 2.50 2.00 16.12 63.40 25.00 .56 .25 2.00 4.00 7.50 21.00 9.00

Amt carried over

596.95

Amt Brt forward

$596.95

18 To Cash do. paid Boardman's Bill chronometer fixing 19 " do. 20 " do. 20 Your order on us favr S Reynolds E. do. do. E & H Grimes E. 21 " $5 Ship & bal. private a/c 22 " Cash to self Amo due J O Carter for Linens tt

30.00 3.00 2.00

25.50 77.00 2.00 1.00 113.00 25.50 12.00 13.00

$865.95

[212} April 23 To Balance of a/c vs Schr California Amo of a/c " J Roderick

623.94 312.75 1802.64

Differ of Exchange between Oahu and California 15% off from face of Exchange

300.44 $2x03.08

E & O Ex Oahu Sandwich Islands, April 23, 1842 Reed for above J B R Cooper's bill of Exchange on Senor Govr de Alta California Do Juan Bta Albarado Monterey, Alta California, at five days sight dated April 23, 1842 favr Peirce & Brewer. Peirce 81 Brewer per A H Fayerweather [Rubric]

[PEIRCE & BREWER T O SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A * ' , MASTER AND OWNERS. 1 : 2 6 6 . ]

[April, 1842.] The Mexican Schooner California Master & Owners Capt J B R Cooper To Peirce & Brewer 1842 March 26 T o Derry Boat " 28 " 1 lb. Rivets " 5 6 " Iron Hoops 29 " Cash paid for Labour "

Dr

J.B.R.C.

" " 3 Bolts heavy Ravens Duck a $12 31 " 1 Cupboard Lock " " 1 Knob 1 doz Brooms

$ 30.00 .38 5.04 1.50 36.00 .75 .25 1.50

[213) 2 To Cash paid for V2 days Cooperage

April

4 " 1 Iron Bolt 5 lb. Nails a 20 5 " 66 " Hemp Rope a 16fi 292 " Manilla Rope a 1 6 " 44 " Hemp Rope a 16 " Whiting a 7 " 10 1 Codline 1 Side Leather 16 lb. a 3 7V2 ¡i Cash paid for Labour 8 " do. do. do. 1 paper Copper Tacks 9 55 lb. Seizing Stuff a i8jf 11 " V2 Gil Spirits Turpentine 4 papers Lamp Black 2 paint Brushes 1 " do 3 Gils bright Varnish a 75^ Linseed Oil a $2 1 Keg black Paint Cash paid Labour 12 " Cooperage on Water Casks 1 lb. wrought Nails 2 papers Lamp Black 13 " 1 Gil Spirits Turpentine 14 " 50 Bbls Salt Cash. Labour on Limestone J.B.R.C. do paid for 1 fathom LimestoneJ.B.R.C. ditto 15 " 3 lb. Mustard Seed 8 " Twine a

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Amt Carried over 1842

April

1.50 .50 1.00 10.56 52.56 7.04 2.00 1.00 6.00 8.25 5.62 1.25 8.90 1.00 .50 2.50 .38 2.25 6.00 6.00 2.00 2.50

Amt brought forward 15 To 6 iron tin'd[?] Tea Spoons 2 doz Sail Needles u

a

•37

.25 2.00 50.00

276.53 276.53 •75

2.00

[2I April tt ti it tt tt ti ti it ti

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]

1.00 15 To x Codline 6 lb. cut Nails a 20ji X.20 2.50 1 doz Soup Plates " 1 " flat do 2.25 V2 " Mugs •75 1.50 l covered Chamber 3.25 3 Dishes " 50 lb. Coffee a 25 12.50 .50 2 " Pepper a 25 2.50 1 Tin'd Soup Tureen 1 Bottle Sweet Oil •75 18 10.00 I Box Congou Tea 33 lb. Arrow Root a 6V4fi 2.06 6 " wrought Nails from Th Cummins 1.50 96.33 L Graviers Bill of Sail Making 1 Bolt Duck delivered L Gravier 12.00 10.00 " X Cord fire wood not taken (balanc'd see below.) 19 2.00 1 Sauce Pan i.00 1 Buckett 21 The Amount of J Robinson's Co. Bill 387.98 1.50 " 1V2 Gil Lamp Oil 22 " J Meek's Bill Beef 13.15 i.00 1 Sieve 57.00 I Montgomery's bill Stock 23 Cash deld Capt Cooper J.B.R.C. 5.44 ti

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$908.94 1842 per Contra April 23 By Oak Logs & 1 Cedar Log i Cord Wood " Bai to debit J B R Cooper

Cr 275.00 10.00 623.94

$908.94

E & O Ex Peirce & Brewer Oahu Sandwich Islands, April 23. 1842

per A H Fayerweather [Rubric]

[ « 5 ] [ S T E P H E N R E Y N O L D S T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 6 7 . ]

Oahu April 30 1842 T . O. Larkin Esq Montery—California Sir

INCLOSED you have an Invoice of goods & Bill lading which I have taken the liberty to consign to you—use your Knowlege & judgement in Selling them. I do not wish a protracted Sale for a Small matter. I hope you will dispose of them, so as to remit me this fall—anything Merchantable but Soap and xxxxxxx !! Hides—tallow—otter skins—if not too high —say $35.00—Hides preferable. I have put in a variety of patterns. Should there be any preference among them be so kind as send me shreds of the same. I am, as Natives say, pilikialau—driven hard up. I wish you would take pity on me, and send me—come send me an order for goods for five— yes—five—thousand hides; it will help me out gloriously. Stop! Stop!! I have not got them. If you should want goods I will let you have such as can furnish, on as good terms as any one here according to quality. Land otter & Beaver skins are not saleable. I hope you will be able to make an advantage to me and profit to yourself. Your obt srvt Stephen Reynolds T . O. Don John R Cooper says you will pay the duties so I have left it for you to arrange. An Hamburgh Vessel has arrivd this morning from Gulph bringing intelligence, that you have a New General & two hundred Soldiers!!! amen. We are quite full of Deposit goods, and goods for sale, will soon make Store Room Scarce & Dear. If I can find time, you shall have a Scrawl by & by.

{216} Give my respects to M r Park and all others who may inquire after your Obt St S. Reynolds P. S. I think you have intimation of a charge of the Printer's for inserting your Notice & &c & which you can remit me. S. R .

[JONATHAN TRUMBULL WARNER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 Ó 8 . ]

Angs. May 2 1 8 4 2 Tomas O Larkin Esq Monterey Sir

B v

Ship California I forward you six fanegas Corn in six brown

Linen Bags marked J T which you will please place to my Credit and reserve the same in your hands untill further orders. The California sailed the day following my arrival and I had no time to make any enqueries for an exchange of Corn for Lumber. The bags you may return or keep at one dollar each. I also forward you a memorial to the Governor for a Title to the ranch for which you took the representation to Vallejo. You will excuse the liberty I take to request you, if you obtained the Decree from Vallejo to present this Memorial together with the Diseño which is enclosed to M r Wolfskill at your letter office and procure the Title, so that M r Wolfskill may receve it at his arrival or at his passing as it is not proboble that he will be able to go into Monterey in person. You will do me the favour to meet the expences and advise me by first opportunity. If I find any opportunity to obtain Corn for Lumber so that it will answer your account I will forward it by Yndin although I think the prospect is small. Corn Thompson purchased some 200 fg. here at 3 ^ $ and there is not much on hand—and less call for Lumber.

[ «7 ] Y o u will open the letter I left for Mr Wolfskill to obtain the Diseño. I am Sir very Resptfly Y r obdt Servt J. T . Warner [Rubric]

[ABEL S T E A R N S TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 7 o . ]

Angeles May 3d 1842 Mr Thomas O. Larkin Dr Sir

^ Y o u r s of April 20th is at hand, and in reply would observe that I am not in want of any lumber myself. Still the article (all except Shingles) is a verry good one and more or less would always sell at this place at a fair price say $50. to 60 pr. M . for boards & plank, Joise & Pillars by the price according to size & quality. If you like to send lumber to S. Pedro I will sell it for you. The price of Wine here is twenty Dolls, pr. baril—Aguardiente according to pay, if in exchange for Lumber or other produce 40$ to 50$ pr barril—for Cash less. The gold mine lately discovered near the Misn of S. Fernando bids fair to be verry good & is verry extensive. Some forty or fifty persons are at work and each hand gets from on to two Dolls pr day in gold. The Placer is thirty or forty Miles in extent. Yours &c. Abel Stearns [Rubric]

[

]

—

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 6 9 . ]

Santa Cruz May 4th 1842 Mr Larkin

T h e letter you sent enclosing the bill of lumber for the Gov'nt was duly Rec'd. Tell the alcalde of Monterey to send to Rafel Castro, the alcalde here, a notice of the new law in regard to the duties on foreign liquors and it may save me paying 18$ a Barrel which he claims of me. J Belden Get a paper from the alcalde in regard to the duties and send it out by the bearer of this if you can.

[PARROTT & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 7 1 . ]

Pr. Fernando Mazatlan, May 9th 1842 Thos. O Larkin Esq Monterrey Dear Sir

N o vessel having offered for your port or Coast since your departure from this last year is the cause we have not been able to reply to your several letters dated, 10th 11th June 26th & 27th July last 19th Septr n t h Nov and 12th January all of which we have before us. Mr Peirce paid us the balance of your account deducting the case of damaged Hdkfs, which we regret turned out so bad; the amt. Paid by Mr. P. is 3188.43 to which add Value Hdkfs. 292.50 $3480.93 being

[ 2I9 } the amount of your purchase. W e observe what you say in relation to goods, and we should be glad to supply you with such articles as you require and take Hides in exchange, but there seems to be some difficulty about it owing to the long time we are cut off from communications with your Coast a severe drawback to business. W e are under the impression and in fact think you would do well by shipping this season all the Hides you can procure on your own account to order and after the season is over come down here with the bills of Lading. W e should not hesitate to take the hides at a fair price, giving goods in exchange. This we think will be decidedly the best way to get your supplies, and provided also you can Ship them at a Very moderate freight. During the whole of this year business has been exceedingly dull on the Coast owing to some political changes. There is now however a fair supply of goods in market and of a Very Supr quality. Prices are much the same this year as they were last in most articles. Manta is dearer, however. A new Governor and some five Hundred troops are to go to California this season. The Governor will probably have arrived. W e remain your obt Svts Parrott & Co [Rubric] P. S. All your letters for the United States have been forwarded in due course. Enclosed we send you two letters the only ones we have Received for you. [Cover bears note: Pr Capt Fitch.]

[ 220] [JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 7 3 . ]

Santa Cruz May 15 th [1842] Mr Larkin has absconded and I expect he has gone to Santa Barbara. I sent 2 men after him and agreed to pay them $20 if they brought him but their horses gave out and they gave up the pursuit. One of them wishes me to write to you to know if you will pay him 50$ in cash to go to Santa Barbara and fetch him. I told him I would write but that I thought you would not do it for it is quite probable that he will be gone before he could get there. J^UAN H I L A R I O

I saw him 2 days before he left and he promised me faithfully that he would go immediately to work. He was so still about it that I knew nothing of his Intention of going untill he was off. He sold his saws to 2 Spaniards but I think I shall recover them as I have told the Alcalde that they did not belong to him but were lent to him untill he sawed lumber enough to pay for them which I suppose you will confirm. The Alcalde say they shall be delivered to me. I hope you will come this way when you go back. Yours J Belden

[TEODOSIA BOJORQUEZ DE PRUDON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 7 5 . ]

Sonoma 23 de Mayo de 1842 Sor Dn Larquin Muy señor

D

de saludarlo paso a suplicarle de qe del trato que abiamos echo erré por qe lio no sabia qe balia mas del presio qe lio le puce. Aora si usté me ase fabor de mandarme 25 pí y si a usté no le párese asi ESPUES

[ 2 2 l ] usté lo sabe y los 6 pí qe usté me dio dirá usté a quien los e de entregar. Fui con Dn Luis a resebir el dinero qe me prometio de qe Dn Luis me abia de entregar lo cual a mi no se me a entregado no me dijo qe me daria efetos y eso no fue el trato sino el dinero y no mas. Soy su efectisima y mas obligada serviddora. Teodosa Bojorques De Don Vitor Prudon [Rubric]

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 9 4 . ]

Oahu May Sunday 2 3 d 1 8 4 2 T . O. Larkin Esq Montery Sir

I

TOOK

the liberty to send you a few goods, on consignment, by

the advice of our mutual Friend John B. R . Cooper, and hope you will pardon me, for the presumption. Should they be adapted to your market, or any portion of them, be so kind as designate, to me, those most eligible. W e have just heard the Sandwich Island Parliament has passed a law laying a Duty of three per cent on all Merchandise coming into the Kingdom three per cent on all Exportation of Specie, two & a half per cent, Drawback on goods Exported! ! ! What will your California traders do? Will they trade here, or go to Valparaiso ? I have not seen the Law but have it from a person from Maui last evening. The Missionaries say it is so. Whole sale Dealers to pay fifty Dollars per annum. Retailers to pay twenty five dollars per annum. King signed the Temperance Paper, about a month since. Scandalous Foreigners say, he was unwilling to be called a Tee-to-taler—for the Same Evening he was " M e r r y . " How long he will be mindful of his pledge, is hard to say. Some good man-of-war officers would soon make him forget it—if it

[222]' were necessary, he should forget. W h a t they will do about the Rum-Law is yet undecided. Missionaries tell him not to stop short of total prohibition. N o doubt they will get him into another scrape with the French government—if they do, good bye Sandwich Islands. Should you be most gloriously Hided, this Season I hope you will be, & cannot find other ways & means to get clear of a part, send as much of your share as you please; I will take it and send you in return, for so great a favor, such Merchandize as the Market affords on as favorable terms, as can be done in this goodly place. N o w if you have any intention of " H i d i n g " me, I Shall prefer to have it done as as may be, that it may be over—the Sooner the better! ! I refer you to Capt. Paty & W m . H . Davis for our Common N e w s . We have now a vice consul at Maui—a Pious M a n . Capt John Stetson is the man. H e came out to raise Silk on Kauai in 1 8 3 9 . T h a t failed. N e x t he went to raising cane & making Sugar—why he has left that except to be vice consul I do not know. I cannot get any good Sweet 'taters, so I will not send any—they are very scarce and very poor. W e are looking for the Julia Ann. Capt Paty is to give you a few Potatoes—if his do not all R o t . Sundy 29. Capt. Norton has just arrived in the Maryland—25 days from Mazatlan. Reports that five hundred men are ordered f r o m Mexico to California to put Sutter in order, or root him out. St Anna is talking of raising an army of 50,000 M e n to march to Texas! ! John Q . Adams has presented Petitions to Congress f r o m Sundry Fools in Massachusetts—I presume Missionaries & Abolitionists—Praying a Dissolution of the Union! W h a t think of that? Inquire for more of Capt. Paty & W m H Davis Y o u r O b d t Svt Stephen Reynolds \Cover bears note: By Don Quixote, Capt. Paty.]

[ 223 ) [ M A R S H A L L & JOHNSON T O T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 7 6 . ]

Honolulu May 26, 1842 T . O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir

E acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of your esteemed favor of April 20, 1842 covering B / L of 1 0 1 Hides shipped per Don Quixote. We are sorry to say that the Hides delivered us were very inferior, the average weight being but 22V2 lbs. ea. and 21 of them were damaged. Messrs Paty & Co remitted $10.00 from the Freight Bill in consideration of the damage on the Hides, but as the weight was not given in the B / L , nor the Hides marked, (one of which we think should have been done) we had no farther claim upon the Barque. We have therefore thought it but just to charge you with the deficiency, as we offered the goods to you at the lowest rate that we could possibly afford them, and even then, after deducting the high freight of $30.00 the nett proceeds are but $ 1 7 2 . 0 0 ; Three dollars less than the cost of the goods in Boston. The a/c stands as follows. W

H

Sold to Peirce & Brewer 80 Hides 1830 lbs. @ " 2 1 do (damgd) 463 lbs. @ 6fi Received for damage on 21 Hides Chgd you short weight of do

146.40 27.78 10.00 17.82 $202.00

It is possible that the Hides which you shipped us were average weight, but we should not suffer a loss, arising from a neglect to mark them or have the weight on the B/L, and we think you will consider it no more than right that we should charge you the deficiency. We calculated that the 15% adv. at which we offered you the goods, would pay the freight of the Hides down here at 25^ ea the usual freight, and of course that the Hides invoiced at $2.00 ea would be of the average weight of 25 lbs. ea. which

[224} at 8fi would be par value. Those received by P & Brewer per Maryland 4 , 0 0 0 . averaged 26V2 lbs. ea. W e shipped per Schooner California Cooper V2 doz Pit Saws which we hope you have received and are glad to learn that you will probably be able to dispose of those shipped by Capt Carter. Spanish playing cards are not to be had. W e congratulate you sincerely on the prosperous & profitable business which report says you are engaged in, and wish we could give you an opportunity to do the same to us. But Business is here at a stand. T h e failure of M r F . J . Greenway and the sale by Auction of his stock, with similar instances, has flooded the market with goods at very low prices and it will be long this market will recover the disastrous effects of thus forcing goods into it. W e are daily looking for the " M a r y l a n d " f r o m Mazatlan, with much interest, as we shall probably receive late news f r o m Europe, the U . S . and China. W e send a small package of newspapers by this opportunity, which tho' not late may be of interest. Yours Respectfully Marshall & Johnson [Rubric] P. S. M a y 30th. T h e Maryland arrived yesterday f r o m Mazatlan bringing dates f r o m the U . S . to Feby 2 3 d 1 8 4 2 ; for news we must refer you to M r Spence, who [MS. torn] receive late papers: we were unable to procure[ ?] any. Letters f r o m the city of Mexico state that a rupture with the U . S . is daily expected. A new Minister has been sent out, and 5 frigates 81 3 Sloops of war were about sailing for Vera Cruz to enforce his demands which were, the immediate payment of the U . S . Claims, the release of the American prisoners taken in Texas, and satisfaction for the treatment of M r Alvarez, consul at Santa Fe. W e are to busy to write more, as the Congress sails today for China. In haste M & J. [Cover bears note: Barque Don Quixote.]

{ 225] [ROBERT G. DAVIS T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 1 2 7 7 . ]

O a h u M a y 2 7 t h 1842 Thomas O . Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir

A s

the Quixote sails to-morrow, I embrace the opportunity of

sending a few lines by m y brother. W e have it is true, nothing new or important to communicate f r o m this place; we found only two foreign vessels in port, on our arrival; one the N . Y . ship Congress, last from Mazatlan, and now waiting for news and specie by the brig Maryland, in order to proceed to China. As Capt. Paty and W i l l i a m , will no doubt give you the particulars of everything, transpiring here, it will hardly be necessary for me to mention any items, or at least, only in a summary manner. W e have an abundance of foreign goods, so much so, that sales by auction are of daily occurrence: there has been likewise a failure, which caused a sensation, a few days before we arrived; that of M r . Greenway, a man w h o has been much lauded for well-established credit and integrity for a long time at Oahu. W e have likewise now, duties of 3 per cent on merchandise, and more absurd an impost of 3 per cent also, on all cash taken f r o m here, as though any were ever exported, that was not first brought to this place. T h i s is supposed to have been instigated by some ambitious missiona [MS. torn] retired from the service of the mission, to accept lucrative appointments under his Hawaian Majesty. I can say, that I almost regret at not being able to accompany the Quixote to the Coast. T h e climate here is so much warmer, than that of California, that it is to me quite oppressive on first arrival. I am obliged to remain at present, as my mother's affairs are so disordered as to require the attention of one of us. T h e Schooner Julia A n n is daily expected. A Schooner arrived here the other day from Tahite, commanded by Stevens, and is to proceed to the coast after undergoing some repairs. I understand that Capt Cooper carried

[226] on quite an amt. of goods consigned to you, from several of the Oahu Merchants. My brother was offered a consignment from Stephen Reynolds, amounting to $5000, which he declined on account of the quantity already on the coast, and no resources for carrying it on. The sale of all kinds of furs is dull here at present, not so ready as you anticipated in your conversation with me, owing to the want of communication with China; the last lot from here, of beaver, sea and land otter was sent to the U. S. We have had numerous inquiries directed to us, by the young geniuses of Oahu, with regard to the facilities, advantages etc, etc of California many of whom appear to be extremely desirous to come to the coast, fancying that they may establish themselves advantageously there in some kind of business. I have never given them much encouragement. Will you be so kind, as to take charge of my letters from the U. S. or any others, that may be drifting about the coast, as I understand th[at] Messrs Pierce & Brewer were so very good as to reship them to the coast aboard of Capt. Cooper. I will endeavour to remember this good turn of them; they knew I was expected at Oahu by the Quixote; they are so fearful that letters might contain casual information, which might operate inimical to their interests, that they like to delay their delivery as long as possible. I hope you may already have in your keeping the package of letters which Capt Carter informs me, he brought for me from home and which I was very much disappointed at not finding here. My brother has tried to procure a native man and woman for you, but has not succeeded; the men are willing, but it is difficult to persuade their wives; he will probably engage a good smart boy for your house. I saw your son a few evenings since at Mrs. Johnson's. I could not get him to talk much Spanish. I should be pleased to receive a letter from you by any opportunity from the Coast. I remain yr. obt svt. Robert G. Davis [Rubric] P. S. May 30th The Maryland arrived yesterday from Mazatlan and brings news that the U. S. have declared war against Mexico.

[227] [jOSIAH BELDEN TO T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N .

1:279.]

Santa Cruz May 29th 1842 Mr Larkin

" Y o u r letter by Dye was duly recieved. The pit and cross cut saws of Hilario have been delivered to me by an order of the alcalde but the persons who bought them were anxious to have them and have bought them again from me. The pit saw I understand I a bad one and therefore 1 thought best to let him have it for I knew that George Chapel would not be satisfied with it. Ventura Fernandes bought the pit saw and Alexander Rodrigues the cross cut. The axes and drawing knives I could not find when I went for the saws but I shall have another hunt for them. As to the 2 bbls Catalan A'dte I have paid the duty on one by giving the syndico 4$ in goods and he told the alcalde the duty was paid which was satisfactory to him. For the other bl Rafel Castro claims 18$ in cash. I have paid him 2$ in goods and Intended to pay him the rest in the same way but if you send a reciept for the duties I will pay him no more. I wish you would send it as soon as possible for he is constantly boring me about it. He recovered 18$ a bbl from Carmichael in hides at 1 2 rials each. I had to pay him 2$ duties on that muscat wine. I told him the duties had been paid in Mont' but he said as I had no reciept to show for it I must pay it here. I paid him goods at 100 per cent profit so it did not amount to much. The stock of goods here has got a good deal reduced so I should like you to send out more if you can. I have sold about 300$ more than the amount of all the invoices and have on hand about 900$ worth at the invoice price. I have recieved altogether about 90 m feet of lumber and about 100 m shingles. M Lodge del'd 52V2 m shingles. There was none of the lumber lost at Lodge's Beach though I think there was a little lost here. Did Capt Paty take a cart load of shingles from the beach. There was a load put down near to the water and if Capt Paty did not take them they must have went to sea for they were missing the next morning. I have on hand 96 Hides including 22 that Rafel Castro del'd on his old account

{228} and 6 from Antonio Rodrigues on act of Carmichael. Black Bill says he will go in to Mont in about a week. I will mention some things which I should like you to send out. Some of those fancy prints that you had in your store, that you thought did not take well there they sold better here than any other that I Brought, Some Women shoes mens do—Madras Hdkfs, Womens Fancy Hdkfs, Silk pocket Hdkfs., Broad cloth, Blue Drill, White Manta White Poblano Hats, Ribbon, Ladies Work Boxes such as I had before, Scissors, Shirts, crockery, Tin cups and pails, Spool cotton not verry fine, Ar'dte Wine Molasses, Sugar White and Brown, Rice, Soap Lemon Syrup, nails, Syckles, pantaloon stuff &c. I have acertained to my perfect satisfaction who it was that robbed the store though I have not sufficient positive proof to proceed against him. It was the priest' to a certainty. He one day offered me some ard't to drink which I know to be the same as was stolen for there was no other like it in the mission and I never sold him any of it except what he drank in the store. He was verry fond of it because it was Catalan. Since that time too he has had a plenty of beans to eat and to plant and before he had none. I have seen 2 of my Hdkfs on Indians heads and and when I asked them where they got them they said from the priest 1 .1 also saw 3 of those yellow Hdkfs hung out for flags at the priests' house on Corpus Christo day which I know came from here. If you think it best I will go to the alcalde and get a search warrant to search his house and I think some of the things may be found there yet. Write me what you think about it. Yours J Belden "Someone, probably the writer, has inked over the words "priest" and "priests." See also 1:399. December 30, 1842.

[229] [NICHOLAS A U G U S T U S DEN TO T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . I ¡ 2 7 8 . ]

Sta Barbara 29th May 1842 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir

I HAVE Shipped on board the Schooner Juliaann Captn Liedesdorff, now bound for Monterey Six Barrels of Wine, which as far as my Judgement goes is good, for this country wine. No corn or beanes goes as the person who was to bring them in has disappoint me, but you may depend that by the Ship Alert which is expected here daily I will remit you Some be the quentity little or much; I have got Six Barrils of Aguardiente ready which I will also Send. I must remind you here that the last Soap which I got from you is very bad indeed. So much So that I will have to boil part of it over again. It appears to be half Tallow. The disappointment I felt on my arival in Monterey at not meeting you there, was more than you may Suppose, as I have no doubt but a mutual benefit might arise from our having a little chit chat. Send me by the first oppertunity if you possibly can five M. feet of Boards as I am much in need of them also about 400 feet of two Inch plank 40 Rafters or Joise of 22 or 24 feet in lenght and 1 2 Pillars 16 feet long by 9 inches Square. Please mention to Mr Faxin that I have bespoke the Saddle he Spoke to me about, and have the goodness to ask the Germain Tailor for two vests I left him to make. He is paid for them. Send them by the first oppertunty. Respects to Mrs Larkin and believe me my Dear Sir your Very Humble and most obedient Servant Nicholas Augustus Den [Rubric]

(230) [EDWARD L. STETSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡ 2 8 0 . ]

Honolulu Sandwich Islands T . O Larkin Esqr.

May 31st 1842

Dr Sir I ^ R the Quixote which leaves this afternoon I have merely time to drop you a line or two: the Pictures you gave me to have framed on halves I have attended to & they are on board the Barque packed in a Box, which you of course will receive: As I did not want but 2 or 3 of them I sent the whole Dozen as I thought if I took out the two or three that I wanted it would not be fair to chge you with the same rate for the ballance: I hope they will suit you. They are done very cheap & the Glass was purchased as cheap as was possible in this place: I had a conversation with Capt. P. after we arrived & we both thought that it would be better for me to remain in the store as we both of us laboured under a disadvantage in not speaking the language & besides W m Paty is quite sick & is not able to attend to business more than half the time although he keeps about: I was much pleased with the Coast & should have liked to have come on but as things stand I think it best that I should remain: When you see Abrigo, tell him he can have that Guitar for 20$ if he wishes. If not please deliver it to Capt. P. & he will sell it on my act. I sincerely hope you will have a pleasant time on the 4th July & by the way, tell Donna would to God I could speak that name, that I have quit chewing Tobacco, & that it will be some time probably before I spit on on the Floor again; I have nothing further to communicate as Capt. P. will tell you all the news: With my best respects to Mrs L. & Mr. Faxon I remain Your obt. Svt. Edw L. Stetson [Rubric] Should an opportunity offer I should be pleased to have you drop me a line & in return will send all the late Boston papers we have & the news of the far famed Honolulu. Yours Stetson

[

]

[MANIFEST OF T H E CARGO OF T H E SCHOONER " C A L I F O R N I A " . I : 6 O . ]

Monterrey Junio 4 de 1842

M ANIFIESTO del cargamento que trajo la Goleta Nacional California procedente de las Islas Sandwich su Capitan Juan B. R . Cooper de 85 toneladas y Consignado á Tomas O. Larkin. 440 Costales de sal son cien barriles 40 Costales de azúcar son veinte quintales 5 Barriles y pipas de miel (700) 1 600 galones 2 3 5 3 1

cajitas con hojas de lata pipas y 1 barril de fresados 60 pares barriles de brandy Frances fardos de manta cruda 2050 (1950) 1 vrs Cajón de creas 16 ó 17 (14) 1 pzs y 8 (6)1 pzs de platillos

3 1 4 1 2 2 1 1

Cajones de platillos 144 (147)' pzs (3 pzas mas)1 Cajón de platillos 3 2 pzs y 3 pzs de terciopelo (40 vs)1 pzs terciopelo y (150 vs)1 pzs de platillos Cajón con platillos (9 p^as)1 cajones de hilo para piscar ( 3 ® ) ' cajitos de abalorios común (i2@)' baúl con 90 docenas de paños de algodon Cajón 80 pares de zapatos y 9 pares de botas 30 docenas de medias y 1 docena barajas2 Cajones de licor son 24 botellas Cajoncitos de abalorios que pesan seis quintales Cajón de Brandy Frances con 4 docenas Cajón de sarsaparilla 1 2 botellas Barriles de miel (de 20 g/)*

2 21 I 1 2

'The notations which appear between parentheses are in a handwriting different from that in which the Manifest was prepared. They may indicate corrections made when the cargo was checked upon arrival in Monterey. 2 The words " I docena barajas" have been encircled, apparently by the same pen which made other corrections.

[232) 1 Cajón con doce botellas de aceyte de castor 200 escobas 2 Cajones uno con fusiles y uno con rifles (12 R y 25 Fus)1 1 Cajón con 18 seruches 4 Cunetas de clavos numos 327, 350, 341, 325 ($ioo)' 4 barriles de cerveza 10 Cajones de cidra x docena de brochas I

Cajón con 26 pz5 Idianilla "

á la vuelta 872 yds 120 yds it 240

4 id de moselina 10 id de estopilla 34 panos de algodon 1340 yds X Cajón con Indianilla u I fardo de dril amarrillo 571 1 Cajón de Indianilla azul 1147 yds 6 seruches 1780 yds i Cajón de 55 pzí de Indianilla 1 Cajón con 6 pzs de platillos 180 yds 20 id de Indianilla colorado 665 yds it 5 id de id azul 143 1146 yds i Cajón de Indianilla azul 2 Cajones manta blanca 2475 yds 1670 yds 2 fardos manta cruda 1 baúl 3 3 docenas paños de algodon 2 pzí de terciopelo 20 docenas de paños sueltos 44 pzí de manta pudrido* 8 cunetas de clavos Tomas O. Larkin [Rubric] 1 The notations which appear between parentheses are in a handwriting different from that in which the Manifest was prepared. They may indicate corrections made when the cargo was checked upon arrival in Monterey. 2 A line has been drawn through these words, perhaps to indicate that the item was not received.

[ 233] [WILLIAM R O B E R T GARNER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 6 1 . ]

Monterrey June 5 th 1842 Mr. Thomas O Larkin Bot. of William R Garner

6400 8000 IOI2 3960 1120 2200 864 8l6 3200 3430 733 3080 1680 1500 6600 2400 28 feet

4000 ft x in. Boards a $40 pr M 1000 ft feather edge 1000 ft V2 inch 100 Pillars 8 by 8 — 1 2 ft 150 Beams 4 by 8 — 20 ft 10 Pillars 8 by 8 — 20 ft X2o Rafters 3 by 6 — 22 ft 10 Pillars 8 by 8 — 21 ft 30 Beams 4 by 10 — 22 ft 569 ft 2V2 in. Plank 18 Beams 4 by 6 — 24 ft 17 Do. 4 by 8 — 18 ft 50 Pillars 8 by 8 — 1 2 ft 42 Do. 7 by 7 — 20 ft 10 Joist 4 by 10 — 22 ft 4000 ft 2 in. Plank 3 3 Pillars 7V2 by 7V2 — 20 ft 30 Joist 4 by 8 — 21 ft 50 Do. 3 by 6 — 20 ft 100 Slabs 200 Joist 3 by 6 — 22 ft 100 Do. 3 by 6 — 16 ft 4000 ft 2 in. Plank 5 Beams 4 by 8 — 29 ft

Errors 7.77 Aganst himself 42 for 7-35

160.00 50.00 40.00 x 92.00 240.00 31.04 120.00 33.06 66.00 40.00 26.00 23.02 96.00 101.00 22.00 240.00 84.00 50.00 45.00 25.00 198.00 72.00 240.00 11.00 $2206.04 2220.03 13.07

Wm. R Garner [Rubric]

[ 234 ] [JAMES WATSON TO JOHN BAUTISTA R O G E R S COOPER. 1 : 6 2 . ]

Monty. 6th of June 1 8 4 2

Captn. J. B. R. Cooper Dr. to Jas. Watson »A

rrs OO

2 2 of February

T o balance due V2 barrel of arsenic 1 lb. tea " Olives " Cash to long Jim " Henry the Carpenter " skain of twine cheese, 2, wine & grog 4 "

5

2

4 4 2

I 5

cash 1 lb. tobacco

4 6 6 2V2 6 6

" V2 do. cotton wick " 4 do. sugar " 1 do. linnen thread " "

13 10

1

4

5

X Keg of tobacco containing 189 lbs. @ 4 0 plumbs

" order of yours to pay the men that removed the Cattle from the Sur " 1 lb. linnen thred " 1 skein of twine " 4 lbs. tobacco " 3 do. do. & I rl of pipes to Jim Rogers T o 34 lbs. tobacco to Blk. Joe " 12 lbs sugar " bread " V2 @ tobacco " 1 pr. shoes to Mrs Cooper " 2 small pr. for daughter " 4 do. for wife " goods to the late J. Price 2 lbs. rice

94

4 2

10 5 3 2 25 4 1 12 2 2 8 7

6 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

$223

4V2

151

4 0V2

Pr. Contra Cr. By 9 a tallow @ 1 2 rs " 10 hides " 1 bullock

13.4 20.0 6.0

1000 segars 1 order on Larkin

12.0 100.0

" "

$72 June 10. By 6 ps manta

[ 235 ] [DUTIES LEVIED ON THE CARGO OF THE SCHOONER "CALIFORNIA". 1 : 6 4 . ]

Monterey Junio 8. de 1842 JA.FORO que se hace al cargamento que condujo la Goleta nacional California, procedente de las Islas Sandwich de porte de 83 toneladas, su Cap«. D. Juan B. R . Cooper, y consignado á D. Tomás O. Larkin. Nomenclatura Sal Azúcar trigueña M i e l de caña O j a de lata

Cantids 100.00

20 q q i

6.00

120.00

.25

185.00

2.00

120.00

10.00

90.00

7 4 0 galí 2 cajas

6.25

6 0 pares

H i l o pa pescar

03 @ 9

Pañuelos de algodon

80 docí 8 0 pares

.12V2

9 pares

Licor

2 docí bots

Coñac

5 varí 12 b o t í

Aseyte de Castor

12 id.

120.00 •75

Botas

Sarzaparrilla

12.50 3.00

qqí

Zapatos

Escobas

Aforo 1.00

Frazadas Avalorio

Arancel

Medidas 1 0 0 varí

60.00 9.00

2.00 20.00

4.00 100.00 3.00

.50

200

.I2V2

6.00 25.00

Rifles

12

5.00

60.00

Fuciles

25 18

3.00

75.00

Serruchos grandes (Sierras)

2.00

36.00

Clavazón

12 q q í

8.00

96.00

Cidra y Cerveza

28 @

Brochas Pana

2 8 0 varas 30 docí 1 5 2 4 6 VI

Coñac

77.00

.14

39.20

8890 3 @

2.00 2.50

Medias de algodon Tejidos de algodon Id de lino

2.75

I doca

"

.12V2

75.00 1.905.75

.09

800.10

4.00

12.00 4-135-55

Antonio Ma Osio [Rubric]

[236} [WILLIAM GLEN RAE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 8 2 . ]

Yerba Buena 8th June 1842 Thos. O. Larkins Esqr Dear Sir " Y o u r favor dated Monterey 28th Ultimo came duly to hand per Capn Arthur—and I now avail myself of the first opy that has since occurred to address you. Some of the prices offered by you in the memo, left with Mr. M Gillivray are so very much below the cost of the goods that I cannot send them —of those are the white Pantaloons and Mo Pearl shirt Buttons. But all that I can possibly afford at your prices will be forwarded per first opportunty along with those for which we have already settled. Regarding the time of credit I am not very particular. I however trust it will suit your views to settle with us for two thirds of the amount by the last of August and the remainder by the 1st October ensuing. Excuse haste And Believe me Your obt Servt W. G. Rae [Rubric] Thos O Larkins Esqr Monterey

[HENRY DELANO FITCH TO JAMES MCKINLAY. 1 : 6 7 . ]

Sn Pedro June th 9th 1842 Mr. J. MaKenlay Dear Sir the pleasure of informing you of my arrival at this Port to day, in the Mexican Brig Trinedad from Mazatlan, passage 29 days. I came as passenger, haveing sold the Nymph at Mazatlan to the Mexican I

HAVE

[ 237 } Government for eight thousand dollars, and have brought the proceeds, (after paying the crew and other expences) principally in Mexican goods. I have an invoice from Machado of three thousand one hundred and seventy three dollars and ninety seven cents ($3x73.97) which is all that I would comprimise myself for. This invoice, is to be paid for this season, in tallow, beaver skins dried beef. Likewise included, if they can be had, 40 fans, of beans, 40 of Peas 20 of Garbanza, and the same of Lenteja say about 1,000 a. of dried beef, as lean as it can be had, if Bull beef so much the better, and it ought to be pulpiado, that is in flat thin slices. The vessel which is to receive the above mentioned articles will be the Primavera Capt. Chiene, who comes here as a transport with troops, and I wish the articles got ready as soon as possible as she will be here shortly. I expect that Capt. Chiene will take what lumber you may have on hand in Sta. Cruz. He told me that most likely he would; let him have it at cost, to get rid of it. There was no manta at Mazatlan. It is prohibited entirely, and burnt wherever it is found. It would be as well to keep this secret and try and purchase a little if you can get it cheap. As regards our future opperations we will talk over when we meet, about getting another vessel &c. If you think that you can get a letter to me before I start for Sn Frano. I wish you would write me to the care of Forster, and let me know what you think is best to be done with the Argte. we have here, so that I can ship it up to the windward if necessary. I intend going to Sn. Diego as soon as I can get through here and on my return shall stop a few days in the Pueblo to collect what I can, but it depends entirely on circumstances ; I wish to take my family along with me if possible. Coronel Dn. Manuel Micheltoreno will be here shorty with 500 men (he is both Govr. and Commandante General) 100 Soldiers and 400 Convicts, of the worst class. The 100 Soldiers come as a guard, and are nearly as bad. I am afraid they will play the Devil here. They were dieing off very fast in Tepic, 6 or 8 of a day. The Transports were nearly ready when I left Mazatlan, and would probably sail from Sn. Bias for this about the last, of last month. The Nymph comes to convoy them. The Enclosed letters I wish you to forward as soon as you can. I have wrote my mother in law that you would let her have a few articles if she wanted, and that if she had any thing to pay this season to pay it over to

[

2 ?

8 }

you. I have wrote to Jesus Vallejo to the same effect. There ought to be in my favour from him $887.4 r5> that is if he has sold all the goods. I think it would be as well to take a turn round the bay and advise our friends of what I have brought. I wish very much to get hides sufficient to ship in the Alert to pay Scarborough & Compy which is about $6,500. I wish to ship them in the Alert that we may keep our Credt. open there. I promised that they should be shipped. I have settled your act. with Machado Yeoward & Compy. Mr. Becher has charged me with the ballance of your act. $2308.57 cts. so we must see about paying that off likewise. I paid him the 273 dollars as you directed. I wish you would try and get what Sutter owes me. I think it would be as well to speak to Gulnack about it, as 300 dollar of the debt properly speaking belongs to him. I am afraid they will turn Sutter out by what I heard at Mazatlan. Do not trust the Missions any more, but get what you can from them as I expect there will be a change when the new Govr. arrives. Your allowing that Jose Ma Andrade to go in the Schooner to Mazatn has done us a great deal of harm. He has given Machado an insight of the Coast of Cala. trade and he has now returned in the same Vessel with me with 6,000$ of goods for Noriega, pretty much the articles that I have brought and I believe that Machado intends keeping him up with an assortment, so as to send him beef and tallow &c. &c. I hope you will reserve all the beaver for Machado. The Land Otter we can send to the Islands. I enclose you a list of the principal things which I have brought. Temple will go to Sn Frano. and you can arrange matters with him about payments &c. I have some paint Oil and paint for the House at Sn Frano. and hope that you will have two rooms ready for me in case I take my family up. I have no nails. Temple will inform you of my intentions so theres no necisity of writing you about them, but shall write you again from Sta. Barbara; I enclose a list of what we have on board, that is of the principal articles. June the 17th at Sea I have a list of what you left at Temples. It appears that you have sold pretty well out, I hope to good People. I understand that you have trusted

'[>39} Williams again. I would not have done it until he paid up his old score. I understand that you sold very cheap. I am sorry that the manta has been sold. We have been anoyed by Santo Arguello. After waiting 8 days in Sn. Pedro he would not let us sell. We are on our way now to Sta. Barbara. The Trinidad will probably be in Monterrey say from the 8 th to the 15 th of next Month. It would be as well I think for you to go to Monterrey about that time as you will know more about the People there than he Temple does, who to trust &c; but I would trust but very little, and only to good People. I wish you to write me and let me know who I am to receive hides from in Angels that I can dun them. It has been a great draw back that we could not have gone in to Sn. Frano. first but the Supercargo had business with Aguirre at Sta Barbara. Stearns told Temple, that you told him that we bought the goods from Pierce on act. of Schooner Ninfa. I dont think you could have told him so. I wrote him a sharp letter about it, telling him that he was very much mistaken if he thought so, that I bought my part with my own cash and hides, the same as he would have done of any Vessel in Sn. Pedro. I have not seen Stearns as I did not go up to the Pueblo. I have brought your clothes that Norton got made for you. I shall send them by the Capt of this Vessel. I paid Norton 5 5 dollars for you. Norton has got the Command of the Maryland in Scarboroughs employ, has gone to Oahu with $150,000 in speice. Scarborough says that if we are a mind to Ship a lot of Hides for the U. S. he will give us a bill on Guardalajara for the payment or pay us in Mazatlan; I think it a good method of getting Guadalajara goods. I shall take a trip to Sn. Frano. as soon as possible, when I think it will be best for you to come down this way and stir them up. I hope you will have a couple of rooms ready in the House, and a cook House built some flour beans, &c ready for my family in case I take them up. I shall write to Capt. Chiene to take what tallow and Beaver &c you may give him. Machado told me that he would give him directions to go where I wished with the Vessel, in case she went to Monterrey first, but if she should touch at Sn Diego and land the troops, in that case she would return immeadiately to Mazatlan. I expect that Machado will write me. In that case I wish you to open the letter and see what he says. What you ship get four bills of lading as haveing shipped in my name as the account

[24°1 is made out that way and in case that there is no chance of Capt. Chienes falling in with me I wish you to write Machado a few lines enclosing one of the bills of lading by the Primavera, and one by the Trinedad. T h e price of tallow 1 2 r deld on board or on the beach. Beaver

pr lb. dried beef

one dollar arobe, Beans $ 4 fana Garbanzas $ 5 , and Lenteja $6 six Peas $ 5 , some beans Oil if you can get it. I wish you to get me 3 or 4 Pair of large Deers Horns for a friend in Mazatlan a Countryman of yours. If you can purchase me two hundred head of Baquillas of some secure person I wish you to do it. I expect that the Mexican goods will do it. Get them from Reed if possible. I would pay 4r more a head for the sake of haveing them the other side of the Bay. I have some paint, and Oil for the House, which will be delivered you by the Capt. I wish you to render the Supercargo Dn. Cesario Lataillade, and Capn Menchaca every assistance in your power, the same Supercargo that was in the Chato. T r y and get something from Blucher. H e is owing me yet from the 1st Expn. I wish you to be very particular about the torna guiars. Get a duplicate of them. Send one set to M r . Becher by the 1st Vessel that goes to Mazatlan. M r . Bechers Guia [MS. torn] o. 1 7 . They are very particular in Mazatlan now days. I wish you to render Capt. Chiene every assistance in your power. I expect that he has brought some goods of his own. I have wrote him in that case to try and make some trade with him for them to pay in Beaver deld. at Mazatlan afterwards. In case you cannot sell him the lumber try him with the soap. It will sell at Guymas. A t present I can think of nothing more to write you. I remain Yours H . D . Fitch [Rubric]

[ 24I} [HENRY DELANO FITCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 8 1 . ]

Sn. Pedro June the ioth 1842 Mr T . O. Larkin Dear Sir I AM happy to inform you of my arrival at this Port in the Mexican Brig Trinidad (formerly the Avon) after a passage of 29 days, have brought a pretty good assortment of Mexican and other goods. The Brig has brought little els but Panocha and sugar. I sold the Ninfa to Geni. Duque in Mazatlan for eight thousand dollars, (well quit of). She will be in Monterrey soon soon convoying 3 transports which fetch 500 Soldiers to keep you in order, and Dn. Manuel Mitcheltorena as Govr. and Comte. Genl. of Alta Cala. So much for the commisionados who went to Mexico. Casteneres returns as Administerdor of the Custom of Monterrey, Prudon I don't know what, but perhaps chief adviser to his Excellency. Cala, will be in a Devil of mess after their arrival. Mazatlan is not so lively this year as when you was there. Owing to the Administerdor being so strict, he will not take a bribe, goods are scarce there. Sta Ana has collected 3 5 or 40,000 men with which he intends to subdue Texas. The Texicans are ready for him, they are blockadeing the Mexican Ports with 14 sail of Vessels, as Mr Becher informed me, allthough the Mexican papers say but three. Williams was partly in the right about delivering three Bbls of Argte. but not to me but to Temple. I knew nothing about it until my return down the Coast last November, but I have nothing to do with it. I am in hopes that you will have the Hides ready for me this season that are due me as I wish to ship them in the Alert for the U. S. on account of Scarborough & Compy. Write me if you wish for any more Argte. I expect that there will be a good sale for it in Monterrey after the 500 men arrives. I shall probebly remain down here yet about 5[?] weeks, but Temple will go up in my stead. I shall send you by him some of the latest Amn. papers that I could get in Mazatlan. With Compliments to Mrs. Larkin I remain Yours Truly H. D. Fitch [Rubric]

[242} P. S. I send you a paper which has the law in it about foreigners being allowed to hold land and Houses in the Mexican Republic, but theres a clause in it which prohibits them from holding land in Cala. I likewise have deld. to the supercargo som: letters for you which I reed, in Mazatlan.

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:342.]

Santa Cruz June 14th 1842 Mr Larkitt

T H E bearer of this Thomas I engaged to work for me about a week since by the month and paid him 10$ in advance as he would not work without I did so. To day while I was at cyanta the Rusian came here and took him from his work to send him to Monterey to work for the Governor and he is to go tomorrow. I came home so late to night that I have not time to see the Rusian before the boy goes and the alcalde is not at home either. The Rusian is ministrador here and thinks he has a right to do as he pleases with the Indians but I think he has no right to take away an Indian when he is owing the man he is working for. This a good boy and I dont like to loose him, and he does not wish to go but request me to write to you to speak to the Governor to send him back. If he does not I shall try to make the Rusian pay what the boy owes me. This morning I sent four @s of Flour to Wm Mathews and one to the man who brought your orders for the same. Yours J Belden

—[ ^43 ] [JOSIAH B E L D E N TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 8 4 . ]

Santa Cruz June 23d 1842 Mr Larkin

' J . HE bearer of Jose Lorencana is going into Monterey with a cart for the Italian and will bring out whatever things you choose to send. I should like you to send out some soap Brown sugar and molasses if you have them. I have none of either and they are much called for and soap in particular as there is none in the mission and I have none to wash my own clothes with. You can do as you choose about sending any thing else. There are some other things that I should like to have but I expect I can make out verry well with what I have here untill Capt Paty comes. I bought of Mr Thompson about 600$ worth and paid him 25 m shingles 3 m f t inch Boards and the rest in thick stuff. I made a bargain with him at first for 1 1 5 0 $ worth of lumber including 50 m shingles but when I came to trade for the goods he charged such outrageous prices that I would not take them; what shingles he did take I had to let go at 6$ as he flatly refused to take one at a higher price and showed me an account in his books where he had bought them of you at the same price. He for a long while refused to take them at any price and only agreed to it when I told him I would not trade at all unless he did. The Sawyers are getting along pretty well in paying their debts and I think in 2 or 3 months more they will be nearly all paid up. Trade is tolerable fair. I have on hand 1 3 0 hides & 1 2 @s Tallow. I have recieved about 120 m feet of lumber altogether. By the bearer I send in 40 of the Cheeses and 57 lbs Butter delivered here by Francisco Sorio; he delivered 58 lbs Butter but I have eaten about a lb. There was 54 Cheeses but some of them began to spoil so that I thought best to sell them here. Write me what you agree to pay him the carter for the things you send out. If you have a plenty of Syckles I wish you would send out some. You might send another bag of those walnuts if you have them and also some more chocolate as they sell verry well here. I need also some white cotton Thread in skeins. The Rusian sent that Indian boy back to monterey again out of mere spite. If you can send him

[244} out again I wish you as cannot get another to work at present. There are many men here in want of Indians to work but cannot get them. Yours J Belden

[MIGUEL AVILA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 1 : 2 9 5 . ]

Puerto de S. Luis 25 de Junio de 1842 Sr D. Tomas Larkin Mi Sr mio

ESTA

se reduse solamente a darle a V . conocimiento como los efectos que traje de V . y lo demas hasta haora no ha tenido salida por que cada dia desde que vine se aumentan otros vendedores que vienen y an venido de abajo y con cosas mucho mas baratas que le quitan a uno la venta, lo que le aviso a V . para su conocimiento, como tanbien espero me diga V . si me toma algo de semillas, Calavasas, y Sebollas, si se me da lo que he sembrado. Y no ofreciendose otra cosa V . mande a su affmo Servr q.s.m.b. Miguel Avila [Rubric] •On the reverse side of this document someone (probably Larkin) has written as follows: Let the first vessel that stops at your P for Mont have all the stuff you have for the Gov. & the stuff for those People in San B. and San Pedro—say, Arana, Den, & Warner. If the vessel can not carry all Send the Gov'. The Ship California will take all, the Bolivar only the Gov. This may have been a partial draft of a letter of instructions to Josiah Belden at Santa Cruz. See: 1:293 (Josiah Belden to Thomas Oliver Larkin, July 20, 1842).

[245 ] [STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 8 5 . ]

Oahu July 3rd 1 8 4 2 T . O. Larkin Esq Montery Sir

J L HE Esmaralda. P. A. Reid arrived 30th ultimo—Very leaky! So Repported!! 23 days from St. Pedro. News by her good—that you will all be so completely Hided this year, that you will be obliged to lay by until another year. Hope you will survive it. Richards & Doct. Judd have got all the power of the King 8c chiefs into their hands, and they are determined to make all feel their weight, with fear 8c trembling!!! Business is woeful—worse—8c worser. Failing is the order of the day now. Greenway's crash is not to be reconciled, yet, with ordinary circumstances. H e bought about $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 dollars in less than 1 8 months at less prices than the current of the day—has not met any losses of great amount —Say 5000 to 6000 bad debts. Sold his goods at highest prices. Cannot pay, from present appearances more than 50 or 60 cents on a dollar— cannot account for more than $70,000. Suspicion begins to hover over the matter, how justly time must determine. Doct. Tresilian called his Creditors together yesterday. He owes 1 4 2 5 . dollars—700 to E 8c H Grimes— to pay which he has a Gally-Pot, a few phials of colored water, Boxes Pills, or rather Pill Boxes, 8c no Pills. His Beggarly ayr reminded me of the apothecary in Hamlet. Sueing folks is the order of the day now. T h e smaller the Debt, the more certain of being sued! Rapid civilization! Y o u must collect all the News from Passengers in Fama. W e have nothing new. Clementine is expected from the gulph and by her we expect the Result of War—or N o War. I say there will not be any war—what is to be gained by war ? Spend good money for bad—make the Poor, Still poorer —and more unable to pay.

[ 246 ]I Refer you to J C Jones Esqr. & Capt Hoyer for more particulars. Your obt Svt Stephen Reynolds 5 Bags Potatoes for T O Larkin 4

"

"

Capt Cooper

[TALBOT H. GREEN T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡ 2 8 6 . ]

Gillroys July 12th 1842 Mr T O Larkin Sir I

ARRIVED

here on Saturday evening with the goods all safe except

the BBl of wine leaked out from three to five gallons. I sent Mr Belden 2308 peices Soap & crates cost 1$ to pack it in; as yet I have been offerd nothing but soap; the most of them think that soap ought to be the only currency. I have spoke to several about wheat & flour but have none engaged yet. Graceia will let you have a small portion of the first flour he makes but wont engage any certain quantity. He has taken up about twenty dolls, in goods to be paid in wheat & flour 8c Quinten Ortegea is to let me have some but at no fixed price. Either the Monterey price diliverd there or the difference in hauling & take it here. The prices you told me for flour & wheat I cant buy for here at present nor will I be able to buy much here untill the price is established in Monterey. As to peas they all laugh when I offer 12 & 14 rials as there was a few sold in Monterey at four dollars a fanaga and that news has spread. Hides & tallow I will get but few here. Mathew will see you about makeing the 2 oz cakes of soap. Black velvet, Red flanel, & Silk Hdkfs are in great demand but all I could get would be soap. Do as you please about sending them. Gillroy will commence cutting Soap to morrow and I will commence the Boxes to day. I find some difficulty in getting along on acpt of not talking the language. Respectifully yours T H Green

[ T A L B O T H . G R E E N T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 8 8 . ]

Gilroys July 15 th 1842

I RECEIVED your letter of the 13 th inst. As to beans it will be some time before there will be any brought in. Peas there will be very few if any for sale. For wheat or flower no one as yet will engage to let me have any certain quantity. Barley very little here. If the corn turns out well there will be prehaps from 20 to 50 fanagas to be had. Tallow or bullocks as yet none has be offerd. Hides I have taken but three as yet. The first wheat I can get I will send it to Mathews Mill. As to sending more goods out here I dont think it advisiable, for in my opinion % or more of all the trade that is to be had here is in soap and all them that have any quantuty rather than trade it for that will take it to Monterey (that is two Reals gain). As yet I have not made any araingments with Mathew. I have been trying to get a cart to go for boards but as yet have not succeeded. There is a man to let me know in the morning. If he comes I will send Mr Belden what soap I have on hand. Gillroy has cut six Boxes of the 6 oz Soap and in my opinon it is good soap. He is a hard man to get to do anything right he is so earless and trusts to much to Indians. I will try to buy the cows as you say. I have taken soap heretofore at 1 Real but will not take any more at less than 2 reals, which will amont to an embargo on the soap trade for a short time. I cant get Gilroy to say how much he will charge for rent & board. He says he will fix it with you but I told him to say to me but he will not. Gracea says he will not let me have more than 1 o @ flour and says furthermore that unless I will take soap from him he cant trade any more here as he can trade his soap all in Monterey. If you can leave home I think it would be to your Intrest to come out soon as many of them would trade with you that wont with me. Watson pays him 1 4 Reals for flour. The boards are all made up into boxes. The boxes are not as well made as you may wish them but they are as well done as I can do them. I made them all one length but the highth and bredth as the boards run. I asked Garcea when he would want soap boxes. He says he did not agree to take the soap in boxes & refuses to do so. Howevr he will not

[248] begin to make Soap before august and you will be out here before then. He has fifty hides for you which he wanted to deliver me but as he was not willing to pay for hauling them to Montery I did not receive them. The people that have wheat here will comence cutting it in a few days and I will use evrey exertion to get it. Yours Truly T H Green N B Send me 9 vars of the diamond Buff Calico or one peice by the first safe oppertunity.

[PEIRCE & BREWER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 7 4 . ]

Honolulu July. 15. 1842 Mr Larkin Dear Sir

W e hope you will be successful in collecting the draft for $2103.08 drawn by Capt Cooper on the Governor, as we shall be much in want of funds, as also freight for the United States, as we expect the "Victoria" (600 tons) will return to the U. S. early in the fall. Our Mr. Peirce arrived in New York on the 18th April. Hides have never been so low in the U. S. as at the last dates (27th April) for 20 years. Buenos ayres Hides quoted at 10 to 1 2 cts! Respy Your Obt Servts. Peirce & Brewer [Rubric]

[>49} [JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

1:289.]

Santa Cruz July 16 1842 Mr. Thos. O. Larkin Dear Sir I HAVE received from Mr. Belden seven thousand five and thirteen feet of boards on your account, and I am sorry to say, that I cannot take more, for my vessel is full. Yours truly John Paty 7 5 1 3 ft pr. William H. Davis [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. INVOICE.

1:291.] July 1 7 1842

Invoice of goods forwarded to Mr Belden by Thos. O. Larkin 3 Boxes raisins 1 pee red Flannel 3 " Blue drill 1 keg iod. nails 5 doz Madras hfFs 3 pees pongee do 1 Box Candies 1 pee Blue Velvet I " Satinett 23V2 yrs 2 Bbls Spanish Brandy 25 pees ribbon ass. 1 Bunch Cords 5 pees Brown Manta in 5 " white do one- 6 " print Bale 4 " do Blue 1 " figured muslin I keg 4d. nails

@ varas 11

vara a

17

0 6 0

6 12

0 0

1 2 5° X

0 0 0 0

13 14 18 16

0 0 0 0

7

21 00 5i 32 3° 36 20 52 47 100 25 2 65 70 108 64 20 32 775

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

— [ 2 5° ] — [JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 9 3 . ]

Santa Cruz July 20th 1842 Mr Larkin

'"^iouR letter by Mr Robinson was duly Reed together with the goods which agreed with the Invoice. I delivered Mr Robinson two hundred hides on account of Capt Paty. I was 9 short of the number which I Borrowed from Dye to complete the 200. I also delivered Mr Robinson 12V2 @s Tallow to pay for an account book and V2 doz butcher which I bought of him amounting to seven dols; the balance 1 1 $4 he said he would credit to your account. The reason that I sent no account of the lumber shipped by the Calafornia and Bolivar was that the captains gave me no chance of doing so. The morning that they left here I had 3 men engaged to to go to the beach to haul the balance of the lumber to the waters edge but as they did not make their appearance as early as they engaged to I went to the beach and showed them what lumber was ready for them which they said they would take off before breakfast and then come back for the rest and in the mean time I went to look for the men who were to haul the lumber down and when I returned with them the California had her topsail loosed to to sail and the Bolivar did the same verry soon after so that instead of taking the rest of the lumber as they said they would do they did not even give me time to write a line to send an account of what they had taken. I sent all of Dr Den's stuff which amounted in all to 1 0 1 3 3 feet. There was 4000 feet Inch Boards, 16 pillars 16 feet long 1 0 by 10 making 2 1 3 3 feet, 83 Rafters 20 ft 3 by 6 and 19 Rafters 18 ft 3 by 6 making 3000 ft, 18 beams from 18 to 24 f t long 4 by 8 making 1000 ft. By the Bolivar I sent 4 74 10 20 12

plank Joist plank beams "

18 f t long 22 ft 32 " 20 "

4 by 18 3 4 4 3

" " " "

6 10 8 8

432 ft 2442 633 1706 480

( 4 pillars 15 f t 2 Inch plank 1V2 Inch plank V2 Inch Bds

}

7 by 7 2 inch measure Inch measure

244 f t 500 500 500

7437 The Inch Boards and the balanc of the thick stuff was ready for him if he had come ashore for it. I shipped by captain paty 6645 f t Inch Boards and took a reciept from him for the same. He said he had Instructions from you what to do with it. He also took on his own account 567 feet of Joist and 266 feet of V2 Inch Boards the Joist at 36$ per m and the Bds at 45. I should have had all the lumber down to the waters edge when the vessels came here if the rusiun and the priest had not taken my Indian away from me and sent him to Monterey when it was imposible for me to get another. I took of Capt paty 1 6 3 $ worth of goods besides the Sugar. He said you said something about leaving some goods here and I told him I would take a few things that I was in need of on condition that if you objected to it he should take them back if they were not sold which he agreed to. Yours J Beiden The 2 Blls liquor you sent I believe the alcalde knows nothing about as yet and I shall not let him know that I have it if I can help it. Ife he does I think I can mix it up so as to make it pass for country Liquor.

[RUFUS TITCOMB TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡292.]

Yerba Buena July 20—1842 Mr. Thomas O. Larkin Sir

I RECD a letter from you informing me of 3 or 4 letters which you mention having forwarded on to me. I have recd 3 letters 2 which Mr Andrews had the goodness to bring up,

[ 252 ) & which he told me he found lying there among others to individuals here, and observed at the time that there seemed to be a disposition to detain rather than forward on letters from Monterei. The other letter "which it appears came by the Barnstable" I reed in one enclosed from Mr Avis which he says he found at your house & took the liberty to enclose & send to me, and I certainly feel very grateful to him for the favor, and intend writing a line to him to that efect. I also thank you for the trouble you may have been at as far as your agency has extended with respect to these letters, and will freely do you a similar favor should an opportunity ever occur. As it seems to be the opinion of many, that the destruction of letters is not an unfrequent occurrence among the many fold acts of comercial depravity, peculiar to California, I feel glad and thankful that mine were not among those doomed to destruction. You mention that there is a packet of home-letters at Mazatlan &c. Most probably there may be one for in my last my Brother says he intends writing one there, fearing the others may miscarry. Send it up the first opportunity should it arrive. The Don Quixote & Clarita arrived here yesterday. The salmon fishery fail'd at the Sacramento this year on acct of the high waters but the crop is said to come of tolerably well; Sutter has harvested "so mr Flugge says" about $4000 fanegas wheat. Mr Teal is on the other side colecting or trying to colect; he appears to be immensely disgusted with the business of the country, & the vast toil & trabajo attending it risque & bad debts &c. He observes frequently that if he gets his own money back under all circumstance existing at present, he will be fortunate. Yours &c. Rufus Titcomb

[ 253 ] [JOHN H. EVERETT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:2QO.]

July 26,

1842

Friend Larkin

Y k s under date of 16th this day reed. & as soon as M r Teel returns will call & try him—nothing as yet reed, on your a/c. Should any of the vessels which bring up troops return immediately to St Bias Maset land or Acapulco please send the enclosed & use your best endeavors that it goes safe & direct to the U States. Shall be in Monterey on or abt the 1 5 th August & sh'd you have an opportunity please so advise Anser & Olivia [MS. torn] at Sn Juan. With respect I remain Yrs Everett [Rubric] Aug 1st. Have seen Teele but cant get any direct answer. Hides d—d scarce. Barnstable arrd this A M — n o other news. Yrs J H E [Cover bears note: Por fabor del Barco Guipuscuana, Capitan Snook.]

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 9 6 . ]

Santa Cruz July 29th 1 8 4 2 Mr Larkin

M

R.

Wilson

wishes me to write to you to send him out a pit

saw by the bearer. He says he will deliver me the first boards he saws to pay for it. If you have any saws there I think you might as well let him have one as any body. H e generally attends to his work and seems willing to do the best he can. He has the most of his debt paid off to me and I think will soon pay it all. He owes me now 3 7 $ . H e wishes you to pick

[ 2 54 } out one that is straight and good. He wants some files also if you have them. The Lumber at M Lodges beach I could not get Capt paty to take when he was here. I therefore thought best not to have any more hauled there untill I saw you. When Capt P was here there was only about 500 feet 2 inch plank on this beach and he was not willing to take more than the 6 m & odd feet Inch Board. The lumber at this beach which I had piled down near to the water was all washed away by the sea about a week since. I expect there was some lost but I think not much as the sea drove it nearly all back into the Lagoon. I recieved your letter by Sotello and shall send in the accounts by him when he goes. He tells me he has mad a bargain to go to work in partnership with Rafel Castro here. He says Rafel is to furnish Indians to work with him. Jose Rodrigues says you agreed to take 50 m shingles of him. I wish you would write me what trade you made with him and at what price. J Belden

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I :ZG7.]

Santa Cruz July 30th 1842 Mr Larkin

I HAVE recieved from James Rogers lumber to the amount of two hundred & ninety dols & 2 reals—$290.2 and what he has taken up here together with the debts I paid for him amounts to one hundred & nienty eight dols & 2 reals $ 1 9 8 . 2 leaving a balance in his favour of ninety two dols in his account with this store. His old account you can arrange with him there. There are some things charged to Jim in his account to the amount of 50$ which he says Sotello has to pay the half of but Sotello denies it. Jim got the things in his own name and they were charged to him and he must arrange it the best he can with Sotello. Sotello has delivered me lumber to the amount of two hundred & twenty one dols & six reals $ 2 2 1 . 6 and has taken up here seventy three dols &

[ 255 } seven reals leaving a balance in his favor in his account with this store of $147.7. Domingo Perez has delivered me lumber to the amount of two hundred & thirty one dols & 3 reals $ 2 3 1 . 3 and has taken up here seventy dols & 4 reals $70.4 leaving a balance in his favor in his account with this store of $160.7. Francis Young or Maun has delivered me lumber to the amount of one hundred & Eighty six dols 3 r* $186.3 has taken up here one hundred & seventy three dols 2 reals leaving a balance in his favor in his account with this store of thirteen dols 1 real. Yours J Belden

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 2 9 8 . ]

Santa Cruz July 31st 1842 Mr Larkin

'

bearer of this Peter Collins wishes me to write to you to let him have some things there in Mont and I think you can trust him to a small amount with safety. What I have trusted him here he has always paid verry well. The Saw you let him have when you was here he has paid for. He is owing me now about 25 dollars. JlHE

Mr Thomas Lewis wishes you to send him out three Varas of fine blue Cloth for jacket & pantaloons by the bearer. I am owing him for boards he has delivered me nearly enough to cover the amount of it so if you have it I wish you would send it out for him. Please write to me whether you wish me to put any more lumber on Sokelle beach. Do you wish Thomas Cole to haul lumber here. Sor Arana say you are obligated to give him all the lumber to haul that you have and he wanted to quarrel with me the other day because I gave some to others who were owing you. I told him I should give it to those who were in debt when I could get them to haul it and if he did not like

[

]

it he could go to Monterey. He said in such case he should claim damages of you but I think he has more talk than sense. Please write me what trade you made with him. Yours J Belden

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 2 9 9 . ]

Oahu July 31st 1842 T O Larkin Esq Montery Sir

W b have several arrivals, since the Fama left—two from the gulph. N o later News. Brg Friends 57 days from Manilla, arrived July 23 rd. English waiting for reinforcements from England, to march against Pekin. The cold winter lead Sickness into the English Camp, at the North, and Swept off a large proportion of the army. War between U. S. and Mexico was tho't nothing of July 1st at St. Bias & Mazatlan. Business with is very poor. N o money—No Nothing except a little Sugar, & Molasses. I am wishing an opportunity to clear out, but the worst of it is I cannot find any one to buy. More Sellers than buyers—more buyers than cash. Our Regent-King—Judd—Rides us down to the dust. We have no Mercy to expect from him!! The King is nothing—Nobody. Judd orders him as you would a boy. How are the mighty fallen!—and the lowly raised u p ! ! ! Capt. Reid will be able to give you more definite accounts, of matters & things than I can write—to him I refer you. Give my respects to Mrs L—& the small l's, Don Juan and others who inquire after your Obt St S Reynolds

[-57} [TALBOT H. GREEN T O WILLIAM T . FAXON. 1 : 3 0 1 . ]

Gilroy A u g u s t i s t 1842 M r W m T Faxon Sir " Y o u w i l l please send me the following list of goods w i t h bill at invoices prices and pack them in the large trunk belonging to Sanches 1 ps R e d Flanel 1 ps Black V e l v e t 1 ps R e d Striped calico I ps B u f f Bard 1 pair Steel Y a r d s V2 d o z Large

1 d o z Butcher Knives the Small ones of Rodericks 6 ps Cambrick 2 ps Blue drill W i r e for cutting Soap 1 BBl Auguadent 1 [MS. torn] d o z Striped Shirts V2 d o z pair Sissors Walnuts old Counter Brush Faussit & tin measures for Retailing aguadent Shirt Buttons V2 d o z Boxes hooks & Eyes ps w h i t e chalk 10 lbs chockolate

Please nail a ps of tin over the bung of the aguadent. Y o u

will

receive 16 hides b y Julian Contura cart. 15 of t h e m I bought f r o m M r Garner for cash. Y o u w i l l pay h i m 3$5 Reals Balance due h i m on hides & credit this shop w i t h cash 1 7 $ & one hide 2 $ & pay one Real freight on 15 of the hides. M r Larkin said that Jose Maria the chillian should have about 2 0 $ in goods on credit. If a man by the name of Philippe Aguala should want any credit dont trust h i m . Yours T H Green

[

2 5

g ]

T h e Indian Simon was here yesterday on his way to the Mission of Santa Clara. Did he run away? [In the margin:] I find a pair of your V2 hose among my cloths. Please see if black Silk hdkf is there. Charge me with 2 shrts at 1 $4 & 3 Bottles Brandy which I negleted to charge. Sales here up to date 7 0 9 $ .

[WILLIAM T. FAXON TO JOSIAH BELDEN. 1:302.]

Monterrey Aug 2 — 1 8 4 2

Mr Beiden

E N C L O S E D you will find the a / c of your store which Mr Larkin forgot to take when he left. You will deliver it to Mr Larkin if he is in Santa Cruz when you receive this; if has left keep it yourself. The last charge in the a/c, is fifty dollars which I delivered to the bearer by Mr L's order, and which he told me to place in the a / c of your shop. The following are the articles delivered—

1 I 2 2

hat Chest lock Cotton hffs balls wicking paper nuts 1 doz Buttons

18$ 2$ I $4

4 4 4

Vs vr red cloth 1 silk hff ribbon 2 Btls grog Chocolate 1 pr stockings

1 $6

19.6

2 $4

4.4

i $4

3.0

3$

3.4

1 $2

1.6

2$

2.4

.6 $35-6

The above is the a / c taken by the bearer from the store here. You can let him have the ballance to make fifty dollars in your store, and as I have charged you with the whol amt. you myst charge the store here with the ballance. Yours &c. William T . Faxon [Rubric]

[ 259] Since writing the above I have pd him the ballance of the fifty dollars; he has a bill of the articles. W . T . F.

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 0 3 . ]

Yerbabuena—Augst 3d—1842 Mr T O Larkin Monterey Sir I DO not well understand your letter. You say that you have given orders to mr Robbinson for 400 hides and that you owe him 170—leaving a balance to me of 230. I do not understand wether you have given 400 hides, and orders for 400 more, or wether you have Given him 400 including orders. I hope it is 800 including orders. In case it is not so, he will be very much disapointed, as well as myself—and I do not want to buy any more hides of you, than I can get on board of the Alert in time for her. Relative to the lumber, If you wish me to deliver lumber to any person here on your account I will do it (provide I have it) at $5 M . advance on cost. Please write me an answer, as I am selling my lumber. I have not reed, any hides of Sor H. on your a/c as yet, but they promise me some. If they are not in time for me, I shall not take them for a draft on oahu. I expect to be at Monterey by the last of this month but shall tuch at Sta. Cruz on my way down. Please tell mrs L to be ready as I hope to make but a short stay at Monterey, and give her our respects at the same time. Very dull times here—I have not collected over 300 hides as yet Since I have been here. We are living with Spear and find it very comfortable at his house. No news of importance here. Please write me every opportunity, and you will oblige yours truly John Paty [Rubric]

[260) [WILLIAM GLEN RAE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 0 4 . ]

Yerba Buena 3d August 1842 Thos O Larkins Eqr Sir " Y o u r s of 26th Ultimo came duly to hand. As you request I spoke to Capn. Hinckley regarding the hides but the fact is he is due me a much larger amount which I must try and recover before I do any thing for you. Captn. Sutter is due me $ 3400 and I am of opinion neither of us will get a farthing from him this year. Your proposal regarding an exchange of wheat would have suited had we a vessel here to receive it but having none the expense carting storing and reshipping would be great. Excuse haste and Blieve me yours truly W G Rae

[WILLIAM ROBERT GARNER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 0 5 . ]

Sn Francisquito August 5 th [1842] Mr T O Larkin Sir

.^^.BOUT Saturday you can send three if not four carts for the lumber you last ordered though my work is going on like a mill that wants water. I have now my head man and part of the others with their wives under a spell. They neither eat drink nor work. They say for one month they are all laying night and day covered up within blankets without speaking to any person. Of course I know this is all a humbug but I am obliged

[

]

to put up with it. Of course I cannot oblige them to work having nothing to pay them with. I promised Mr Green to send him in the measure of a half fanega but had forgot it till now. It is as follows 2 f t above 1 1 in deep 15 in below & 13 in wide. Dont think of getting Lazaro Soto to haul your lumber because I will give him none until he hauls mine. Yours &c. W m R Garner [Rubric]

[WILLIAM S T U R G I S H I N C K L E Y T O T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 0 7 . ]

Yerba Buena August 6th/42 Thomas O Larkin Esqr Sir

" Y o u r letter duly received and contents noted. The fifty hides wanting to complete the hundred to Capt Paty will be at his command ere you receive this. Your letter to Mr Rae was shown me by the kindness of that gentleman —your draft will exceed the amount of our accounts which need a revisal as there are some errors. I did not imagine that you would think it necessary to write so dunning, and through another person, and I am inclined to think that it is not absolutely necessary to have a person on the spot as you express. It certainly will not find me half so anxious to hurry after such an indelicate letter—and make me more careful in future. Your Obt Svt W S Hinckley [Rubric]

[262} [ A L F R E D ROBINSON TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 0 6 . ]

St Barba Aug. 6th 1 8 4 2 Friend D. Tomas

I WISH you would have ready for the Barnstable 2 Beams of 1 0 varas long and 8 x 1 0 thick. Tell D. Henrique that our Dadda wishs them very much indeed as the ones I brought down were of no use. W e have no news. I could not collect any Hids for you in S Luis and consequently I hope that you will oblige me pr Barnstable if possible. T h e Beams are to be of White pine. M y respects to Mrs Larkin. Yours &c. Robinson

[jOSIAH BELDEN T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 0 8 . ]

Santa Cruz Aug 7th 1 8 4 2 [MS. torn] Larkin

C^>apt Snooks has taken all the Lumber that was hauled down when you left here making 10,000 feet in all. Enclosed is the memorandum you made of it and it has been shipped according to that. I think you will find the stuff the same as you set down there. The corn beans &c I have sent as you directed. T h e ship is going to sail sooner than I expected so that I had not time to pack them in a barrel but sent them just as I received them from the woman in the bags. I have had Robert King taken up for stealing boards at the beach and the alcalde says he will punish him. I dont know whether he will send him to Monterey or not. I have taken about 500 feet of the boards he had from

him on suspicion of of their being stolen from me. He might have more or less but at all events I will hold on to them. The ship catalina has just come in. Yours, J Belden California to San F San B Paty San F Thompson Bolivar Snook

ioooo xoooo 7000 7000 7000 41 xo 51

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:309.]

Santa Cruz August 7th [1842] Mr Larkin

that Elijah Ness (or Francis Maun) is about to go to Columbia with some of the Columbia company that are now in the Tulares. I think you had better send and have him brought to monterey or else you may loose the debt he owes. There is no fore in the law here to do any thing. He is out somewhere about what they call the Breer in the neighborhood of Gilroys or about St John's. I am told he went to the Tularres last week to drive out some cattle to the Col', company but I think he has come back by this time for his wife, who is at the house of some Castro about there. Yours I

UNDERSTAND

J Belden

[264} [TALBOT H. GREEN T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 1 3 . ]

Gilroys August ioth 1842 Mr T O Larkin Sir

M

R S A N C H E S was up here to day to see about the Kettle. Garceia

says he wont be done with It till the latter end of September as says it was the understanding with you when he brought it out that he was to have it that long. I have not been able to get any cart yet to go to Santa Cruz. Basques Boys will go the latter end of this week but Julian Contura says he made a bargan with you to brng 2000 feet Boards for 32$ but says you did not say anythng to him about taking over soap and wants extra pay for it. Howeve he is going to the parbalo tomorrow and if he dont get back before the others are ready to go or if he dose and dont agree to take the soap I wont let him go as the others will go for 30$. I received the goods by his cart but think there must be an Error about the wire as it is charged at 3$ the same size bunch as Garceia got for 2$. Gillroy took it and wants it charged to him at Monterey so I have charged it to your store. Y o u will cr this shop with it and send me a roll out for to retail by the yard here. The velvet falls short 5 vars of what it is charged. The wine is turned into vinegar and I am selling it for soap at 2 Reals glass. In about ten days more the wheat will be all threshed here but I wont get much of it as them that have it owe most of it. Garceias will fall short of his expectation. Beans there will be verry few here if any for sale. Mathew went to Pochaco for the Cattle and he would not agree to let him have more than Eight and them all Teroons so he would not take any as he says they would not average more than one @ each. Quinten has not made up his mind yet about making the 2 oz soap. However if he dont make it Mathew will. You said 200$. O n the paper in which the sample is it says Yi .2 oz—which would be over 300$. Let me know which amont to have made. If you can get any tallow for Mathew do so. Garceia has not been at the shop since you was here. I cant say what the reason is. Gilroy has done nothing at the soap since you was here. He says that he will bring cattle to morrow but I

[265] doubt it. I urge him daily but all he dose is promise. I have been here one month to day and send you acpt for said month. Dr

$1002.2

T o Merchandize do

do

17.0

do

do

260.2 $1279.4

Stock on hand at Invoices prices

780.4 $ 499.0 Sold

$499.0 Sold for which I have to show Cr

Book acpts

$ 303.0

Soap sent Mr Belden at 1 real gain

128.2

Soap on hand at

do

416.0

Cash paid on 15 hides sent you

17.0

I hide

do

2.0

16 hides on hand

32.0

Cash on hand

3.0 $ 901.2

I have but one ps Brown Manta left. If you have a chance to send me any more do so. As soon as I get the boards to make boxes I will send you a load of soap & what hides I have. Very Respectifuley Yours T H Green Cant you buy a Kettle from Gabriel de la torre. I understand he has one. The small tin measures i wrote for are on the shelf in the back room. Send them by Aguasten.

[266} [ u . S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT. CIRCULAR TO NAVY AGENTS. 1 : 3 1 4 . ]

August 13 th, 1842 CIRCULAR TO NAVY AGENTS Treasury Department Second Comptroller's Office Sir

I N addition to my circular of the 2zd of March last, I have thought it my duty to call your attention to the following regulations, established for the government of Navy Agents in making their disbursements, and in rendering their accounts for settlement. 1 . In all accounts for articles purchased, the date of each purchase, the name, number, price, &c. of each article must be distinctly specified in the account. All receipts for payments of money must express the amount paid in words written at full length. And all receipts and approvals upon accounts must bear the date when they were written. 2. In all cases the original receipt (voucher) for the payment of money must be produced and filed with the account in the proper office of the Treasury, and this cannot be dispensed with except in cases where the original shall have been lost beyond the control of the person in whose favor the receipt was given. In this case only, when accompanied by satisfactory proof to this effect, will duplicate vouchers be admitted. 3. All contracts made by virtue of any law of the United States which may be in any manner connected with the settlement of public accounts in this office, are required to be deposited in the office of the Second Comptroller of the Treasury within ninety days after their dates respectively. (See Act of 16th July, 1798, sec. 6.) And all such contracts must be so deposited before vouchers for the payment of money under them will be admitted to the credit of any disbursing officer. When money is disbursed under a contract, the voucher should show this fact and the date of the contract.

[267} 4- In all cases where public money is paid for services or supplies which may have been rendered or furnished the Government, the purpose for which they were required should be distinctly stated in the account, (voucher,) as this is indispensable to enable the accounting officers to determine upon what appropriation the expenditure should be charged. 5. In making up accounts, due care should always be taken to charge every expenditure upon the proper appropriation ; and should items chargeable to different appropriations be embraced in the same voucher, (as is sometimes the case,) they must be separated and charged to the proper heads; and in no case should the aggregate amount of such voucher be charged upon one appropriation to relieve another, as this would be in effect making transfers of money contrary to law. 6. A l l stoves, grates, fixtures of every kind, cooking utensils, carpeting, and furniture for national vessels, are chargeable upon the appropriation " f o r increase, repair, armament, &c. of the N a v y ; " and when required for furnishing buildings or offices attached to a navy yard, they are chargeable upon the appropriation for that yard. 7 . All accounts for freight must be accompanied by bills of lading and proof of delivery to the consignee, viz : his receipt for the articles delivered. 8. N o part of the money appropriated by the 1 9 t h paragraph of the Act making appropriations for the naval service for the year 1 8 4 2 , can be expended except for the objects therein particularly mentioned. All expenditures for other purposes must be charged to other and proper appropriations. T h e 1 9 t h paragraph, being the specific contingent appropriation, is in the following words, viz : " F o r defraying the expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, v i z : For freight and transportation of materials and stores of every description ; for wharfage and dockage ; storage and rent ; travelling expenses of officers and transportation of seamen; house rent to pursers when duly authorized; for funeral expenses; for commissions, clerk hire, office rent, stationery, and fuel to navy agents ; for premiums and incidental expenses of recruiting; for apprehending deserters; for compensation to judge advocates; for per diem allowance to persons attending courts martial and courts of inquiry, or other services authorized by l a w ; for printing and stationery of every description, and for working the lithographic press ; for

[268] books, maps, charts, mathematical and nautical instruments, chronometers, models, and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire engines and machinery; for the repair of steam engines in navy yards; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses, and for carts, timber wheels, and workmen's tools of every description; for postage of letters on public service; for pilotage and towing ships of war; for taxes and assessments on public property; for assistance rendered to vessels in distress; for incidental labor at navy yards not applicable to any other appropriation; for coal and other fuel, and for candles and oil for the use of navy yards and shore stations, and for no other object or purpose whatever, four hundred and fifty thousand dollars." T h e term machinery in this paragraph, used as it is in connexion with fire engines, is considered as meaning machinery for those engines. All expenditures for machinery for other purposes must be charged to other appropriations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (signed) A . K. Parris Comptroller

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 1 5 . ]

Santa Cruz August 15th 1 8 4 2 Mr Larkin

"^iouRS of the 10th came to hand this morning. I am glad to hear you have a prospect of shipping off the lumber. I think there will be on the beach in about a month from this time about 100000 feet including that at M Lodges beach besides the 10000 that I have to give to Thompson. If M Lodges shingles are hauled here I think I can make up from 1 8 0 m to 200 m shingles by the same time. As to getting it shipped to Mont you know best about that. I was thinking to day whether it would not be possible to raft it over. It appears to me that if you could get 6 or 8 sailors

to come over here with two good boats they might make a large raft of 50000 or so and tow it over to monterey. If they would come soon after the full moon so as to have a chance of good weather I dont think there would be much risk in trying it that is if they would take pains to make a strong raft and have it well lashed together. I suppose however that some of the ship captains can tell better about it than I can. I sold Sellis of the Brig Catalina 7 6 0 0 feet of lumber for goods when he was here. He charged me pretty high for them but I think I can make 50 per cent profit on them and sell them quick at that. I went to M Lodges and found there Juan Romaro & Thomas Eguira there for shingles to haul to Mont for you. They made an attempt to go into the woods with one cart but but found some difficulty and backed out and said they would not haul them. They wished me to give them a paper to you saying that they could not get in for the shingles probably in the hopes of getting pay for their journey but I refused and told them I thought they might get them out if they tried. It is in fact a bad road but carts have been in there before and I think they might have got the shingles out by half a load at a time. One day last week when I was at M Lodge's I found there two men who were sent by Ricardo for that 1000 feet of boards that you told me to recieve on account of Elijah Ness. They had just got them hauled out of the woods when I met them and made them unload the boards and leave them there. M Lodge says that Carmichael claims the potatoes according to the bargain that me made with him so that he can't let you have them. I wish you would write me how Sotello's account stands. In the list of debts you made out here I see you have got him charged with 1 4 7 $ but I think there must be some mistake abut it. I think that is what he has paid here clear of his account in this store rather than what he owes. H e told me that he met you at Maestres when you was going in and that you made out his account so that he only owed you 2 $ . He has agreed to pay here 80$ on James Rogers act. Lumber Bob as you call him has made his escape. He was put in the calaboose here and in Irons and [MS. torn] Castro was just about to send him to Mont, but that night he managed some how to get his irons of and put out and has not been heard of since.

[ 270 ] Arana's and Black Bills carts have both gone into Mont but neither of them would take your cart. Bill has taken in a load of boards for you from Cyantha. I agreed to give him 20$ for the freight. There is 1078 feet. His account here is nearly square excepting the load he has taken to Mont. I paid for another bullock for him just before he went and he promised to haul 3 or 4 loads more for me before he went but he sneaked off on a Sunday withed out doing it. I would have put him in prison if there was any force or justice in the law here but there is not. I have not seen Thomas Cole yet about the wheat. Yours J Belden

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSIAH BELDEN. COPY.

1:316.]

Mont. Aug 18 1842 Mr Josias Belden

B y Sor Arana I send out some goods for you. Enclosed is the Invoice, also a list of debts charged to the Santa Cruz Store, above the list I sent by Mr McKinley. These are I believed all acknowledged therefore charge them immediately to the Debtors. I also send a Bill of Sundry Saws Files &c sent by your orders. You will perceive that the prices are put less than you will charge to the Purchasers. I do this to give the Santa Cruz Store the proffet of the articles. It is true at Armisti's I told Sotelo that he would owed me two dollars. I went or spoke by the different statements he was telling me, at the time. I now send his a/c. The 80$ was for dry goods a year ago. If there is any difference respecting the accounts I have chg'd to you let me know. Try to regulate the others fast as you can and charge them to those concerned, informing as you get them acknowledged & accepted. You will perceive that I have rose on the prices of some of the articles. Will they bear it. If there is any wish to saw 2000 f t thick stuff for a

[271] Saw[ ?] different f r o m the stuff named, have it so, but I prefer it as I have put it down. I may want some short stuff to stow well. Pillars & capalsados can be as short as 8 Feet. Joist 1 7 F. as Rooms are but seldom less. V2 inch short so that it may not break. 1V2 & 2 inch short, to help stowage. I have always believed that lumber could be brought over in a R a f t , but do not care about seting the example. I have opened the door for many trades in C but not R a f t i n g . Y o u need not by the Tasso shipt to Monterey * any Lumber. Shipt to M r Warner his 6000 f t Boards, and to M r John T e m p l e 1 0 , 0 0 0 V2 Boards & V2 assorted Joist—for which he is to send 1 0 Bbbs good California Brandy. Warner & T e m p l e will pay 1 0 $ in hides pr M . for their lumber. Also send to M r Temple (marked) all the 1 8 gallons Bbbs you have. M r Temple wishes you in writing to him to inform him the number of Boards & the number of Joist you send to him. Among M r Temple's Joist he wants 3 0 — 2 2 f t long 3 by 8. As the Tasso will be at your port soon, you must order these 30 Joist soon. I f you have them not in time send such as you have. T h i s 1 6 0 0 0 F t Boards & Joist is all I shall engage untill I know whether I can have the Vessel I wrote about. If you have any Capalsados sawed soon 8 Feet 4 by 2 2 do so, say 2 0 0 0 Feet. This bill might suit old J i m m y . If you can send next week to M . 1 6 M . of Lodges shingls do so. If not take them to the Beach. I shall be much in want of them here. Arana says he will bring in some. If he will, and you can buy a Cart of T h s Lewis for him do so. Y o u will hurry down to the landing all the Joist Boards, plank & shingles you have. As I am not sure of bringing it over do not put it all on the sand. Such as you keep on the Bank have it handy. T r y to get Cole to haul down some. Prehaps he would bring in the Shingles. If he does, tell him not to stop at the Salines to long. Can you get the two men who were making shingles for Thompson, to come here and make 1 0 0 000 for me. T h e wood is near Carmel about 2 or 3 leagues f r o m here. Soon as you get your Books posted up to August 1 , draw off f r o m your lumber book and give each man credit for all he has deliverd to you. It will be a good plan to draw off this way once a month, checking the line in the lumber Book as you do it. Y o u will find keeping your Books clear,

[272] & perfect as possible, the life of business. If M r Carmichial claims the Potatoes they are his by right of first purchase. I suppose you can buy them of him. Don't give over six rials pr

If you will send me a Copy of Celis's

bill I can tell you if the goods are dear or not. Hold in trusting as much as possible for the present. Collect all you can, under promise of trusting again by & by, according to curcumstances. H o w does M r Majors come on paying up. I suppose from most of the Saw Pits you can raft down this winter. If so we will trade the most from the most convenient Pits. Yours Thomas O . Larkin [Rubric] ^Unless the Supercargo will bring it over at 6$ pr M . payable in Lumber. In that case, send over to be landed here all you can, but ship the 16000 for San Pedro first.

[TALBOT H. GREEN T O THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

1:300.]

Gilroys Thursday [August 18 (?), 1842] M r T O Larkin Sir

I

RECEVED

two letters from M r Faxon saying that he wanted a

load of soap. It is imposible to get a cart here at present. T h e Basques boys have not returned from Monterey yet and Julian is still at Santa Clara but will send it as soon as I can get a cart. Gilroy has comencd Boiling soap again. As to selling goods cheaper here than in Monterey is not the case. Blue drill 1$ Calico 6 white Manta 6 Brown 5. Blue 6. H d k f 1$ Shirts 3 $4 flanel shirts 4$4 and flanel at 1 $4. velvt 1 $6. Y o u will please send me the folloing goods— 2 lbs Cotton wick Shirt Buttons, and V2 groce filgaree do 1 ps diamon Calico

l Blue white dot or any

[273] 3 ps Brown Manta Send ps Imperial Jews harps if they can be sold at i Real Belt Ribbon 2 0 lb Chockalate X doz Ivory Combs.

Same as I had before

x Ream paper white Tape wide V2 doz mens hose if they can be sold for 2 $ M r Gracea says he will talk to you himself about the pot & will make the soap provided you can agree on the terms. T H Green N . B. I will write more at lenght in a few days.

[WILLIAM GLEN RAE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

1:318.]

Yerba Buena 20th August 1 8 4 2 Thos. O. Larkins Esqr. Sir

I

HAVE this moment received your favor of 1 3 th Inst, and must

acknowledge was a little surprised at its contents. I only shewed Captn. Hinckley that part of your letter which alluded to himself (if you have heard otherwise it is incorrect) and as I neither saw then or even now on reperusal any thing harsh or "indelicate"

in the part, I

thought it best he should read it himself never for an instant supposing that my doing so would be painful to either Capn. Hinckley or yourself and I am extremely sorry to find that I have been deceived. T o me Capn. H . never expressed himself in the slightest degree offended. In stating to you that I must look after the Hides due myself first— I then thought and am still under the impression that I acted a fair and

[ 274] honorable part towards you—in letting you distinctly understand that you could not expect me to press Capn. Hinckley for a debt owing you whilst he was due me. If Capn. Hinckley tells me there are so many hides for you to be credited Mr. Larkins I will with pleasure receive them but as already stated you must not look for me to dun him on your a/c before our own claims are satisfied. With best wishes believe me Yours Truly W . G. Rae [Rubric] Thos. O Larkins Es Monterey

[JAMES G. SCOTT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:317.]

[San Francisco] 20th Augt [1842] Dear Larkiti

I N having a general tear up of old paper I came across the enclosed so that by your tearing them yourself, I presume you will be pacified & thereby enabled better to enjoy your nap of a morning. The Index will sail on the first for Sta Cruz & Monterey so have your Cueros ready old man do you hear—aye. It is not probable I shall have the pleasure of giving you a rub up before leaving the Coast. However I sincerly wish you & family health wealth & prosperity & remain your obt Sert James Scott [Rubric]

[ 2 75 ]

—

[HENRY DELANO FITCH TO JAMES MCKINLAY. 1 : 8 1 . ]

Angels Augst 21st 1842 Mr. J. Makenlay [San Francisco.] Dear Sir

I SHALL sail in the California on the 24th. of this for the windward Ports. We shall touch at Sta. Barbara, Sn. Luis and at Monterrey, and I shall try and make all the collections that I can on my way up. I wish you could arrange it to meet me in Monterrey with Horses and I could take them and go to Sn. Frano. by land, and you could procede down the coast. It is absolutely necessary that you should come down this way, as I make but a poor fist of collecting from the People which you trusted last March and April. I am tired of running after them. I have been out to William's, Bandini's, Palomares and about there. They all promise to pay but God knows when. I shall leave a note here who pays. I cannot conceive how you came to trust so many vagabonds. There are upwards of 40, and some of them such as Leonardo Cota and others I think will never pay. Williams as yet has paid nothing. I saw him again yesterday. He says that he has commenced his Matanza and intends to pay us up, but I doubt it very much. I wish I knew whether wine was in demand to the windward as I could get a couple of Pipes from Williams. I cannot conceive why the new General has not arrived. In case he does I wish you to ship what you can of what I wrote you to Machado Yeoward & Compy. In case you come down to meet me in Monterrey I wish you to leave the accounts as clear as possible and leave likewise a letter of instructions at Sn Frano for me of what you have done and what arrangements you may have made with other people. Mr. Temple is expected here tomorrow or next day in the Guypuscuana from Sta. Barbara. I have purchased some good Manta wide from the California at 10 dollars per peice and some other things in proportion. If we have hide and tallow to spare I think it will be as well to purchase more. Now there is an opposition Manta cannot be cheaper here. I have taken on board of the Cala the re-

[ 276 ]

—

mainder of the articles which we purchased from Mr. Pierce, the matting Oil Lamp black &c. It appears that there was a devil of a mess with the hides that you got salted for Pierce, according to what Orbell tells me. H e says that you did not leave him any orders about delivering them, and that you merely said to Willson, you will find that Orbell has some hides in your house in Sn. Diego and that you did not tell him that they belonged to Pierce. I shall not pay the storeage that Wilson has charged. Mr. Clap has the order that Orbell drew which you endorsed over to me. It is a shame that Scott and Wilson should charge Pierce storeage when they told him that he might make use of his House and vats in welcome. At present I have nothing more to add but hope to see you before long. Meantime I remain Yours H . D. Fitch [Rubric] Sta. Barbara 30th Augst. I had no time to send this from the Pueblo as I expected. I arrived here last night in the Cala. I saw Temple the day before I left Sn. Pedro. I have not yet been on shore here. I am now writing by candle light in the morng as I understand that Dn. Miguel dispatches a carrier to Monterrey to day. The Cala. will sail for Sn. Luis in 2 or 3 days, where she will lay 2 or 3 more and from thence to Monterrey, so you can make your calculations about what time we will arrive there. Perhaps I may go by land from this to Sn. Luis. I understand that my Horses are still in the Yerbe bueno and that every body rides them. You promised me that you would see them passed over but it seems that you did not comply. I [have] on board 3 Casks Argte from Temple and [M5. torn] of Brooms from Priors. What will be purchased] next. I am calld a broom pedlar. The salt and Demejohns still remain at Forsters, and will eat themselves up in storage. I tried to get Capt. Arther to take the salt on board but the freight was more than it was worth and I think it is better to loose it once the first the least allways. Hopeing to see you soon I remain Yours H . D. Fitch [Rubric] [Cover bears note: Fwd. by Your ob. St. D Spence. Monty 16th Sepr. 1842.]

[277] [jOSIAH B E L D E N T O T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 1 9 . ]

Santa Cruz August 22nd 1 8 ^ 2 ] Mr Larkin

"^OUR letters &c by M r McKinley were duly recieved and the goods have just arrived in Arana's cart. I believe they are all complete at least the boxes &c are though I have not opened them yet. I am afraid it will be a hard case to get the prices you have put upon the Saws but I will if I can. The letter you sent to Thomas Cole has been miscaried so that he did not recieve it. I cave it to A B Thompson when he was going to Cyanta but I expect he forget to deliver it. Cole wishes to know where he is to get his wheat from before he delivers this here as he say that may not be as good as this. I have spoken to the men who made Thompsons Shingles about going to Monterey and they say that they will go there and make them for five dols per m if you will give them 2 $ on a m in cash and 3 in goods and they would not be willing to make them on any other terms. They wish you to write by the first chance and let them know what you will do about it. I have got my books posted up and am now arranging the old accounts. The lumber I recieved of Francis Young was 2485 feet of Inch Boards & 2902 feet of 2 inch plank by inch measure. I have since recivede the 1000 feet of old Boards which you told me about. That is all the lumber I have recieved of him. Wally is in such a hurry to be off I cant write more at present. I shall write again soon. Rafel Castro is making a fool of himself by sending Wally in there for it is all for nothing at all. I think if you speak for Wally you can get him off with out much trouble. Yours J Beiden

[ 278 ] [JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 0 . ]

Santa Cruz Aug 26th [1842] Mr Larkin

by Ship Admittance 2 boxes of Soap. I send by by the same 31 bags containing 36 fans corn. I also send 2 pigs which I bought and one which Don J Gomez sent, also 1 x fowls and a few eggs 82 which is all I could get. I could not get any water mellons or mellons of any decent size. I depended upon getting some from the Rusian but he has just come and says he could not find any large ones. Yours J Beiden I

RECD

I sent two emty liquor Barrels with the corn.

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 1 . ]

Gilroys August 26th 1842 Mr T O Larkin Sir

T h e carts start for Santa Cruz to day with 26583 Soap which makes 393$5 with one Real gain sent him. I have to pay 40$ for the two carts. They where they cheapest I could get and in fact the only ones. Old contur wants 16$ to take a load to Montarey. I told him to go to the devil. Mr Gilroy is getting on very well at present with his soap. I think he has about 800$ made which he will cut as soon as I get Boxes. He says he will pay you all up. My opinion is he will pay from 1300$ to 1800$ of his accont. As soon as he gets the small made he will send it to you. I receive

it as soon as cut. His intentions is to pay you all his acpt and says he will do it. You spoke about the size of the soap. I have made 2 moulds the same size of Mathews but they alterd them to 8 oz and I cant get them to make it larger. The soap I have on hand 8 oz 8V2 & 9—most 8V2. As to getting soap made 10 oz it can be got but without gain but the fact is there wont be more soap made here than is contracted for with the Exception of what Garceia will make and a few verry small lots for trade here. Mathew has now undertaking to make up 300 @ for Jesus Vallejo which will be as much as he will be able to make before the rains set in, and he wont say for certain wether he will make the 2 oz soap or not. I have been trying to trade with others but cant make any trade. I proposed to Quinten yesterday to make 300$ of the small 2 oz at 10$ Kintal and pay him the diffence of cutting and for you to take it on his acpt in place of the other. He is to let me know to day. He has much the best materials for making it as it is all montaga [manteca?]. If he dont make it 1 dont know how i will get it made at that price. I expect an Indian here next week to make crates for soap. I am thinking Jack Mathews is not a going to make any great exertions to pay you. He has not done anything since you was here and I was up at his house a few days since and about lA of the soap he had on hand when you was here is gone. Respectifuley Yours T H Green I reed the goods according to bill by Garcia and 8 Balls wick yarn not in bill. You will please send me acpt of how much four he deliverd you for me & wether he left the bags with you or not. Quinten says this mornig if he makes the small soap you must receive it here & he wont charge for cutting, but wont say for certain wether he will make it or no untill he cuts 1 $ of the small & trys it with 1 $ of the other which according to his mould will be about 10 to 12 oz in favour of the usuall way of cutting. If he dont make it I dont think it can be had here at least not for that price. At the rate of 9 oz 8c 1 Real gain there is 2 oz in favour of the small to the 1$. Let me know shall I take it for you if he agrees to make it 81 send it in at your expence.

[28o]. [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO MARIANO MACARIO CASTRO. 1 : 3 2 2 . ]

Mont); 27 de Agosto de 1842 Sr. D. Mo Macario Castro

D E S P U E S qe me mandas algunos cueros el semana entrante, me haces el favor á areglar el modo á remitirme antes de los aguas la mitad de su cuenta privado, junto con la mitad de la compañía, en cueros y sebo y la otra mitad en Arina, Manteca, Frijol y Jabón pa qe yo puede recibirlos antes que los caminos son impasables y has de entender qe todo qe resta sin pagar este año, no me conforme á recibir otra cosa por el año entrante solo cueros. Soy de V . Testigo Jorje Alien [Rubric] Es Copia del original

[LEWIS T. BURTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 4 . ]

Sta Barbara August 29th 1842 Mr Thomas O Larkin Dear friend

I RECEIVED in which you requested me to pay Mr. A Robinson 30$ on a/c of the morillos you Sent me by the Bark Taso. On Mr. A arrval here I will Settle the amount with him. If you paid Frenchman for pealing the morillos it is not Just for him to clame any thing as there was not more than four or five of them that ware half pealed. The Ballance ware [not] tuched. Three of them ware old poles picked up in the woods and ware half rotten.

[ z8i} Please give my best respects to Mrs Larkin also those of Mr Brurton. I remain your obt.S Lewis T . Burton [Rubric] P S Please Send me the red wood plates which I engaged of you for my back Shed.

[ALPHEUS BASIL THOMPSON TO THOMAS O U V E R LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 3 . ]

Monterey Aug 29. 1842 Mr. Larkin Sir with you two letters one for Capt Wilson the other for Captain Paty. I Ordered Captain LeidesdorfF to put on board the Index Cash $140. I owe Capt Wilson a trifle and have wrote to him that I will immediatly settle with him on his arrival at Santa Barbara. I wish you to pay the Amount of two hundred and twenty dollars to Capt Paty and take up the paper—please ask Capt Wilson for the Cash as I have wrote to him to deliver it to you. The balance 80$ I wish you to pay for me. I have spoken to Mr. Dye to let you have all he can —but I wish you to pay it at all costs and you shall have the same with damages on my arrival here. In haste Yrs truly I

LEAVE

A. B. Thompson [Rubric]

[282]. [JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:325.]

Santa Cruz August 30th [ 1 8 4 2 ] Mr Larkin

I

RECIEVED your letter about an hour since. I have since been up

to the rusians and he says he will have 200 Cabbages & 1 5 @s onions ready to morrow. I have also bought of him 100 @s Potatoes to be delivered to morrow with the cabages &c. I had to give him 1 $ per @ and 1 5 $ in cash. He said he had promised them to other people but I persuaded him to let me have them. The potatoes that Lodge sold to carmichael carmichael has sold Henry Nail and others and part of them are delivered now. Mike has some more in the ground but they are not ripe. I am now however going out there to see If I cant get him to dig 40 or 50 @s of the largest and let me have them or else I will try to get some of carmichaels and pay them back to him afterwards. I have 1 5 @s of onions here which I bought before which with those I get from the rusian will make 30 @s. I dont know as I shall be able to make up quite filty hides by tomorrow for the Tasso but I will try. I have got to take tallow from some of the people in place of hides to the of 70 or 80$ which is ready for me now. I think however I can make up 50 hides for the Tasso and will give the tallow and some more hides to Paty by the time he comes here. I suppose Tallow will be the same as hides to him. I have got more hides due to me but the people hav been so busy with ther grain that I could not get them in. Gaudalupe Castro say he has not to pay you the 25 hides for Don Juan Anzar as he has paid him. I think the Tasso will not come in to night as it is verry foggy. I can see nothing of her as yet at 3 P M . I have seen Mike and he has agreed to let me have the of Carmichael and I have to arrange it it with Carm. There will be about 90 @s of them. I had to give him 1 $

Yours J Belden

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[

]

[WILLIAM ROBERT GARNER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 7 . ]

Palo Escrito Septr 7th 1842 Mr T O Larkin Sir

I SEND you by Luis Pomber twenty joist 4 by 6 — 1 7 ft long and 20 joist 4 by 6—13 f t and 5 Beams 4 by 8—21 ft and two capialzados 4 in by 2 ft 1 7 f t long. I have made out but poorly with the 21 f t beams. The tree I had cross cut off for them turned out rotten and I had no more logs the proper length. This is the reason they are not done but they are about them now and I expect will be done Saturday or Sunday. I shall have to work all day on Saturday and Sunday as my Indians wants to go away on Teusday. I shall be in Monterrey on one of those two days. I made the load up with capialzados (though you say you do not want them at present) because I wish you to see them. I think two or three hundred such plank as these might sell well. Yours truly Wm. R Garner [Rubric] I have plenty of boards on hand if you want any.

[HENRY MELLUS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 2 6 . ]

Yerba Buena Sept 7 1842 Mr T . O. Larkin My Dr. Sir

I send a letter for our mutual friend Robinson. I suppose he will be in Sn. Luis Obispo on the 20th inst. where I have agreed to meet but find it impossible & am therefore much interested that you J—/NCLOSED

[284} would forward it as soon as possible to the care of Dana or some other confidential person. Capt. Paty will give you Watsons rect. for $133.80 which please keep for me. After the Quixote leaves there will remain the folg. vessels here. Bark Clarita, Trinidad Julia Ann, Barnstable & whale ship Houcua Nothing new. Yrs. truly H. Melius [Rubric]

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 2 8 . ]

Santa Cruz Sept 8th 1842 Mr Larkiti

( - / a p t W i l s o n came in here day before yesterday. He says he is so full that he cannot take the joist you spoke of nor any lumber on freight. I have given him all the hides & tallow I have on hand 48 forty eight @ tallow & 12 hides. I have taken in but few hides lately. Rodrigues has not yet paid me those hides for Robinson. I asked him for them a few day since and told him if he did not pay them immediately I should bring him before the alcalde. He was then going away to his ranch and said he would pay them when he came back. If he does not do so I shall go to the alcalde. I have seen most of the men that Robinson gave you orders upon for lumber and they say they dont owe him any thing or but little at any rate. Weare 8c Frasier I have not seen but I would not take them for 10$ if they owed him. M Lodge say Robinson agreed to take shingles from him and they are now ready for him. Graham Majors & Brander say they dont owe him. I have not seen Majors or Wilson about their acts yet but shall do so the first chance I have. There was 180 @ potatoes & 30 @ onins sent and if they were short I expect they were eat aboard the ship.

[

]

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—

I heard capt Wilson say that his vessel woul be be to charter in the latter part of the fall. Perhaps you can get her Yous J Belden

[WILLIAM ROBERT GARNER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 1 1 . ]

Palo Escrito Septr 8th 1842 Mr Thomas O Larkin Sir I SHALL be extremely obliged to you if you will have the kindness to send out the compasses by the bearer. The other day you wrote me for some very long pieces 4 by 6. I had not got them then. I now have 4 pieces 28 f t long. If it is not too late I will send them pr next cart. Be so good as detain my Indians till tomorrow morning. Tell them they must wait and you will give them an answer in the morning. I want to find out a little doggery and I can't do it if these two are near hand. Yours truly W m R Garner [Rubric]

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:329.]

Gilroys September ioth 1842 Mr T O Larkin ENCLOSED you will receive the acpt up to present date. You will please let me Know if it is your intention to let me remain here during the winter or not. If I stay here the house must have a new roof on and a shed built before the door as it faces the storms. For my part I dont think it would pay well but the people here say it is better for trade here in the winter than in Summer but I dont see what they will have to pay with.

[286] The wheat is all in the hands of such men as need not sell it unless they wish. As to soap there will not be as much made as will pay there debts. You will have the soap trade nearly all in your own hands. They are out of soap at St Francisco and have been writing down & sending for soap but if the people here pay there debts they will have none to sell. I dont no what to think of Jack Mathews. As to hides he has none & the soap he had on hand when you was here is nearly all gone. I overherd him say to mr Ridley mr Spears clerk when he was here a few days ago to let him know if mr Spear would trade aguadent for soap. If so he would trade with him. He has promised me to deliver you one cart load in this month. He has about 70 to 80 @ Tallow & 3 loads Tickes Keata & V2 Kiln lime and if he would only work for 10 or 12 days might make up all the tallow he has. I think mr Gillroy has as much soap ready for cutting as will make the 1000$ of 6 oz and all he wants is boxes. The boys have been gone 17 days for boards and have not yet returned. Quinten has delived me $ 1 1 1 . 2 oz soap and wants to give up his bargan. Please send me the amont of his account & send the two cuts of mangos you promised him and charge him with them there. I spoke to mr Gilroy about the other soap. He says his bargan is for 8 oz soap at 1 Real gain. He says if he makes it 9 oz he dont give gain & 10 oz you pay him 1 Real gain or any other Size larger pay in the same proportion. 14th. the carts have not yet Returned that went for boards nor have I herd from them since. If they dont come in course of two or three days I will have to send after them. The book acpts are larger than you would expect them but I will be able to Reduce them to 300$ to 3 50 in this month. If I am not to remain here all winter fix some time for me to leave here so I may have all acconts collected. I think all that I have trusted I will collect with the exceptions of about 15$ to 20$. Beans not many. I will be able to get about 60 Fangas wheat which I will send to Mathews as soon as I can get carts. When the carts come in I will want I Bbl Augudnt 1 do Molasss 4 to 8 @ Sugar. Respectifully Yours T H Green [Rubric] P S Mr Gilroy told me this mornig that Jack Mathews told him that he was a going to take his soap up to St Francisco & trade for rum. Gilroy

—

{»87]

asked him if he did not owe you the soap. He said yes but that was nothing. Gilroy dont want his name mentioned that he said any thing about it. Gilroy appears very axious now to get his debts paid and has worked very well this last 3 weeks. Mathew Fealom delived me 3 3 $6 of soap without gain as your share of the Tallow he brought from Monterey.

[ i N V E N T O R Y OF THE LUGGAGE OF JOsé MARIANO(?) SARMIENTO, DECEASED. 1 : 3 3 0 . ]

[September 13, 1842.] INVENTARIO

D

EL Equipaje del difunto Sr Teniente Don José Maro Sarmiento

que falleció á bordo de la Goleta nací California el dia 13 de Septiembre 1842 en Alta Mar Longitud Latitud

129.18 O . de Greenwich 29.30 N .

1 Baúl \

cuyas dos piesas, en consideración de venir á bordo de pasajera

1 Caja ;

la Señora viuda del difunto Doña Paula Anaya, se en-

1 Colchon

tregaron cerradas á su particular cuidado ádemas del colchon espresado.

Con cuyo motivo, para cumplimiento de las formalidades acostumbradas en Alta Mar, se toma la debida constancia, firmando todos los presentes. A l Bordo de la California, á X 3 de Septiembre mil ochocientos cuarenta y dos. Eduardo Vischer [Rubric]

Juan B. R. Cooper [Rubric]

G M af Sandels [Rubric]

John Roderick [Rubric]

asta Juan Bargas Su marcaX

Paula Anaya [Rubric]

Asistente Feo María GonzalesX

{288} [HENRY DELANO FITCH TO JAMES MCKINLAY. 1 : 8 8 . ]

Monterrey Sepr. 17th 1842 Mr. J. Makenlay [San Francisco] Dear Sir

the day before yesterday in the Ship California and shall probably leave this for Sn. Frano. about the 21st. I wrote you from Sta. Barbara requesting Mr. Spence to forward the letter but found it here still he haveing no opportunity to forward it. I

ARRIVED

I reed, your letter which you left at Watsons for me. As regards the goods which you have left at Larkins on deposit I cannot conceive why thay did not go up to Sn. Frano. in the Trinedad. Now we have an extry freight to pay on them. I understand from Dn. Manuel Dias that you have taken tallow from the Barnstable to deliver to Dn Cesario. I have already made arrangements with Robinson for the exchange of 2000 Hides for tallow. He had the tallow on board and was to leave it in Sn. Diego. I counted on the 2000 Hides that Dn. Cesario had here to pay for it, and I am now afraid that we shall not be able to get hides sufficient to pay both Melius and Robinson although we ought to collect a great many more. I wish you to speak to Dn Cesario and tell him that we have a plenty of tallow for all his hides. Besides the tallow for 2000 hides from Robinson we shall have in Sn Pedro more that 3000 @ if all pay that has agreed to; I have left at Sn Pedro upwards of 1300 arobes for Dn Cesario, besides what was comeing in almost every day, And as Dn. Cesario made arrangements with me for tallow he ought to give me the preferance. Everett told me that he had made arrangements to change with him; I think that it would be advisable for you to go to the leward as soon as I arrive at Sn. Frano. I am in hopes to fall in with the Trinedad, and Barnstable in Sn. Frano. but in case I do not I wish you would ask the Capt of the Trinedad for my Spying Glass, that I lent him. I wish you to ask Capt Vioget for six or eight bales[?] of my figs and send them to Watson by the first opportunity. I shall take up some of the goods with me that you left at

[289} Larkins. I cannot find out whether you have taken any goods to Sn. Frano or not; I wish you had left me some instructions what you wished me to have taken up. I shall try to persuade Capt Arthur to touch in at Sta. Cruz to take our lumber up on freight. I think we shall have more than we can dispose of. Dye and Juan Ricardo both say that you agreed to take lumber of them; I shall take about 400$ of soap up with me, as I understand that it is saleable in Sn. Frano. I think it is well that we have no vessel this year as she would only be an expence, as we can collect what little that will be paid us without one. Mr. Brewer has wrote me from Oahu and wishes me t[o] purchase the Lama. What do y[ou] [MS. torn] of it. At present I have nothing [MS. torn] say. Ho[pe]ing to see you soon I remain yours H . D. Fitch [Rubric] P. S. Give my best respects to Mr. Melius, Dn Cesario, &c. I have brought up the 3 Pipes of Argte. from Temples and the B R O O M S . No one will buy them, nor the Argte either. I have just learned that my horses are still in Sn. Francisco, although you promised me that you would attend to passing them over the other side but it seems that you have not kept your word. We shall sail on the 20th for Sn. Frano.

[JOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:336.]

Santa Cruz Sept 20th 1842 Mr Larkin

I SHIPPED by Capt Paty the 6 m feet of boards to Mr Warner but he would not take that for St Luis nor the 4 m of Stokes for Castinarez. He told me Saturday night that he thought he wait until Monday and take it then but Sunday they made sail and started to go but did not get far untill monday. He took some shingles but not so many as I wished to send. I think that he took 16V2 m. I left Capt Paty to count them as they

[29o] were shipped because I had to go up to the mission. Capt Paty said he would not take lumber over to Mont for 6$ in lumber. I could not get him to take lumber for the goods that I got of him here and left him to settle it with you. I wish you would write me whether you have any prospect of getting the lumber off M Lodges Beach this Season for if it is not taken off soon it will be necessary to have it hauled up onto the bank or else the sea will carry it away. There is also some at this beach that will need to be hauled up if it is not taken away within a month. I think I can get a cart or two to go in to Mont, with shingles the latter part of this week if you want more there. The feast here has played the duce with all the worke here for a week past. I have asked majors about his account and he says he thinks he has some credits which are not deducted from that account and promised to bring in his papers and show them to me but has not done so as yet. Wilson says he sent in to Mont, a load of boards by Sor. [MS. torn] last year which you have not given him credit for. H e thinks the man got stopped on the road and left the boards there through the winter. H e also says there is some files V2 doz charged to which went to J i m Rogers. Doming Perez brought them out. I wish you would write to me how it is. Trevathan & Brander and most of the others have acknowledged their accts. Gil Sanchez says you are owing him some acct which will balance the account you sent out against him of 2 0 $ . He said he would see you about it there. Write me how much it will do for me to pay for corn & Beans and if you wish me to buy them. T h e Shop is full of people all the while at present so that I can hardly think of what I wish to write. There is as many drunken men here as a man need wish to see in one small place. I shall write again soon. Yours J Belden

[2

9

i}

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 3 1 . ]

Monday 26 th September [1842] Mr Thomas O Larkin Sir

Y o u will receive by the Basques Boys 1 crate soap 400 ps 18$ 22$2 3 Boxes marked on the End 2 oz weight & Tare-—Nett 625 lbs 20 Hides 2 Bags 14 @ xo lbs. Flour 10 Boxes 6 oz soap Nett 2369 lbs soap for John Gilroy.

276 273 287 276

— — — — 311 —

49 41 48 48 45

= = = = =

227 232 230 228 266

291 297 261 276

— 50 - 44 - 38 — 41

273 - 39

-

=

241

253

=

223

=

235

=

234

The beans I did not get. Mr Sanches was up this morning & says he will want boxes here next Monday or Tuesday. You will determin which is cheapest for you to send the boxes from Monterey by Gilroys carts or let these boys go to Santa Cruz for 1000 feet more boards & I will make the boxes here as what boards I have here wont make more than 16 boxes all of which it will take to compleat Gilroys 6 oz & Quintens 2 oz. Gilroy will bring out the boxes at 2 Reals pr box. The boys will bring 1000 feet boards from Santa Cruz for 20$. If you conclude to send the boards hurry them off as they are very slow about starting & send me by Gilroys carts 25 lbs lod. Nails. If you send the boxes send 2 or 3 lbs nails. Gilroys carts will start in the morning. I would have sent for more boards before this but could get no one to go & these boys where not willing to go untill they went to Monterey. You will please send me about 20 old Newspapers to line the Boxes for the 2 oz soap. I bind them on the Ends with hide for fear the would not carry safe. I asked Sanches if he wanted the pot the last of this month. He said yes but Graceia is not willing to let him have it untill the 15 th of

[292]' october. I told him if he must have it I would order Graceia to give it up. He then said let it alone at present. Chickens I have been trying to buy but cant get any for less than 4 Reals in cash. If you want them at that price let me Know. The wheat I have on hand Julian Conture will take to the mill as soon as he returns from Monterey. I have no doubt but I will be able to send you 250 in soap in 1 0 days from this & prehaps more. Respectifully T . H . Green Quinten Ortega sends you 5 potatoes as a sample. I f you want to buy any he will send you some at 1 $ cash

I told him 6 R was the price in

Monterey in trade and offerd him that for all he had. The Sample is only for quality not for size. I f you send for the boards charge the boys to go quick. 1 4 & 16 inche makes the boxes two large. 13 & 15 will be a better size & tell Mr Belden to see that the boards are square sawed as I can make twice as many box in a day as of slab Edged. The other boards he sent was not from Santa Cruz but some he exchanged with mr Stokes at some saw pit near the road. They also want more pay as they say it took them one day to get them from [MS. torn\ pit to the road. I told them I could pa[MS. torn] no more but they must look to Mr Sto[M5. torn] They where also very poor boards & mostly [MS. torn] inches wides consequently cut to great disa[MS. torn]. Let them have I 2 $ 4 in goods or a f[MS. torn] dollars more & send me bill.

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 3 2 . ]

Gilroys September 27th [1842] Mr Thomas O Larkin Sir

I WROTE you yesterday by the Basques Boys About Boxes but Mr Gilroy says his carts will get in first & prehaps leave Monterey before they

'[ 2 9 3 } get in. Mr Sanches will want boxes on Monday or Tuesday next from 45 to 50 boxes. If you have boxes in Montery Gilroy will bring them out for 2 Reals box or the boys will go from Montery to Santa Cruz & brng 1000 feet Boards for 20$ so you can do as you please. I should have sent long ago for more boards but could get no carts and the boys would not go untill they had went to Monterey. If you can send boxes send me 3 lbs nails & if boards about 25 lbs so as to be shure & have Enough. The balance I can bring back. Mr Gilroys lacks 170$ yet of the 6 oz soap but has it ready for cutting. Y o u best urge him hard about the other soap. I know it is his intention to pay & his wish but he wants urgeing. As to your getting any hides from him I thnk very doubtful this season. He has promised to pay what he owes me the beginig of next week. Quinten will compleat the amount of his accont this week in 2 oz. [Talbot H . Green]

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:3 33-]

Gilroys September 28th [1842] M r T O Larkin Sir M

M CASTRO was here last night & told Jack Mathewes that

you told him how he had taken a load of soap to St Francisco & was not going to pay you a real. He told me this morning that by the middel of october he will deliver you your soap. I now think he will send you some. Howeve I shall watch him close & see that he dose not take it any place else. He says Graceia has promised him the lone of his pots & in two weeks he can make it. He says he met the Basques boys on the road yesterday and asked them to bring some tallow he had near Santa Cruz when they were bringing the boards. They told him that they would not go for boards, but they made a positive agreement with me to go before they started to Monterey.

[294} John Mathews says he has understood that you have a large pot & if you will keep it for him he will collect his hides and give you as many hides for it as any person else as soon as he is through making his soap. Helario Ortesa has 40 fanagas of wheat here 30 of which he wants to trade for goods, but wants 2$ for it here. I offerd to take it and pay him 2 $ he take the goods here, but he wants a Zarappe and some other things which I have not got. If you want the wheat you can trade with him there. I also offerd him 2$ delived at the mill 8c pay him in Monterey but he would not take it. If you trade with him send me about 1 2 to 15 bags. Nickodenous Gilroy wants some things for his wife. You will please let him have them & he will pay me in flour here. Charge him big prices as I take the flour at 1 2 Reals & send me bill of the amont. Respectifully Yours T H Green [Rubric]

[JOHN TEMPLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 3 4 - ]

Angeles Sept. 28th 1842 Mr. Thos. O. Larkin Dr. Sir

I r e c ' d a lot of lumber by the Tasso but as yet have not taken an a/c of it, also ten emty bbls. Mr. Thompson wowld not take the aguarte at the price you stipulated consequently I did not send it. I shall fill it & it will be on your risk, and it will be on storage. Please advise me what I shall do with it. Yours &c

J. Temple [Rubric] N . B. Please foward the inclosed.

[ 295 } [TALBOT H. G R E E N TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 3 5 - ]

Sept 29th 1842 Mr Thos O Larkin Sir

M

R Q U I N T E N O R T E A G O has delived me 2 oz soap to the amont of $281.40 for which I have receipted to him for. He is not willing to compleat the 300$ but I thnk I can get Matthew to make the balance. If you wish to credit him till next year you can sell him two to three hundred dollars of goods. He will get very near out of debt this year. He owes me a little more than 100$ which he has promsed to pay me 2d week in october. Respectifuli T H Green

N . B. I did not present him his acpt as he did not compleat the quntuty.

[WILLIAM GLEN R A E TO T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 3 9 - ]

Yerba Bueno 2d October 1842 Mr. Larkins Sir ^ Y o u r s of 20th ultimo came duly to hand and in reply to what you state regarding my purchasing hides for Bills on Oahu at $2 each I have only to say that Capt. wilson when he said so to you stated what is very incorrect, nor can I see his object in so doing. I would give nothing like that price. I have rented a house from Mr Spear in Monterey and have written Mr Spence to receive hides from you to store them there. By my letter to you the amot of your a/c was to be paid by the first of this month.

[2 9 6) From Sutter I have not yet received a cent on my a/c—indeed he only delivered izoo instead of 1500 Fags, to the Russians who sent a vessel down here on purpose, and he has no more now than what he requires for seed ensuing season, so you see my surmises to you regarding him were not incorrect. I am Sir Your obt servt W . G. Rae [Rubric]

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 3 8 . ]

October 3d 1842 Mr Thos O Larkin Sir I RECEIVED yours on Sunday & on Monday went up to Graceias to demand and receive the pot. It was turned out & is very badly cracked in the bottom near one side. I told him I could not receive it as it was cracked. He says it was cracked when he brought it out. I then come back & took Gilroy & Mathew up to see it. The crack has every appearance of being an old crack coverd over with a thin shell which has now pealed off but no one can say certain wether it is old or new but where the difficulty is with me the two pots are both alike in appearance & size the one he bought & the one you lent him. I have made every enquiry both from Indians & his sons as to which pot came out last. They all say the cracked one but Mathew is of oppinion but onley oppinion that the cracked one was the one first brought out but wont say so positivly. How the matter is I cannot say. I told him I would not receive the pot unless further orders from you. I sent word to Sanches on Monday to come and see the pot but I dont think he will take it but cant say. Graceia says it will do well for boiling soap but for tallow it wont answer. So the matter stands at present. You can now dertemin what to do. I wont receive it unless you say so as the pots may have been changed but to prove it as yet I cant find any proof but will still be on the look out. T H Green

|>97} [ T A L B O T H . G R E E N TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 3 7 . ]

Gilroys October 4th 1842 Mr T O Larkin Sir

I HAVE been to Pochacos to day & he says he has about $ 1 0 0 0 of soap made but not cut. Beans he has but 8 fanagas & wont sell any. Flour he will not have any for some two or three weeks. He says he wont cut the soap untill he gets his wheat & corn secure which will take him some time as he has very little help. He would not say how much flour he would let you have but he will be in Monterey in about 10 or 1 2 days. Antonao Hernan was not at home but I will go again to morrow morning. As to getting beans hear I cant. I have offerd 2$ cash & 3$ in goods to get 3 to 5 fanagas but cant get them. Corn as soon as it gets dry enough to shell I can get a few fanagas, but not much. T H Green You will please send Bill out with his two carts to be here on the 15 or 16th as I find I cant depend on carts here. I will send one load of 2 oz soap the other flour corn 8i the bal in soap. Don Joaqin Gomez will deliver you five hides from John Gilroy on his acpt here for which number I have credited him here.

[298] [GEORGE H. LYMAN TO MANUEL ALVAREZ. 1 : 3 4 0 . ]

Philadelphia October 9th 1 8 4 2 T o the American Consul at Santa Fè Sir D

R. J. H . Lyman, to whom the enclosed letter is directed, left

the United States via St. Louis two years ago this fall, & with the exception of one letter, rec'd immediately after his arrival at Santa Fè, his friends have heard nothing from him. I have taken the liberty of enclosing the within letter to him, to your care, knowing of no other method by which he would be as certain of rec'g it. By the letter, above alluded to, he stated his intention of proceeding to Monterey, California, & from thence with a party of five or six Americans, up the coast to Astoria, mouth of the Columbia river & across the mountains home to the United States, expecting to reach here this last spring. If he is not in Santa Fè will you oblige us, by forwarding the letter & address to our consul at Monterey, requesting him (the consul) at the same time, to communicate to his friends in the U . S. any information he may be able to obtain respecting his whereabouts. W i l l you, also Sir at your earliest convenience, write to the address annexed, any information you can obtain with regard to him, & acknowledging the rec't of this letter. Being aware of the disturbed state of affairs in Central America, his friends are naturally very anxious about him, & by attending to the above requests, as soon as may be you will confer a lasting favor, upon many. Very Respy Y r ob't sv't Geo. H . Lyman T o the American Consul Santa Fè Address Geo. Hinckley Lyman—Northampton Massachusetts. United States of America. \Cover is addressed: T o the American Consul at Monterey, Upper California. V i a Vera Cruz. It bears notation: Rec'd April 1844.]

[>99} [FRANCISCO D Í A Z TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K 1 N .

1:341.]

S. Juan 13 de Obre de 1842 S. D. Tomas O Largin Muy Sor mió Í^EMITO á V. con el Sor. Arana 6 fanegas frijol y 8 idm de mais un costal de papas y un barril de infurtidos; cueros no ba mas qc uno la razón pa qc he mandado una carreta á los ranchos pa qí me los traigan y ha buelto basia. La papa si V. gusta tomarla bien y si no espero me la guarde hasta qc lio baila. Soy de V. Su afmo qí S. M. B. Feo Dias [Rubric]

[TALBOT H . G R E E N T O W I L L I A M M A T T H E W S .

1:343.]

Gilroys 15th October [1842] Mr William Mathews Sir ' Y o u will receive pr Julian Contura 40 fanagas wheat for T O Larkin which you will Grind as soon as possible. Also send back the bags as I want them for more wheat. T H Green

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[ 3 oo ]

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 = 344.]

Santa Barbara, October 22d 1842 Mr Thomas O . Larkin My dear Sir

I WRITE you this letter, only for the purpose of affording you proof, that I still continue to breathe and have a living, tho I must say, that respiration is difficult and life almost insupportable. I have been suffering for the past month with a most violent attack of the dispepsia, which has quite unfitted me for society and made it a very burthen to live. Added to this, every thing is going wrong in this miserable corner of the world. What miserable business, some of us are doing, what gloomy prospects ahead. The Fama obliged to return to the Islands with a paltry Cargo of Lumber, instead of thirty thusnd hides, which she ought to have had, had there been any honesty amongst the people of California. As for myself, for the schoones cargo, I have receved One hundred hides, and no more, tho' at this moment thaer is due, over three thousnd, solmenly pledged to have been paid this year; I am quite discoraged; gods! What wuld tempt me to bring an other cargo this miserable land of rogues and cheats; nothing short of a security for eternal salvation. I am so poor, that it is with difficulty I can get the where with all to procure sufficient to sustain myself and family; if there was any alms house here, I should make application to be admited as a pauper. There is no news whatever at this part of the Coast. The new General has not yet reached this place, tho we have been expecting him here the last fortnight; report says he left the Angelos on the 17th and that he will be here on the 24th with all his ragamuffin troops; I hope to God they will be swallowed up by a flood or an earth quacke before they shall have been permited to enter the Pueblo of Santa Barbara. From all accounts the General is a mild, affable and apparntly, well disposd man, but devoid of all energy, stability, force, or resolution, the very last man that should have been sent to guide the destinies of California; he appears to be very fickle, and very undecided in his movments, and if reports speaks true, not over

[ 3 0 .

]

stocked with the one indispensable requisite to make a good Soldier. The troops, you have already receved a sample of by the California, they consist of a body of leperos and laddrones, and I am told, with a fiew exceptions, wretched and miserable as are the soldiers, their officers, if there can be any beings more loathsome and dispicable, they are so. W h a t a prospect for California, after the introduction of such a body of felons ; it is intended, no doubt, to be made the Botany Bay of Mexico. If there was a speck of courage or of moral honesty in the Californians, they would rise en massé and drive these wretches from their shores; but no, these pusilanimous souls quail at the very thought, and without a murmur they will no doubt, suffer themselves to be ridden over and ridden down by this and fresh importation from the great resavoir in Mexico till they will scarcely dare to peep about themselves, to ascertain wether they really have an actual existence. The people are proposing here to give the General a ball soon after his arrival. It will be at M r Thompsons, but not intended to be very splended. There is not the means to get up anything very nice or extra. There is also a great want of females for a dance. It will probably cost about 350 Dollars, all in Cash. W h a t think of the Capital being established at the town of Angels. No such thing, the General quits that place in disgust and talks of Santa Barbara for the seat of Government, than which, there could be no more appropriate place, but no, dont be alarmed; treat His Excellency well at your place, and m y word for it, there will still be the Capital. A little Soap and a fiew Shin[M5. torn] will without much difficulty brng h i m to a permanent halt in the good town of Monterry. I want you to let me have one of those wax figiures of the great Horse to send to Boston by the Alert, also if you have it, one of the engravings of the same, as it stands in the Capital. If you have thus to spare I shall be obliged to you indeed, and you can send it by the Schooner. I hope Mrs Larkin will return safe and with improved health, and that yourslf as usual are sailing arond with a fair wind and tide. Do let me hear from you soon. Very truly yours J. C. Jones

-[302] [RAFAEL VILLAVICENCIO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 4 6 . ]

Rancho de Sn Geronimo Octr 24 de/42 Sor. D. Tomas O Larkin Muy Señor mió

L h Suplico a V me haga el favor de dar al portador de esto cinco varas de Indiana y cinco de Manta y al otro Indio que va con el le dara V cinco varas de Manta. De lo que V me dice de los treinta cueros yo considero de que están pagados al Señor Robinson pues dicho Señor me pidió una livranza para Sn Pedro y yo se la di y me dijo que con esto quedaba yo amano con V . El recibo no se lo mando a V por que hasta ahora no la tengo. De las papas que V me pide le digo a V que tengo cosa de cien arrobas y si acaso no hay algún buque que las reciba aqui yo se las llevaré por tierra. Con el portador de esto me hara V el favor de mandarme cuatro libras de plomo y no ofreciendose otra cosa por ahora Manda V a su muy affmo y Segro Seror Qw Atte S M B Rafael Villa [Rubric]

[JOSEPH BOWLES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 4 7 - ]

Sta Barbara Oct 28th 42 Dear sir

I TAKE this opurtunity of requesting you to do me the favour of getting george alien to make out my claims on mexico and be kind enough to put Him in the way of doing it in a proper manner as it will save me the trouble of sending out from the united states for them and get them sighned by the alcaldi if you think it is nescesary also by other witnesses

[ 3°3 ] which you think fit and despatch them the first oppurtunity and direct them to me on board ship alert. If you will attend to it on the receipt of these lines you will confer a favour on your OBt Servant J Bowles P. S. You will be kind enough to give me your advice How i shall proceed on my arrival. We have it reported Here that a frigate is Here. If you can send me an answer Before the last of decrmbr to San Diego. If not to direct it to Boston the first opportunity. Give my best respects wm anderson and tell Him that taffy is Here in the Brigg charto and tells me that Jack died[ ?] a few daye After we left. Joseph Bowles

[TALBOT H. GREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 0 . ]

Gilroys [October, 1842.] Mr T O Larkin Sir j A . n t o n i o G e r m a n says he owes Bowels but 24$ which amont he agreed to pay you for Bowles before witness but would not give a paper. I have seen him since his return from Montereey. He says he called to see you but you was not at home. I wrote you to send bill out with his 2 carts. Please send him as soon as possible as I cant get carts here. Yours

T H Green Mr W T Faxon Dear Sir You will much oblige me by sending one lb good Tobacco by Bill for me. T H Green

[3o4} [THOMAS CUMMINS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 4 8 . ]

Yerba Beuno [October, 1842.] Mr Larkin Dear Sir

I

arived

here after a very pleasent ride of five days through a

beautiful country. This Yearba Bouna is truly a dull place. You think Mountarey is dull for trade but here business is allamost dead. Still I pass the time away pretty well as my health has been pretty good, in consequence of the weath been verry fine every since I arived here. M r Farwell health is pretty good except his Eye which is still very bad and is the reason why he did not write to you. There is two whale Ships at whalers harbour the George N y e of N e w Bedford and a Bramin Ship. A Small Schooner arived here the other day from the Origon. She is caled the Star of Origon about 20 tons and for Sale. Have the goodness to send my two Trunks and Desk by the first good opertunity. I hope Mrs Larkin has gon with Mrs Paty for I think she will enjoy herself. Yours Thos Cummins I shall start for Sonono in a few days.

[JAMES FOWLE BALDWIN MARSHALL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I ¡3 5 1 . ]

Honolulu November i , 1 8 4 2 M r Thomas O. Larkin Dear Sir ' J . HE Brig Joseph Peabody sails for your port in a few days & I embrace the opportunity to drop you a line, though nothing of interest has occured since our last.

[ 3°5 ] I have been hoping to hear from you before this but have as yet been disappointed. We are expecting the Brig Bolivar down soon. Mrs. Nye arrived here in the Brig Sarah Abigail & is to remain here until her husband arrives. Mr Richards & Haalilio have gone on an embassy to the Courts of England, France & Russia; their object is said to be to obtain some reciprocal treaty from these powers, that this Government may feel that it rests on a firm footing. When the Schr arrived at Mazatlan she was seized, & it was only by displaying their Credentials to the Governor there, that the Schr was released. The Whale Ship George, was observed off the weather side of this Island last week in distress. The Missionaries went off to her, and found the Captain and five men dead with the Scurvy & the rest of the officers & crew disabled, by the disease from managing the ship. The Missionaries anchored the ship, & sent over here for the Dr. & a crew. Capt Cash who was wrecked at Kauai, in the "Jefferson" went over, and took command of her, & will probably take her home. She came into harbor yesterday. Business is dull, tho' at present there is a large fleet of whalers in port. We are looking for the " W m Gray" every moment. Our last dates from home by the "Shaw" are July 29th. Mr Johnson had arrived at home, and was enjoying himself highly. The Boundary Question was settled as you probably will have learned before this reaches you. No prospect of a war, excepting perhaps a slight chance of one with Mexico. Please remember me to my friends at Monterey, 81 believe me Yours truly Jas F. B. Marshall

[

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[HENRY DELANO FITCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 2 . ]

Sn. Frano. Novr. 3 d 1842 Mr. T . O. Larkin Dear Sir

^ i o u R S by the Currier sent by Comr. Jones has been received. I have presented the orders on Messrs Hinkley & Spear, but do not expect to get any thing from them. I expect to sail for Monterrey in about 5 days in the Brig Primavera, and am in hopes that you will have my soap ready as I wish to take it to the leward. Capt Chiene of the Primavera wishes for a few spars for to take to Mazatlan, if you can have them ready, small ones for small craft and two Topmasts for his Brig which is about the size of the Catalina. I have no time to go on board to ask the size as I am in a and the currier is waiting. Your in Haste H . D. Fitch [Rubric]

[WILLIAM FRENCH TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 9 8 . ]

Honolulu, Nov 3d 1842 Capt. John R . Cooper Monteray Dear Sir

T h e Boy Guadaloupe you left with me being very desirous of returning to California, I have procured for him a passage in the Brig Peabody Capt. Dominis, who willing consents to take him. Mr. Johnson his School-master advises me to send him. He has made good progress in learning English, but requires a strict master.

{307} You will please remit me balance due for his expenses here in California Soap—say 8 months, at the rate of $ 1 0 0 pr year is received as above

$66.66 50.00 $16.66

I remain Dear Sir Yours respectfully William French [Rubric]

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 3 . ]

Oahu Nov 3rd 1842 T O Larkin Montery Cala Sir

I MUST refer you to Capt Dominis for News—we have heard of the arrival of your New General & his troops. I have no time to give you particulars. We have receivd letters to July 9th & 26th by way of Mexico—the Eastern Boundary was Settled—Uncle Sam did not get so good a bargain as the King of Holland gave but it is Settled. Business awful every one taking benefit of the Bankrupt Law—no confidence in any one. James T . Read & Co. had failed for only the trifling amount of 1,000,000!!! Only I have never witnessed so dull a year, as the present, at Sandwich Islands —we have had many whale ships but business is nothing. If you have sold off the small Invoice I consigned to you by our mutual friend J R Cooper—please send me the proceeds by some of the vessels

[

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bound here. If not sold I wish it closed for what it will bring—and not have a long tail! I send all the Newspapers I have—very few. Wishing you every good wish I remn Your obt Svt Stephen Reynolds

[JUAN BAUTISTA ALVARADO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 4 . ]

Alizal Novr« 4 de 1 8 4 2 Sr Dn Tomas O. Larkin Mi estimado amigo

L h

suplico a V . me haga favor de facilitar á mi familia alguna

cosa que necesite y mande pedir a V . Esto le agradecera mucho su affmo Seror J . B. Alvarádo [Rubric]

[CURTIS CLAP TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 6 . ]

San Francisco Nov 4 / 1 8 4 2 T . O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir

T„. HE bearer of this will delivr you a package of letters for Como-

dore Jones, which you will please give him a receipt for.

He will also bring back the answer from the Comodore. We leave here next week for Montery. All quiet at present. I rem. Your Mo. Obt. St Curtis Clap

[ 3°9 } [ESTEBAN MUNRÁS TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. I ¡ 9 9 . ]

Monterey N bre 4 de 1842

Dn Juan R . Cuper

Debe Haber

á Esteban Munras 1836

1836

Agto

pr balor de una escopeta rompida 8.0 Jabón 4.0

S bre

Id a barios pr su orden

Nfcre

cierra á 1 0 rí 3.0

A Borunda efectos pr efectos a un Indio

5.0

pr su orden D bre

Pr 4 reses pr el cuero y 6 r* mas cada una 11. o Pr balor de 9 rc alsados ala 11.2

Pr 100 p5 qe abona Marcos Wat carpintero

100.0

10.0

A Sotelo 400 Pistones ó Capas 2.0 1 Cordobán y 4 VÍ maon 6.4 15 VJ manta Bca y 4 vs Listón N . 10.5 Suela un dedal lio y Jabón 2.7 Pr balor de un Rifle 100. o 152.0

122.2 7 Galls molasses 7.0 i ps Indinia

16.0

$23.0 145.2

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]

[PEIRCE & BREWER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 5 ' ]

Honolulu Nov 4. 1 8 4 2 Thos. O. Larkin. Esqr Dear Sir

I F you have not previously sent to us the amount of the draft, you collected against the Governt. on our account, please forward it by Capt. Dominis, and take a bill of lading for the Same. Hoping to hear from you soon we remain Y r . Obdt. Servts Peirce & Brewer [Rubric] P. S. Just say to Capt. Cooper I reed his letter from Mazatlan, and was much obliged to him—will write him soon.

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 7 - ]

Santa Barbara Nov 5, 1 8 4 2 My dear Sir

^ ( o u r letter of 25th October with copys of documents 8tc was recevd on the 3d of the present month; I am very much obliged to you for your trouble in sending copys of those documents and for your discription of events that have transpired since the arrival of the American Squadron at Monterrey. I have a wish to write you at length on the subject of those events at this time; must delay it for the present, for I am at this moment most busily engaged preparing letters for the United States to go by Mazatlan per Trinedad. I can only say that the taking of Monterey by Comd. Jones, without any orders, on the mere supposition, that a war existed between the U States

[ 3 »] and Mexico, is a proceeding, so stange & so unaccountable, that the more I think of it, the more I am puzzled to reconsile it with the act of any one but that of a mad man. What will be the effect, God only knows. For my own part, I apprehend the worst consequences; the American interest in this Coast and in Mexico, will have received a shock from which it will take years to recover, and her Character, which God knows, has always been quite low enough, in the estimation of the Mexicans will, if possible, sink lower, even into perfect insignificance. Since the surrender of Monterry, (in consequence of an article in the gazette, eminating from the printing press of the enemy, declaring that difficulties had been amicably arranged) I have drawn my head within my shell, and sneak about like a condemned criminal. The people here cannot be convinced that all is settled; they think the surrender of Monterry only a sham, for some purpose yet unknown but that the stripes will soon be posited again when the people may least suspect it. The only hope I have, is, that all is not amicably settled, but that after the reception of the insulting letter to Mr Webster, the U States will consider it, as it actually is, a decliration of war on the part of Mexico, and that eir this, hostilities have actually commenced. The Commodore, I hope, will not leave the Coast, without the protection of one of the national vessels. We have sent him a petition to that effect from this place, and I hope you will use every exertion to induce him so to do. For my own part I do not think the lives or the property of our countrymen will be safe should the Coast be left with [out] a ship of war. The Character and feelings of the new General is not yet known. We know not, but he may let loose, his army of Cut throats and robbers, (in retaliation for the insult this territory has received) to plunder the property and sacrifice the lives of our defenceless countrymen. The General has returned with his forces, to the Angelos, there to wait the appearance of the Commodore to give satisfaction to the insult offerd the Mexican flag. The Commodore wrote him, to know where, and when he should have the honour to meet him. He has appointed his head Quaters at the Angelos; can it be possible that the Commodore will go there to meet him ? Forbid it, O ye Gods! let us not sink at once into utter insignificance. Do keep me ad-

[ 3" } vised of affairs at the North; no body else in your port even thinks of writing. I have sent by Tasso to your care, a letter to M r Thompson. I want, if possible, he should get it, in time for him to write by Cyane to the Islands, but I cannot pay expense of courrier—do get it to him as soon as possible; I enclose to you some letters for Oahu. If the Cyane has not sailed, do oblige me by giving them to Captain Stribling. In much haste Very truly yours J C Jones Don T . O. Larkin

[EDWARD L. STETSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 8 . ]

Honolulu Nov 5 th 1 8 4 2 T O. Larkin Esqr. Dear Sir

I

HAVE

merely time to drop you a line or two befor the Brig sails,

to reassure you I have not forgotten the many kindnesses I reed from your hands while on California. I was sure untill jist at this moment that there was a Barrel of Sweet Potatoes on board the Brig for you as I orderd 2 to be sent one for you 8c the other for Jose Abrigo: but I find there is only one but please explain the circumstances to him & say to him to let you have some of them as I have not time to send for another one. Per next opportunity I will send you both a Barrel each. Should you have any letters for me that were sent in pr Capt Cooper, please deliver them to Capt Dominus, if they have not already been sent by some other Vessel. With my regards to Mrs L. & to all others of my friends on the Coast, I subscribe myself, Yours Respectfully Edw. L. Stetson [Rubric] P. S. I shall visit your quarter before long, if nothing turns up more than I anticipate now.

T

J ' J )

[HENRY LA REINTRIE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 5 9 . ]

[Nov. 6/42] Mr Larkin Dear Sir

T h e Como has directed me to say to you that his answer will be ready for the courier at xo. oclock tomorrow morning. The Yorktown will remain a short time longer at San Francisco. Things are quiet in that quarter. [Henry La Reintrie]

[MARIANO MACARIO CASTRO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 0 . ]

S Juan Battista Nc 7 d 842 Sr. D. Tomas Larkin Muy Sor mió y amigo

S A L U D O a V estrecha y afectuosamte manifestando á este tpo. a birtud délo ablado sobre los acredores de mi fiado, que sé que en esta fha. sale D. Pepe Dias con carga á ese punto y como deva allanarse su trato, de la clase de principiante, y aliarse este ligado a mi responsabilidad con V., sé también qe le ba a dar otro enagenamfo á su carga y con este motibo le informo pa qe V le caiga atiempo y qe abone como es mas justo ala comp.a Asimismo que estando pendente del mismo modo el otro individuo Cheques Vonce espero me escriba requiriendome pr una carta dura, y hacerles yo ecsigentemtí mi recombension; como también, me diga V . si mi compí Brava le entrgo algún tanto de la carga qe llevo, y délo contrario credo no omitir V la prevención qe le ago siendo de la mayor egecusion.

En otro concepto ablo a V . qe como V save qe no he quedado en lo

[

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particular nunca mal con mis tratos con V . le propongo qe si tiene aguardiente de Uba o catalan me remita con el mismo D Pepe un Barril diciéndome su valor p a. satisfacérselo en el mismo concepto ablado. Y Disponga V . como amigo de su mas apacionado Servor Q S M B . Mariano Castro [Rubric]

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I : IOO.]

Monterey, November 7th 1842

f ^ > R value received I promise to pay Mr. Thomas O. Larkin or order, five hundred dollars, three months after this date. Cash

John Paty [Rubric]

Copy of the original sent this date, December the 20th to Peirce & Brewer, per Ship Fama, Capt. Hoyer. George W . Allen [Rubric] [On reverse: Pay to Peirce & Brewer or order. Monterey Deer. 20—1842. Thomas O. Larkin (Rubric).]

[NATHAN SPEAR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 2 . ]

San Francisco Novr 8th/42 Mr. T . O Larkin Sir

" Y o u r s of the ist of this month is before me & in answer say that If I can get any one to take flour or potatoes on freight I could send a large

[

3>5

]

lot of each but could not take lumber in payment but should like to send the things on a/c of the amt. I owe you for. I cannot get hides or tallow. The people think or seem to think that the fact of the U. S flag beinge hoisted in California has cancled all debts. I have on hande now 200 @ potatoes & 190 @ flour & a good quantity of wheat & can make 40 @ pr day of flour. At present we grind about 28 @ pr day. I have ground wheat that turned out 4V2 @ pr fngr. I will write again soon. In haset. Yours &c. N . Spear

[NATHAN SPEAR TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 3 . ]

6 odock P. M. Novr. 8th 1842 T O. Larkin Esqr My dear Sir

C A P T CHEINE will stop till tomorrow & he will take on board 6 bgs of flour for you weighing fourty seven arrobes. You will pay the frieght & I shall charge you one dollar & a half for 25 lbs. our weight and I wish to have credit on the amt. I owe you. The price of the bags will be one dollar each. 6 bgs $6. If you want potatoes send old bgs. I shall probabley have a thousand @ to dispose of. Nathan Spear For news ask Capt Cheine. N . S. 47 @ flour 6 bgs

$76.50 6.00 $82.50

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[MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO TO JOsé DE JESUS VALLEJO. 1 : 3 6 1 . ]

Comanda de la linea militar desde Sonoma a Santa Ynes Sonoma N í 8. 1842

H OY a las dose de la noche recibí pr un correo del Sur la comunicación siguiente del Sr Comanda General su fecha 6 de Octe pp.do "Comvencido como le estoy de la honrrades, patriotismo, amor al horden publico y al pais, asi como informado pr la voz general de la esactitud en el cumplimento de sus deberes militares y usando de las amplias facultades con q. habra V . visto se ha servido honrrarme el Gobierno Supremo, lo nombro á V Gefe de la linea militar comprenciva desde Sonoma hasta Santa Ynes, fiado en que V . transcrivirá esta horden á todos los Gefes militares y siviles de la comprehencion indicada pa su inteligencia y reconocimto, y de q. seguirá conservando el orden y la paz interior y precavera cualquiera agredón estrangera, de acuerdo con el E. S. Gobernador interino D. Juan B. Alvarado, á quien con esta fecha transcribo esta nota; pidiéndome hambos los auxilios q. puedan necesitar de armamento municiones ó fuerza armada de hombres Ínterin nos vemos en Monterrey para donde marchare muy breve hantes q. se entablen las aguas, y endonde espero hallar á V . píi q. convinemos todo lo relativo al servicio nacional, asi como al arreglo y rremedio posible de los males q. padescan las tropas. Nada tengo que encargar á un tan antiguo como buen Soldado cual es V . y descansando en su celo no me resta sino reproducirle las consideraciones mas esprecivas con que tengo la honrra de ditinguirlo." Y lo transcribo á V . para su inteligencia y de mas fines obsequiando el deseo q. S. E. manifiesta en la comunicación preinserta. Dios y Lib,d Mno G. Vallejo [Rubric] Señor Comande del punto de San José

(317) [WILLIAM S T U R G I S H I N C K L E Y T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 6 4 . ]

Yerba Buena Novr 1 5 , 1 8 4 2 Dear Sir

I

r e c e i v e d

your order in favor of Capt Fitch and was to put the

hides on board the California. She sails tomorrow some time before it was anticipated & I am afraid the Launch will not arrive in time. Ridley is away after a load of hides &c. & of them I intended to close the account. He may get here in time yet. There is nothing new in this quarter. We are all waiting anxiously for some notices from Monterey. The correo arrived after a long time. I beleive he lost his horses. What are you doing with Di Bale; it is high time he got back to his farm. With my respects to Mrs Larkin I remain Your Obt Svt Hinckley [Rubric]

[ N A T H A N S P E A R TO THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 6 5 . ]

Yerba Buena 1 5 th Novr 1 8 4 2 M r T . O. Larkin My dear Sir

I

WROTE

you some time since

8t

sent

6

bgs of flour by Brig

Primaveria. I have now on hande about 600 a of potatoes & would send you a lot by the Ship California but not having bags to put them into Capt A. will not take them. Send word how meny you want & how much you will pay for an @ here, & if you can send bags to put them into it will be all the better for you. I shall be able to send you as much flour as you want for cash or U. S. bills or hides at cash prices. If Capt Cooper pays you on

[J'« ] my a/c $ 2 0 0 all well. If not I will send flour if wished. I will soon be able to make 40 @s pr day. Howard has left the California & I think he has done as a man should who has a proper share of self respect. Yours N. Spear [Rubric] If those are men of war folks should come this way just say go and see if Spear has any taters & other odd things to eat.

[THEODORE CORDUA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 6 . ]

Yerba Buena the 16 Novbr 1842 Thomas O Larkin Esqr at Monterey Dear Sir your Ct-Cort I found that I was charged with 1 botl Agua Ardiente $1.4, which I received; but immediatly returned, because I send for Rum, for my foot, which you not had. The 24 hides from Mr. Skinlok you please to deliver to the Ship Burnstable for me account. I hope you have received my Saddle and bridle & from Mr. Eagle and have paid him for it $ 1 5 . You will be so kind to send me the Saddle & so soon as posible. Here in the Bay of Sant. francisco is no news. I remain your most obt servant Th Cordua [Rubric] OVERLOOKING

[ 3>9 } [NICHOLAS AUGUSTUS DEN T O T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 7 . ]

Sta Barbara 17th Nov 1842 Tomas O Larkin Esqr Dear Sir

^^OUR letter of the 2nd Inst I received on the night of the 8th, with an inclosed for our Señor Obispo, which letter I delivered him personally, the next morning, and got treee the same day, but no oppertunity offering of sending them to you, by the common mode of conveiance, and having no instructions from you to send a special messenger, I have therefore kept them untill now in my charge, although fearing they will not get to Monterey, before the prohibited time of marrage commences, so if such is the case you have no one to blame but your good self, for not writing me how to act. With regard to the second part of your letter I beg to say, that I have wrote you acknowledging the receipt of Lumber three different times, and the last time I was not here but Captn Stokes told me that he wrote you in my name. I shall feel much obliged to you if the next oppertunity you will send me, our act currant and see how we stand. Pablo Noriega arrived here, on the 14th Inst and by what I can understand things are nearly alike, below as well as above. Write me a long letter by the first safe oppertunity and I will write you in return, one twice as long. In the mane time believe me yours 8ic &c. N A Den [Rubric]

[ 320 ] [HENRY DELANO FITCH TO JAMES MCKINLAY. I MO I.]

Monterrey Novr 17th 1 8 4 2 Mr. J. Makenlay Dear Sir I

ENCLOSE you a document which I got from Capt Chiene by which

you will see what he will do &c and I do not think that any thing can be fairer on his part. At all events I should advise purchasing all up possible. There are no potatoes here. I have not been able to get any lumber here. Juan Ricardo I have not been able to see; his Brother has been very badly wounded by the Indians, and is in the woods at the point of death. I forget to send my mother in law her bill and therfore I send it back again. I dont know I forgot to send it. I wrote her by Sherback that I had enclosed it to her. I send you by the Tasso 30 Crates of Panocha, and 20 boxes of Soap containing 8274 cakes. I hope that you will endeavour to have some lumber together by the time that Capt Chiene gets his vessel here but it must not be in Sta. Cruz. He talks of sending a vessel back again in may. If lumber answers then we can ship it in Sta. Cruz. Dye still insists that he is to pay in lumber, and says that you cannot say to the contrary. I have received some hides from Mr. Watson which he had on deposit. I have bought 3 large casks from Abrigo for to put Argte. in. I shall take or have sent in the Cala. some goods to los Angeles. I shall likewise have some soap taken down. The soap I send you is partly from Larking and partly from Stokes and I think it will be as well to have some of them counted to see if they are right. The 1 4 large boxes are from Larkin and the 6 small ones from Stokes. I likewise send you 20 ps of Merenaque as it will be some time before it would be sold here. I have directed that Box J T #9, and J T #6 should be sent on board of the California to los Angels to sell for Argte. likewise 10 crates of Panocha. According to account there ought to be 20 crates of Panocha remaining in Larkin's House which I shall direct him to sell, if possible. I think we ought to have purchased Mr. Teals invoice; he is selling here for cash at a great rate and will make a much better thing of it than by

[ 321 ] — haveing sold out to us. Plenty of cash here now. Mr. Everett has been very kind to me in his offers; he has offered to take the 4 0 0 hides that I have in Sn Frano and give me an order for as many more in Sn. Diego, which was more than Arther would do, as he would not take them on board without I would agree to let him have them on account. I have delivered Everett about 3 50 hides here on our account, and am in hopes that you will make th[M5. torn] up that we owe him for act. of [M5. torn] Nymph, 2d Expn and what we borrowed last Feby[ ?] in Sn Diego. W e sail this evening for Sta. Barbara. I remain Yours in haste H . D. Fitch [Rubric] P. S. I have thought it best to keep the original of Capt Chiene' obligation in case we may make some other arrangements. I intended at first to hav cent it.

[MARÍA DOLORES VASQUEZ TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 6 8 . ]

Bergeles Now 17 de 1842 Sor. Dn Tomas O . Larkin My apreciable Sor.

E l

15 del corriente que salió de aqui Dn Joaquin, me dejo dicho

que si llegaba el caso que V mandara por algún ganado le contestará á V . que se le podian remitir a V á la mayor vrebedad (100) cien reses; pero que estas habían de ser al precio diez p5 y en plata. Si conbiniere V en esto puede V . contestar cuando guste. Hagame V fabor de remitirme en la primera oportunidad una libra de hilo cargandola á cuenta de Dn Joaquin. Su afma S Q B S M . Maria Dolores Vasquez [Rubric]

[322 } [THOMAS CUMMINS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 7 7 - ]

[November, 1842.] Mr Thomas O Larkin Dear Sir

the Don Quixote or Fama be comeing this way I will thank you to send my Desk Hat and Bottle Basket in charge of Captains Paty or Hoyer. If Mr. Shard has left a pair of Pistols with you have the goodness to pay the cost on Them and I will Sittle with you for the Same. I find Land very hard to be had I not bein a Citazen & I have done nothing as yet. Give my respects to Mrs Larkin. Yours SHOULD

Thomas Cummins

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSEPH OLIVER CARTER. COPY. 1 : 3 7 0 . ]

Mont. Nov 18—1842 Mr J. O. Carter Sir "^^OURS invoice of goods for Schooner California have been received. In your letter you said I could sell them off by .auction, if I could not meet a quick Sale otherwise. Had I done so they would hardly have paid duties & Expences by the sale. I have bartered off many of these goods, on a credit payable next Summer, and have Some on hand. You must not expect to make any thing by the Shipment when the years use of the money is considred. You can not realilize before Oct or Nov. 1842. My trade is mostly for other produce than hides & tallow. In this way has some of your goods been disposed of. I should prefered that so had not

_[ 323] been sent here, as I was much pushed to raised the cash for the duties, having the whole amt. to pay in cash or hides at 1 2 Rial, as the amt was under 6000$. Had the draft of Peirce & Brewer not come on at the time, I could have paid a part of the duties in goods. You requested information respecting your coming to this Coast the Spring of 43. I should not advise it. There are too many goods now on hand, and the payment of debts are horrible. It appears if every one had come to a conclusion that it was not necessary to pay old debts. The Frigate is suddenly ordered to Oahu, and I am very busy. You will here from the officers here of the turn up here. By the Fama that leaves in 4 weeks I will write again.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO STEPHEN REYNOLDS. COPY. 1 : 3 7 1 . ]

Mont. Nov 18, 1842 Mr Stephen Reynolds Sir

J . HE Frigate United States has been here a month, the why & the whereof you will here from the Officers—and I refer you to a letter of mine to Mess Marshall & Johnson for the particulars. The Frigate is suddenly ordered to Oahu. I am very busy about her supplies. Also am making a dance this Evenig to the Officers, and woke up with a stiff neck this mornig, so can write but little. I should have done well by the visit of the U. S. had she staid as the Com. informed me he would. I have now 800$ to 1000$ worth of Potatoes & other perishable produce left on my hand with no certain sale. Your invoice of goods pr Schooner C. I rec'd. I am very sorry they were Sent. I had to pay Cash for the duties for which purpose I sold hides at 1 2 Rials—many of the Prints I have sold at about four rials pr yd. payabl next year. If I had kept them untill 43, I should then had to sold them on 1 2 mos cr.

- [ 324 ] I should think you would lose 10 pr ct by the Shipment. By the Fama I will write more in full. Mr Cummings is at San F. While he remand at my house he inproved very much in streng & heath. He writes me is health is still improving, that he has not picked out a Rancho as yet. The new arrivals here and the late tranactions, will keep him & Mr Grimes at a stand respecting taking land for the present. They also wait the arrival of the new General to know the last constitution of Mexico. When Mr Cummigs was here he told me that he had a large watch dog at his place in Oahu, and that he would write on by the Fama to have him sent here as he did not care much about him. If you can get him and send him to me before Mr C. goes there you will oblige me. I think Mr Cummigs will go by the D. Queote. Should he want funds frome me or Cattle if I can get them he shall have him—on your a/c as you requested.

[THOMAS AP C A T E S B Y JONES T O THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 6 9 . ]

Friday Novr 18th 1842

(COMMODORE Jones presents his compliments to Mr Larkin, and begs leave to say that the state of his health, as also his many engagements at present preclude the possibility of his waiting upon Mr Larkin this evening, whose polite invitation Como Jones would otherwise accept with pleasure. Flag Ship U. States

[ 3*5] [ WILLIAM EDWARD PETTY HARTNELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 7 2 . ]

Patrocinio 18 Novr. 1842 Mr. T . O. Larkin

I

send

you

19

fine cows; the twentieth ran away. Yours W . E. P. H [Rubric]

[WILLIAM DICKEY TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 3 7 ? . ]

New Helvetia Nov 20th 1842 Capt Cooper Dear Sir

I H A V E examined the lands laying on the Mekaleme & Cosima Rivers & am satisfied that two good farms might be made on the latter river that would not be seriously affected by high water. The proposition which you made to me when I was in Monterrey respecting the lands I am willing to comply with & the Bearer of this Mr. Fluggy who is desposed to join me in the settlement of it will give you a correct statement & at the same time a more satesfactory descrption of the place than I could possibly do in witing. He will also enter into arrangements with you respecting the same. Your obdt. humble Servt.

W m Dickey

[326] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO PEIRCE & BREWER. COPY. 1 : 3 7 4 . ]

Monterey Novr 20—1842 Mess Peirce & Brewer Gent.

M R. PEIRCE left in Mr. David Spence's hand my note for about 2800$. I hold Mr. Peirce's receipts for near this amount, having paid him eight months before the note was due. You will please request Mr. Spence to accept these receipts as far as they will go & allow me to lift my note. The duties or half of the duties of the goods sent from your port to this in the Schooner California was passed over to me payable in Deer. next. To secure your draft no interest was allowed and the draft in being five days sight and even the Oahu expences was all disliked by the Govr. I hold Messrs. Paty & Co. receipt for seven hundred dollars (cash) delivered Captn Paty for you. When I delivered it I supposed he would sail first. I also hold his note for five hundred dollars cash, being his part of the duties; per your directions, I have advanced Mr. Avis one hundred. He was asked 25 pr ct. as the money was yours I could not ask any advance on it. The ballance of the cash for the draft I will send in cash by the Frigate or the Fama. I hold A. B. Thompson's receipt for five hundred bullocks hides (500) freight paid by me. These go to you in the Fama being on account of trade between Mr. Peirce and myself. I enclose copies of Messrs. Avis, Paty and Thompson's receipts. I am Yrs. &c.

[3^7] [ALPHEUS BASIL THOMPSON TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 2 7 - ]

Capt. J. B. R . Cooper T o A. B. Thompson

Dr.

1842 Jany. $ 3.0 9- To 1. fga. Salt. a Feby. 29. 24. vs. Lace, delv'd Mrs. Cooper. 18.0 it Mch. 11 Amt. cred'd Mrs. Cooper, (2 pr Shoes) 6.0 a Jany. 2. ps. Brn. Cotton $28.0 1 ps. 7Prints $18.0 46.0 u June 16 2. fgas. Corn (cash) 8.0 ti Oct. 25. 5. lbs. Tea 12.4 6. Red Shirts 18.0 30.4 tt 1. Bag 2 @ Brn. Sugar 10.0 tt Novr. 24 1. @ White Sugar 7.0

$128.4

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO FRANCISCO péREZ PACHECO. 1 : 3 7 5 . ]

Monterey 26 de Nov 1842 Sr. D. Franco Pacheco ÜÜ/N la carta que recibió de V me aviso que todavía estaba V esperando á el jabonero. V . Sabra que las aguas pronto impidiran la venida de sus carretas, y Entonces V no puede mandar el jabón este año. Ya no toma los reses que le dixe que tomaba si habia venta por ellos. La cantidad que V me esta debiendo es pagadero este año, y como antes lo he dicho, si tengo que esperar hasta despues de las aguas de 1842 pidiere cueros en agosto de 1843 y por eso puede V gobernase en conformidad. Soy de V Signed Tomas O. Larkin [Rubric] A true Copy of letter Sent to Francisco Pacheco. Guillermo T . Faxon

[328] [ T H E O D O R E CORDUA T O T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N . 1 : 3 7 6 . ]

Yerba Buena November 27th 1 8 4 2 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr. Monterey Dear Sir

I JUST now have closed a lettre addressed to William French Esqr. Honolulu informing him of the manner in which I have disposed of those goods, which I had on commission from him and which are at present in your possession. Allow me herewith to request you to inform the above gentleman with the very first opportunity whether and how you have disposed of the goods and to make remittances to him if ever possible. With wishes for your health and happiness I remain with much respect Your obedient servant T h Cordua [Rubric] P. S. In case Mr. George Kinlock has delivered to you those twenty four Hides which he is owing me, I wish you to pay him $ 3 3 . 5 0 in Cash, and to deliver the above 24 Hides and thirteen Hides from José R . Estrada to Mr. H . Melius, Banstable. Mr. Davis will pay you $8.50 Cts to make up the balance.

[ E L I Z A B E T H G O D D A R D TO WILLIAM S. C H U R C H . JOHN G O D D A R D T O WILLIAM S. C H U R C H . II ¡ 2 6 2 . ]

Boston. November the 27 Dear Brother

JL WRITE a few lines' to let you no we are all well but Mr. Goddard has got a very bad cold. I have not much news to write you. M r Newel

[329} caled to see me an said you was a doing well. H e spoke verry highly of you. He said you never would come home until you got something before hand. I live in hopes to see you sometime. I expect Mother evry day. She is very lame. W e was a lone thanksgiving day. It was very stormy. W e had a large turkey an plumb pudding. I wished you was with us. Y o u must fill your bag with money an come home an get Married. W e have some rooms to let. Mary Goddard is a going to be Maried in Church in three weeks to a young man from charlestown. Sam. Goddard lives in our old house. I feel quite lonesome in a house all a lone. It is verry still. W e can only hear the wind blow. Y o u must excuse these [MS. torn\ lines as I have nothing interesting to write. Y o u must write to me evry chance you get an let me hear from you. This is the fifth letter I have wrote you. Your Mother feels verry anxious about you. Y o u must excuse this, from your affectionate Sister Elizabeth Goddard N o . 8 Hull st. Boston November 27th 1 8 4 2 I am aboute to wright a few lines to you. All i have to say is that I am Setled down in hull st. I have a small house with aboute 1 4 hundred feet of Land. There is aboute Seven Rooms with pump. It Cost twenty Five hundred Dollar 2500. I paid Down 1 4 5 0 Doll and six hundred dollars at Intrest which leaves about Four hundred and od Dollars to pay. So much for that. W e have a plenty of wig times here. Our Elections for 1 8 4 2 are abut over and most of the States in the union are goinn for the demmoc [MS. torn] Massatutetts besides president Harrison is ded. M[MS. iorn] Tyler takes the Chare and is a good man. I am at work to Harrises and price Reduced at 1 0 Shillings pr day. I often see Marsh and he always speekes about you. Chipman to and all others tha you Were acquainted with and therefore you must [MS. torn] as often as you Can. Y o u now I am tied down and if you dont get a letter In Evry ship [MS. torn] I Shall Write as often as I Can. This is the 5 letter [MS. torn] have Sent. There Was a Chap Who told T o m bo[MS. torn] that you wold do Well if you Stuck to your trade, his name was Neet. Benjamin gowen belongs to Engine N o . 1 5 , and most of the old members. Sterns dwoin[?] well. I have had a verry

[ 33° } bad Cold and Caugh but hope to get over it. M y hand trembles. I wish you Well and you must do the best you Can. Wile I Remain yor frend, John Goddard [Rubric]

[BENJAMIN PITMAN TO JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER. 1 : 1 0 3 . ]

Hilo Nov 27th 4 2 Capt John R . Cooper My Dear sir

I

HEARD from the Capt of this vessell of your arrival at Oahu. I

have writen you several times to California, on a/c of my shipment of Clothing Trunk, &c shipment by me and consingned to you in the Schooner Rover from China in the year 1 8 2 5 of which shipment I have never received a line from you. T h e amount of invoice you are well aware was $ 5 5 5 . 7 0 of which I rece'd from James P Sturgis $500.00. Y o u will do me a favour to forward an a/c of sale of the same and lett me know what become of the property from yours Truly, Benjn. Pitman I herewith send you a copy of the invoice of the above shipment. [Cover bears notes: Pr Schooner Victoria. Y r Son is in the hands of Johnson & is in good health. A.]

[ 33i ] [FRANCISCO PÉREZ PACHECO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 0 . ]

San Felipe Nbre, 30. de 1 8 4 2 Sor D. Tomas Larguin Muy Sor mió, y Amigo

T e n g o a la bista la apresiable, de V . de la que quedo enterado de su contenido. Sobre lo que V . me dise del jabón yo are cuanto pueda para mandar lo mas que pueda amigo. La falta del jabonero me ha echo el no aber mandado el jabón. De lo que V . me dise de los nobiyos que no los toma esta bueno. Y o contaba con aser ese abono mas pero esta bueno. Sobre el pago de nuestra cuenta yo dije a V . que lo que asta aqui debia a V . seria pagado en jabón y si despues yo me endrogaba en mas entonses seria el pago en los demás esquilmos, ó como nos conbinieramos. Soy de V . como siempre su afmo. y S. S. Franro Peres Pacheco [Rubric]

[HENRY DELANO FITCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 1 . ]

Sta. Barbara Deer 4th 1 8 4 2 Mr. T . O. Larkin Dear Sir

' J - h e enclosed I wish you to deliver as soon as convenient. I am sorry that you did not send the money by Capt. Arther as was agreed upon. I do not consider myself now bound to pay you for the lumber on account of Mackinlay. I do not wish now to take cash instead of Hides

[ 332 ] but am in hopes that you will be enabled to pay what Hides are due me over to the Tasso or California as I am actually in want of them. I shall try and get along up with my family as soon as possible. I wish you would try and find out if Alexander has reed, any cattle fron S. Vallejo on your act. Yours in haste H. D. Fitch [Rubric]

[THOMAS AP CATESBY JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 4 . ]

Monday Deer 5 th 1842 Mr. Larkin Dr Sir

W,

'ILL you and Capt Grayham come off this morning with Mr. Toler the bearer. I wish to see you two alone at present. Bring the general naration that has been drawn up by our suffering countrymen with you, without filling up the address. A boat will be on shore at eleven odock for all the claiments who may wish to come off. Respectfully & &. Thos ap C. Jones [Rubric] U. S. S. Cyane, Bay of Monterey

[ 333 ] [THOMAS O L I V E R L A R K I N T O P E I R C E & B R E W E R .

1:382.]

Copy Mont. Deer 5, 1842

E/NCLOSED

you will receive a Bill of Lading of Capt Dominus of

Brig Jos P. for a receipt of J. P. for money received for you

700.0

for a Draft of W . P. Avis on you

125.0

Cash

575-° 1400.0

which I remit to you on account of your Draft on the Gov of this Departmnt for $ under date This money the Gov. ordred to be paid me out of the dutis of the Schr C which was payable the first of this month. He would not allowed interst on the Draft, and wished me to inform you he would not be responsible for any more Drafts drawn on him. Capt John P. and Mr Cordua are now owing the ballance (as duties) due you which I shall send down by the Dn Q. or the Fama. T . O. L.

Copy Montery September 23d 1842 Received of Mr Thomas O. Larkin Seven hundred dollars in Cash which I agree to pay Messrs Peirce 81 Brewer at Oahu S. I. thirty days after my arrival at Oahu or in January 1843.

$700.00

Signed John Paty [Rubric]

[ 334 ] Copy Monterey Alta California 16 Nov 1842 At Sight please to pay Thos. O. Larkin or order One hundred and twenty five dollars Value reed, and place the same to account of your Obt Servant Messrs Peirce & Brewer Merchants Oahu

Signed W m P. Avis

$125.00

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 3 . ]

Oahu Deer 5 th 1842 T O Larkin Esq Monterey—California Sir

"^(x>urs by the U . S. favor of Mr Avis, I received last evening. We had heard of the taking of Montery by Com. Jones—by Capt Stevens; of the giving up—by the Valleyfield. What will be the End ? We have news of the French having taken the Society Islands. Put down all Missionary laws—put French Laws in their stead. The English have not been here yet. If I G U E S S the French will come first, & before long. Doct Judd is the Cromwell of the world—I mean Sandwich Island world! King—no. He who ought to be King has no authority—nothing to say— nothing to do—but the bidding o f . . . . 3 p.m. The Ship is off tomorrow night—I cannot write but a few lines. I regret having given you trouble, or inconvenience on account of the Shipment by the Schr California—it was entirely at the suggestion of our

[ 335 ] mutual Friend, Capt Cooper. Hope you will sell off & remit, this fall— anything, almost, except Soap! We are poorer than poor—by the Esmaralda you may expect to hear from me again. Your Obt St Stephen Reynolds

[MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 5 . ]

Honolulu Dec 6. 1842 Mr T . O. Larkin Dear Sir

' " Y o u r favor per Frigate "United States" came duly to hand, and we are much obliged for your kind attention in furnishing us with an account of the late naval operations on the Coast. The short stop of the Frigate will not allow us time to write you fully. Your proposition regarding the disposal of the Soap we will not be accepted as it is retailing here at the rate of 3 3 Vi cakes to the dollar. We have not had time to make the proposition to Messrs Reynolds or French; Capt Carter declines taking it; we think that perhaps Mr F. would. You do not acknowedge receipt of Pit Saws shipped per your order per Schr California, nor our letter per Don Quixote, regarding the Hides sent down in her. We hope you have received the same. We will write more fully by next opportunity. Your Obt Servts Marshall & Johnson [Rubric]

[ 336 ] [PEIRCE & BREWER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 1 0 4 . ]

Honolulu Dec 6-/42 Mr T . O. Larkin Dear

Sir

""Yours of Nov 21 came to hand, and we have written to Mr Spence to have all the amounts which you may have paid on a/c of your note, endorsed on the back. Hoping to receive the amounts soon from Messs Paty & the hides from Mr Thompson, as also your account current, We remain Yr Obt. Servts Peirce & Brewer [Rubric]

[WILLIAM P. AVIS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 6 . ]

Honolulu 7 Decr/42 Dear

Sir

Mr Sutter to send me a package addressd to yr care. Should you receive one or more please forward them to this place with my address to the care of Mesrs Pierce & Brewer. Tom is well[ ?] & with his Master—with Kind compliments to yr Lady & all friends I remain yrs Very Respectfully I

REQUESTED

W m P Avis Please say to Hastings & Everett I have sent all letters & packages belonging to them & their people. WP. A

[ 337 ] [JOSEPH OLIVER CARTER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. I : l o 6 . ]

Oahu Dec. 7th. 1842 T . O Larkin Esq Sir

I HAVE reed your letter of Nov. 18th and can only say that I am perfectly astonished. The Invoice that I sent on by Cooper was the very articles wanted at the time, (not only from Coopers advice), but from the Fact that Capt Paty wished to purchase the Invoice while here. I am told that you have been doing a very lucrative business with the Men of War & have every reason to suspect that the fate of my adventure, may turn out simular to one left with Mr Spear some time since. Your obt J. O Carter [Rubric]

[E. & H. GRIMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 9 0 . ]

Sandwich Islands Oahu Honolulu Deer 14, 1842 Mr. Thos. O. Larkin Monteray Dr Sir

W B beg leave to inform you that Mrs. James Stevens will pay over to you between 50 and $100.—which you will give a receipt for and pass to our credit subject to our order. Our Mr. E. Grimes is well & will return pr. next vessel for Cala. Yr. Obt. Servts E. &. H . Grimes

[33» ] [JOHN AUGUSTUS SUTTER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 9 . ]

Nueva Helvetia December 14th 1842 Mr. Th. O. Larkin Monterey Dear Sir

^ENCLOSED I hand you Mr. Green's promisary note the amount of which you will please to place to my credit. At the same time you will please to deduct from my account the amount charged to me on account of Black Jack decsd. This man at the time of his death was considerably indebted to me and at the time he entered in my service I thought it plainly understood that I should pay you as soon as the books would show a balance of this amount due him. Expecting you to comply with my request I remain Your obediant servant J. A. Sutter [Rubric] P. S. I shall endeavour to arrange the business between you and me with Capt E Grimes to your satisfaction.

[ALPHEUS BASIL THOMPSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 8 8 . ]

Monterey Dec 14, 1842 My dear Sir

of last Evening came to hand this Morning enclosing Bill of Lading of Sundry Articles of which I perceive the commencement of the Bill was in your own hand writing, " V i z z " Shipped in good order and well conditioned, "by Thomas O Larkin;" the balance appears to have been filled up with indecent language or trash by some one that could have had ^ Î o u r s

—

•[ 339 ] —

nothing to do but to pick up a half finished Article, or rather something only commenced. It is very hard for me to determine who the Author may have been, but at all events, I can safely say that it is not in the hand writing of Capt Nye, and should hope it is not a production of Capt Ps but it favors his more than any one else, yet I do not think he would be capable of doing a thing of the kind with the intention of insult to Yourself or to Mrs Larkin. As the whole comercial World well knows that during your sojourn in this place, your hospitality and kindness has been unbounded, for which every friend of mine has expressed to me their gratitude for the hospitality and kindness extended to them by you. I am Certain that Capt Nye could not keep a secret long enough to not have had it known previous, who was the Author, provided he had had any part in the transaction—And certainly if I thought any one employed by me was capable of insulting a friend of mine, I should consider the insult as though personanly offered to me. I think the Bill was found commenced in your own hand writing, and then filled out in the rude manner that it was for a joke, by some one who did not consider the difference exhisting betwixt a Bachelor or a Gentleman with a Family. Of the latter jokes I have suffered several times, but have always eased them off when I knew an insult was not actually intended, And I repeat again that your hospitality is so well known to us all that no Gentleman would, or presume to insult you in earnest, and an insult from any person that is not a Gentleman cannot injure you, nor me, nor any one else. As I cannot find out the Author of the ungentlemany doccument I must return it to you, being aware that if he is ever conscience smitten he will confess all and make the necessary Apologies. In haste and with regret for the insult I remain Yours very truly, A. B. Thompson [Rubric]

[34° ] [MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 9 2 . ]

Honolulu Dec 1 5 , 1 8 4 2 T . O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir

^ENCLOSED we send account Sales of Soap per Schr California, which we disposed of as per your letter per Frigate "United States" to M r French, as Messrs Carter & Reynolds declined accepting your offer. There is nothing of news stirring here. The Fama is expected soon from the coast, when we hope to hear from you in relation to the Pitsaws ship [MS. torn] per your order, in Schr California, the receipt of which has not been acknowledged by you. The Ship "Victoria" sails for N . York in about a week, and the W m Gray about the 1st January. Hoping to hear from you soon We remain Your Obt Servts Marshall & Johnson [Cover bears note: Per Schr Esmeralda.]

[ 3 4 i ] [MARSHALL & JOHNSON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 9 1 . ]

Honolulu December 1 5 , 1 8 4 2

LCCOUNT

Sales of Twenty Cases California Soap rec'd per Sch'r

"California" & Sold for Account & risk of T . O. Larkin. 1842 March 31

1 Case 342 pes @

5fS

17.10

Oct

31

1

4V2 ji

16.15

Dec

1518

do 359

"

"

do (deld M r French & chg'd in T . O. Larkins a/c as per his letter, per Frigate "United States.") 6 2 2 4 pess @

5(if

311.20

$344.45

Charges. Freight per "California"

40.00

Storage 9 mos.

6.00

Labor

2.61

Commission 5% on 33.25 Do

2'/2% 3 1 1 . 2 0

1.66 7.78

58.05

Deduct Sdrs chgd M r French as per agreement, V i z : one Half Freight

20.00

do

do Storage 1 8 cases

2.50

do

do

Labor

1.39

do

do

Corn's on 3 1 1 . 2 0

do

Nett Proceeds E & O. Ex. Marshall & Johnson \Cover bears note: Per Sehr Esmeralda.]

3.89

27.78

30.27 $ 314. x 8

[ 342 ] [JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER TO MANUEL CASTAÑARES. 1 : 3 9 4 . ]

Monterrey Diciembre 16 de 1842 Señor administrador de la aduana de Monterrey. Muy Señor mió.

SÍRVASE vm. de pagar a Juan Paty o su orden, la cantidad de ochenta y ocho pesos, por los derechos de la Barca Don Quixote de su viaje proximo a este Puerto, o si acaso, el dicho Barca, no vuelve en el mes de Julio de 1843 entonces, me hará vm. el fabor de pagar la cantidad de los derechos del primero buque que viene despues del mes de Julio de 1843, este cantidad siendo comprado, artículos por la Goleta Nacional California. Soy su affmo Servidor y 8cc. Juan. B. R . Cooper [Rubric] Son 88$ Monterey Dio; 16/842 Será satisfecha esta letra en los términos q. espresa. Man/ Castañares [Rubric]

[CATHARINE MCKINLAY TO JAMES MCKINLAY. 1 : 3 9 5 - ]

Stirling 17th Deer 1842 Dear Son

I TAKE the oppurtunity of Sending yow those few lins to inform yow that I am in a State of indifrent health at present and I have been Verrey bad with Sore Eys all last winter and Spring and Cathren M Kinley had a bad fiver last winter. I Receved a letter from yow in Augt 1 8 4 1 . I

[343] wrote yow in September following but receved no answer therfore I hope that if this Comes Safe to hand that yow will not neglect to write and I hope that yow will Still Keep in rembrance the Duty of a Son to a Parent as I hope it will be in your powr to remit me a few pounds as I dow Stand Much in Nead of a little help at present. This lives your Brothers all will as we all hope this will find yow in the Same. Mrs Wilson has been but porley this long time. She Desiours to be rembred to yow. Your Brothers is Verry Desires to Know from yow the State of the Cuntrey trade and provisions &c &c for trade of all Kinds is intirly Gone hear and thousands of Men Going Edle. I inclose this in a Drection to M r Thos Sump Esqr. Callat[?] who will forward it to yow. I have N o More to add at present but Remens Your Affeconate Mother wntill Death Cathrene M Kinley In Case I Should be from home Drect to M r Petter Connol Banker Stirling who has been Enquring Verrey purtickler about yow Since your last letter.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO PEIRCE & BREWER. 1:396.]

M . Deer 1 9 — 1 8 4 2 Messr Peirce & Brew. Gent.

I

HEREWITH send to you on account of your Draft on the Governor

of California one Receiept of A. B. Thompson for Ninty Eigit Dollars— also John Patys Note for Five hundred Dollars which will compleat the amount due you on the Draft, as pr account annexed. When the Schooner California entered, her duties were parted out by anticipation among different offices. On the Draft being presented to the Gov. he told me to collect part of the duties to pay it, the ballance pay

[344] over in Cash to the Custom House—as each was anxious to get something soon as possible. I was put to much inconvenience. The Cargo belonging to different people I had to get it little by little. When I settled with Capt Paty as the Agent of Paty & Co. Oahu, for his share of the duties of the Schooner California I took near half in goods, and the enclosed Note for the ballance which on his leaving the coast, I intended to ship pr Fama, or turn it in his hands into a receiept for Cash rec'd for you. Last week to my astonishment I found he would not cash it. I hardly think he intends to say any thing to you on the Subject when you call for the money, but as he may you must hear my part of the affair. When Capt Paty left here last spring he gave me his Note for 1000$ in goods. Its not yet payable, but at that time, it was understood that on our Settlement this winter, I should pay him all I could, and the ballance might go on the Note, or we would make some other araingmnt. I have in general purchased prehaps double the amount from Cap P. than any other Person on this coast, and he has never expected but a part in hides, for 6 years taking a quantity of Soap & Lumber. He well knew no one in M could take so many goods payable in hides. Last week on looking over our accounts I owed Capt P. about 600$ payable as usual, in hides, soap & lumber (besides a second trade of 1000$ worth of soap). The hide season proving a bad one, I had too few for the Don Quixote but had a cash Note of 2 5 5 $ ; this I offered to pass into our a/c making the Cash & hide difference. This he would not do, unless I would pay him a certain sum that a country Store Keeper of mine had taken in goods from him by Capt P. persuadsion, the Store Keeper telling him that he had no authority from me to purchase goods on my a/c. Capt P. knows and Mr Thompson can cororborate it that this Store Keeper is but a lumber dealer and no Supercargo ever thinks of trading with him for hides. This Sum I denid[ ?] paying. Had I told Capt P. to sell the goods in question he knows the recourses of the Store is not hides and that I could only pay in lumber. What made the payment by me still worse Capt P. insisted on its coming from your Note. It was of no avail my saying the money was yours, and I had notified you where it was. He said I had no right to have notified you—nor to have Sent the receipt of 700$ either

— [

345 ] —

untill he went to Oahu. As you sent for your funds by the Peabody and the paper was payable in January, I thought otherwise, and the Queote might have stopt another Six months, for aught I knew, and prehaps would had not Mr McKinley helped load her. Capt. Paty & my a/cs stands something thus Dr Trade Note Cash 255$ worth in hides Cash offerd equal

iooo.o 340.0 150.0

Cr Ballance a/c about debt claimed frome me but not allowed

1490.0

580.0 260.0 840.0

To Say nothig of the Note of 1000$ deduct the 490$ from 580$ I owed him about 100$—and he knew when [?] said the pay for 260$— when ever a Vessel could go after it, even if he asked for hides. This Note of 500$ being negociatble does not require the long Story above. I have wrote it, that some thing may meet Capt Paty's Statement in Oahu, should he not come to another conclusion on the Subject.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO PEIRCE & BREWER. 1 1 : 1 1 2 . ]

Monterey December 19th 1842 Mrssrs Peirce & Brewer Gent

. A n n e x e d you have a account Current between Mr Henry A Peirce & myself. I enclose a receipt of A B Thompson for 500 Bullock hides freight paid by me also copyes of two receipts given me by Mr Peirce for cash & hides deliverd him. You will percieve that there is a balance 'According to the notes on the cover of the document, this is a copy of a letter carried to Hawaii by the Fama. On June I, 1 8 4 3 , another copy was sent on the Cyane.

{

3 4

6}

against me of 9 5 $99 or 48 hides which shall be paid to Mr Spence when he has orders to settle with me. Yours &c. Dr.

Henry A Pierce in account with Thomas O Larkin

Cr.

1842 1842 January To cash in Santa By cash paid by you to Messrs Machado YeoBarbara 4300.00 ward & Co 2180.21 " Cash in S Barbara 5.00 898 Hides from John H Evrett 1796.00 165 hides from By Cash paid by you to D Quixote 330.00 Mrssrs Parrott & Co. 3188.43 your Draft favour Scott &Wilson 400.00 1 o pr ct discount on note of $2842.5 5 as pr agreement 284.20 Decemb 500 hides Shiped By goods Dec 30th 1841 as pr Note 8 Months by Fama 1000.00 Balance due you 95.99 given to D Spence 2842.5 5 $8211.19 Monterey Dec 19th 1842 E. E.

$8211.19

[347] [ALPHEUS BASIL THOMPSON T O T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 9 7 . ]

Monterrey Deer. 21. 1842 Dear Sir

I N answer to your Note of this date, I can only state, that while at this place on my way to San Francisco, a short time after the arrival of the U. S. F. United States, I was at your House in conversation with the Commander of said Frigate, when said conversation was broken off by your asking Captain Armstrong the following question, viz. In case any provisions that you may now order should remain on my hands after having ordered them for the Frigate, in the event of a sudden departure of said vessel, who would be responsible for them? as it would be necessary to order every thing in, previous to the Rains setting in, as the Rivers would be impassible. Capt. A. answered that whatever was ordered would be recieved; that some of the vessels of the squadron would remain here for some length of time; but, to be more explicit you asked him in a Yankeefied style, (in your own words), Suppose I should order a thousand dollars worth of Potatoes, and other Articles, which are perishable, and the vessel should not remain long enough to allow them to come in, what will be the consequence? The answer was, we must take all we order, (as before stated), as there will always be a vessel on the coast for some time to come, which is all I recollect of the conversation. Yr. Obt. Servt. A. B. Thompson [Rubric]

[348] [MARIANO MACARIO CASTRO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 : 3 9 8 . ]

S Juan Bta 25 de De de 842 Sr D Tomas Larquin Mi mas estimado amigo C^>on fha. anterior a esta escribí a V . anticipándole el Ínteres de qí sean cumplidos mis créditos con V . en razón de los individuos pr quienes estoi comprometido y no me contestó. Repito sobre ello qe espero me escriba tocante a los individus de quienes me hallo comprometido una carta egecutiva p a manifestársela á Brabo á Dias y á cheques Bones p a qe obre bien su pago completo a la casa de V . Asi mismo qe haviendole escrito á V me remitiera un Barril de Aguarda diciendome en qe podia satisfacerlo y como no tuve respuesta ahora digo a V me remita dho Barril si V quiere el qe le satisfaré en cueros y arina; quiere decir, mitad y mitad como sipre he espuesto a V mi integridad y puede remitirme dho. Barill con quien ocurra a su dha casa enterado de q¿ en mis tratos particulares he sido eficaz con toda eficacia a no quedar mal. Siendo en esto su mas adto[ ?] amigo y atento Srr Q S. M B Mariano Castro [Rubric]

[ 349 ] [ A L E X A N D E R W . F R È R E TO J O H N BAUTISTA R O G E R S COOPER.

1:114.]

Monterrey December 27 1842 Capt. Cooper To A W Frere

Dr

To 1 Martin Gill Hook Reprs to Crow Bar " Socket to Auger to Steelling Crow Bar to Reprs to Auger to Reprs Bocks & Saus Pan Tormenters to 1 Bridle Bit Reprs to Bride 2 Sheve Pins Reprs to Wheel Barrow 4 Rings 2 Spikes 2 Rings

3.50 0.75 0.75 1.50 0.50 3.50 0.50 4.00 0.25 1.50 2.50 1.50 0.50 0.75

Repairing boiler 8 Ribbets new pin for Block

$22.50 1.50 0.50 0.75

Iron hoops for Casks

24.75 2.00

pd. him Cash pd. him 1 ps. prints pd him files tobacco

8.00 17.00

[ 35° ] — [jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1:399.]

Santa Cruz Dec 30th 1842 Mr Larkin

E / N C L O S E D you have the statement you wrote to me for as it appears from the books. Probably it may vary some from the actual result on account of loss of lumber and misunderstanding in regard to old acts &c but it is as near as I can get it at present. The accounts of Mr Majors Sam'l Thompson and Wilson I have taken as they were sent out here at first, but they think there is some mistake about them. Mr Majors says he settled with you when he was in Mont. I wish you would send out his act as you settled it with him. I wish you would send me word how Sor. Arana's act stands there, and whether you paid him for the two loads of shingles he hauled to Mont'y. If you did then he is owing considerable here. He say he will go to Mont day after tomorrow with lumber. If he does I wish you would not pay him the freight but let it go on his act here for he wont haul any here to pay his debt. This statement does not show the full amount of profit of the store because the expense of the store has been paid and a good deal paid to Indians &c for work on lumber which does not show in the amount of reciepts and the priest1 stole at least 150$ worth of goods at the invoice price. I wish you would send out the amount of what you have charged to me in your books there on my personal act. yours

J Belden P. S. Jany 10th [MS. torn\dy Since the first date of it [MS. torn\mg it untill now. I send by [MS. torn] here with me, and I wish [MS. torn\ would send me out a few more if you can by the same cart. W m Thompson wishes me to ask you if you cant send him out an english spelling book either old or new; he wants to learn to read. Thomas Cole took in 1000 feet of board from the beach. I wanted him to go to Thompsons saw pit for some but he would not go—he said you •The word "priest" has been inked over. See 1:279 (May 29, 1842), note.

[ 351 ] told him to take them from the beach. He was to take another load from Autosh but his bullocks were taken by Chard so that he could not. I should have sent this by him but I was afraid he woul be 2 or 3 weeks on the road. I believe Wilson has that 1000 fet of boards ready but Arana wont go in with them. I think I shall have to sue Arana yet. J Belden [MS. torn]ovt

6000

Cash

4400 10400

Country Farmers & Store Keepers

26,000

[MAURICIO GONZÁLEZ. ANECDOTE. 1 : 2 3 4 . ]

1842

ISTORIA CASUAL. Siendo Gobernador deste Estado Dn Juan Bautista Albarado corria en Rumor que benia para este lado el Coronel Dn G . M . Ballego y francisco Solano, Con mil Niofitos desas Rancherías. Y lio M . G ^ Pasiando Por laplalla, mencontre un Sargaso Seco que tenia dos Buetas el cual la trage y forme una Corneta poniéndole de campana un Bule y melopuse atocar en la noche unos toques militares Mexicanos— locual Sepuso alarma El Gobernador, con Su guardia, y amigos Entrellos Dn José Maria Castañares, El Cual, fue a Otrodia con E l Gobernador a mi Casa, y me ordeno que les eseñase, La cornena, que le abiandicho que lio, toque, esa Noche. Laquesaque para que la Biese y me Ordeno que la tocase y toque tres o cuatro toques militares Mexicanos y me digo que susto medio V n . Anoche. Pense quera M i tio, G . M . Ballego y merregalo dos pesos y Serregreso para Su casa con Castañares. Mauricio González [Rubric]

[ 352 } [MEMORANDUM OF SALE OF COOK'S ARTICLES. 1 : 1 0 8 . ]

[1842.] Steward Narui

1 blk. Silk Hdkf I pr. blue cloth pants 1 Woolen Shirt

Lanu Charley

Thread 1 pr. Shoes Shaving Utensils 1 Hone & Looking Glass Soap and Combs chipping Knife & Knives Silk Jacket Silk Jacket Box & 2 Palms Caps &c. Tinder Box Hammock 8t clews Tobacco & Tin Pot Chest Duck Trowsers Blanket

(i

Narui Steward Cooper Charley Lialia Charley Lialia Cooper Narui Lanu Charley Narui Charley Lialia Lanu Charley Narui Lanu Charley Narui

Bed 1 Cloth Jacket Oil &c.

$ 0.4 1.4 0.6 2.0 1.0 1.6 1.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.3 0.3 O.I 3.0 0.6 2.0 0.4 3.0 4.0 1.6 0.3 $27.2

[Reverse side bears notation: Acot. of the Cooks articles, 1842. Died & Buried under American flag.]

P R I N T E D I N AN E D I T I O N OF ONE T H O U S A N D C O P I E S ON LINWEAVE TOWN C R I E R T E X T . D E S I G N E D BY A. R . T O M M A S I N I . S E T BY M A C K E N Z I E & H A R R I S , I N C . IN E N G L I S H M O N O T Y P E C E N T A U R D E S I G N E D BY B R U C E R O G E R S . P R I N T E D A N D B O U N D BY T H E U N I V E R S I T Y OF C A L I F O R N I A P R I N T I N G

DEPARTMENT