1826
– A Cabal of Foreigners
As
they unloaded fish at the presidio
wharf, a
tall Englishman walked
their way. Unlike the Californian upper class who wore leather riding
clothes, Hartnell preferred the customary clothing of his native
England. His brown breeches fit snugly into his walking boots while
his double breasted waistcoat had a ruffle hanging down from the
throat. His slightly conical hat accented his
cutaway
coat. Even though he rarely mounted
the back of a horse, preferring a carriage, he carried a riding crop.
“Good
day to you young Master Beadle. It appears you have a bumper catch
this fine
morning.”
“Yes,
Señor
Arnel,
the gulls led us directly to a large school of red snapper. You
should have your cook prepare some for you. Most tasty.”
William
Hartnell knew not to proffer his hand as it would embarrass James to
refuse with his hands slick with fish oils and scales.
“That
is, as a fact, the reason I've come to interrupt your offloading.”
He paused before asking, “May I call you James?” When James
nodded, he continued, “My wife and I would like to invite you and
your lovely wife to our home this evening for
a late repast.”
That
caught James by surprise. The strict caste system of Spain had
carried over into the new Mexican customs. And, even though Hartnell
was English, he had married Maria Teresa, the daughter of Captain de
la
Guerra, commandant of the presidio.
How would she react to the presence of a half-breed Mestizo
and
a full-blooded Indian, for that was what James and his wife, also
named Maria Teresa, were?
“We
dine at the eighth
hour but would look forward to your arriving at seven.”
“I
thank you very much for the invitation, Don
Eduardo. But, as I am sure you understand, I must confer with my wife
before I can accept or decline your generous offer.”
Hartnell
nodded and indicated he would await a messenger informing him of
James' decision.
*****
“Why
is he inviting me and Maria Teresa and not you and Apolonia?”
Timothy
shrugged. “I am not certain, my son. William is not a secretive
person. At least not in my dealings with him.” The elder Beadle
paused and stared down into the central garden where two of his
grandchildren tended to the plants. “I do know that he is somewhat
uneasy about the current state of affairs with the governor and the
men who consider themselves to be important members of the California
population.”
“What
do you know of his wife? Will she accept Maria Teresa and I?”
“I
have
met
her on several occasions and she appears to be a typical member of
her family. As you know, the soldiers serving under her father are a
mixtures of Criollos,
Mestizos, Mulatos,
and others of mixed blood. And I have never found the captain to
concern himself with the
blood of his
soldiers and their families so
long as they
perform their duties to his satisfaction.”
James
had told his wife of the invitation and her only concern was what
items of clothing he should wear. And her own.
While
Maria Teresa had
ridden since before she could walk, James decided to take the calesa,
as the Spanish-speaking called the American buckboard. Not because
they did not want to ride horseback but Maria Teresa insisted on
taking a huge clay pot of frijoles
and another large bowl of masa
to make fresh tortillas.
“We
were not asked to bring these things.”
“I
am aware of that, mi
hombre.
It is the custom and Doña
Arnel
can always tell me it is not needed.”
James
shrugged, having long ago learned that he would never win an argument
with the woman he loved so dearly. He donned the snow white shirt she
had laid out on the bed and tucked it into the soft suede breeches
slipped
into ornately etched brown leather boots. He slipped on his vaquero
jacket with intricate stitching applied by Maria Teresa and one of
his daughters. As usual, she came to knot the bright red bow tie and
brushed off his hat. He forswore the leather belt and holster
although his new Winchester rifle would be holstered in the buggy.
As
for Maria Teresa, she had already put on her day blouse and
floor-length skirt of tan cloth, also intricately hand-stitched with
vines and colorful flowers. Her pointy-toed shoes peeked out from
under the hem and she had a small sombrero
partially covering her raven hair. As most fashionable women of the
day, she also carried a fan, this one of intricately decorated silk
from the islands
far across the Pacific ocean. She knew of no other like it and chose
it simply to show her hosts she was more than a simple India.
Alberto
proudly stood at the head of one of the fine mares The Family raised
and James could not help but note he had used the finest breast strap
harness for the animal. Every square inch of leather was carefully
decorated.
James
handed his lady up into the carriage and quickly joined her, taking
up the reins and shaking them to start the horse moving at a gentle
trot.
As
they
seldom
if ever dressed up in fancy clothes, the passage of the pair brought
people to the side of the road to gawk and stare – all in the most
friendly manner. Some of the ladies smiled and called out how
beautiful they were. Those they passed along the road across the
hills doffed their hats and smiled at the prominent pair.
Unlike
the hacienda
on the hillsides north of the presidio,
Hartnell's house and compound were unique in that the main structure
was made of redwood in two stories. The upper floor had overhanging
eaves that protected the balcony surrounding the building. An adobe
wall encircled the compound topped with red ceramic tiles. The large
gates swung open as the buggy neared and a servant showed them where
to stop the buggy in front of an impressive entrance. James smiled at
noting the massive doors were made of highly polished red wood with
some figures engraved by Jaime, his brother.
Hartnell
stood in the door with his wife at his side. “Señora
Beadle, I believe you know my wife, Maria Teresa?”
That
brought chuckles from both ladies as they had known each other from
childhood, even though they moved in different social circles. Doña
Hartnell instructed a house servant where the food containers were to
be taken and took Maria Teresa by the hand, leading
the way inside.
A
servant James knew to be a sailor from one of Hartnell's trading
vessels who had sought permission to live in California took James'
hat and placed it on a large peg along with three other conical hats
of the European style. Hartnell led him into a large room with
several shelves filled with leather bound books and several pieces of
sturdy furniture.
Three
other men were already there. James knew all and quickly shook hands
with David
Littlejohn, a Scotch farmer who had come in one of Hartnell's
ships in 1824
and had married an Esselen girl. He then turned to James
McKinley, another Scotch sail who had arrived in Monte
Rey in
'24 and acted as an agent for Captain Cooper. And finally, he
exchanged grips with Juan Malarin. a Peruvian married to Josefa
Estrada,
a member of that distinguished family.
When
offered, James accepted a glass of red wine. “It comes from the
vineyard at Misión
San José. I
find it one of the finest vintages I have been fortunate enough to
partake of. Padre
Durán
has become a master wine maker.”
“I
have been most fortunate to have been presented with a number of
bottles of his wine. The reverend father adores working among the
vines, as well as the orchards that are growing so well,” James
responded.
In
spite of his burning curiosity as to his invitation to join those
present, he followed the light talk of the weather, local commerce,
and social affairs.
Hartnell
was beckoned away and quickly returned, accompanied by Edward Mel, a
Scotch carpenter who had been baptized at Misión
San Carlos
and was married to an Esselen girl.
He
was especially pleased to shake James' hand, saying, “Please
express my deepest gratitude to your uncle when next you see him. I
was a journeyman carpenter in my homeland and aboard ship. But El
Carpintero
has taught me more about bringing wood to life than I could have ever
learned from anyone else.”
James
noted a clock on the mantel over the fireplace and asked where it had
come from.
“A
clock maker by the name of Seth Thomas, in the American states makes
them. I obtained that from a passing captain. If you are interested,
I might be able to find one for you.”
James
lightly laughed. “My father and uncle would never forgive me for
trying to do away with the most accurate clock in the world – that
of The Good Lord in the sun and moon He has given us.”
The
others chuckled, appreciating James manner of putting aside certain
technological advances. All knew he was open to advancements as the
fishing fleet had many learned from visiting ships.
The
chimes on the clock were ringing the eighth hour of the evening as
Doña
Hartnell came to the door and announced that the meal was on the
table.
The
impressive teak table was covered in show
white linen with shining glass and silver at each place.
James
was by no means a stiff neck, but had wondered how the Indian girls
would deal with dining at a formal table. He need not have worried as
they ate with an aplomb equal to any Spaniard or European.
He
was also somewhat surprised to have Hartnell say the Catholic prayer
of thanks over the food.
The
meal was most sumptuous, even though with a typical California
spread. First came a large tureen of una
sopa
del mar,
pieces of Red Snapper, Sole, Lobster, Clam, and Mussels floating in a
rich broth of vegetables. The chili
seasoning did not overwhelm the various tastes.
“You
have blessed our table, James. I do not know what we citizens of
Monte
Rey
and Carmel would do without you and your fellow fishermen.”
“I
am not the one to thank, William.” He had been told not to be
formal with his host. “The Good Lord provides for that which we
harvest.”
“But
it takes the wiles of men to bring forth the harvests,” Edward said
with his thick accent. “Brain and brawn are needed if we are to
live better than the natives of this land.”
That
raised a few eyebrows at the table because three of the ladies at the
table were full-blooded Indians.
James'
Maria Teresa closed the awkward pause by saying, “The people of the
Californias often suffered greatly when drought or other acts of God
took away the animals and plants they lived upon. It was not for lack
of desire or ability but a matter of the old ways not being equal to
those brought by the friars.” Her saintly smile made the males
present shift in their seats. “And, fortunately, men like Don
Eduardo and Don
Jaime bring us new things from far away lands that make life easier
for all.”
Maria
Teresa Hartnell also quickly added, “And we who live here in
California are blessed with a most gentile clime and fertile land.”
“Provided
by Our Lord Jesus,” she added.
David
Littlejohn added, “When we have not been plagued by drought or
excessive rains in the past months. The territorial councilors were
most displeased as the highway was so impassable they were unable to
come and hold the meeting ordered by the governor.”
“And
the recent tremors have not helped in making travel possible,”
James McKinley added.
That
brought about discussion of the beauties – and drawbacks – of
California. The discussion did not falter when three servants cleared
the table and brought forth the main course; along with more wine, of
course.
A
large platter held the usual large slab of flame roasted beef, along
with a smoked ham. Frijoles,
vegetables, and tortillas
accompanied the meal. However, one item drew a great deal of
interest, pieces of chicken coated with cornmeal, crisp on the
outside and most tender on the inside.
“It
is chicken cooked in the African manner. Called fried. The pieces of
fowl are coated in a flavored flour of wheat or corn and then dipped
into a boiling container of oil. Some of the plantation owners in the
American south look down upon it as it is from their slaves, but I
find it most savoring and novel.”
All
agreed with Hartnell's assessment.
“And,
when the servants bring out the pastries, there will be a selection
of fruit to include another item from Africa called a water melon.”
“We
have heard
of it,” James' Maria Teresa said. “I believe it is grown along
the north and eastern coast of Mexico.”
When
the final course was brought, all exclaimed on how sweet and tasty
the new fruit was.
*****
Don
Eduardo passed around a container
emblazoned with
leaves, indicating it contained some of the finest cigars he had ever
had the pleasure to enjoy. “They come from the island of Cuba and
are much sought after.”
James
politely declined, removing his favorite pipe and filling it with
some tobacco on a stand in the study. Once the men had lit their
particular choices, they settled into plush leather upholstered
chairs. Hartnell then brought a glass goblet to each, indicating they
were called snifters. “They hold in the aroma of the brandy,” he
explained as he poured a generous amount of the golden liquid
for each. “Another product of Reverend Father Durán's vineyard,”
he added.
Silence
reigned for several minutes while the men let the sumptuous meal
settle.
McKinley
was the one to break the silence. “I am certain you all wonder what
brings us together this evening.” Receiving a nod of acceptance
from Hartnell, he continued. “I feel I may not be alone in feeling
concern for the course of events here in California.”
“And
Mexico,” he added.
“It
is this territorial council that concerns me most. The
governor
appointed ten of the most stubborn men in California and expects them
to set forth rules and regulations for the governance of this
territory.”
Malarin
responded to McKinley's comment with, “And he is a less than
decisive governor. He cannot seem to make up his mind about anything
– other than those silly little notes he has his aide print up on
that miniature printing press of his.”
“And
why does he not come here to Monte
Rey
which is the official capitol of the territory?”
“Perhaps
it is better that he does not. Staying in San
Diego seems
to suit his health – and the Carrillo girl. I think her name is
Josefa?”
That
brought laughter to all.
“She
is said to be a most comely young lady,”
James said. “If she is as attractive as her mother, I can
understand the governor's infatuation with her. I well remember when
Don
José regularly rode from here
to San
Francisco
to woo her.”
“You
knew many of the members of the original expedition, did you not?”
Hartnell asked.
James
spent some time relating childhood memories of the brave men who had
faced the unknown in order to discover the sites of the present
presidios
and missions.
“Then
you know all the current members of the territorial council?”
Littlejohn asked.
“Some
I do. Others are new to me as they came later. Many were pobladores
for
Los
Angeles
or San
José.
I know members of the Sola, Salgado, Ibarra, Bustamante, and Cardenas
families, but not the remainder.”
Hartnell's
face had turned dark, with a glower of anger. All knew he was
thinking of the recent act of Governor Echeandía in revoking his
exclusive port rights to Monte
Rey, an
act backed up by the diputación. It had caused him some severe
business losses that were somewhat alleviated by the arrival of more
trading vessels in the harbor.
That
was one of the reasons James was somewhat curious as to the presence
of McKinley, an agent for a major trader, Captain Cooper. McKinley
traveled a great deal in search of trade for the ships owned by the
captain and his backers.
He
could no longer ignore his curiosity. “This is a most interesting
gathering, Don
Eduardo, but I must admit I wonder why you have called us together.
Especially me.”
Hartnell
re-lit his cigar before answering. “Californians have split into a
variety of groups supporting different leading figures. The governor
is a weak man and has received little directives from Mexico City.
Although there is a delegate there to speak for territorial affairs,
he has little influence. In addition, the government is not exactly
settled, with many different parties and interests. Guadalupe
Victoria seems to be a president few oppose, but he has a deeply
divided congress that appears unable to come up with rules and
regulations to deal with the territory.”
“It
is most difficult planning for the future under such circumstances,”
Malarin said.
“And
Comisario
Herrera makes things most difficult for us non-Mexican businessmen,”
Littlejohn commented.
“The
main reason we invited you,” Hartnell said to James, “is that you
have lived here all your life and you know more about the people of
this land than we. We seriously seek your thoughts on the future of
California.”
James
did not see that coming. “Why did you not invite my father then. He
is far more aware of the people of California than I.”
“But
he has the viewpoint of the past. Not the future. I have had many
most interesting discussions with him, but he cannot see anything but
an unwavering loyalty to the friars.”
“What
on earth makes you think my sentiments are one bit different?”
James angrily
asked.
Hartnell
raised a hand in defense. “We do not doubt your loyalty to the
friars. In fact, it is because of that virtue we seek your advise.
You are aware of the governor's aim to take the missions from the
friars, are you not?”
James
nodded. He hated the fact and knew full well what would happen if the
directives were put into effect.
“And
you know of the growing dissatisfaction between the Californians of
the south and north?”
James
did. It was subtle, but not to be ignored. One power center appeared
to be Los
Angeles while
the other was San
José.
Leading members of each community saw little in common with the
others, both seeking the territorial capitol for their own. The few
living in the Monte
Rey
region seemed to be left out of the power groups. “The rift will
become bigger as the years pass. The control of California is no
longer in the grip of a firm, experienced governor.”
“Well,
James, that is exactly why we are meeting. Edward and the rest of us
feel that men like us from other lands will play a growing role in
the fate of California and we must ensure we act in a united manner.”
The
others nodded their agreement of McKinley's statement.
“You
realize the danger of meeting like this? If Herrera or Captain
Gonzalez learn of this, we will all face time in jail. You foreigners
will be expelled.”
“That
is why this must be kept between us. I ask you to not inform your
father of this,” Hartnell said. “The fewer who know, the more
secure we will be.”
“I
have learned of a way to gather more without exposing the five of us.
We each select a very few others of like mind and do not tell them
about us. They will think they are the only group. As one gains trust
in members, they may be called upon to recruit others.”
All
agreed with Littlejohn's assessment.
“Just
what do you expect of us?” James asked.
“Little
more than keeping our eyes and ears open. And informing one another
of any items we think will be of use in the future.”
James
thought for a little while before speaking up again. “We must also
follow the news from the north and, more important, the east.”
“Yes,
the Russians have founded what they call Fort Ross not far north of
Bodega Bay. There is some word of trying to station troops in the
valley the Miwok call Napa.”
“And
Adams, the American president, has sent explorers to the mouth of
the Colombia River, their dividing line between their claim and that
of the British.”
“I
believe they call it the Oregon Territory,” Malarin said.
They
talked for another hour before Hartnell's Maria Teresa entered the
room and said, “Come, join us in the parlor. We are tired of
women's talk and would have you with us. I have prepared pastries for
all and have brewed
some rich coffee we received from the last ship.”
James
was relieved to see that his Maria Teresa and the other women seemed
quite comfortable with one another. The group
savored rich pastries topped with sweet, whipped cream and the coffee
was quite good. James made a mental note that he would like to see
more of that
drink at home.
The
full moon lit their way back over the hills into the valley of
Carmel. Lanterns at the gate provided light to enter. He started to
drop Maria Teresa at the front door but she insisted on joining him
in the barn where they unhooked the wagon and tended to the horses.
“I've
always loved the smell of fresh straw.”
James
heartily agreed and took his wife's hand, leading her into one of the
rear stalls piled high with hay. Even after so many years together –
their entire lives in fact – they never tired of one another and
the sweetness of their live.
“My
oh my, my husband. More of that and we may once more find a baby in a
crib.”
James
chuckled before covering her with kisses. She quickly rose and took
up a horse blanket, using it to protect them from the night's chill.
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