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Guide to the William Edward Petty Hartnell papers, 1815-1852
BANC MSS C-B 665  
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Description
Mainly correspondence and accounts of John Begg & Co. and McCulloch, Hartnell & Co. Also letterbook, 1822-1824 (photocopy only) of letters from Hartnell, relating to trade with missions, letters to family, and accounts. Miscellaneous letters and papers relating to land and to Hartnell's claim against the Mexican government.
Background
William Edward Petty Hartnell, born in Lancashire, England in 1798, lived in South America for some years, and came to California aboard the John Begg as a member of McCulloch, Hartnell & Co., agents for John Begg & Co. of Lima and Brotherston's in England. His firm, having contracted to take mission produce for three years, 1823-1826, carried on a profitable business until 1826. In 1825 Hartnell married María Teresa de la Guerra. He suffered financial reverses in 1827 and closed his partnerhsip in 1828 heavily in debt. He was naturalized in 1830 and in 1831 became a ranchero at Alisal with the Soberanes. From this time on he had a multiplicity of jobs, teacher, visitador, general of missions, officer of customs, etc. His gift for languages was such that he was employed as state translator in legal cases, especially in the land claims then being tried. He died in 1854.
Extent
Number of containers: 4 volumes
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Collection is open for research.