(Los Angeles) Los Angeles, Mexican "Hides & Tallow" Period. Stampless folded letter headed "Pueblo Dec 8th 1828" and written in English by John Temple, hand carried to Don Guillermo G. Dana at Santa Barbara, contents describe obtaining payments and trading in skins and hides on a recent trip to San Diego, Very Fine, a rare early California cover. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. In California under the Spanish regime, missions and ranchers depended chiefly on the sale of hides and tallow for a livelihood. The hide and tallow industry was in decline by the mid 1840's, a decline that was greatly accelerated by the discovery of gold in California in 1848.John Temple opened the first general store at El Pueblo de los Angeles in 1827. William G. Dana first arrived at El Presidio de Santa Barbara in 1825. He changed his name along with his religion and citizenship when he married into a prominent local family in January of 1828. $0 (Image)