Just before gold was discovered in California there was a band of cutthroats after the only ones who knew it
Before the Gold Rush of 1848-1858, Alta (Upper) California was an isolated cattle frontier--and home to a colorful group of Spanish-speaking, non-indigenous people known as Californios.
Captain Sean Mulkerin comes home from the sea to find his family home in jeopardy.
From the ripples of the King's decrees, a century later begins the tale of the De Vargas family, the first of the Californios.
Living among the Californios, the proud descendents of the Spanish Dons, a Yanqui who saw the Americans coming to destroy a way of life wondered whether he should fight for his own people or against them.
... Decline of the Californios, p. 104. 24. Pitt, The Decline of the Californios, p. 252. 25. After Pitt, The Decline of the Californios, pp. 252–253. 26. Adapted from Pitt, The Decline of the Californios, pp. 12–13. 27. After Pitt, The Decline ...