[ Translation of the Names of the Missions ]
Translation of the Names of the Missions
Tribute to Junipero Serra and the Mission Padres
Chapter I Junipero Serra, Leader of the Heroic Band of Spanish
Missionaries of California. His Coming to San Fernando, Mexico, Thence
to California
Chapter II Brief Sketch of the Conquest of California and of the
Founding of the Missions. Hospitality of the Missions. Care and
Benevolence of the Missionaries Toward the Indians
Chapter III More About San Carlos Mission and Monterey
Chapter IV California Under Spanish Rule
Chapter V California Passes from Spanish to Mexican Rule. Secularization
of the Missions
Chapter VI California Passes from Mexican to American Rule
Chapter VII Mission Anecdotes and Hymns
Chapter VIII Retrospection of the Work of the Spanish Missionaries,
Explorers and Settlers and their place in California's Appreciation
Chapter IX Rev. Raymond M. Mestres Writes Historical Drama "Fray
Junipero"
Appendix A Letter of Junipero Serra. The Meaning of California Missions.
Dances of Early California Times
Preface
In presenting this modest volume to the public, I wish to call the attention of my readers to the following facts. Firstly, my humble work is a work of love—love simple and unalloyed for the venerable Spanish Missionaries of California and for the noble sons and daughters of Spain who gave such a glorious beginning and impetus to our state. Being a direct descendant of pioneer Spaniards of Monterey, I take a particular interest in California's early history and development and as my family were staunch friends of the Missionary Fathers and in a position to know the state of affairs of those times, and to family tradition I have added authentic knowledge from reading the earliest archives of San Carlos Mission, as well as other historical references, I feel I can fearlessly vouch for the truthfulness of my little work. Secondly—while fully appreciating the sympathy and interest of many charming and intellectual characters who grace California to-day, it must be admitted that there is a sadly ignorant or misinformed number who scarcely seem to know who Spaniards and their descendants are, judging from the promiscuous way the term "Spanish" is used, and what is the result of this among many? Prejudice, and absurd misunderstanding of the golden days of Spanish California as well as of the Spanish race and character. It is far from being my wish to offend, but I wish to present correct historical facts. Thirdly—there is no pretense to consider this brief sketch a complete or detailed history, but only a truthful outline of the heroic and chivalrous Mission days.
Maria Antonia Field.
Translation of the Names of the Missions.
1. San Diego.—A Spanish form of Saint James, who is the Patron Saint of Spain.