Testimonios de Florencio Serrano: Alta California Remembered, 1834-1850

Testimonios de Florencio Serrano: Alta California Remembered, 1834-1850 is introduced by a short history of the Spanish-Mexican period in California. The three Testimonios dictated by Florencio Serrano to the Bancroft writers are published as given in Spanish and translated. Serrano spoke of his arrival with the Híjar-Padrés expedition, its failure, his life in Monterey and his personal knowledge of the political and military events during his presence in California. He speaks clearly on the reason for the demise of the Mission system and his close friendship with three of the missionaries. He describes rather vividly some of the difficulties he encountered as alcalde and juez de la primera instancia in Monterey. He devotes a good deal of material to culture, customs, and diversions of the citizenry of the town. He comments rather bitterly on the role played by John C. Frémont upon his arrival in California and what happened in the Bear Flag episode.