California a Mexican Penal Colony?

[lvcabbie]

I recently re-acquainted myself with Herbert Howe Bancroft, an 19th century historian who prodigiously wrote on American Indians, as well as histories of some states.
I found and bookmarked three tomes reviewing activities in California from 1825 to 1848. Awesome. Only problem is that he gives short-shrift to the friars whose missions kept the civilian and military population fed and clothed.

Anyhow, I've only made it through chapter XIII and some of what I've learned amazes me. If you're into that stuff, check out my latest blog post at my signature!

Convicts rebel against the Mexican governor seeking California as separate from Mexico!