Reviewing the man's life had prodded me into writing a novella about his life and time. It will be The Leatherjacket Soldier. Perhaps when I've finished the first draft, someone here might wish to read and review it.
If you are looking for a critical eye, count me in. I know very little about the history involved, but I do enjoy proof reading. I'd be happy to help you clean it up while learning a little more about the man.
Reviewing the man's life had prodded me into writing a novella about his life and time. It will be The Leatherjacket Soldier. Perhaps when I've finished the first draft, someone here might wish to read and review it.
I am a little bit aware of Rivera. I, in some of my research, have heard and read a thing or two of him. He was killed at Yuma, I researched, somewhat, a soldado under his command at that outpost on that tragic day. The soldado died as well.
Just read your section about Rivera . . . . Excellente!!!
First school tax in California was in the late 1700's. A soldado bitterly complained to the commandante asking why, if he was soltero with no children, he had to help pay for a school and was told that he indeed had to help pay because education betters and benefits the entire community, not just those who attend the school.
I am a little bit aware of Rivera. I, in some of my research, have heard and read a thing or two of him. He was killed at Yuma, I researched, somewhat, a soldado under his command at that outpost on that tragic day. The soldado died as well.
Just read your section about Rivera . . . . Excellente!!!
First school tax in California was in the late 1700's. A soldado bitterly complained to the commandante asking why, if he was soltero with no children, he had to help pay for a school and was told that he indeed had to help pay because education betters and benefits the entire community, not just those who attend the school.
I'd like to review your draft when finninshed.
Interesting - as the vast majority of soldiers, to include the governors and friars - WENT YEARS WITHOUT PAY OF ANY KIND!
Most of them survived on chits from the habilitado - iou's against when and if they would receive their pay. Rivera died with the government owing him more than 5 years back pay.
Incredible to think of, no one these days could be so dedicated. I think that's why they started dishing out land grants, or one of he reasons, as retirement benefits. But in those days widows received 0% of their husbands benefits.
Are you saying that if a land grant was given at that time, and the man of the house died, the grant was revoked and his widow was left destitute?
No, if he died and was owed a land grant or pay, she could not collect. Rivera died before Mexican independance and as pointed out earlier, only about 8 of the several hundred grants were Spanish, the rest Mexican.
Even in a US land grant or "homestead" when my great-grandmother found herself a widow, she had to apply for the property to be transferred. They were usually OK'd as hers was.
If you are looking for a critical eye, count me in. I know very little about the history involved, but I do enjoy proof reading. I'd be happy to help you clean it up while learning a little more about the man.
Thanks.
I just sent the revised/edited manuscript for The Sailor and The Carpenter to the publisher and am finding myself with more time to work on Leatherjacket Soldier.
As soon as I finish the first draft - I don't want it more than 60k words - I'll get back to you.
I've just posted about Pedro Fages - the man Father Serra had removed as governor - returns and becomes the longest serving governor of California.
For Hihood - he was the one who got the Presidio of Santa Barbara started - really upsetting Father Serra as he wanted to found the mission - and couldn't.
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