California historical documents collection

A collection of 162 items which consists of letters and documents in both English and Spanish by early Californians relating to politics and government, business, and mission affairs (particularly Mission Santa Cruz). While the bulk of the collection falls between the years 1830 to 1852, there are papers concerning the life and times of Abel Stearns, the activities of John Rowland in New Mexico and California (1835-1865), the agitation of Alta Californians demanding self-government, the Mexican War, and the events leading to California statehood. Included are final drafts of certain articles of the 1849 California Constitution and indexes and lists of civil and criminal cases in the courts of Los Angeles for the years 1830 to 1850. Persons represented in the collection include: Juan Bandini, José Castro, Pío Pico, Hugo Reid, John Rowland, Pablo Vicente de Solá, and Abel Stearns.