Volume 3, Page 560-561 / Authorizes Temporary Grazing At Place Of The Skulls\n\npage 1 — José María Estudillo Y Urquizu

Volume 3, page 560-561 / Authorizes temporary grazing at Place of the Skulls\n\nPage 1

1809 José María Estudillo letter reveals a glimpse into California history. Aged parchment document details grazing rights & military affairs. A unique historical piece.


josé maría estudillo y urquizu (1776 - 1830)

José María Estudillo y Urquizu: Spanish Californio officer & early settler of San Diego. Founder of the Estudillo family, commandant, & diarist. Explore his legacy in California history.

History San José (San Jose, United States of America)

Explore Silicon Valley's roots at History San José! Discover 14 acres of historic buildings, including a Mission & turn-of-the-century homes. Experience living history exhibits and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Señor Comisionado del Pueblo In the report you have given me, dated the 29th of last month, Reverend Father Narciso Duran, Minister of Mission San José, did not concur that the hill that you showed him was the one designated by the present Señor Gobernador of the province, or that the Place of the Skulls is presently a very necessary grazing spot for the work oxen from the vicinity, or that it belongs to the Pueblo. I advise you that you can place said oxen and the military horses at the Place of the Skulls temporarily until another solution is found to remove the Mission livestock. If you should find it necessary, for whatever reasons, you can order the townspeople to keep watch themselves. God keep you many years.Monterey, October 31, 1809José María Estudillo