Forster vs. Pico: The Struggle for the Rancho Santa Margarita

Spokane, WA: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1998. FIRST EDITION. Hardcover. Near Fine. FIRST EDITION. During 1873 a jury trial took place in San Diego to decide whether Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California, had been the victim of a fraud by his brother-in-law, John Forster. Pico claimed title to the huge Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores land grant in southern California, located approximately 208 square miles north of San Diego on the California coastline, and today occupied by Camp Pendleton.Pico's battle to retain that grant in the face of formidable legal challenges from John Forster and others, provides an absorbing view of California during its transitional era and Americanization. The Introductory gives an overview of both families and an early history of California.<br><br>CONDITION: Hardbound red boards, gilt title on front and spine. Bibliography, Indexed, 256 pp. This copy comes from the library of previous owner, Terry Ruscin, author of Mission Memoirs: A Collection of Photographs, Sketches & Reflections of California's Past. His circular ex libre mark is blindstamped on the front flyleaf. Like new condition except for ex libris. Full refund if not satisfied.