For your consideration, here is the Synopsis:
Fernando Rivera is
born in Compestella, Mexico in 1752. His father, a minor government
functionary dies, leaving the family in poverty. Jesuit priests have
taught Fernando to read, write, and do sums. Fernando enlists as a
common soldier for the light cavalry, known as Leatherjacket
Soldiers. He serves well and is selected for assignment to the
military garrison in Loreto, Baja California, the capitol of the
province. He rises from private to sergeant. All are shocked when he,
a mere Criollo, is elevated by the viceroy to the rank of captain to
be the military commandant of California. This was due to urging by
Jesuits priests he had well served. When the Jesuits are forced to
leave the New World to be replaced by Franciscans, he continues to
perform his duties even after having been replaced. He later becomes
governor of Upper California. However, as he was born in Mexico, he
is considered to be a second class member of Spanish society. He is
replaced again by another titled individual from Spain and sent back
to Loreto. There, Fernando continues to serve his king with dignity
and dedication. The viceroy determine the pueblo of Los Angeles will
be founded and Fernando is tasked to recruit soldiers and settlers,
along with livestock. At what is now Yuma, Arizona, Fernando sends
half the livestock to Mission San Gabriel. He and his small band are
attacked by local Indians. He is slain, dying a pauper as he has not
received pay for five years, leaving his survivors in poverty.
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