In presenting this modest volume to the public, I wish to call the attention of my readers to the following facts. Firstly, my humble work is a work of love--love simple and unalloyed for the venerable Spanish Missionaries of California and for the noble sons and daughters of Spain who gave such a glorious beginning and impetus to our state. Being a direct descendant of pioneer Spaniards of Monterey, I take a particular interest in California's early history and development and as my family were staunch friends of the Missionary Fathers and in a position to know the state of affairs of those times, and to family tradition I have added authentic knowledge from reading the earliest archives of San Carlos Mission, as well as other historical references, I feel I can fearlessly vouch for the truthfulness of my little work. Secondly--while fully appreciating the sympathy and interest of many charming and intellectual characters who grace California to-day, it must be admitted that there is a sadly ignorant or misinformed number who scarcely seem to know who Spaniards and their descendants are, judging from the promiscuous way the term "Spanish" is used, and what is the result of this among many? Prejudice, and absurd misunderstanding of the golden days of Spanish California as well as of the Spanish race and character. It is far from being my wish to offend, but I wish to present correct historical facts. Thirdly--there is no pretense to consider this brief sketch a complete or detailed history, but only a truthful outline of the heroic and chivalrous Mission days. Maria Antonia Field. Translation of the Names of the Missions. 1. San Diego.--A Spanish form of Saint James, who is the Patron Saint of Spain. 2. San Carlos.--Saint Charles. Mission San Carlos and the Royal Chapel of Monterey were so named in honor of Saint Charles the Patron Saint of King Carlos III under whose reign the mission was founded. 3. San Antonio De Padua.--St. Anthony of Padua. 4. San Gabriel.--St. Gabriel (the Angel of the Annunciation.). 5. San Luis Obispo.--Saint Louis, Bishop. 6. Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores.--Our Lady of Sorrows. 7. San Juan Capistrano.--St. John Capistrano. 8. Santa Clara.--Saint Clara. 9. San Buenaventura.--Saint Bonaventure. 10. Santa Barbara.--Saint Barbara (whose feast is commemorated on December 4, the date of the foundation of the Mission.) 11. Purisima Concepcion.--Most Pure Conception (of the Blessed Virgin Mary). This feast is celebrated on December 8, the day on which this mission was founded. 12. Nuestra Senora De La Soledad.--Our Lady of Solitude. (In the Catholic Church the Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated under this title to commemorate her solitude from the time of our Saviour's death until His Resurrection). 13. Santa Cruz.--Holy Cross (so named in honor of Our Saviour's Passion). 14. San Jose.--Saint Joseph.