Spain’s settlement of California was well-documented; Lewis & Clark knew they had to avoid Spanish interference when they surveyed the Louisiana Purchase because it abutted Spain’s recognized claims at the time. Otherwise the cities would be named “The Angels”, “St. Francis”, and “Sacrament”...
There were many complaints about how Stephen Kearny conducted himself after the Spaniards were finally driven out of California ....
Pretty amazing guy if you can claim him as family ?