United States v. De Haro

On the 12th of April, 1844, Ramon and Francisco de Haro presented a petition to the governor in which they alleged that, being compelled to remove the cattle of their deceased mother from the rancho of José Antonio Sanchez, they desired the grant of a small piece of land called the Potrero de San Francisco, in extent from north to south 2,288 varas, and from east to west 2,508 varas. They further stated that the land could be enclosed, and that they intended to place in it tame cattle, as their father’s land was insufficient, and as they had obtained, being minors, his permission to make their petition. This petition was, on the 29th April, referred to the secretary, who, on the same day, reported that the land was vacant, as the mission of San Francisco, within the lands of which it was included, had no property whatever. But he suggests that inasmuch as the ejidos of the pueblo had not been designated, the petitioners might in the meantime occupy the land under a provisional license. In pursuance of this report, a document was signed and issued by the governor, in which he declares that, in conformity with the laws and regulations governing the matter, he has resolved to permit…