"What Mexican units were in California" Topic

Hi, I'm trying to find what Mexican units were in California. I know there were irregular Cavalry, and Presidio units, but what else.

I am not aware of any regular troops in Mexico other the the Standing Battalion of California, and it was in garrison in Baja. There was not a Mexican field army, nor the makings on one, in California.

Did the Standing Battalion of California have a regimental number or a name, or were they just known as the Standing Battalion.

Unless you want to just make something up you won't find regulars or active militia in California. Mexicans listed at all the battles are either some sort of local militia or Californios. The battles are tiny, I think the French and Indian War battle dwarf them. The largest battle appears to be Rio San Gabriel about 1000 participants total. San Pasqual was about 200. The US side features Marines, Dragoons, Mormon Batt., US Regulars, and some militia. Here is the wiki link to all the battles. You can find some other links on the various battle wikis.

link

It did not have a number; it was just the Standing Battalion of the Californias. Its unit designator, so to speak, was based on its geographical location.

My group will be using Rebels and Patriots so the battles for California will be perfect. For truly big battles we have a set of rules the have one figure equals 25.

Stostruppen is right on the money. Much more a case of gunboat/cannon barrel diplomacy than actual fighting.

That said, both the battle of San Pasqual and San Gabriel have some potential for some interesting skirmish gaming. San Pasqual almost had the feel of a Reno/Benteen type affair. An early cavalry skirmish in which the US dragoons are completely outclassed, which then led to what was a short term siege till Stockton can send an ad hoc relief force.

At San Gabriel the US forces, after stumbling through the semi dry riverbed and stumbling into quicksand short of the other shore, form a moving square and after what really could be called a "Mexican Stand Off" see the Mexican forces off.

The Californios would make for some beautiful minis I'm guessing!

So far I have Mexican irregular cavalry, Mexicans militia in Sombreros ( both Old Glory) Presidio from Boot Hill and they have dismounts. So I will buy some more ad hoc units for California. I've got 12 US Marines painted, and I'll be painting more plus Kit Carson and his mob, plus US Sailors from Old Glory as well.