Was the Legendary Irish-Mexican Immigrant " El Zorro" an undocumented in California?

Throughout their history, Mexico and Ireland have experienced many similar events, in spite of their physical distance. Because these events have had such an impact on Mexico, it is often said that there is a real Irish presence in Mexican soil.

In the spring of 1846, the United States was eager to invade Mexico. According to some historians, the ostensible reason was to collect on past-due loans and indemnities; the more likely reason, however, was to provide the United States with control of the ports of San Francisco and San Diego, the trade route through New Mexico's territory, and the rich mineral resources of the Nevada territory (which belonged to the Republic of Mexico). The United States had previously offered $5 million dollars to purchase New Mexico's territory and $25 million dollars for California, but Mexico had refused. At the time, Irish immigrants felt empathy for Mexico, who it saw as another Catholic country being invaded by Protestant foreigners. In turn, they decided to fight with the Mexican battalions. The following are some excerpts of what was said in those times:

"Can you fight by the side of those who put fire to your temples in Boston and Philadelphia? Did you witness such dreadful crimes and sacrileges without making a solemn vow to our Lord? If you are Catholic, the same as we, if you follow the doctrines of Our Savior, why are you murdering your brethren? Why are you antagonistic to those who defend their country and your own God?"(4)
The Irish division was known as Los San Patricios, or "Those of Saint Patrick." It participated in all the major battles of the war and was cited for bravery by General L贸pez de Santa Anna, the Mexican Commander in Chief and President. At the penultimate battle of the war, these Irishmen fought until their ammunition was exhausted, and even then tore down the white flag raised by their Mexican comrades, preferring to struggle on with bayonets. Despite their brave resistance, 85 of the Irish battalion were captured and sentenced to bizarre tortures and deaths at the hands of the Americans, resulting in what is considered even today as the "largest hanging affair in North America."(5) The event had a profound effect in Mexico. Since then, many authors have written novels and history books about the subject and monuments and statues honoring Los Patricios have been erected in major Mexican cities. Movies have been filmed and even special dates have been marked on the Mexican calendar, to commemorate Irish aid.

In almost every Mexican account of the war, Los San Patricios are considered heroes who fought for the noble ideals of religion and a just cause against a Protestant invader of a peaceful nation. In U.S. history, Los San Patricios are often portrayed as deserters, traitors, and malcontents who joined the other side for land or money. Now, thanks to the highly regarded research of Michael Hogan and his book, The Irish Soldiers of Mexico, there is a much more objective analysis of the "San Patricios'" phenomenon.

an interesting spin on the Mexican/American war, at least. here's a source to research, altho it too has suspect info IMO

The Zorro books, and all the adaptations made from them (starting with Douglas Fairbanks in 1920) were by Johnston McCulley. Check Amazon com.

Wikipedia articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorro
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnston_Mc...

Seems like you looked into this a lot more than our avg. person on here.

On the History Channel they showed the Mexican-American War
which you have described here... but in more detail.

Ignorant people should look at the other side's perspective before making judgments.

Funny thing is... if people today looked into the real facts... they'd have a different take on things.

Joaquin Murrieta aka "The Fox" or "El Zorro" also presented by the History Channel.

Catch the shows... a lot of interest of this there.