....this is interesting insight.
My gut tells me that there really was a Joaquin Murrieta. And I also believe it would have been very easy for the times to have credited him with several other "Joaquin's" crimes. And I really do not believe in Robin Hood's. I believe hard times breed hard men. And it seems to me that Murrieta was definitely a product of his times. Which I think can be said of plenty of 'bad men' from the old west. But, though I also believe he was a criminal, I don't believe he was a common one. I suppose there are many ways legends are born.... but as with every one, the question is always how much truth are in the origins of the story, and how much is added later for the sake of a 'better' story.

Anyways.... I'll look into some of that info you provided when I get a chance.

Thanks again!