The Battle of San Pascual was a military encounter that occurred during the Mexican-American War in what is now San Diego County, California, on the 6 and 7 December 1846. The outcome was favourable to the Mexicans – the Californeros and Presidial Lancers defeated Stephen Watts Kearny.

Shortly after entering California from Santa Fe General Kearny had sent back 200 of his 300 troops after hearing that Los Angeles had surrendered to the Mexican side. Along with Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie the American side ammounted to 179, whereas his opponents numbered 100 troops. Despite the low numbers he attacked the Californeros' encampment at the Native American settlement of San Pascual upon learning of it, for he mistakenly believed they would not match up. Andrés Pico , leader of the Californeros, strategically defeated the U.S. troops, killing roughly nineteen – Kearny himself was injured. The Mexicans had just 11 wounded. Where the Americans had had firearms, Pico's men had just used lances and swords.

On 12 December the Americans were able to leave to San Diego. Despite the actual events on the day, Kearny would later recall the battle as a victory for the United States.

References

• William B. Dunne , Notes on the Battle of San Pascual (Berkeley: Bancroft Library)
• Sally Cavell Jones , The Battle of San Pascual (Masters Thesis, USD, 1973)