76 RETURN FROM SAN FRANCISCO 
which was on the 3d of June, the whole of the officers, 
naval as well as military, and all the people, assembled 
together in a small ravine, where the Fathers caused 
an altar to be erected, and the bells to be rung. They 
then chanted the Venez Creator, blessed the water, 
erected and blessed a grand cross and the royal stand- 
ards, and chanted the first mass that was ever per- 
formed in this place. We afterwards sung the Salve 
to our Lady, before an image of the most illustrious 
Virgin, which occupied the altar, and then I preached 
asermon. We concluded the festival with a Ze Dewm. 
After this the officers took possession of the coun- 
try in the name of our Lord the King, whom God pre- 
serve. We all dined together in a shady place on the 
beach; the whole ceremony being accompanied by 
many volleys and salutes, on the land as well as from 
the vessels. To God alone be the honor and glory! 
“With regard to the former expedition, its not 
finding the port of which it was in search, and having 
asserted that it did not exist, I will express no opinion, 
and will not judge of their motives. It is enough to 
say, that it has been found, and the duty performed, 
although rather late. This I desire may be made 
known to the Visitor General, and to all those who feel 
an interest in this spiritual conquest. 
‘‘Mission of San Carlos de Monterey. June, the 
day of San Antonio Padua, 1770. 
‘T kiss your hands, ete. 
“FR. JUNIPERO SERRA.” 
April 16th. This morning I got a horse and rode 
out to the Mission of San Carlos, on the river Carmel, 
