TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIAS. 
263 
Josef Galvoz, the Yisitador General, whose commands are to 
guide him in his labors. This dignitary arrives at La Paz in 
July, with orders from his superiors to visit the missions in 
Lower California, to superintend expeditions about to be 
dispatched to San Diego and Monterey in the upper pro¬ 
vince, for the establishment of missions and forts. Soon the 
three packet boats of this undertaking arrive. They are called 
the San Bias, San Carlos and San Antonio. In them are 
provisions, agricultural implements, and seeds of Spanish and 
Mexican grains, fruits and esculent roots, to be planted at 
the contemplated establishments. They will need cattle, 
horses and mules. A party therefore is organized to drive 
these over the country to Monterey. The San Carlos is ready 
for sea, and the Visitador General fixes the day for her de¬ 
parture. In this vessel is Don Vincent Vital, Commander, 
Don Pedro Prat, Lieutenant, twenty-five Catalonian volun¬ 
teers, a good ship’s crew, and Padre Fernando Parron. Death 
has visited the Spanish vessels in these seas ever since Cortez’ 
iron prow ruffled them. In all the north the freezing 
hand of the Great Destroyer is seen ! No living men on 
board the San Carlos dare unfurl the canvas till heaven is ap¬ 
peased. The red cross is therefore raised to the peak, the 
orange flag of Spain floats beneath it; and the crew and the 
soldiers and officers, and priests with shaven crowns, are 
gathered on the deck; the holy sacrament is administered by 
Padre Junipero; and Mass is said to San Josef, the chosen 
patron of these expeditions; the vessel and colors are blessed; 
an absolution and benediction administered to the people; 
and the vessel San Carlos leaves the harbor of Loretto on the 
ninth of January, 1769, on her voyage to Upper California. 
The San Antonio sails from Cape San Lucas on the fifteenth 
of the following month. Her commander is Don Juan Perez. 
She has on board Padres Juan Biscayno and Francisco Go¬ 
mez, and her crew. The San Josef leaves Loretto on the 
sixteenth of June of the same year. 
Meanwhile the land expedition is being forwarded with all 
