The Explorers, 1492-1774
TRANSLATION: Costanso’s Narrative of the Portola Expedition
… for those of the new missions which are to be founded, and that they will grow under the protection and patronage of his Excellency the Marquis de Croix, viceroy, governor, and captain general of this vast empire, under whose mild rule, which is extolled by the people, the inhabitants live gratefully. But this enterprise, desired for so many years and attempted many times with great preparations and costs, will doubtless be very acceptable to the august monarch who wears the crown of Spain. His generous heart Heaven rewards by arousing in his glorious reign great and illustrious men of all estates – ecclesiastical, military, and political – who vie with one another and are equally zealous in the discharge of the high responsibilities confided to their eminent capabilities and talents, which are never employed more worthily than in furthering the extension of the gospel and the public welfare of his loyal and devoted subjects.
Mexico, October 24, 1770.
D. Miguel Costanso
Translated by Adolph Van Hemmert-Engert & Frederick J. Teggert in “Publications of the Academy of Pacific Coast History,” Vol. 1, 69.
Return to Books.
THE EXPLORERS
Prologue
Ch. 1. Before the Explorers
Ch. 2. The Early Explorers
Ch. 3. The Story of Cabrillo
Ch. 4. The First to Arrive
Ch. 5. Sebastian Vizcaino
Ch. 6. Padres Lead the Way
Ch. 7. Fray Junipero Serra
Ch. 8. Expeditions by Sea
Ch. 9. Expeditions by Land
Ch. 10. Portola Goes North
Ch. 11. The Cross is Raised
Ch. 12. Anza Finds the Way
Ch. 13. Settlement at Last
Translations
1. Historiae Verdadera of Bernal Diaz del Castillo
2. Relation of the Voyage of Cabrillo
3. Informacion of 1560
4. Father Ascension’s Account of the Voyage of Sebastian Vizcaino
5. Diary of Sebastian Vizcaino
6. Palou’s Historical Memoirs of New California
7. Costanso’s Narrative of the Portola Expedition
8. Diary of Vicente Vila
9. Diary of Junipero Serra, Loreto to San Diego, March 28-July 1, 1769
10. Diary of Don Gaspar de Portola
11. De Anza Diary
12. Father Garces’ Diary
13. Record of Voyage by Francisco de Ulloa
