The Explorers, 1492-1774
TRANSLATION: Diary of Vicente Vila
Title Page:
Log-Book of H.M. Packet San Carlos, or Toyson, Don Vicente Vila, Sailing-Master of the First Class, Commander, on the voyage from the port of La Paz in Southern California, in latitude 24o 20′ north and longitude 266o 51′ of the meridian of Teneriffe, to the port of San Diego on the west coast of California, situated in latitude 32o 45′ north and in longitude 258o 4′ of the same meridian – carrying troops and missionaries, and with a cargo of stores and supplies – in order to take possession of the country in the name of the Crown of Spain; to set up in that port a presidio and a mission; and to effect the conversion of the native heathen to the Holy Catholic Faith.
Translated by Robert Selden Rose in “Publications of the Academy of Pacific Coast History,” Vol. II, 5.
Diary of Vicente Vila
The construction of the shelters was postponed until the following morning.
At six o’clock in the morning, a Philippine seaman, named Agustin Fernandez de Medina died.
At eight o’clock in the morning, the launch of the San Antonio put off with Don Pedro Fages, Don Miguel Costanso Fray Juan Vizcaino, and the soldiers who were best able, in order to set about the construction of the shelters.
From Saturday, 6, to Sunday, May 7. – The day was foggy and drizzly, with the wind at south.
At one o’clock in the afternoon, the wind shifted to northwest.
At sunset, the launch returned with the missionary and the officers. They had decided to build the shelters for the sick on a hillock close to the beach and a cannon-shot from the packets. To this end they had gathered a quantity of brushwood and earth to make roofs for those who were to be placed in the shelters.
Between eight and nine o’clock in the morning, seven or eight Indians came alongside on their rafts, and, in exchange for a few trinkets …
Translated by Robert Selden Rose in “Publications of the Academy of Pacific Coast History,” Vol. II, 101.
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