California in 1792 : a Spanish naval visit

This is the first translation of an account of California in 1792, originally made by two naval officers, Dionisio Alaca Galiano and Cayetano Valdes, in command of the Spanish schooners, the Sutil and the Mexicana. Stopping at Monterey in September 1792, they provide information on Spanish - Indian relations, the successes and failures of the Franciscan missionaries, and the Californian environment. Included is the naval officers' record of the vocabulary and catechism of the Carmel missionary Indians. Jose Cardero, the scribe and artist accompanying the trip, provides black and white drawings of local scenes, depictions of the Indians, views of the presidio at Monterey and the nearby mission at Carmel.