History of early Spanish colonization of California. Historian Eldredge writes of the land march of Portola in 1769, culminating in the discovery of San Francisco Bay. E.J. Molera writes of Portola after he left California, and of the first ship to enter San francisco Bay (the packet boat San Carlos) under the command of Don Juan Manuel de Ayala. Included are Molera's translations of Ayala's report to the Viceroy of New Spain, Ayala's description of San Francisco Bay and Pilot de Canizares' report to Ayala of the reconnaissance of the Bay. Illustrations include the first survey and map of San Francisco Bay from a photograph of the Pilot's original drawing attached to the log of the San Carlos in Seville.

Reproduction of the original.

An account of the exploits of Gaspar de Portola, the 18th century Spanish soldier, explorer and founder of San Diego and Monterey.

In the annals of adventure, there are no more thrilling narratives of heroic perseverance in the performance of duty than the record of Spanish exploration in America. To those of us who have come into possession of the fair land opened up by them, the story of their travels and adventures have the most profound interest. The account of the expedition of Portol� has never been properly presented. Many writers have touched on it, and H. H. Bancroft, in his History of California, gives a brief digest of Crespi's diary. Most writers on California history have drawn on Palou's Vida del V. P. F. Junipero Serra and Noticias de la Nueva California, and without looking further, have accepted the ecclesiastical narrative. We have endeavored in this sketch to give, in a clear and concise form, the conditions which preceded and led up to the occupation of California.

In 'The March of Portola and the Discovery of the Bay of San Francisco,' editors Zoeth Skinner Eldredge and E. J. Molera curate a riveting collection that explores the historical expedition that led to the European discovery of the San Francisco Bay Area. Through a rich tapestry of diary entries, letters, and official reports, the collection presents a varied literary landscape, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this pivotal moment in history. It stands as a significant contribution to the understanding of early Californian and American exploration narratives, offering readers insight into the journey's challenges, revelations, and the subsequent impact on indigenous populations and European settlements. The anthology's strength lies in its diversity of perspectives and literary styles, encapsulating the complexity of exploration and colonization. The contributions of Zoeth Skinner Eldredge and E. J. Molera, both esteemed in their own rights as historians and scholars, bring forth a collective expertise in Californias early history. Their backgrounds provide a rich and nuanced foundation for the anthology, allowing it to resonate with authenticity and scholarly rigor. Aligning with historical and cultural movements of exploration and colonial frontiers, the collection invites readers into a dialogue with the past, piecing together narratives from those who marched with Portola. 'The March of Portola and the Discovery of the Bay of San Francisco' is an indispensable resource for readers interested in the confluence of exploration, historical documentation, and the nuanced perspectives of those who witnessed the dawn of European influence in California. This anthology not only offers an educational journey through a pivotal moment in history but also enriches the reader's understanding of the cultural and environmental transformations that ensued. It is an invitation to explore the complexities and the multifaceted narratives of discovery, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of historians, scholars, and anyone intrigued by the shaping of Americas frontiers.

Includes The Log of the San Carlos and Original Documents Translated and Annotated by E. J. Molera