The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 23, July 1919 - April, 1920 Page: 289
319 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Sebastian Vizcaino: Exploration of California
The Council of the Indies had already ordered, in May, 1596,
that somebody other than Vizcaino be chosen to effect the con-
quest, intending this measure to apply to the expedition on which
in fact he had already departed. But the Conde de Monterey was
now more favorably disposed toward Vizcaino. He wrote of him
that "in addition to possessing a practical knowledge of the South
Sea [Pacific Ocean] and being a man of even disposition upright
and of good intentions, he is of medium yet sufficient ability (al-
though I had feared it was otherwise) for governing his people,
and this coupled with energy enough to make himself respected
by them." As for the voyage "the unfortunate ending .
was not due to incapacity on the part of Vizcaino, who on the
contrary gave evidence of some ability and greater spirit than
could have been expected from a mere trader engaged in an enter-
prise of this kind." The viceroy was not deceived by Vizcaino's
glowing descriptions, but was inclined to believe (as indeed the
circumstances warranted) that the pearl fisheries might prove rich.
He therefore recommended that Vizcaino be assisted, out of royal
funds, to make another expedition, but "for the purpose merely
of ascertaining definitely what there is there, in order that com-
plete assurance be had concerning the value of the pearl-fishery,
and that greater light may be thrown on what relates to the defense
and security of these realms and the ships which make the China
voyage." Alluding to the voyage of Rodriguez Cermenho and the
wreck of the San Agustin, he said that people were now convinced
that the proper way to explore the northern coasts of the Cali-
fornias was not by a voyage from Manila in the heavily laden
galleons, but by going direct from New Spain in boats of light
draught. This exploration, he thought, should be conducted on
one and the same enterprise with discoveries in the Gulf of Cali-
fornia. The Council of the Indies, under date of September 27,
1599, endorsed the viceroy's plan in the main, requesting that
action be taken "with all possible speed." They put great em-
phasis on the character of the men to be enlisted for the expedi-
tion, wishing to take precautions against arousing the hostility of
the Indians, but they ordered the explorations in the gulf and those
along the Alta California coasts to be undertaken separately.
Yet the expedition was held back until 1602. One of the prime
causes for the delay was a fresh entry of foreign ships into the
Pacific, wherefore it became necessary to seek them out with all289
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 23, July 1919 - April, 1920, periodical, 1920; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101075/m1/295/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.