The March of Portola and the Discovery of the Bay of San FranciscoEldredge, Zoeth Skinner
History
The March of Portola and the Discovery of the Bay of San Francisco
Eldredge, Zoeth Skinner
California -- History; California -- History -- To 1846; Portolá's Expedition, Calif., 1769-1770; San Francisco Bay (Calif.)
Placed about two leagues west-southwest of Point Almejas[52], latitude
37 deg. 42', the following is to be seen: First that it[53] is large, with
two red barrancas[54], and second, that to the north there are three
white rocks at a stone's throw[55]. From that point the coast runs
north-northeast, forming a small harbor in which there are five
submerged rocks close to its shore; above it some white barrancas[56],
ending in a sloping bill which top, to the north, is what is called
Angel Point[57]. This has near it several rocks[58], the furtherest
one a gunshot distant. From this point there is a harbor sufficient
to accommodate any vessel[59], not only on account of its bottom,
but because it is sheltered from all winds excepting those from the
west-southwest. The middle of this harbor is to the northwest, where
a copious creek empties[60]; the point runs northeast 1/4 east. This
harbor, with the one inside of it, which I called San Jose[61], has
been found very good, with the prevailing winds from the south to the
northwest.
From Pt. Almejas to the northwest 1/4 west, four Farallones are
seen, distant about four leagues. The one southernmost looks like a
sugar-loaf. To the northwest 1/4 north, at a distance of about twelve
leagues, a mountain[62] is seen which ends in a low point. According to
the records of Sebastian Vizcaino and coast pilot of Cabrera Bueno,
this is the one called Point Reyes. From this point the coast runs
east-southeast in the shape of a half-moon, open to all winds of the
third quarter and ending in two barrancas at the foot of which a
low point comes out with two submerged rocks. This point was called
Santiago[63], and, with one called Angel de la Guarda, forms the mouth
of the channel of the entrance of the port[64]. Following this shore in
a northeast direction, another harbor is to be found within three
small rocks near the shore which, in case of necessity, may shelter
any vessel. This harbor[65] ends on the north with a large, steep, and
broken point, at the foot of which there is a white farallon to which
and to the point I gave the name of San Carlos[66], and with Point San
Jose, which is distant about half a league, forms the entrance of this
famous port. It is to be borne in mind that any vessel that enters or
leaves this port must take the precaution not to come near San Carlos
Point, because in this place exist violent whirlpools which make useless
the rudder, but must take the middle of the channel or sail near the
shores of San Jose Point.
To the northeast 1/4 north of the middle of the entrance, an island[67]
is seen, distant about one and a half leagues. This island divides
the water of the flood in two channels in which a vessel may anchor,
especially in the one that runs northeast 1/4 north near the island
where water and wood are to be found in abundance. The vicinity of
the island is such good anchorage that a vessel can anchor within a
pistol-shot of the shore.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account