Moncada, Fernando De Rivera y (fl. 1775-1776) to Antonio Bucareli (in Spanish)
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06287.08 Author/Creator: Moncada, Fernando De Rivera y (fl. 1775-1776) Place Written: California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 October 1776 Pagination: 3 p. ; 30.5 x 21.4 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses building missions in San Diego and San Juan Capistrano. Also mentions soldiers in the stockade and checking on the families of troops.
On the present day of the 14, I marched from San Diego, everything was quiet without anything new occurring that February, and thirteen have been imprisoned in two stocks; I am being accompanied by thirteen soldiers that had been staying in Monterrey. A little before I left, I was in the guard, I called Lieutenant Francisco de Ortega and those present, I sent and told the soldiers about the right subordination, leaving the [edification] in San Diego; and to continue what was begun at San Juan Capistrano, that in both be raised a Guardian force, and that the rest help [P.P] that have not yet done everything, nor adobes, because there is always something to do and ways to help out, that with this they are doing a service to God and to the King; I felt like I should expose to your Excellency the news that I execute demonstrating that I don't omit any pass. For the time [2] in which the referred Missions will begin, I have not left any yet to the Lieutenant than that one, to proceed on the first announcement given by the Father President whose staying at the Fort. The Father mentioned, spoke to me about the second, that the Indians of California would assist, I heard this news with pleasure; I left a young servant for that.
From San Diego, I told Your Excellency that I would leave eight guards where I am writing you from, ultimately it has seemed to me, that for a while it has been with nine, I am not reducing it for now.
I am in the mood to move on to San Francisco, I am taking all the families that were detained at Monterrey; we will get the next Mission started and I will not proceed to the next one even that of Your Excellency for the reason that I have just known of Father President's thoughts of wanting to put at the coast and the path to Monterrey to that Port, far from the Fort, that is not yet what your Excellency has given me, I hope you send it to me; and on the subject of the Guard I do not consider it sufficient [3] with six men. There are two locations, one of them will distance the Fort by 18 leagues. And the other passes over 20.
When the Boat left, the memory of my plead to Your Excellency for San Carlos' Church stayed with me, the one that accompanies this one.
God give Your Excellency's important life an extensive amount of years.
San Gabriel and Oct. 20 of 1776
Excellent Sir
Ferndo de Riv.a y
Moncado
Excellent Sir B.o Fr. Don Antonio Bucareli y Ursua
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.