e had on
board the governor of California[44]. From the Concepcion Ayala obtained
six kegs of water. On the 4th of April a serious accident happened to
the commander. When his predecessor was taken sick, he had a number of
loaded pistols. Ayala ordered them placed where they could not injure
anyone. In doing this, one fell and was discharged, the bullet entering
the commander's foot between the second and third toes, coming out under
the big toe. This accident caused him to keep his bed.

On the 7th of April, Cape San Lucas was seen to the north, distant about
two leagues. On the 8th, Cape San Lucas was seen to the west, about
twelve leagues distant. On account of contrary winds, the progress
northward was very slow. On June 22d, while they were warming some pitch
to calk the launch, it took fire, but was extinguished before great
damage was done. On the same day indications of land were noted and some
whales were seen, which the sailors say is the first sign of land. On
the following day they saw some seals, which, according to the sailors,
was the second sign of land. On the 24th, they saw some ducks, which,
they say, is proof positive of land being near. On the same day land was
sighted at 4 p. m.; the North Farallones of San Francisco were seen to
the north and Point Ano Nuevo to the southeast. At 7 p. m., the
South Farallones were seen at a distance of about two leagues to the
northeast. The variation of the needle was observed and found to be 13 deg.
E.

Next day, at 9 a. m., the fog having lifted, land was seen and Point Ano
Nuevo was recognized to the northwest about three leagues distant. At
noon the sun's altitude was taken, and the latitude found to be 36 deg. 58'.
At 3 p. m. they took bearings to make Point Pinos, but this point could
not be seen on account of the fog. At 4 p. m. the fog lifted, and at
5 p. m. they saw the point which protects the harbor of Monterey. The
variation of the needle was observed and found to be 12 deg. 58' E. They had
some difficulty in finding good anchorage, but finally did so on a sandy
bottom.

On the 26th of June, Commander Ayala sent his launch on shore with mail
and documents, and on its return the vessel was made fast.

Ayala remained in the harbor of Monterey till July 26th, during which
time he unloaded his cargo, took ballast, water, and fuel, mended sails
and repaired the ship, which needed it badly, the sixth board under
water at the poop having to be replaced fo