Far to the south of the point reached by Lewis and Clark lay the country known as California. It had been explored by the Spaniards as early as 1540, and in 1769 an expedition under Portala discovered San Francisco Bay.
DISCOVERY OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY
[October 31, 1769]
[Good Junipero], the Padre,
Slowly read the King's commands,
In relation to the missions
To be built in heathen lands.
And he said: "The good Saint Francis
Surely has some little claim,
Yet I find that here no mission
Is assigned unto his name."
Then the [Visitador] answered:
"If the holy Francis care
For a mission to his honor,
Surely he will lead you there;
And it may be by the harbor
That the Indian legends say
Lies by greenest hills surrounded
To the north of Monterey."
Spoke Junipero the Padre:
"It is not for me to tell
Of the truth of Indian legends,
Yet of this I know full well—
If there be such hidden harbor,
And our hope and trust we place
In the care of good Saint Francis,
He will guide us to the place."
Soon, the Governor Portala
Started northward, on his way
Overland, to rediscover
The lost port of Monterey.
Since the time within its waters
[Viscaino] anchor cast,
It remained unknown to Spaniards,
Though a century had passed.
On his journey went Portala
With his band of pioneers,
Padres, Indian guides, and soldiers,
And a train of muleteers;
And said Serra, as he blessed them,
As he wished them all Godspeed:
"Trust Saint Francis—he will guide you
In your direst hour of need."
On his journey went Portala
Till he reached the crescent bay;
But he dreamed not he was gazing
On the wished-for Monterey.
So a cross on shore he planted,
And the ground about he blessed,
And then he and his companions
Northward went upon their quest.
On his journey went Portala,
And his army northward on,
And methinks I see them marching,
Or in camp when day was done;
Or at night when stars were twinkling,
As that travel-weary band
By the log-fire's light would gather,
Telling of their far-off land.