Diary by Francisco Garcés

Colonizing Expedition, 1775

Dec 1. SP -- We went-the señor comandante, Padre Tomas (Eisarc), and I-with some muleteers (arrieros) to the house of Captain Palma, which was distant from the place where we had halted about one league westward, for the purpose of building the hut (xacal) which had to serve as our habitation until the return of the expedition. This evening Captain Palma put on the clothes which the señor viceroy had presented to him in recognition of the good services he has rendered to the Españoles. This same evening came four Jalchedun women with one man, saying on behalf of their nation that already was it determined, from the message that we had sent to them, to make peace with the Yumas. Here ensued this night a great joke (chiste). Asking the Jalchedun of affairs in his country, he told us that there was in his land a man who had fled from the new Conversions of Californias; that this man had been killed and burned by the nations through which he passed, but that he had managed to come to life again in some mysterious manner (tenia havilidad de volverse remolino); that he carried with him a viper, and finally that he was a great sorcerer, and that he was killing the Jalchedunes; in consequence of which they were in great terror. The señor comandante was somewhat mortified notwithstanding the great patience which he expends upon Indians, worthy to be imitated by all who devote themselves to such enterprises. I begged him for a few glass beads, which I gave them (these Jalchedunes).

Dec 2. SP -- I continued the building of the hut with the señor comandante; the Indians assisted somewhat, and to those who worked were given beads. This day was distributed tobacco to all the Yumas and beads to all the women who assembled.

Dec 3. SP -- The hut was finished, and the expedition arrived on this spot. The señor comandante issued to Padre Fray Tomás and to me what was allowed us for our subsistence.

Dec 4. SP -- The expedition went on its destination, and there remained in our company six persons-two Españoles, one little boy, and three interpreters on account of the expedition-and another Indian that Señor Don Bernardo Urrea let me have.