Page:Dawn and the Dons.pdf/40

DAWN AND THE DONS 18 direct waterway across America to her Pacific possessions. Moved by these combined considerations, and acting

under an imperial order from Spain, the Viceroy of Mexico fitted out an expedition to sail up the California coast in search of the Strait of Anian, to find a harbor of

refuge for returning galleons, and to search out a point suitable for settlement and colonization. This expedition consisted of two hundred picked men under the command

of Sebastian Vizcaino, a man of rather superior

native ability, who had risen in a few years from a humble pearl fisher to a bold and successful navigator. With him were associated several Carmelite friars, the leader of whom was Father Antonio de la Ascension, for

in those days in all Spanish undertakings, Church and State went hand in hand. The adventurers sailed from — Acapulco, on the west coast of Mexico, May 6, 1602, in

two small sailboats, and two smaller adjunct boats, and made their way slowly up the coast, stopping at intervals to inspect the shore. On these occasions they met many natives, whose astonishment and curiosity were aroused by these strange, white visitors and their odd craft.

They met with no hostile demonstrations, however, and while passing through what is now known as the Santa Barbara Channel, encountered a tribe of Indians that appeared to desire friendly relations. An old Indian chief came out from shore in a primitive sort of boat, and tried to persuade Vizcaino and his men to visit his, village. As a great and final inducement, the old chief