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 13deg.
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 36deg. 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 12deg. 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.
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