A great resource for 4th grade Mission projects!
On the afternoon of September 14, 1786, two French ships appeared off the coast of Monterey, the first foreign vessels to visit Spain’s California colonies. Aboard was a party of eminent scientists, navigators, cartographers, illustrators, and physicians.
For the next ten days the commander of this expedition, Jean Francois de La Pérouse, took detailed notes on the life and character of the area: its abundant wildlife, the labors of soldiers and monks, and the customs of Indians recently drawn into the mission. These observations provide a startling portrait of California two centuries ago.
By Jean François de la Pérouse; Introduction and Commentary by Malcolm Margolin; Illustrations by Linda Yamane.