Daily Alta California, Volume 1, Number 103, 29 April 1850
REPORT FROM THE SELECT COMMITTEE
On the Derivation and Definition of the Names of the
several Counties of the State of California, &c.ANGELES. — This country derives its name from the city of Los Angeles, which was founded in the latter part of the year 1781, by order of the viceroy of New Spain, Bailio Frey Antonio Bucareli y Ursua, and is situated on the right bank of the “Porciuneula” river, which copiously waters the highly fertile plain whereon the city stands. Invited by the genial climate, the inhabitants have converted a large portion of this plain into a delightful garden, which is covered with all sorts of native fruits, but especially the vine, which is cultivated with care and extraordinary success.
This beautiful and extensive valley, famous for its excellent wines and liquors, contains within its limits the ex-missions of San Juan Capistrano, San Gabriel and San Fernando, which, to within the last few years, constituted the best and richest establishments of the kind. In 1832, including the environs, they numbered very nearly half a million head of cattle.
From the reasons above mentioned, as well as from its extent and natural advantages, the county of Los Angeles is destined to become the most populous of any in the south, and doubtless many men of business, both public and mercantile, tired of their avocations, will retire there to enjoy a life of Angels.
The white population of the county is from 12,000 to 15,000.