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.
MONTEREY. — This name is composed of the words monte and rey, and literally means “king of forests.” The harbor of Monterey was discovered in 1603, by Admiral Sebastian Vizcayno, and so named in honor of Count Monterey, as well as from the neighboring forest of massive pine and other trees.
On being informed of this discovery, the King of Spain, at the instance ol the Marquis of Croix, Viceroy of Mexico, and Jose Galvez, Most Illustrious Royal Commissioner, ordered a second naval expedition, to act in concert with a land expedition, with a view to take possession of the harbor. The latter expedition, commanded by Captain Rivera y Moncada, reached its destination on the 23d of May; the former, commanded by Captain Juan Perez, on the 31st of May, 1770, when the banner of Spain was unfurled in token of possession.
Monterey has always been the residence of the superior authorities as the capital of Upper California. Since its foundation, fourteen duly appointed Governors of Upper California have discharged the duties of that office, viz: Fages, Borica, Arrillaga, Arguillo 1st, Sola, Arguillo 2d, Echeandia, Victoria, Figueroa, Chico, Carrillo, Alvarado, Micheltorena and Pico.
The forest of Monterey, viewed from the bay, presents the most picturesque appearance imaginable. — The surrounding hills of the city, crowned with tall pines and clothed in perpetual verdure, excite in the stranger a feeling at once of surprise and sympathy for the place. The native, as well as the foreign residents, are in constant admiration of it — at least such is the feeling of the writer whenever he has the honor of being there — his native place. On occasions like these, how fondly he recollects all the scenes of his childhood! Those of Monterey, born since the year 1807, to you this sincere sentiment of gratitude is addressed! The city of Monterey contains from 1500 to 2000 inhabitants.
In October, 1842, the American colors were hoisted there by Commodore Jones; ’tis said through pretended mistake—but he lowered them at the end of forty-eight hours. On the 7th of July, 1846, they were again unfolded to the breeze of Monterey, by Comodore Sloat, and if the act was then done also through a convenient mistake, is a question of “quien sabe.”