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.SAN DIEGO. — This county (St. James) derives its name from its present chief town, named after the harbor, which is only three miles distant therefrom. This excellent harbor was discovered and so named by Sebastian Vizcayno, Admiral of the Spanish Royal Squadron, in the year 1603, and in 1768 His Catholic Majesty, by royal decree, determined upon its exploration and settlement. Jose Galvez, royal commissioner (visitador general) of New Spain, was consequently entrusted with the undertaking; and for the purpose of successfully carrying it through, two expeditions were fitted out: one by land, the other by water; the latter was carried out in the San Carlos, Principe, and San Jose, commanded by Vicento Vila, two of which vessels having reached their destination respectively on the 11th April and on the 1st of May, 1769, whilst the fate of the third (San Jose) still remains unknown. The land expedition was divided into two parts, the first being commanded by Fernando Rivera y Moncado, and the second by Captain Gaspa de Portalo, governor of the province. The first division reached its destination on the 14th of May of said year 1769, and there found the two above mentioned vessels at anchor. On the 1st of July the second division also arrived safely; and on the 16th of the same month and year, the land having been taken possession of with the accustomed formalities in the name of His Catholic Majesty, the establishment of the Mission of San Diego was at once started under the direction of the Rev. Father Junipero Serra, this being the first civilized settlement founded in the extensive and beautiful country known as Upper California.
San Diego presents an arid appearance, but it possesses nevertheless a pleasant and luxurious climate, with a clear blue sky, enhanced by the sublime view of the Pacific Ocean. There are no building materials or timber in its vicinity, but its water is of the best that is known in the country. It abounds in copper mines, whilst it produces the best olives and Indian pears, and although its vineyards have not increased in number, yet the fruit they bear is certainly of the very best quality which California yields. Notwithstanding the departure of many families from San Diego, no part of the country maintains so high a claim for the amiable and sociable qualities of the fairer portion of its inhabitants. Here, indeed, the grace of person and amiability of disposition of the fair sex have attracted the young men of the north, and caused many of them to be led captive to the altar of Hymen, thus contributing their moral subjection to the fair Dieguinas in the latters’ native place, to whom the writer cannot but tender a tribute of admiration and respect.