The History of Father Junipero Serra The Presidente and the Viceroy

Apr 23, 2015

This is part of a series on the life of Junipero Serra. To read the whole series, click here. 

FRAY Junípero Serra and his traveling companions reached the Franciscan college at Mexico City on February 6, 1773. Shortly thereafter, he sought a personal interview with Viceroy Antonio Bucareli at the Palacio Nacional, just east of the zocalo, 

Though still suffering from a near-fatal fever contracted en-route, the little man from Mallorca, who was the spearhead of the spiritual conquest in the king's most recently acquired territory, was to deal directly with the alter ego of Charles III. Bucareli received Serra cordially and listened with interest to what he had to say. The viceroy had been briefed beforehand by letters which Serra had sent to his college from Tepic. 

Bucareli told Serra to put all his petitions in writing and to present them formally to the court. Impressed with Serra's zeal and his knowledge of affairs, the viceroy told him he would cooperate in any way possible. 

Serra was heartened over the meeting, for Bucareli's attitude was one of warmhearted interest. He had obtained a friend at court of whom none was higher. Once more Serra had gone forward and not turned back. The gate of the viceregal palace was a gate of victory for Serra and all of California. 

Upon returning to San Fernando College, Serra began writing his report about the problems and needs of Alta California. The representacion was finished and signed on March 13th. It was an interesting document and it formed the basis for the first significant legislation for early California, legislation that would affect Indians, soldiers, military commanders, naval men, post office officials, missionaries, colonists, the college, the palace and the Council of the Indies in Spain. 

The twenty-two points in the report covered practically every phase of activity about the missionary enterprise. Serra devoted the greatest amount of space to the military governor of Monterey and why he should be replaced. Unless Pedro Fages were removed from office, the development of the missions would be impaired. Serra suggested Jose Francisco Ortega as a replacement, noting that "insofar as I have observed, in commanding soldiers he is firm without being offensive, is prudent and judicious." 

To better satisfy the soldiers, Serra suggested that a warehouse be built for them, that the price of goods be regulated, and their annual pay increased. He suggested, furthermore, the recruitment of married soldiers. Each mission was to have a majordomo, or missionary soldier, who would supervise, under the padre, the manual and economic duties at the missions as had been done in Baja California. 

Serra asked that the "immemorial custom" be restored in California whereby the management, command, punishment and education of the baptized Indians and those ready to receive baptism remain under the friars exclusively. Only crimes of blood were to be reserved to the military. All punishments then would be inflicted only after prior consultation with the missionary in charge. 

The Presidente's report covered many other aspects of the missionary program in Alta California. In concluding his representación, Serra promised to abide scrupulously by the decisions of the government. 

The document is, in many ways, a remarkable expose of needs and difficulties, frankly expressed. Serra made definite, concrete proposals and showed himself a man of practical affairs. He sought legislation that covered every possible mission relationship and, in so doing, he became the sponsor of the first body of laws to govern early California.