On September 7th, I decided to leave the Port of San Francisco, as I considered the reconnaissance completed, and in doing this, having no wind, I was carried by the strong current against some rocks, injuring the rudder and breaking two female and one male bolts.  This obliged me to enter a cove, where I repaired as well as possible the accident, and again tried to sail forth, a light breeze from the north (the only one I noticed in the forty-four days) aiding the sailing.  On the 18th, because the rudder was injured, and those who had been on this coast before had warned me that at this time of year the weather was very severe, I determined to pass the Equinox at Monterey, and arrived there on the 19th.  At this port I found the frigate Santiago.  The schooner came October 7th, and I left for San Blas on the 13th, where I am sick of my foot, but always desirous to obey Your Excellency.

I pray the Lord to keep the life of Your Excellency many years.

San Blas, November 9, 1775.

Juan Manuel de Ayala.

To His Excellency, Bailio Frey Don Antonio Maria Bucareli.

Description of the Newly-discovered Port of San Francisco

Situated in Latitude 37deg. 53’ North, Longitude 17deg. 10’ West of San Blas

by Lieutenant Don Juan Manuel Ayala

Placed about two leagues west-southwest of Point Almejas[52], latitude 37deg. 42’, the following is to be seen:  First that it[53] is large, with two red barrancas[54], and second, that to the north there are three white rocks at a stone’s throw[55].  From that point the coast runs north-northeast, forming a small harbor in which there are five submerged rocks close to its shore; above it some white barrancas[56], ending in a sloping bill which top, to the north, is what is called Angel Point[57].  This has near it several rocks[58], the furtherest one a gunshot distant.  From this point there is a harbor sufficient to accommodate any vessel[59], not only on account of its bottom, but because it is sheltered from all winds excepting those from the west-southwest.  The middle of this harbor is to the northwest, where a copious creek empties[60]; the point runs northeast 1/4 east.  This harbor, with the one inside of it, which I called San Jose[61], has been found very good, with the prevailing winds from the south to the northwest.

From Pt.  Almejas to the northwest 1/4 west, four Farallones are seen, distant about four leagues.  The one southernmost looks like a sugar-loaf.  To the northwest 1/4 north, at a distance of about twelve leagues, a mountain[62] is seen which ends in a low point.  According to the records of Sebastian Vizcaino and coast pilot of Cabrera Bueno, this is the one called Point Reyes.  From this point the coast runs east-southeast in the shape of a half-moon, open to all winds of the third quarter and ending in two barrancas at the foot of which a low point