Rivera y Moncada, Explorer and Military Commander of Both Californias, in the Light of His Diary and Other Contemporary Documents
A T ARIZPE, capital of Sonora, on December 24, 1779, Fernando de Rivera handed to the eminent Franciscan historian, Agustin Morfi, his diary for the period May 25, 1774-January 16, 1777.1 It was a personal record of decisive years in the history of Upper California, for on the earlier date Rivera y Moneada had become military commander and virtual governor of the territory, and during the period which it covered San Francisco was founded. Rivera's action saved the diary for posterity; less than nineteen months later, on July 18, 1781, he was slain by Indians at La Concepcion, near present-day Yuma, as he led another contingent of settlers to Los Angeles.2 Hitherto, Rivera y Moneada has been best known and condemned for his attempts to delay the founding of San Francisco, a rather inglorious title to fame. Unfortunately for him, later generations have forgotten his many other services to his country in governing the Californias.3 Also they have lacked the man 's own version of the