Spanish ships have been sailing along the coast of Alta California for more than two hundred years.
He wishes to secure his possession.
The King of Spain, Carlos III, is concerned about the predations of English pirates and the encroachment of Russian fur traders from the north.
But no Spaniard has ever ventured inland to explore the rugged terrain lying beyond the rocky shoreline.
Majestic Manila galleons laden with riches from the Orient cruise past regularly, bound for the port of Acapulco.
Spanish ships have been sailing along the coast of Alta California for more than two hundred years