From the Journal of Captain De La Perous 1

From the Journal of Captain De La Perous

Monica Monarez

California State University Dominguez Hills

From the Journal of Captain De La Perous 2

From the Journal of Captain De La Perous

Captain Jean Francois De La Perous was born in the year 1741 in France. He fought in

the French and Indian War and while France reconstructed their navy, De La Perous rose

through the ranks to positions of increasing authority (Margolin, pg 11). After becoming a hero

in France at the age of 41, he was called upon by King Louis XVI and was asked to carry out an

very important expedition around the world.

De La Perous was chosen for many reasons, but mainly because of his skills,

experience, and personality. He viewed himself as an expert and went to California to collect a

series of different facts. Like the King, He also regarded this voyage as a scientific expedition

(Margolin, pg 48). His team included many experts in science, a botanist, physicians, and many

other specialists in that time. Not only did the King trust he was the perfect man for the job, but I

believe De La Perous himself believed he was, as well.

There is an abundant amount of evidence that suggests that the Spaniards who

welcomed La Perous were doing everything in their power to impress and please him

(Margolin, pg 39). They did this not only because De La Perous was a fellow Catholic man and

appraised war hero, but because he was an ally of Spain and the Captain of this important

expedition. Other evidence that suggests this meet and greet went very well as because he was

specifically charged by King Louis XVIs instructions to leave a good impression and make

friends wherever he went (Margolin, pg 40). The men enjoyed being spoiled with gifts, such as

a hearty supply of wood, animals, and various types of food; this type of friendliness is also

famously known as Spanish hospitality. As much as the men were excited upon his arrival, he

was just as hospitable towards them.

From the Journal of Captain De La Perous 3

De La Perous talks extensively about his encounter with Indians in his journals. His

opinions on Indians are not the most pleasing, but he is very intrigued by the way they live and

how they spend their days at the mission. He writes, The Indians are in general diminutive and

weak, and exhibit none of that love of independence and liberty which characterize the nations of

the north, of whom they possess neither the arts nor the industry (Margolin, pg 57). This

statement shows that he feels a sense of superiority over the Indians. De La Perous also

mentions that the Indians have no form of official currency and instead uses the exchange of

beads. Upon mentioning this he also remarks he and his men having an abundance of beads. This

idea also shows the relationship between his people and the Indians and how La De Perous feels

he and his people are superior.

La De Perous makes comparisons between Africans and Indians. He mentions, the

color of these Indians, which is that of Negroes, (Margolin, pg 81). He also notes that the only

difference between the Indians and Africans are the texture of their hair. Assessments such as this

might give us clues to in indicate why he feels a sense of superiority towards the Indians. He also

writes about how the Indians do not believe in God. As a religious man, this fact must have made

him look down upon the Indians and their beliefs even further.

De La Perous forms many opinions from spending time with the Indians and he often

hears stories to forms ideas. He writes, they scalp the vanquished, and take out their eyes, which

they have the art of preserving from corruption, and which they carefully keep as tokens of

victory; the endnote states that, La Perous must have heard of ritual cannibalism from Pedro

Fages, who also mentions it in his memoirs (Margolin, pg 94). That is important to know

because if De La Perous hears something from a source he finds reputable he will write it down.
From the Journal of Captain De La Perous 4

De La Perous did an incredible job evaluating the mission. He not only details the

missions, but their surroundings and records their whereabouts. He talks about the people there,

what they eat, the type of animals in the area, the people he meets, and much more. He also

makes charts and drawings. He goes above and beyond to mention details some might not find

important; the Camel River, which affords a wholesome and agreeable drink to the missionaries

and their Indians, might also with a little trouble water their gardens (Margolin, pg 70).

In my opinion, the visit to Monterey was a success for the French. Not only did they get

to assess California and the Indians, but they were treated very well while doing so. For the ten

days he was there, De La Perous was able to document important information about California

to bring back with him. Since he regarded this trip as a scientific expedition and he was sent to

collect facts and information I would say he did his job pretty thoroughly. De La Perous

provided us a unique look into the past. When reading his journal you can easily get lost in the

time period. His descriptions paint pictures of his surroundings and what it might have been like

to be part of his crew. Without his documentation we would not have a first-hand account about

how California life was many, many years ago.

From the Journal of Captain De La Perous 5

References

Margolin, M. (1989). Life in a Cailfornia Mission. New York: IBT/Hamilton.