Vessel
Princesa
Princesa: 72 recorded visits to the Californias, 1779 to 1810, calling at San Francisco, Santa Bárbara, Monterey, Loreto. Flag Spain. Every visit cited to its source.
- Flag
- Spain
- Recorded span
- 1779 to 1810
- Recorded visits
- 72
- Name as written
- Princesa (71), La Princesa (1)
- Anchorages
- San Francisco, Santa Bárbara, Monterey, Loreto, Nootka, San Blas, San Diego
- Record status
- reviewed
Recorded visits
The frigate Princesa (Ignacio de Arteaga, expedition chief) entered San Francisco Bay 15 Sept 1779, a day after the Favorita; ~six-week convalescence of the scurvy-ridden crews, cut short by news of Bucareli's death and war with England; departed 30 Oct 1779
- Published secondary source: Bancroft, History of California I:329
- Published secondary source: Tovell, At the Far Reaches of Empire (UBC Press, 2008)
Return of the frigates *Princesa* & *Favorita* to SF (14–15 Sept) from the discovery expedition [cf. Entry 15]
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 22, doc 210 (scan n160)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1779
*Expedición al Norte* of the frigates *Favorita* & *Princesa* (Lt. Ignacio Arteaga cmdg.): reached 61°4′, could not make
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 22, doc 155 (scan n133–n135)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1779
The royal expedition frigates *Princesa* & *Favorita*, under Dn Esteban José Martínez, were at Santa Bárbara, 4 Aug 1782
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 15, doc 147 (scan n120)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 22, doc 284 (scan n199)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1782 (Monterey)
One of the discharged men arrived on the *Princesa* stayed 'con el fin de poner una escuela de niños' at a presidio; war
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 22, doc 260 (scan n184)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1784 (Monterey, San Francisco)
A SHIPWRECK on the Monterey-Bay coast (late 1784): at Santa Clara / the mouth of the Río Pájaro, 4–5 men killed, figures
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 3, doc 108 (scan n104–n106)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1784 (Monterey, San Francisco)
On provisions for the presidios delivered by the *Princesa*'s pilot Juan Bautista de Aguirre to Loreto (& the others), a
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 3, doc 503 (scan n467–n468)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1786
The otter-monopoly Comisionado's own letter: encloses 2 viceregal oficios; frames his commission as supplying quicksilve
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 3, doc 443 (scan n401–n402)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1786
Holds the bando for collecting sea-otter & sea-lion (*Lobos Marinos*) pelts (by R.O. 2 Jun 1785 the Conde de Gálvez, Vic
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 3, doc 345 (scan n312–n313)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1786
The frigate *La Princesa* (Capt. *Esteban Martínez*) anchored at Santa Bárbara (17th), delivering 58 *varas* & 12 beams
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 3, doc 342 (scan n310)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1786
Return the surgeon of the frigate *Princesa* (D. Carvajal[?]); on medicine/surgery for the establishments — 200 of the 4
Purísima construction (Cota, 24 Ago): the mission *cuadro* 'cerrado' + a rebellín, houses done by mid-Sept, 5 families a
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 4, doc 190 (scan n272)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1788 (Monterey)
Returning from the 1788 reconnaissance of Russian posts in Alaska (Unalaska; met Potap Zaikov), Esteban José Martínez's Princesa lay at Monterey 17 Sept–14 Oct 1788 (the San Carlos under López de Haro went straight to San Blas); the intelligence on Russian expansion triggered the 1789 Spanish occupation of Nootka
- Published secondary source: Bancroft, History of California I:444
- Primary archival source: AGI, ESTADO, 43, N.12 (PARES): expedition of Martínez & López de Haro in search of the Russian establishments
- Published secondary source: Warren L. Cook, Flood Tide of Empire: Spain and the Pacific Northwest, 1543–1819 (Yale, 1973)
Sources disagree: keep the THREE Martínez voyages distinct: 1779 (Santiago supply), 1788 (this, Alaska recon), 1789 (Nootka seizure)
Correo-cost charges (pp.123–124); Estrada: the frigate *Princesa* arrived with the presidios'/missions' memorias worth …
Arrival of the frigate *Aránzazu* (20th) + departure of chaplain Alejandro Jordan (frigate *Princesa*) for San Diego
Missionaries depart for Mexico to be replaced (pp.109–110); the frigate *Princesa* leaves for San Blas w/ missionary Jos
"Llegada de hombres científicᵒˢ á Loreto" — acknowledges the gov.'s oficio of 20 Jan announcing the arrival at Loreto ab
⭐ "Objeto de venida de hombres científicos" — acknowledges the oficio of 3 Jan on the *Princesa*'s arrival at Loreto "tr
English ships at SF + Monterey — 2 English ships sighted; one anchored at Monterey requesting water/firewood. English sl
Fragata *Princesa* at SF from Nootka — Fidalgo offers assistance
1793 DEFENSE ASSESSMENT: Orders to fortify SF/Monterey/SD + occupy Bodega; only *Princesa* arrived. SF: 6 cannons ALL IN
⚠ BOUNDED Ortega 1793 Loreto routine (Sept–Dec): ⭐ the Sgt. Luis López $2,511 3r embezzlement of Real Hacienda (cigars/a
Vancouver's 5 deserters shipped out on *Princesa* to San Blas — 'desertores de buques de Vancouver'
Brigadier José Manuel de [Á]lava to sail from San Blas on the fragata *Princesa* with 'comisión importante del Real serv
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 6, doc 212 (scan n355)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1794 (Monterey)
Acks order of 20 Aug w/ dictamen of 10 May: Brig. José Manuel de Álava sailing to Nootka on the frigate *Princesa* from
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 7, doc 169 (scan n105)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1794 (Monterey)
Will give the aid requested by Brig. José Manl de Álava (expected on the frigate *Princesa*) per the Viceroy's order [cf
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 7, doc 231 (scan n153)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1794 (Monterey)
Antonio Santos (crewman, frig. *Aránzazu*) stayed at SF presidio 14 Aug 1793 to make tile; made all the tile & brick for
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 7, doc 48 (scan n26)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1794 (Monterey)
send the sirviente Antonio Santos to San Blas on the *Princesa*
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 63 (scan n33)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1794 (Monterey)
Returns a *cedulita* made known to his escorts; re the frigate *Princesa*
veterans retire to their homes at Guadalajara (contrata completed), via the *Princesa*[?]
Approves the embarkation of Tte. León Parrilla (on the *Princesa*) — invalided out of the service
Acks the home-retirement (on the *Princesa*) of the stonecutter (*cantero*) officials Salvador [Pierres?] & Joaquín Rive
acks the *Princesa*'s cargo for the Baja mission-habilitación (prices of efectos/víveres/pertrechos)
Arrival of the frigate Princesa at Loreto (pilot José Narváez), w/ *memorias* & provisions (letter n.1189, 2 Nov)
acks the *Princesa*'s cargo to SB/SD + annexed missions; víveres/efectos to this Habilitación ≈ $1,269
the *Princesa*'s víveres for Loreto + missions = $2,164 7r 19m
Provisions worth 2,764 p. 7 r. 19 mrs. shipped on the frigate *Princesa*
*Sobre defensa de Costas y auxilio á dos fragatas* — notes the Viceroy's order that the frigates *Concepción* & *Princes
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 196 (scan n120)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
ANTI-ENGLISH DEFENSE ORDERS: After unloading SD memorias, if SD invaded by the English, contribute to defense. Ready to
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 1095 (scan n262)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 1096 (scan n263)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
*(brief)* — the frigate *Princesa* anchored here on the 15th *(the war-defense frigate — cf. Doc 196)*
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 301 (scan n176)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
On the remission of *víveres* & effects in the frigates *Concepción* y [*Princesa*?]
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 55, doc 380 (scan n350–n351)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
index: return of the Indian's *sumaria*; 50 p to Vargas only if he does not embark (lest he misuse the money); víveres t
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 255 (scan n174)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
index: recommends vigilance; duplicate artillery receipt; correspondence maletas; *Princesa* sailing; return of the S. B
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 256 (scan n175)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
Circulated to all commandants: aid *Princesa* crew; ship stationed at SF anchorage until November 1 as guard
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 1103 (scan n265)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
*Nombramiento de Virey / Concesión eclesiástica / Provisiones a una fragata / Mermas de ciertos efectos* (4 ofs) — noted
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 487 (scan n276–n277)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
*Entrega de una Carta* — delivered in person to Tte de Navío García Zerpa Manrique, commander of the frigate *Princesa*,
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 329 (scan n190)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 336 (scan n192)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 351 (scan n199)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
SB and SD commandants provided all aid for *Princesa* crew
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 1120 (scan n272)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
foreign-vessel alarm: the San Miguel lookout sighted 5 vessels (15 Oct), the S. Fernando mayordomo 14 — all 'divididas,
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 257 (scan n176)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
*Víveres á una fragata / Reparo de barca y aguada* — the frigate *Princesa* lent its cooper to fix the Fort's water-supp
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 327 (scan n189)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 338 (scan n193)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 341 (scan n194)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 344 (scan n196)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 9, doc 348 (scan n198)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
index: ⭐ orders the Sta Bárbara Com.te to go recruit youths for soldiers at Los Ángeles; ajuste of a *Princesa* soldier;
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 259 (scan n178)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 260 (scan n179)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1797
'Salida de la fragata Concepción' — the frigate *Concepción* left 17 Nov [1797] under Tte. de Navío Jacinto Caamaño, to
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 10, doc 2 (scan n1)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 10, doc 11 (scan n6)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1798 (Monterey, San Diego)
money via the *Princesa* — ~$215 to the SB Habilitación + $1,032 6r + $32 to SD, reintegros
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 24, doc 20 (scan n10)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1798 (Monterey, San Diego)
Embark individuals for San Blas on *Concepción* and *Princesa*
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 1147 (scan n282)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1798 (Monterey, San Diego)
Estevan Martínez commands Fragata *Princesa* from Guaymas with situados — the Nootka seizure commander now reduced to su
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 14, doc 4 (scan n12)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1798 (Monterey, San Diego)
Routine bandos: the *fuero militar* ceases in non-war matrimonial causes; military-privilege re interim officers' grades
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 10, doc 103 (scan n204–n206)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC I narrates this vessel in 1799 (Monterey)
Encloses the inventory of the goods of Capt. Antonio Grajera (d. aboard the frigate *Princesa*); form the *testamentaría
The frigates *Princesa* (war, Tte. de Navío Vicente de Vives) & *Ntra. Sra. de la Concepción* (Piloto Enrique Bazán) anc
Argüello begging for supply ships to enter SF directly — troops suffering from delays; 4 years of direct service with *P
Frigate *Alexander* at Monterey — anchored to restock provisions, make topmast + sail; facilitated by Capt. of *Princesa
Transcribes Viceroy's request (9 May) for a detailed report on a tax of [6] reales/barrel of muscatel aguardiente landed
★ SHIPS SAIL FOR SAN BLAS — Nov 21: fragata *Princesa* (Cmdr. Agustín Bocalán) and bergantín *Activo* (Piloto José Naran
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 11, doc 384 (scan n376)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1804 (San Diego)
supplies furnished to the frigate Princesa & brig Activo (San Blas supply ships)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 21, doc 345 (scan n171)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1804 (San Diego)
Loreto supply crisis (no ships): the San Blas Apostadero has only the frigate Princesa & brig Activo, both assigned to A
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 56 (scan n62–n63)
- Ogden, The California Sea Otter Trade: Ogden 1941, appendix s.v. 'Princesa, 1805' (San Blas, 1805)
Anti-smuggling patrol strategy: how to stop foreigners trading with the coastal natives. Settles the Arrillaga vs. Benit
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 86 (scan n87–n92)
- Ogden, The California Sea Otter Trade: Ogden 1941, appendix s.v. 'Princesa, 1805' (San Blas, 1805)
Supply the frigate Princesa (Saavedra) the provisions it requests (reintegro).
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 107 (scan n120)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1806 (Monterey, San Diego)
Account to the San Blas *comisaría* of supplies furnished to that apostadero's ships in 1808 — frigate *Concepción*, bri
acknowledges payment from the captain of the frigate Princesa for ship repairs
Two old India women sent by Fr. Amestoy (SB minister) for safekeeping; whether to send them to San Diego on the *Princes
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 310 (scan n260)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 11, doc 134 (scan n177)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1809
Hemp: the *Princesa* couldn't carry all; part deposited; La Purísima mission hemp. (Dup.)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 307 (scan n258–n259)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 316 (scan n263–n264)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1809
Octubre 26 (pp.384-86): que dispuso se embarque José de la Guerra y Noriega por haber salido [electo] habilitado Gral. e
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 336 (scan n286)
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 25, doc 503 (scan n378): [doc-id remapped +463 after the 2026-07-28 ca25 renumber]
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1810 (Monterey)
Hemp embarked on the *Princesa* for San Diego (19th): 1618 arrobas + Monterey's 181 = 3,820 arrobas.
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 12, doc 338 (scan n287)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1810 (Monterey)
account of supplies furnished the frigate *Princesa* in the current year — she owes $1,839
- Archives of California (BANC MSS C-A), C-A 56, doc 387 (scan n336)
- Bancroft, History of California: Bancroft HoC II narrates this vessel in 1810 (Monterey)
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