Description
A transciption of the journal of Father Sigismundo Taraval, a Milanese Jesuit of Spanish ancestry, who recounts his first
hand experiences of clashes with the indigenous people of Baja California. Taraval’s account was written beginning in 1734
and continued through 1737. The transcription was created circa 1909 and included editorial notes from Charles Lummis.
Background
The Jesuits were active in Baja, California from 1697 through 1768, a period of 71 years. Taraval’s account was written beginning
in 1734 and continued through 1737. In this period Jesuit activity in Baja is described in three phases, the second, which
ranged from 1730-1740, is referred to as “the age of storm and stress” (Wilbur, 1931, page 18), and was marked by Indian attacks,
plundering, raids, and rebellions. This period is the one in which the Taraval journal was written and it records these events
by Father Sigismundo Taraval as an eyewitness describing them first hand.