So would the risk of failure be lessened, and practical knowledge of both routes be gained.

Galvez had two available vessels: the "San Carlos" and the "San Antonio." For money the visitor-general called upon the Pious Fund, which, on the expulsion of the Jesuits, he had placed in the hands of a governmental administrator.

He had also determined that the Missions of the peninsula should do their share to help in the founding of the new Missions, and Serra approved and helped in the work.
When Galvez arrived, he found Gaspar de Portola acting as civil and military governor, and Fernando Javier Rivera y Moncada, the former governor, commanding the garrison at Loreto.

Both were captains, Rivera having been long in the country.

He determined to avail himself of the services of these two men, each of them to command one of the land expeditions.