The decision of Portola had gone to his heart like an arrow.

What! Abandon the Missions before they were fairly begun?
Where was their trust in God?
It was one hundred and sixty-six years since Vizcaino had been in this port, and if they left it now, when would another expedition be sent?
In those years that had elapsed since Vizcaino, how many precious Indian souls had been lost because they had not received the message of salvation?
He pleaded and begged Portola to reconsider.

For awhile the governor stood firm.

Serra also had a strong will.

From a letter written to Padre Palou, who was left behind in charge of the Lower California Missions, we see his intention: "_If we see that along with the provisions hope vanishes, I shall remain alone_ with Father Juan Crespi and hold out to the last breath." With such a resolution as this, Portola could not cope.