THE FOUNDING OF SANTA INES, SAN RAFAEL AND SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO Estevan Tapis now became president of the Missions, and under his direction was founded the nineteenth Mission, that of Santa Ines, virgin and martyr.

Tapis himself conducted the ceremonies, preaching a sermon to a large congregation, including Commandant Carrillo, on September 17, 1804.
With Lasuen, the Mission work of California reached its maximum power.
Under his immediate successors it began to decline.

Doubtless the fact that the original chain was completed was an influence in the decrease of activity.

For thirteen years there was no extension.

A few minor attempts were made to explore the interior country, and many of the names now used for rivers and locations in the San Joaquin Valley were given at this time.