sentences:  During the winter of 1826-1827, as head of the San Gabriel mission, Sánchez hosted the party of explorer Jedediah Smith, the first ever to travel overland to California from the United States.Most of the group stayed at San Gabriel while Smith traveled to San Diego to report to "Jefe Político" (governor) José María Echeandía.From 1827 to 1831 Father Sánchez reluctantly held the position of "Presidente" of the California mission chain and of "Vicáreo Foraneo" (archbishop) to the bishop.