Description:

Antique map - FULL TITLE: A Voyage round the world in the years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV, by George Anson Esq. now Lord Anson, commander in chief of a squadron of his Majesty’s ships, sent upon an expedition to the South Seas. Compiled from his papers and materials by Richard Walter, M.A., chaplain of his Majesty’s ship the Centurion, in that expedition. Printed for the author by John and Paul Knapton, in Ludgate Street, London in 1749.

The engraving shows a chart of the coast around Acapulco and the disposition of commodore Anson’s squadron whilst waiting in ambush for the sailing of a Spanish galleon carrying silver bullion. Walter writes, ‘… The distribution of our squadron on this occasion, both for the intercepting the galleon, and for avoiding a discovery from the shore, was so very judicious, that it well merits to be distinctly described.’ The squadron was spread in an arc 15 leagues off shore (45 nautical miles, 90 kilometres) and the five ships were spaced 9 nautical from each other. The idea being that if the galleon sailed then, hopefully, one of the ships would spot it and would send signals down the line. Two cutters were positioned within 15 nautical miles off Acapulco to monitor any night sailings.

Acapulco is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

From the 5th edition of this narrative. The maps and views were engraved by R W Seale.

Condition: The engraving has been washed, de-acidified & pressed and is in excellent condition.

Conditon: GG

Cartographer: Seale. R W / Anson. G.

Date: 1748

Technique: Copper Engraving

Colour: Uncoloured

Width (cms) x Height (cms): 43.4 x 24.3

Ref: JJB1730