A Chart of the Channel in the Philipine Islands [sic] Through which the Manila Galeon passes, with a Map of Manila Island.

Description

original hand-colour copper engraving. RARE edition.

Based on the chart from the account of Anson’s circumnavigation. Details the tracks taken by the Spanish galleons from Manila through the complex of islands leading to the open Pacific Ocean.

While Great Britain was at war with Spain in 1740, Anson led a squadron of 8 ships on a mission to disrupt or capture Spain’s Pacific possessions. Returning to Britain in 1744 via China and thus completing a circumnavigation, the voyage was notable for the capture of the Manila galleon “Cavadonga” but also horrific losses mostly due to scurvy with only 188 men of the original 1,854 surviving.
Anson was compared with Francis Drake and was promoted to First Lord of the Admiralty in 1751. It was a vast popular and commercial success as the spoils form the Galleon financed virtually the entire British Navy.