Scarce Broadside of Battle of Cartagena

"A Complete View of the Actions at Cartagena, by an Officer, Who Was at the Attack of St. Lazaro",

This extremely rare broadside was published just a few weeks after Britain learned of their defeat in the Battle of Cartagena, a large-scale attack by British and American colonial troops during the War of Jenkins' Ear, part of the War of the Austrian Succession. The attack was led by Admiral Edward Vernon, who, although unsuccessful in Cartagena, gained much acclaim for his victories elsewhere in the Caribbean. Although the battle ended in May, news of the English defeat did not reach Europe until June. The sheet includes two maps: one focused on the entrance to Cartagena Bay and the other on the city of Cartagena itself. Both depict the location, movements and firings of the British and Spanish ships engaged in the battle, as well as the fortifications and structures on the surrounding land. Numerous locations are identified by letters and numbers, which are described in detail below the maps.

The most fascinating piece of the broadside lies in the text below the maps. Despite the fact that the Battle Cartagena was a major defeat for the British, who were forced to withdraw their fleet and suffered heavy losses of life, the author puts a positive spin on the engagement. He states: "We miscarried: But that loss is greatly recompensed by the former advantages; nay, may prove a real benefit, by preventing a defeat, when we come to take a port of the last importance to our trade (viz. the Havana) by causing forces to be sent sufficient both in number and experience, to command success." Published by T. Cooper on June 29, 1741. On a full sheet of English text measuring 19.1 x 14.5".

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Condition: B+

Minor soiling with several extraneous creases and a short tear at top that just enters title.