[Detailed contemporary account of Spain’s expedition against Port Egmont, Falkland Islands, to forcibly remove the British garrison]
Antique copperplate engraved printed pages: three pages on two sheets, 1770
An original December 1770 report from The Gentleman’s Magazine, accompanied by its dated title page, describing Spain’s forcible seizure of Britain’s Port Egmont settlement. France founded Port Louis in 1764; Britain independently claimed the Falklands in 1765 and established Port Egmont in 1766. Although France settled first, British possession preceded Spain’s first settlement, created by France’s 1767 transfer of Port Louis. Using War Office, Spanish and eyewitness accounts, the article enumerates the expedition sent from Buenos Aires—1,103 sailors, 524 soldiers, warships, heavy artillery, mortars, shells and powder—against a small British establishment. It records Spanish demands, the winter passage, bombardment, capitulation and surrender of the fort, armaments and stores on 10 June 1770. The British garrison was expelled aboard HMS Favourite. The attack brought Britain and Spain close to war. Under British diplomatic and naval pressure, Spain disavowed the “violent enterprise” of its governor and agreed in January 1771 to restore Port Egmont exactly as previously held, while leaving sovereignty unresolved. Formal restitution followed on 16 September 1771, when Captain John Stott raised British colours and the Spanish troops departed. A detailed contemporary record of dispossession and conquest that precipitated the diplomatic crisis and Britain’s restoration to Port Egmont in 1771.
CAPTION BELOW PICTURE: '[Detailed contemporary account of Spain’s expedition against Port Egmont, Falkland Islands, to forcibly remove the British garrison]'
DATE PRINTED: December 1770
IMAGE SIZE: Approx 20.0 x 12.5cm, 7.75 x 4.75 inches (Small)
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Anonymous
PROVENANCE: "Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle", by Sylvanus Urban, Gent. London: Printed by Edw. Cave, Jun. at St. John's Gate
TYPE: Antique copperplate engraved printed pages: three pages on two sheets
VERSO: The pages are printed with text on both sides
CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. The image shown may have been taken from a different example of this print than that which is offered for sale. The print you will receive is in good condition but there may be minor variations in the condition from that shown in the image. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy - see below.
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