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Another print from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815.  Below the print is a short excerpt from the original written account as published with the print.  The Battle of Barrosa also known as the Battle of Chiclana or Battle of Cerro del Puerco was part of an unsuccessful manoeuvre by an Anglo-Iberian force to break the French siege of Cádiz during the Peninsular War. This was British officer, Lieutenant General Thomas Graham’s notable victory over the French during the march to Cadiz in the Peninsular War.
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Above:​ Battle of Barrosa March 5th 1811. London Published June 1st 1815 by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand.  From The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 by James Jenkins.

Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE BATTLE OF BARROSA.

THE annexed illustration shews the pinewood from which the enemy commenced a most determined and destructive fire on our troops. The centre of the print, or middle-ground, is occupied by the artillery of the enemy in full retreat; and the fore-ground represents the charges of the three companies of Guards and the 87th regiment on the enemy's troops commanded by General Laval.

The following is an Extract from Lieutenant-General Graham's Letter to the Earl of Liverpool, dated Isla de Leon, 6th and 10th March, 1811.

My division being halted on the eastern slope of the Barrosa height, was marched, about twelve o'clock, through the wood towards the Bermesa, cavalry patrols having previously been sent towards Chiclana without meeting with the enemy. On the march I received notice, that the enemy had appeared in force on the plain, and was advancing towards the height of Barrosa. As I considered that position as the key of that of Santa Petri, I immediately countermarched, in order to support the troops left for its defence; and the alacrity with which this manoeuvre was executed, served as a favourable omen. It was, however, impossible, on such intricate and difficult ground, to preserve
order in the columns, and there never was time to restore it entirely. But before we could get ourselves quite disentangled from the wood, the troops on the Barrosa bill węre seen returning from it, while the enemy's left wing was rapidly ascending. At the same time his right wing stood on the plain, on the edge of the wood, within cannon-shot. A retreat in the face of such an enemy, already within reach of the easy communication by the sea-beach, must have involved the whole army in all the danger of being attacked during the unavoidable confusion of the different corps arriving on the narrow ridge of Bermesa nearly at the same time.

Trusting to the known heroism of British troops, regardless of the numbers and position of their enemy, an immediate attack was determined on. Major Duncan soon opened a powerful battery of ten guns in the centre. Brigadier-General Dilkes with the brigade of Guards, Lieutenant-Colonel Browne's (of the 28th) flank battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Norcott's two companies of the 2d rifle
corps, and Major Acheson with a part of the 67th foot (separated from the regiment in the wood), formed on the right; Colonel Wheatly's brigade, with three companies of the Coldstream Guards under Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson (separated likewise from his battalion in the wood), and Lieutenant-Colonel Barnard's flank battalion, formed on the left . . . 


How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill.  Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title.  The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text.  Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm).  The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).

You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815  HERE
If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me
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It’s unlikely you’re totally new to buying online, who doesn’t use Amazon? But would you be confident about buying a rare map or print and parting with several hundred dollars online?  The great thing about the online world is you can find many highly respected map and print dealers just a click away.  Plus you can buy without even getting off your sofa!  You just need to know what you’re doing and be confident about it.

If you’re considering buying via an online auction website or platforms like amazon, Etsy or good old ebay it’s sensible to check out the seller first.  Likewise with platforms like Facebook and Instagram taking some time to get to know who you're dealing with is time well spent.  All before you consider spending any money and buying.

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Above: A selection of Abraham Ortelius Maps for sale on a popular online platform. How confident would you be about buying?

Most online platforms provide some kind of buyers review feedback or ratings process for trading partners. Sellers know their reputation depends on it.  Doing business with reliable people makes life a whole lot easier.


This is all the more important when considering buying antique maps that are potentially rare and of value. Before you even get into examining the item itself you really should take a close look at the seller.  If it’s not an individual it may be an auction house website, same rules apply.  Start with checking out their reputation and expertise.

Get to know the kind of service the seller provides. Its important to know how the person or company operates their business and how they treat buyers.

 Get more top tips about "Buying Rare Maps and Prints Online" in this free ebook available on my START PAGE 
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Early etchings and copper engraved coats of arms from the 18th century are still very collectable.  How about these beauties. Ready to be mounted and framed they certainly look the part and would make a statement on that office wall. These Heraldic Achievement's from Baronageium Genealogicum by Joseph Edmondson c1764 are a favourite and when accurately hand coloured in water colour in accordance with the Heraldic codes are some of the best.
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The original prints from Baronageium Genealogicum were copper plate engraved on hand laid paper.  This kind of paper has a very distinct appearance and is identified by the visible lines seen in the paper when held up to a bright light.   You can actually feel the lines and slight roughness when you touch  this kind of paper. The original prints dimensions are width 10.75" x height 18”.  If you find them coloured its good to check the colouring is correct in accordance with the Heraldic Codes.  Most of this information is available online.

Happy Hunting!


More Coats of Arms from Baronageium Genealogicum by Joseph Edmondson c1764 available HERE - I have a few available in my current "Mad as a March Hare" Sale!
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​Another exceptional aquatint print from James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain.  These original prints are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper and coloured by hand.  All the plates are identified at the bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings. 

The Battle of Groix was a large naval engagement which took place near the island of Groix off the Biscay coast of Brittany on 23 June 1795 (5 messidor an III) during the French Revolutionary Wars. The battle was fought between elements of the British Channel Fleet and the French Atlantic Fleet, which were cruising in the region on separate missions. The British fleet, commanded by Admiral Lord Bridport, was covering an invasion convoy carrying a French Royalist army to invade Quiberon, while the French under Vice-admiral Villaret de Joyeuse had sailed a week earlier to rescue a French convoy from attack by a British squadron.
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Above: Lord Bridport's Action Off Port L'Orient, June 23rd 1795. Published May 1st 1816 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkins Naval Achievements.  From The Naval achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1793 to 1817 by J. Jenkins.

Excerpt from the written account as published: 

LORD BRIDPORT's ACTION OFF L'ORIENT, JUNE 23, 1795.
ON the 11th June, 1795, the signal was made for the fleet under Lord Bridport, then lying at Spithead, to prepare for sailing; and on the following day they unmoored, and proceeded on their destination. On the 22d, at four o'clock in the morning, being in latitude 47° 4' N. and longitude 4° 16' W. Belle Isle bearing E. by N. 14 leagues, the frigates made the sigınal for a strange fleet, which was soon discovered to be French. They were then right ahead, but the wind shifting, brought them on the weather bow of the British fleet. At six o'clock the admiral made a signal for four of the best sailing ships to chase, and
his lordship followed with the whole fleet: the enemy at this time crowded all sail, endeavouring to escape. The chase continued with very little wind till three o'clock the next morning, when a breeze springing up, brought them within sight of the Isle de Groais, which was discovered from the lee bow. About six o'clock the headmost ships were within gun-shot of the enemy, followed closely by the Queen Charlotte, Irresistible, Royal George, and London.

The annexed view represents that time of the action when the Royal George (to the right) having obliged the Tigre (in the centre) to haul down her colours, is ranging alongside the next in succession; immediately after which, bringing himself within reach of the enemy's batteries, and L'Alexandre and Le Formidable (to the left) having surrendered, the admiral threw out the signal to leave off chase. . . .


How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper.  All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings.  Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe.  Each plate is accompanied by text pages describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches.  The first edition appeared in 1817.  Early issues have watermarks of J. Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S  on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue.  The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).


You can see more prints from Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE.  If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me
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Another book recommendation for the novice antique map collector.  London is a place close to my heart having family roots there, also lived, worked and played in and around London for most of my life. Maps and plans of London illustrate the stages in its growth, and the causes and consequences of this growth from the sixteenth century onwards. But would you know what to buy when it comes to old maps of London?

Students and amateurs of cartography and of London's history and topography have long been handicapped by the total lack of any comprehensive descriptive key to the wealth of printed maps that have survived from the sixteenth century onwards. Here, for the first is a scholarly catalogue of maps of London, listed in chronological order of their first appearance.
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Above: Printed Maps of London circa 1553-1850. Darlington, Ida & James Howgego with Forward by R. A. Skelton. Published by George Philip & Son Limited 1964.

Each entry gives exact details of title, size, extent, scale, key, decorative features, etc., and present location, and is followed by a careful collation of later editions, with all information necessary for identification, and of derivatives, reproductions and facsimiles.

As mentioned before I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest. If that interest is 'London' then this is a super reference work that will set you right especially if you want to invest in printed maps of London.  Books like this one are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.  

I have a copy of "Printed Maps of London circa 1553-1850" available on my website HERE

Happy Reference Book Hunting!

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Another print from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815.  Below the print is a short excerpt from the original written account as published with the print.  The Battle of Buçaco or Bussaco, fought on 27 September 1810 during the Peninsular War in the Portuguese mountain range of Serra do Buçaco, resulted in the defeat of French forces by Lord Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese Army. 

Wellington's preparations for a defensive battle along the line of the Buçaco ridge had extended as far as the construction of a lateral communications road behind the crest. Although Wellington's forces were concentrated at the likely points of attack within the northern half of the 16km-long ridge, the communications road allowed troops to be moved quickly from one point to another.​
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Above:​ Battle of Busaco, Sept 27th, 1810. London Published June 1st 1815 by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand.  From The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 by James Jenkins.

Excerpt from the written account as published:

THE BATTLE OF BUSACO, SEPTEMBER 27, 1810.
THE Sierra de Busaço is a high ridge which extends from the Mondego in a northerly direction about eight miles, upon the highest point of which, about two miles from its termination, are the convent and garden of Busaço. The Sierra de Busaço is connected by a mountainous tract with the Sierra de Cara. The roads are all very difficult of access to an army, the approach to the top of the ridge being rugged and intersected. It was here the British army completely discomfited the forces of Massena.

At six in the morning of the 27th of September, according to the Gazette Extraordinary of October 15th, the enemy made two desperate attacks upon our position, the one on the right, the other on the left of the highest point of the Sierra. The attack upon the right was made by two divisions of the 2d corps on that part of the Sierra occupied by the 3d division of infantry. One division of
French infantry arrived at the top of the ridge, when it was attacked in the most gallant manner by the 88th-(see the Plate)-under the command of the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, the 45th under the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Meade, and the 5th Portuguese under Lieut.-Colonel Douglas, directed by Major-General Picton: these three corps advanced with the bayonet, and drove the enemy's division from the advantageous ground which it had obtained. The other division of the 2d corps attacked farther on the right, by the road leading to St. Antonio de Cantaro, also in front of Major-General Picton's division: this division of the enemy was repulsed, before it could reach the top of the ridge, by the 74th regt. under the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Freaeh, and the brigade of Portuguese infantry under Colonel Champelmond, directed by Colonel M'Kinnon. Major General Leith also moved to his left, to the support of Major-General Picton, and aided in the defeat of the enemy in this quarter with the 3d bat. of royals and the Ist and 2d batts. of the 38th.
In these attacks Major-Generals Leith and Picton, Colonels M'Kinnon and Champelmond of the Portuguese service, the latter of whom was wounded; the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonels Wallace and Meade, Lieatenant-Colonel Sutton of the 9th Portuguese, Major Samith of the 454h (hiled), Lieut. Colonel Douglas and Major Birmingham of the 8th Portuguese legion, greatly distinguished themselves. Major-General Picton reports in handsome terms of the 0th and 21st Portuguese regts. commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Sutton and De Arouje Bacellar, and of the Portuguese artillery commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Arenschild. Particular mention is also made of the conduct . . .


How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill.  Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title.  The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text.  Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm).  The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).

You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815  HERE
If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me
.
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Last week I mentioned how the eighteenth century has much to offer the map collecting enthusiast.  French cartographers played a significant role with the publishing of maps dominated by a small group of families. Germany saw a resurgence in map publishing with the firms of Homann, Seutter and Lotter.  Look out here comes the British!

Bringing up the rear as it were at the latter part of the century the British Empire took the reins of naval and commercial power with expansion of the East India Company and colonisation, the invention of the marine chronometer and the discoveries of Captain James Cook. The centre of mapmaking now became London. English cartographers of the period include Thomas Jefferys, William Faden, Herman Moll and Robert Sayer to name a few.
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Above:  Map of North East America c1784 showing the British and Spanish Territories by Thomas Bowen. Including the British and Spanish Territories, carefully laid down agreeable to the Treaty of 1784.

This map was published shortly after independence and prior to the admission of Kentucky, Tennessee or Vermont as states, although Vermont is named quite curiously appearing above "Hampshire." Both East and West Florida are shown. Many Indian tribes shown. Published: Engraved for Bankes's New system of universal geography, published by royal authority. This map is likely the 6th edition c1797 based on having a watermark for 1796.


Thomas Bowen (1749-1790) was a Welsh engraver of maps and charts. He was the son of Emanuel Bowen (1720-17670) the map engraver to George II of England and Louis XV of France. Bowen is highly regarded for producing some of the largest, most detailed and accurate maps of his era. These highly attractive maps were also worked on by his son Thomas. In spite of his royal patronage and renown,  Emanuel Bowen like many cartographers of his day, died in poverty. His son Thomas continued on the business however a similar outcome befell him and he died in Clerkenwell Workhouse in 1790.

This map is currently up for sale at a reduced price as part of my "Mad as a March Hare" Sale. More information HERE


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If you're new to Antique Maps and thinking what next ? . . . . Back in January I published this free ebook to help to those new to the idea of antique maps and map collecting. If you missed this first time around here's another chance to grab the free download.  It’s in pdf format so you can consume on the go! Perfect for your iPhone, tablet, iPad, laptop or desktop.

This is for those who are new to collecting or even new to the idea of collecting maps. This will help you get to grips with what you really need to know first. Jumping in feet first can be fun but leaves you open to the potential of making what could be an expensive mistake. I’ve been there so I’m adequately qualified!

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​You can download your free copy today: 
bit.ly/3oHWt9Q
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Military History in the United Kingdom emerged during the eighteenth century with studies of the Napoleonic wars, especially the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns.  This interest in armed conflict remains today, with stories of campaigns and battles and the continuing assessment of leaders, tactics and their strategy.  Nowadays its defined as a humanities discipline and also remains popular with antique print collectors with a passion for military history, records of armed conflict and rare prints depicting battle scenes. 

These small scale maps and plans produced for Alison's History of Europe, Atlas published in 1875 remain popular with original print collectors.  The atlas was intended to illustrate the most important period of modern history and consists of Plans, Sieges and Battles pointing out every circumstance of locality, affecting the operations detailed, and maps of extensive portions of country, exhibiting at one view the whole range of a campaign, with relative positions and political boundaries of Empire and States.  Below is just one example of these popular little maps.


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Above: ​Battle of Rivoli 14th & 15th January 1793. From the Atlas to Alison's History of Europe By Sir Archibald Alison by Alexander Keith Johnson, F.R.S.E F.R.G.S. F.G.S. Published by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London c1875.  Original map produced with mechanical outline colour. Addition later fine wash hand colour embellishments make this a unique edition of the map.

The Battle of Rivoli (14–15 January 1797) was a key victory in the French campaign in Italy against Austria. Napoleon Bonaparte's 23,000 Frenchmen defeated an attack of 28,000 Austrians under General of the Artillery Jozsef Alvinczi, ending Austria's fourth and final attempt to relieve the Siege of Mantua. Rivoli further demonstrated Napoleon's brilliance as a military commander and led to the French consolidation of northern Italy.

A selection of these Plans, Sieges and Battle Maps are available HERE




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Another exceptional aquatint print from James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain.  On 2 May 1795 Rear Admiral George Murray sent Captain Alexander Cochrane in Thetis, together with Hussar, to intercept three French supply ships reported at Hampton Roads. At daybreak on 17 May the British came upon five ships 20 leagues West by South from Cape Henry. The French made a line of battle to receive the British frigates. An action commenced, with three of the French vessels eventually striking their colours. Thetis took possession of the largest, which turned out to be Prévoyante, pierced for 36 guns but only mounting 24. Hussar captured a second, Raison, pierced for 24 guns but only mounting 18. An hour after she had struck, Prévoyante's main and foremast fell over the side. In the battle, Thetis had lost eight men killed and nine wounded; Hussar had only two men wounded.​
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Above:  Capture of La Prevoyante and La Raison, May 17th 1795. Published June 1st 1816 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkins Naval Achievements.  From The Naval achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1793 to 1817 by J. Jenkins.

Excerpt from the written account as published: 
MAY 17, 1795. COPY of a Letter from Captain COCHRANE, 0f his Majesty's Ship Thetis, to Evan NEPEAN, Esq.
SIR,
Be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissoners of the Admiralty, that, in consequence of orders from Rear-Admiral Murray to cruise off the Chesapeak, to intercept the three French store-ships then lying in Hampton roads and ready for sea, I proceeded on the 2d instant with H. M. S. Hussar, and on the 17th, at daybreak, Cape Henry bearing E. by S. distant 20 leagues, we discovered five sail of ships standing to the N. W. with their larboard tacks on board. We soon perceived that they were ships of force: two of them appeared to carry from 28 to 30 guns on the main-deck, one of which had lower-deck ports; the three others from 20 to 24 guns. On observing us standing towards them, they formed a line of battle ahead, and prepared to receive us. At nine a. m. I made the Hussar a signal to prepare to engage the second ship of the enemy's van, intending in the Thetis to attack the centre ship, which appeared the largest, with the two others that formed the rear carrying a broad pendant. By this time we had got within half musket-shot, when the firing commenced on the side of the enemy, which was soon afterwards returned by his Majesty's ships. Before eleven we had closed with the enemy, and the Hussar had compelled the commodore and his second ahead to quit the line (see the annexed engraving), and make sail to the E. S. E. The fire of both ships then fell upon the centre ship and those in the rear. At a quarter before twelve the three ships struck their colours: the two in the rear attempted, notwithstanding, to make of, one of which was soon brought to by the Hussar. Within an hour after the largest ship struck, her main and foremasts went over her side; on taking possession, she proved to be La Prevoyante, pierced for 26 guns on the main-deck, with four other ports, which can be cut out at pleasure, and ten ports below: she had only 24 mounted, part of which they shifted over during the action. The ship the Hussar has taken possession of is called La Raison, carrying 18 guns, but pierced for 24, which, with the other three, had escaped from Guadaloupe on the 25th ult. and were bound to one of the American ports, to take ina cargo of provisions and naval stores for France.
At half past ten the enemy hoisted their colours, the second ship in the van . . .


How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper.  All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings.  Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe.  Each plate is accompanied by text pages describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches.  The first edition appeared in 1817.  Early issues have watermarks of J. Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S  on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue.  The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).


You can see more prints from Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE.  If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me