The Sortie from Bayonne c1814
Peninsular War: The Sortie from Bayonne at 3 in the morning, on the 14th April 1814. London Published Oct 1st 1815 by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand. An original aquatint print from "The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. London: Printed for James Jenkins, No 48, Strand, By L. Harrison & J. C. Leigh, 373 Strand. Included with the print is the original folio text pages account of the action as first published with the aquatint and watermarked J. Whatman 1812.
Original aquatint engraving on medium weight wove paper with fine hand colour. Drawing by William Heath (delt) with aquatint engraving by Thomas Sutherland (sculpt).
Good overall condition with exceptional original colour and wide margins. The plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plate is 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).
The terrible night-time clash outside Bayonne on 14th April 1814, that marked the end of the Peninsular War, but occurred after the abdication of the Emperor Napoleon on 4th April 1814. The Battle of Bayonne of 14 April 1814 was a sortie by General Thouvenot's French garrison of Bayonne during the siege of that city conducted by Allied forces under Lieutenant General John Hope. Followed, after his wounding and capture, by General Howard, who commanded the British, Portuguese and Spanish Corps blockading Bayonne.
A genuine antique print over 200 years old.