Capture of the Chesapeake 1813 SOLD!
Capture of the Chesapeake, Jun 1st 1813. Painted by T. Whitcombe. Engraved by Bailey. Publish'd Jan 1st 1817 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkin's Naval Achievements. Included with the print is the original folio text pages account of the action as first published with the aquatint.
Original aquatint engraving on medium weight wove paper with wide margins. Good overall condition with exceptional original colour. The plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved image area of the plate is 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).
Short extract from the folio text pages included: CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE, JUNE 1, 1813'. THE capture of'the American frigate Chesapeake of 49 guns, by the Shannon of 38, exhibits one of the most decisive and brilliant acts ever performed by the cool and determined courage of British seamen. Placing a firm reliance on the valour of his officers and men, and with a just confidence in his system of discipline, Captain Broke sought every} Opportunity of meeting the enemy on fair and equal terms ;‘ and the glorious result of the contest proved that his confidence was well founded. Copy of a Letter from Captain P. B. V. BROKE, to Ca'ptain the Honourable T. BLADEN CAPEL, senior Officer at Halifax‘. S‘HANNON, Halifax, June 6, 1813.
SIR,—- I have the honour to inform you, that being close in with Boston lighthouse in his Majesty’s ship under my command, on the 1st instant, I had the pleasure of seeing the United - States’ frigate Chesapeake (whom we had long been watching) coming out of the harbour to engage the Shannon. I took a position between Cape Ann and Cape Cod, and then hove to for him to join us...
James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817." As a record of naval events spanning a period of over twenty years it has no precedent. At no time prior to 1817 had a publisher attempted such a complete volume of documentary naval prints. It is the quality of accuracy which makes Jenkins so valuable" Roger Quarm curator of pictures at the National Maritime Museum 1998.
A genuine antique print over 200 years old.