Art

A chart of the Pacific Ocean, showing the route of Commodore Anson from California and Mexico to the Philippines in 1743, during one of the last great buccaneering voyages. He was sent to the South Seas to harass the Spanish bases and plunder their shipping. Anson intercepted the treasure ship, the 'Nostra Signora de Cabadonga', in the Phillipines laden with silver from Mexico, and also captured maps detailing secret routes the Spanish had used for over 200 years. When Anson reached London, thirty-two wagons were needed to transfer the silver to the Tower of London. Copper engraving. Later colour. Size: 88 x 27 cm. (34½ x 10½ inches).