[BATTLE OF TOULON, 1744.]

The situation of the English, French and Spanish fleets, when they begun the engagement in the Mediterranean, on the eleventh of February 1743/4. Cape Sicie bearing then NNE. & from the center of the fleet about ten leagues. The English commanded by Admiral Mathews, Vice Admiral Lestock and Rear Admiral Rowley. The French by Monsr. De Court and Gabaret, and the Spanish by Don Juan Joseppo Navarro.

London, published according to Act of Parliament and sold by W. H. Toms, 1745. 560 x 760 mm, uncoloured engraving; an old fold but overall a good copy. A map illustrating the course of the engagement at the 1744 Battle of Toulon. The action, between a British squadron, commanded by Admiral Thomas Matthews, and a combined French and Spanish fleet, is described in a section of engraved text, which also lists the English, and the French and Spanish lines, and provides a key for the ‘Representation of the disabled ships of both fleets’ which is inset into the plan. The engraving was drawn by James Main, who dedicated it to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and engraved by William Henry Toms.Matthews, then commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, had been instructed to keep the Spanish and French squadrons trapped within Toulon harbour. In an attempt to break this blockade and wrest control of the Mediterranean from the British, the combined fleet confronted Matthews’ squadron in this battle. ‘The result of the action was the flight of the French and Spanish fleets to Spanish ports, though they had suffered comparatively little damage; for Matthews had not been properly supported by his second-in-command and, on his own part, had abstained from vigorous pursuit. In Britain the battle was regarded as a national disgrace; the Spaniards, whose ships had borne the brunt of the fighting, looked upon it as a victory, but complained bitterly that their fleet had been ill-supported by the French. After this there was no serious attempt at collaboration between the French and Spanish fleets, and all hope of restoring sea communication between Spain and Italy was lost’ (Lindsay, The new Cambridge modern history: the old regime, 1713–1768 p. 430).Only one copy found on COPAC, at the British Library.

• GBP 2,250.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: T2906

• bookseller: Bernard Quaritch Ltd. (GREAT BRITAIN)