1751 Anson Map of a Chilean Port (Chile)

An uncommon 1751 map of an unknown Chilean port discovered by the British Admiral George Anson during this seminal circumnavigation of the globe. Oriented to the east, the map shows the port in considerable detail including dramatic shore profiles, depth soundings, and illustrations of Anson's ships. Anson's navigation up the Chilean coast was particularly challenging as the British ships had a very difficult time finding safe ports along the Spanish dominated coast. This map was issued for the 1751 Dutch edition of Voyage Round the World. Though issued later than the english and French editions, the Dutch edition is highly desirable for its use higher quality paper and superior fully re-engraved map plates.

Cartographer

Baron George Anson (23 April 1697 - 6 June 1762) was a British commodore and a wealthy noble. Following Anson's aristocratic upbringing on the family estate of Shugborough in Sataffordshire, he joined the British Navy. Anson went through a series of rapid promotions and, in 1737, was given command of a fleet of six ships charged with the mission of attacking Spanish possessions in South America. This mission was ill-equipped and unprepared for the trials ahead. Storms and navigational errors took a heavy toll on the expedition. By the time Anson reached the island of Juan Fernandez his fleet had been diminished to only three ships and his crew reduced to roughly 1/3 of its original strength. Nonetheless, Anson's persistence eventually led to the capture of an immensely rich price, the Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Senora de Covadonga. The galleon, taken off of Cape Espiritu Santo in 1743 was loaded with silver bullion and, more importantly, charts and maps detailing the routes between Mexico and the Far East used by the Spanish for over 200 years. Knowledge of this route enabled the British navy to disrupt Spanish trade in the Pacific and thus weaken its stranglehold on the Americas. Upon his return to England Anson was hailed as a national hero and made immensely wealthy by his share of the Nuestra's treasure. Anson retired from the Navy for a career in politics and was a Member of Parliament from 1744 to 1747. Anson subsequently continued his naval career with distinction as an administrator, becoming First Lord of the Admiralty (1757-1762). Seven British warships have borne the name HMS Anson in his honor. Anson County, North Carolina, and Ansonborough in Charleston, South Carolina, are also named in Anson's honor.   Further Details...

Source

Anson, G., Atlas to Anson's Voyage Round the World, (Amsterdam: Arkstee and Merkus) Dutch Edition, 1751.    

Condition

Very good. Original fold lines. Original platemark visible. Blank on verso.

References

Brown University, John Carter Brown Library, D751 W231v.