Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 17021 - Great Britain with Post Offices in Central and South America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australasia - The David Pitts Collection
Lot: 154

(x) Gibraltar
Early Letters and Handstamps
1780 (27 Jan.) entire letter from Robert Forbes, Captain of H.M.S. Apollo, to London and showing, on reverse, "ply/mouth" h.s. alongside "6/mr" Bishopmark; extraordinary content including "on the 8th of Janry we fell in with a Spanish Fleet of Marchant Ships bound to Cadiz which consisted of 22 Sail and one 64 for their Convoy which was taken without one Escaping - On the 16do. we made Cape St. Vincent.... at 4 in the Afternoon saw 13 Sail of Ships which we took for the Spanish Fleet.....and Engaged the Spanish Comadore we run so close alongside of him within I suppose our ship's length we gave him some very warm broadsides which he returned but after ¾ of an hour fire she Blue up this was a 74 with 600 men & not one saved although she was an enemy it was a shocking sight for had we been much nearer we must shared the same fate it was then five O'clock and turning dark....and a general fire ensued throughout the whole fleet....the Spanish ship was much hurt both in hull & rigging...Killed Lt. Marines and 7 Seamen/Wounded 13 Seamen". A wonderfully descriptive letter from the Great Siege. Photo

Note: In 1779 Britain was at war with the greater part of Europe and also America. Spain and France took the opportunity to attack Gibraltar which, having failed, turned to siege which lasted for four years. By early 1780 Gibraltar was desperate for provisions and all forms of supplies and ammunition. A convoy under Admiral Rodney was sent from England and firstly encountered a large Spanish supply train off Cadiz, captured it intact and on the night of 8th. January met the main Spanish fleet, destroyed it and captured the Spanish flag ship and their admiral at "The Moonlight Battle of Cape St. Vincent"

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£300