Colonial America
"A View of the Town and Castle of St. Augustine, and the English Camp before it June 20 1740. by Thos. Silver."
1740-Dated, Engraved Print titled, "A VIEW of the TOWN and CASTLE of ST. AUGUSTINE, and the ENGLISH CAMP before it June 20, 1740. by Thomas Silver.", Framed, Very Fine.
This historic 1740 Engraving measures 12" x 6.75" (by sight), matted and professionally framed to 11.5" wide x 16.5" tall, the View seen through special UV Plexiglas. This involves THE WAR OF JENKINS EAR. The Siege of St. Augustine was a military engagement that took place during June-July 1740. It was a part of the much larger conflict known as "The War of Jenkins' Ear", between Great Britain and Spain. This example has even overall tone, slight foxing, one small spot near bottom right, and nice sharp dark printing.
This historic illustration shows General James Oglethorpe's "Soldiers, Indians & Sailors Tents" and landmarks such as the Castle, Col. Vander Dusen's Camp, breakers along the coast, and more. Instructive captioning located below the illustration, offers wonderful details about this historic event. Oglethorpe's men are shown readying for an attack upon the Spanish stronghold of St. Augustine (Florida). Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia Colony, was unsuccessful in his siege of the Spanish fort. He was finally forced to retreat when his men were threatened from the rear. This illustration was from the first major sketch and has become a sought after collector's item. Ready to hang on display. Provenance Ex: EAHA Auction May 17, 2004 Lot 598 where it sold for $2,015 to the current consignor.
The View depicts the seige of Spanish St. Augustine in Florida by the British led by General Oglethorpe. Notes and key appear at the bottom of the image. The Siege of St. Augustine was a part of the War of Jenkins' Ear during which England and her colonies attacked Spanish colonies in the Americas.
After some mutual minor skirmishes, Governor Oglethorpe of the colony of Georgia raised a mixed force of British regulars, the 'Old' 42nd Regiment of Foot, colonial milita from Georgia and Carolina, Hugh MacKaye's Highlanders and American Creek and Chickasaw, or Uchee Indians. The British were not successful.