A contemporary map of Vernon's attack on Portobelo

DURRELL, Philip.

Plan de la Ville, Rade et Forts de Portobello, Pris par le Vice Admiral Edouard Vernon Esq.r Avec Six Vaisseaux de Guerre, le 22 Novembre 1739.
Amsterdam Pierre Mortier, 1740. 435 x 590mm.

A Dutch edition of Durrell's map of the capture of Portobelo by Admiral Edward Vernon in 1739, during the 'War of Jenkin's Ear'. It shows Vernon's ships exchanging fire with Castillo del Hierro ('Iron Castle') at the mouth of the harbour before attacking the town itself.
The success of the expedition lead to huge celebrations in England and was commemorated by the use of 'Portobello' for places all over the British Isles.
Philip Durell (1707-66) was a lieutenant during the campaign'. Promoted to captain in 1742 he participated at the Sieges of Louisbourg in 1745 & 1758 and, as a rear-admiral) the attack on Quebec in 1759 (with James Cook in his squadron). He became Port Admiral at Plymouth in 1761 and then named Commander-in-Chief of the North American Station in 1766 but died within days of his arrival in North America.


Stock ID : 21900