[British Navy - Nine Years War]

Broadside: An Impartial Relation of the Honourable Admiral Russel's [sic] Burning and Destroying Thirty Eight French Ships ...

London: Josiah Bromley, 1694. First Edition. Loose Broadside, Framed Under Glass. Original one-sheet broadside roughly trimmed (8-1/8 by 12-4/8 inches). Printed on rag paper with old creases, now mellowed, and two archival tissue repairs on left margin. Mounted on mat board with mat board overlay. Overlay with edge-wear. Framed under glass. Good+. Item #6281

First Lord of the Admiralty, Edward Russell (1653 -1727) was a key figure in the Nine Years War, notably establishing his reputation at the Battles of Barfleur and La Hougue.

Following a decisive 1693 victory over the French navy near Cape Barfleur, the House of Commons determined that Russell had not done enough in dispatching French ships; he was removed from duty. After disasters that befell the British Navy in summer 1693, Russell was reinstated. In early May 1694 he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, and sailed for the Mediterranean to thwart French depredations against the Spanish coast near Barcelona and Palamos. The engagement documented here likely occurred enroute to the Mediterranean.

With the idiosyncratic spelling and usage common to the era. e..g., "we were buzzed about the ears ...". A charming, patriotic broadside from reign of William and Mary. Rare. No institutional copies located.

.

Price: $1,250.00