c1750 - " A Chart of the Pacific Ocean from the Equinoctial to the Latitude of 391/2d No "

A large horizongal sea chart, detailing the route of the Spanish treasure galleons between the Philippines and Acapulco. The coasts of California, Mexico, Japan, the Philippines and the Mariana Islands out outlines in hand colour. The decorative compass rose at the bottom centre marks north, and the chart is crisscrossed with rhumb line. The routes taken by the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Covadonga in 1743 are shown, along with the parth of the HMS Centurion, commanded by Admiral George Anson. Anson's capture of the Manilla galleon was one of the most significant moment in eighteenth century British navigation, adding significantly to British geographic knowledge of the Pacific owing to the seizure of Spanish navigational charts amongst the cargo and prize money of the Nuestra Senora de Cavadonga.

Generally excellent condition with central and vertical folds as issued, printed on two joined sheets.

Size approximately 87cm x 26.5cm. 

Richard William Seale (1703-1762) was a London-based engraver, mapmaker, and draughtsman. He is best known for producing maps of London and the English Counties for Henry Overton, as well as numerous maps for the English translations of Paul de Rapin's Histoire d'Angleterre.