| Description: |
Printed for J. Millan. 1745. Second Edition, seven parts in one, prefaced by general title and introductory text, each with separate title-page pagination and register, [ii],viii,viii,135,[1]; viii,128; [ii],3-56; [iv],56; [ii],3-27,[1]; [iv],viii,[9]-50; 8pp., one folding engraved table of the English, French and Spanish battle lines, six engraved folding maps, cont. calf, hinges cracked. The tracts consist of: [I] A Narrative of the Proceedings of His Majesty’s Fleet in the Mediterranean, and the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, from the Year 1741, to March 1744. Including an Accurate Account of the Late Fight near Toulon, and the Causes of our Miscarriage… Third Edition. Printed by J. Millan. 1745. [II] Original Letters and Papers, between Adm---l M---ws, and V. Adm---l L---k. With Several Letters from Private Hands… Printed for. M. Cooper. 1744. [III] Vice-Adm---l L-st-k’s Account of the Late Engagement Near Toulon… Printed for M. Cooper. 1745. [IV] Admiral Matthew’s Charge Against Vice-Admiral Lestock Dissected and Confuted, by a King's Letterman. Printed for John Millan. 1745. [V]. Vice-Adm---l Lestock’s Recapitulation, as spoke by him at the Bar of the Honble House of Commons, on Tuesday the 9th of April, 1745… Printed for John Millan. 1745. [VI]. Captain Opie’s Appeal Against The illegal Proceedings of Vice-Admiral Mathews… Printed for M. Cooper. 1745. [VII]. A Letter from the Westminster Journal of The 9th February 1744-5. To Thomas Touchit, Esq. Printed in the Year 1744-5. A combined Franco-Spanish fleet that had been blockaded in Toulon for two years left port heading south. The blockading British fleet under Admiral Thomas Matthews was roughly the same size as the Franco-Spanish fleet, led by Admiral de la Bruyere de Court. Fearing that the enemy fleet movement was designed to force him out of position, and allow a troop convoy to reach Italy, Matthews ordered his fleet to attack immediately, before forming up into line, as was the official practice. Admiral Richard Lestock, Matthews second in command, appears to have deliberately misunderstood his orders, and the resulting battle was indecisive, with the British taking more damage than they inflicted. Mathews resigned, but public outrage lead to a court martial, which lasted from 1745-7. Mathews and Lestock, along with nine of their captains and four lieutenants were on trial. Despite being most to blame, Lestock was honourably acquitted, while Mathews was dismissed, although as he had already resigned this was of little personal consequence. ESTC, T127182 . |
