Java

réf. 60854 — London: D. Wilson 1751. FIRST EDITION. Rare account of the British Fleet activities in the East Indies against the French. 8vo 18.4 x 11.2 cm. 1 ff. 82 pp. Bound in modern marbled paper wrappers all edges dyed red. Corner of p. 45 torn slightly affecting text generally very good. Upon the declaration of war between England and France in March 1744 a Squadron of four men-of-war under the command of Commodore Barnet was sent to the East Indies to protect our interest in this area and to capture or destroy any French ships they may encounter. "The boats called at Jaccatra and particulars are given of Java Amboyna etc. with mention of the massacre of the English traders there by the Dutch also the massacre of 70000 Chinese whom the Dutch feared were going to rise against them. Accounts are also given of Burma and Ceylon. On the return voyage a call was made at the Cape a short account of which is given." Maggs Voyages and Travels VOL. 5. PART V. CATALOGUE NO 827 1612. The voyage was a success the author records the French ships laiden with goods from China captured in the Streights of Sunda and sold as prizes to the Dutch Governor at Batavia. He also includes an interesting description of Java and the cloves and nutmegs grown there; Batavia the people and the trade conducted in this Dutch settlement. The squadron was ordered to assist Admiral Edward Boscowen to capture Pondicherry an account of this unsuccessful operation is given. London: D. Wilson, 1751. unknown