Lot #408

Cloudesley Shovell Autograph Letter Signed

Description

Rare 1684 letter on maritime victories over the Barbary pirates: "We have had good success against the Sallay Pyratts: for in nine mounths we have destroyed five of them, two taken, one sunk, & two chased ashore"

English naval officer (1650-1707) who took part in the Third Anglo-Dutch War, Nine Years' War, and War of the Spanish Succession before perishing in a disastrous shipwreck off the Isles of Scilly. ALS signed “Clou: Shovell,” one page, 8 x 11.75, March 8, 1684. Handwritten letter reporting on his victories over the Barbary pirates out of the port of Salé, in part: "We have had good success against the Sallay Pyratts: for in nine mounths we have destroyed five of them, two taken, one sunk, & two chased ashore. Another of 26 gunns narrowly escaped me. I chased him into Mamora who venturing in before high watter to escape me he struck upon the Barr." He goes on to discuss the strength of part of the fleet's ships, enumerating the quantities of their guns. In very good condition, with overall wrinkling, foxing, and a newspaper clipping affixed at the bottom.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Animation
• Dates: #620 - Ended November 10, 2021

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