1739 An Account of the Expedition of the British Fleet to Sicily, in the Years 1718, 1719, and 1720

Description

First Edition, Folding Plates, Leather Binding

The first edition of this work. Illustrated with one double-sided folding plate. Collated, complete. ESTC citation number T72820. Pages 210, 211, 214, and 215 are misnumbered as 310, 311, 314, and 315. This work is an octavo, the signatures running as a4, B-O8, P4. The dedication is signed T.C. as in Thomas Corbett. This work is the author's first hand account of his time as the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, trying to thwart the Spanish attempts to gain or assert their position in Sicily, also known as the Sicilian Expedition or the War of the Quadruple Alliance which lasted from 1718 to 1720. Led by Byng, they encountered the Spanish fleet at Naples, which led to the Battle of Cape Passaro, on the 11th August 1718. In that battle, the Spanish fleet were devastated by Byng and his team. After the victory, Byng was given the power to negotiate with the princes and states of Italy on behalf on England and the King, being awarded with the positions of Treasure of the Navy and Rear-Admiral of Great Britain upon his return to England. He was also made the first Viscount Torrington in 1721. The war was fought over Spain's attempts to regain its territorial losses agreed in the 1713 Peace of Utrecht. Bookplate to the front pastedowns, 'Winston Old Rectory'.