Description
‘Byron was a midshipman aboard the Wager, which was wrecked on an island off the Chilean coast. He describes the privations endured by the survivors who remained with Captain David Cheap. They were made prisoners by the Indians and turned over to the Spanish authorities. This narrative, supplied his grandson, Lord Byron, the poet, with many particulars for the shipwreck in Canto II of Don Juan. Byron, known as Foul-Weather Jack, commanded a voyage around the world in the Dolphin from 1764 to 1766. He was later governor of Newfoundland and became an admiral in 1775’ (Hill).
Bound at the end of the volume is a copy of James Sutherland’s A Narrative of the Loss of His Majesty’s Ship The Litchfield, Captain Barton, on the Coast of Africa … A new edition, London, 1768. [iv], 80pp. This is a scarce little work in any edition.
Description
First edition. 8vo, [4], viii, 257, [1]pp., frontispiece, contemporary mottled calf gilt, light wear to corners, a fine fresh example.
Bibliography
Hill p41; Sabin 9730.
Stock ID: 98328