Description:

BRITISH INVASION OF GUADELOUPE GROUPING (81)
A large and important grouping of 81 documents concerning the 1759 British invasion of the French-held island of Guadeloupe, a military action from January to May 1759 and part of the Seven Years' War. A large British force had arrived in the West Indies, intending to seize French possessions. After a six-month-long battle to capture Guadeloupe, they finally received the formal surrender of the island, just days before a large French relief force arrived under Admiral Maximin de Bompart. Though the island was eventually ceded back to the French, the capture of the island contributed to the 'miraculous year' of 1759. Of great interest is a period fair copy of the surrender terms as laid out to the French by Gen. John Barrington, 24pp. legal folio, [May 2, 1759], in English and French. As this document was included among period documents from the island, there is no doubt it was penned at the time of the surrender. Barrington stipulates that all enemy forces are to abandon their positions but in deference to their brave defense of the island, will be allowed to march out 'with all the honours of War, viz. with two Field pieces, their Arms, Colors Flying, Drums beating, and lighted Match...' Inhabitants of Martinique, Marie-Galante, and Dominica are ordered to return to their respective islands, freedom of religion is to be observed, and a civil government will be established. British duties and taxes will be levied, negro labor will be compensated for, privateers will be provided vessels to leave, and much more. Substantial damage to the vertical fold from top to six inches down, yet most text thereat remains legible. The balance of the grouping grouping consists largely of lists of men detailed to labor on fortifications (Fort Louis) and otherwise 'employed in the King's work', all signed by officers, as well as invoices for building supplies, provision requisitions, pay receipts, and a very tattered muster roll from aboard one of the invading British ships. Many of the documents are signed by Lt. Col. William Cunninghame who served as Chief Engineer on the expedition. Condition varies widely but overall good to very good. 36 pieces.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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