Map/Chart > The Caribbean
A Chart of Martinique, shewing the facility by which it may be completely blockaded by four ships of war
This beautiful, coloured and previously unpublished plan for the blockade of Martinique tells a fascinating story
Chart Information | |
---|---|
Reference: | A510 |
Date | 1803-1804 |
Hydrographer/Surveyor/Artist: | Unknown |
Size Of Original: | w 21.5" x h 17" |
Paper Type | German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper 310gms |
Further Information
This delightful little chart is in fact a plan for the British blockade of the French controlled island of Martinique during the Napoleonic War made toward the end of 1803. The inscription, or explanation, makes for interesting reading as to the proposed plan of how to use the ships to patrol.
Once the British commander, Commodore Samuel Hood, decided
to implement the blockade of the Island he was able to curtail the operations
of privateers and intercept supplies destined for the French garrison. His next move was
to fortify the rock off the southern coast of the island. Hood recognized that if the Island were fortified it would effectively allow the British to control
the shipping approaching the ports on the western side of the island, as well
as navigation between Martinique and its southern neighbour, St Lucia.