Lot 316
  • 316

F T PENDLETON, JOURNAL, 1855-56

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • Naval Journal, whilst serving as an Engineer on HMS Hecate patrolling the West African coast
  • ink on paper
containing regular and detailed entries during two tours, both at sea and on land, from Gambia to the Bight of Biafra and at various West African ports, describing such incidents as involvement in suppressing a rebellion in Gambia (4 August 1855), chasing a slaver that "under all the canvas she could spread ran high and dry on the hot sandy beach" so her crew could evade capture (Pendleton then observing through an eyeglass hundreds of men, suddenly freed from the hold "running from the ship along the beach, carrying with them ... the stores and valuables belonging to the ship", 1 January 1856), the capture of at least two other slave-ships (20 March and 3 August 1857), a serious explosion in the engine room just outside Lagos (2 January 1856), the death of the ship's captain (2 December 1856), and his own near-fatal injury when "a 32 lb shot came bowling down the hatch-way [into the Engine Room] striking me on the head and sending me sprawling senseless on the platform" (24 April 1857), c.114 pages, small 4to, 25 March 1855 to 3 August 1857, later roan boards with gilt lettering on spine, text possibly incomplete at the end, binding worn with some loss at spine

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

HMS Hecate was a four-gun paddle sloop in the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron, charged with suppressing the Atlantic slave trade.