Canton--Belcher, Sir Edward.

Manuscript chart, 375 x 590mm., rice paper backed on linen, inscribed lower left "[?in the hand of George D'Aguilar:] Recd. from Sir Edw. Belcher, RN, May 1845, previous to my attack. [In the hand of Edward Belcher:] Eye sketch of Canton River from 1st Bar to Canton, shewing the present state of the Batteries approaching Canton. E. Belcher"

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalgue description
"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."

The naval officer and hydrographer Edward Belcher captained HMS Sulphur during operations in the Canton River in 1841, as part of the First Opium War (1839-1842). His pen-and-ink chart, with its detailed and useful depictions of batteries along the riverbanks, afterwards came into the possession of major-general George D'Aguilar, who used it in his subsequent incursion into Canton in 1847. Resentment over the Opium War was still simmering, and maltreatment of British nationals in Canton led to d'Aguilar being sent in to punish that city: "In two days his force captured all the forts and batteries on the Canton River, spiking 879 guns. He prepared to attack Canton, but an assault was avoided by the prompt submission of the Chinese authorities" (ODNB).

Also included in this lot is a rare lithographed chart "Sketch of the River Chou-Kiang from the Bocca Tigris to Canton, shewing the forts &c. taken by the forces employed under major-general d'Aguilar... on the 2nd and 3rd April 1847" (London: Day and Son, [no date]), which, as suggested in the title, shows the locations in Canton taken by George d'Aguilar during his two-day campaign.