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Description

Dramatic hand-colored engraved view of the storming of the Moro Castle by British forces during the capture of Havana in 1762, executed by the greatest maritime painter of the 18th century, Dominic Serres.

This view shows the dramatic moment when redcoats broke down the wall of the Moro Castle and streamed along the cliffs into the fortification. This marked the moment that Havana's defenses were finally breached, and the city would surrender shortly thereafter.

The engraving is of the highest quality; the skill of the artists is particularly evident in the diverse and elaborate typography below the image. The rendering of the clouds and the ability of the engraver to suggest the sun's rays streaming through them is also quite remarkable.

William Keppel (1727-1782) was a British army officer, who assumed command of the 56th Regiment of Foot in 1761. He served under his brother the Early of Albermarle during the capture of Havana and took over as Governor of Cuba, after his brother vacated the post in 1763.

Sir George Pocock (1706-1792) was a British naval officer of considerable consequence during the Seven Years War. His crowning achievement was the capture of Havana in 1762, as a result he became very rich, however, he was passed over for the Admiralty Board in spite of his success, and, as a result, he resigned his commission in 1766.

The "secret expedition" to capture Havana set off from Spithead on March 5, 1762. By the 26th of April it had arrived in Martinique, pausing there before setting off again on May 6. The flotilla landed troops six miles east of Havana on June 7 and siege-works were started upon at once. The army was aided by a large number of seamen who helped land canon, man the batteries, and supply the troops with water. The British had received detailed reports of the weak points in Havana's defenses provided by the Governor of Jamaica, Admiral Knowles. By the 30th of June, the batteries were ready, and they opened fire on the July 1. Three ships of the line engaged from the water, but two of them left action after heavy losses six hours into the battle. Eventually, the land batteries subdued the Spanish defense, and on the 30th of July, the Moro was stormed. The city capitulated on August 13. The prize money was considerable, netting Pocock over £122,000 alone.

Condition Description
Expert restoration of some small tears at edges.