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Sea chart showing the approaches to Acapulco, from a Dutch Edition about Anson's voyages.
The map shows the disposition of the ships of the squadron commanded by Anson, as they approacehd Acapulco in 1742.
The note indicates that ships Centurion and Gloucester remained 4½ leagues from the Coast during the day and approached Acapulco at nightto observe the exit of the Manila Galleon ships.
In 1740, during the War of Jenkins' Ear with Spain, Commodore George Anson embarked on a mission to disrupt Spanish possessions in the Pacific Ocean. His squadron consisted of eight ships, with the goal of capturing the Spanish galleon carrying silver from Acapulco. In January 1742, Commodore George Anson, with the Centurion, Gloucester, and six prize ships, sought to intercept the Manila galleon at Acapulco. Misjudging Acapulco's location, they initially chased a false lead. A reconnaissance mission confirmed the galleon's earlier arrival and impending departure, heavily armed and manned. Anson prepared for a potential naval engagement, training additional crew members including captured slaves. However, the Spanish, alerted to Anson's presence, decided against dispatching the galleon. Anson abandoned the wait in early April due to water scarcity, destroying some prize ships due to crew shortages, and later recovered his men who had been on patrol. The squadron then set course for China.
Isaak Tirion was a prominent Dutch publisher based in Amsterdam in the eighteenth century. He is best known for historical works that included prints showing scenes from around the world. He also produced maps, such as those in the Nieuwe Hand-Atlas of 1744.
