VAT included (see terms) | Exclude VAT

HMS Melampus escorting Sir John Davis the Governor of Hong Kong on his Departure from England [mss. caption in pencil].
HMS Melampus escorting Sir John Davis the Governor of Hong Kong on his Departure from England [mss. caption in pencil].
[n.d., c.1848.]
Original pencil sketch 218 x 135mm glued into scrap album sheet c.435 x 280mm. Lightly soiled.
View of three British ships with Hong Kong in the background, probably drawn by a former British government official in Hong Kong, and forebear of the compiler of the album from which this sheet has been extracted - one G.S. Windham. Sir John Francis Davis, 1st Baronet KCB (1795 - 1890) was the 2nd Governor of Hong Kong. During his tenure, Davis was very much hated amongst Hong Kong residents and British merchants during his administration because of the establishment of various taxes, which increased the burden of all citizens, and his abrasive treatment of his subordinates. On a much lighter note, weekend racing began during his tenure, which gradually evolved as a Hong Kong institution. Also, during his tenure, Davis organized the first Hong Kong Census, and it indicated that at that time, there were 23,988 people living in Hong Kong. On 21st March 1848, his row with the local British merchants increased, and Davis resigned his commission and left Hong Kong. Also glued to scrap sheet are two steel engravings of Folkestone and watercolour sketches of a castle by a lake and flowers. Includes also a postcard and 'Lettercard' of eight bound views of Canterbury addressed to his descendent postmarked 1918. HMS Melampus: A mid-Victorian RN Vessel. Commanded by Captain John Norman Campbell, south-east coast of America, then East Indies (until Campbell invalided himself at Bombay at the end of 1848) - 12 March 1845 - 1848.
[Ref: 7620]   £680.00  
enquire about this item add to your wishlist