The Life and Services of Captain Philip Beaver, Late of His Majesty’s Ship Nisus.

Captain W.H.Smyth

Published by John Murray, London, 1829

About this Item

First Edition. xv, 340p. Contemporary diced calf, original worn spine laid down onto brown linen. Crudely respined. A unique copy, probably from the family of Captain Beaver (1766-1813), who died at sea on board the Nisus. He had an eminent naval career, serving with distinction under Parker, Rodney and Keith, but was perhaps most famous for his participation in the colonization of American slaves on Bolamo, off the coast of Portuguese Guinea. Having been left in charge of a chaotic situation when the expedition leaders abandoned the project, he did his best to make the settlement a success and even though the colonization was ultimately a failure, he is considered the founder and first administrator of British Guinea. He was opposed to slavery, and his death ? and the bankruptcy of his agent - led to financial distress for his widow and six children. This copy contains the following additional material, pasted or tipped-in : 1. 8-line ALS from Admiral Keith to Beaver, dated 5th June 1810, introducing and recommending a young man for employment, a minister?s son from his county. 2. Fragment of a letter to Beaver?s widow, from Admiral Lord Keith, on Beavers death in 1813 in Cape Town??.?I read of my friend?s death with deep sorrow. I always entertained the greatest regard for him and this country lost in him a valuable servant.? 3. 6-line ALS on slip of paper from Earl St. Vincent regarding Beaver?s pension?.?Mr Wakefield(?) probably informed you of the Interest I took, in the efforts made to provide a better compensation for the meritorious service of Captain Beaver than the ordinary pension.? 4. The final blank endpaper contains a copy of a letter to the Editor of the United Services Journal from the author of the present book, possibly in his own hand, the distinguished naval officer and hydrographer W.H.Smyth, appendixing an anecdote of Beaver. On the verso of this, in the same hand, is an Epitaph for Captain Beaver, and an extract from the Gazette of a letter from Admiral Beattie regarding Beaver. Seller Inventory # 026573

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Life and Services of Captain Philip ...

Publisher: John Murray, London

Publication Date: 1829

Binding: Full-Leather

Condition: G-vg

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition