PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF A VERY DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
Carte de Canal des Isles Philippines
Published in Paris

21” x 17” (53.9 cm x 42 cm)


CONDITION REPORT: Good condition



This significant Philippine chart recalls two important historical events. The route of the Manila-Acapulco galleon is traced as it enters the San Bernardino Strait from the Pacific Ocean heading northwest, past the islands of Mindoro and Romblon until reaching Manila Bay. In 1743, one galleon, the Nuestra Señora de Cavadonga laden with over 37 tons of silver from the Americas was intercepted by Lord George Anson’s Centurion off the coast of Espiritu Santo in Northern Samar. This was a highly celebrated haul allowing the upkeep of the British Navy for many years. A major eruption is the 1754 of the Taal Volcano eruption interrupted a once navigable Pansipit River connecting Balayan Bay to Teal Lake. The route contracted and a rising Taal Lake interrupted the saline waters of the Bay becoming eventually a freshwater lake. The chart reveals a much-constricted river.