Sign In

The First Map Engraved By English Mapmaker Emanuel Bowen

This early English map depicts the southern British colonies in America, along with New France, Louisiana, the Caribbean, and Central America.  

The map details Spanish trade routes, particularly those used by treasure galleons traveling from Cartagena, Puerto Bello, and Havana back to Spain. It explains the routes taken by ships bound for Jamaica, emphasizing the strategic importance of Caribbean islands like Antigua and St. Christopher in navigating the trade winds. 

In 1740, English overseas relations in the Caribbean and North America were heavily influenced by rising tensions with Spain and France, which culminated in the War of Jenkins' Ear (1739-1748). This conflict, primarily fought between Britain and Spain, was sparked by disputes over British trading rights in the Caribbean and Spanish America. The war took its name from an incident in 1731 when Spanish coastguards boarded a British ship and allegedly severed the ear of Captain Robert Jenkins, which later became a symbol of British grievances.

The war in the Caribbean was marked by naval battles, privateering, and attempts by both sides to disrupt the other's trade routes. Britain sought to challenge Spanish dominance in the region, especially in areas like the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and Central America. Key strategic goals for the British included protecting their sugar colonies and expanding their influence in the lucrative Spanish trade networks.

Additionally, in 1740, Britain was concerned with strengthening its colonial holdings and trade routes in North America. The map reflects the geopolitical importance of territories like Georgia, established in 1732 as a buffer colony between British South Carolina and Spanish Florida. The colony's purpose was both defensive and economic, providing a zone of protection against Spanish incursions from Florida.

Furthermore, this period coincided with the early stages of the broader conflict known as the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), in which European powers, including Britain and France, fought over control of various territories. The interlinked nature of these conflicts meant that British overseas strategies in North America, the Caribbean, and Central America were shaped by both local rivalries and larger European alliances.

The notes at the top right read as follows:

K.Charles I. by Charter dated June 30 1665 granted to Chanc Clarendon D.of Albemarle, &c. the Province of Carolina extending Southward to the 29. Deg: of North fat.which takes in F.S. Augustin now possessed by the Spaniards; In 1729 the British Parliament purchased S. Carolina of the Proprietors for his Majesty K George, who soon after granted to Trustees for establishing ye Colony of Georgia the lands between the Rivers Savanah and Altamaha.

The Spanish Gallions coming before R.de la Hacha notice is sent thither from thence over land to Cartagena, Lima, Panama &c.to hast =en the King's Treasure. They then continue their Course to Cartagena and after a stay of 2 Months go to Puerto Bello and are about a Month taking in the Treasure from Panama &c. then they return to Cartagena finish their Lading & Sail to the Havana to meet the Flota from la Vera Crux, whence they proceed together thro the Gulf of Florida for Old Spain.

Course TO Jamaica. All Ships from Europe or Africa bound for Jamaica make the Island of Antego or some other of Caribbees near it, because from thence they can bear away before the Trade Winds due West to Jamaica. Ships also from Carolina and all our Plantations on the Continent of America are obliged to get to Antego or the E. of S Cristophers, and then fall into the same Trade Wind Course; the Gulph of Florida which seems to be a nearer way for them being impracticable, the Current there setting from S. to N.& after that the Trade Winds being for Leagues against them.

FROM Jamaica by the Gulph of Florida. From the W.Point of Jamaica to the W. End of Cuba Ships have the advantage of the Trade Winds, which are after that till they get into the Gulph as much against them; so that while they are tripping it between Cape Florida and Cuba ,the Guarda Costas from the latter can easily beard own upon them Again, as the Florida Coast is flat and Shoaly for 7 or 8 Leagues out they are obliged to keep near the Bahamas, and are again in danger from thence, all those Islands being Spanish, except Providence, where if our Ships get, and take any Logwood on board, tho' the Growth of that Island, the Spanish Guarda Cofta's which lie off the Abaco I will make Prize of them pretending that food only grows in their Territories.

FROM Jamaica by the Windward Passage. The most difficult part of this Course is from Port Royal to Point Morant which being against ye Trade Winds, has sometimes taken up 6 Weeks, tho' but 20 Leagues. But the most dangerous is from that Point till they are clear of Crooked Island, a Course of 160 Sea for the Spaniards from Cuba, Porto Rico & Hispaniola (and sometimes the French) are in wait to intercept ye English This is called the Windward Passage because Ships are obliged to keep to the Windward to avoid the Shoals on the Coast of Cuba