To Captain Krusenstern, of the Imperial Russian Navy As A Tribute For His Laudable Exertions to benefit Navigation and Maritime Science, This…

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Very Good

Confirmed: No

Date Acquired: 6/1/2024

Dealers ID No.: 19355

Description: James Horsburgh, a distinguished hydrographer, significantly advanced maritime navigation and British trade in the East. By age 16, he had mastered mathematics, navigation, and bookkeeping, beginning his maritime career as a cabin boy apprenticed for three years.nHorsburghs early voyages involved coal trade routes to Ostend, Holland, and Hamburg. In May 1780, his vessel was captured by a French ship near Walcheren, leading to brief imprisonment in Dunkirk. After his release, he voyaged to the West Indies and Calcutta, where shipbuilder David Briggs became his mentor and secured him a position as third mate aboard the Nancy. For the next two years, Horsburgh navigated the coasts of India and nearby islands, honing his skills as a sailor.nBy 1796, Horsburgh had returned to England as first mate aboard the Carron. His growing reputation for navigational expertise earned him introductions to prominent figures such as Sir Joseph Banks and Dr. Nevil Maskelyne, the Astronomer Royal.nIn 1805, with encouragement from Sir Charles Forbes, Horsburgh published Directions for Sailing to and from the East Indies, China, New Holland, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Interjacent Ports, a comprehensive guide based on 21 years of observations. This work became the definitive navigation manual for the eastern seas.nIn 1810, Horsburgh succeeded Alexander Dalrymple as hydrographer to the British East India Company. Among his notable contributions was a detailed map of the Strait of Sunda, a crucial maritime passage between Java and Sumatra, dedicated to Captain Adam Johann von Krusenstern, admiral of the Imperial Russian Navy and Horsburghs friend.nThe chart, based on accurate triangulation by the British East India Company and Krusenstern around 18111812, features depth soundings, anchorages, and safe sailing channels. It was created during the British interim control of the Dutch East Indies under Stamford Raffles, after the VOCs bankruptcy in 1799.nIllustrating the perilous route from the Indian Ocean to Batavia Roadstead (modern-day Jakarta), the chart includes three detailed insets, notably one of Batavia Roadstead. Its precision marked a vast improvement over earlier VOC charts, becoming the standard for over half a century.

First published: Separate Publication. London: James Horsburgh, 1818

Mapmaker: Horsburgh, James (1762-1836)

Notes: Purchase details

Price: 1200

Primary Category: Southeast Asia

Purchase Reference: Ledger

Rarity: R1 Extremely rare – occasionally seen on the market

Sheet size (cm): 75×59

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1818