C1846

Chart of Bass’ Strait, Surveyed by Captn. I.Lort Stokes, & the Officers of H.M.S. Beagle, 1843.

Scarce and important colonial map of Bass Strait from the surveys made under the command of Captain Lort Stokes on the H.M.S. Beagle dated 1843. From Stokes, J.L. Discoveries in Australia; with an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored … Read Full Description

$A 850

In stock

S/N: DIAU-MAP-002–188740
(C027)
Free Shipping
Chart of Bass’ Strait, Surveyed by Captn. I.Lort Stokes, & the Officers of H.M.S. Beagle, 1843. Tasmania

Within Australia

All orders ship free
within Australia
Chart of Bass’ Strait, Surveyed by Captn. I.Lort Stokes, & the Officers of H.M.S. Beagle, 1843. Tasmania

Rest of the World

Orders over A$300
ship free worldwide

See Shipping page for Terms & Conditions

Details

Full Title:

Chart of Bass’ Strait, Surveyed by Captn. I.Lort Stokes, & the Officers of H.M.S. Beagle, 1843.

Date:

C1846

Engraver:

John arrowsmith 

Condition:

Left margin reinstated as often found, otherwise in good condition. With folds as issued.

Technique:

Copper engraving.

Image Size: 

325mm 
x 240mm

Paper Size: 

345mm 
x 265mm
AUTHENTICITY
Chart of Bass' Strait, Surveyed by Captn. I.Lort Stokes, & the Officers of H.M.S. Beagle, 1843. - Antique Map from 1846

Genuine antique
dated:

1846

Description:

Scarce and important colonial map of Bass Strait from the surveys made under the command of Captain Lort Stokes on the H.M.S. Beagle dated 1843.

From Stokes, J.L. Discoveries in Australia; with an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed during the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle.

 

 

References:
Tooley, R.V. The Mapping of Australia. London 1979 :: 1442.
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 :: 4406.
Wantrup, J. Australian Rare Books. Sydney, 1987 :: 89.


Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 100916

John Lort Stokes (1812 - 1885)

Stokes was an explorer and hydrographer, was the son of Henry Stokes. He entered the navy in the Prince Regent in 1824 and was soon transferred to the brig Beagle, in which he served for eighteen years, becoming midshipman in 1825, mate and assistant surveyor in 1831, lieutenant in 1837 and commander in 1841. After marine surveys of South America in 1826-32 and the voyage around the world described by Charles Darwin in 1833-36, the Beagle was sent under Commander John Wickham to survey Australian waters, arriving in December 1837. During the survey of the Timor Sea in 1839 Stokes was several times entrusted with the closer examination of what is now the Northern Territory coast. He was the first to discover and name the Victoria River and Port Darwin, commemorating his old shipmate. While examining Point Pearce in December 1839 Stokes was speared in the shoulder by Aboriginals, but recovered from his wound and in March 1841 succeeded Wickham in command of the Beagle. Between June and August of that year he surveyed part of the Gulf of Carpentaria, indulging whenever possible 'the exquisite enjoyment of discovery' by making excursions inland. He named the Flinders and Albert Rivers, and between them the Plains of Promise, whose pleasing appearance prompted him to foretell the spread of 'many christian hamlets' throughout the area. Stokes had not allowed for the fluctuation in northern seasons, and 120 years later the area was still largely unoccupied but for cattle stations. A later piece of prophecy was no more fortunate. In December 1841, while the Beagle was off the coast of Western Australia, Stokes was requested to inspect Port Grey, a site proposed for the Australind settlement on the basis of enthusiastic reports by Captain (Sir) George Grey. Arriving in midsummer, Stokes was not impressed, and the Western Australian Co. accordingly decided to retain the site near Bunbury originally proposed for its settlement. Within ten years the Port Grey-Champion Bay area was settled and later became one of the earliest successful wheat-growing areas in Western Australia. Stokes's doubtful judgment as a land explorer could not obscure his merits as a marine surveyor. Many of the hydrographic maps prepared by Wickham and Stokes during their North Australian cruises, and later while Stokes was examining Bass Strait in 1842, were still in use during World War II. After returning to England he published in two volumes Discoveries in Australia (London, 1846). He rose high in the service of the Admiralty, ending as admiral on the retired list in 1877. He spent his retirement on an estate at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, and died on 11 June 1885.

View other items by John Lort Stokes

Choose currency

Exchange rates are only indicative. All orders will be processed in Australian dollars. The actual amount charged may vary depending on the exchange rate and conversion fees applied by your credit card issuer.

Account Login

The List

Join our exclusive mailing list for first access to new acquisitions and special offers.