Description: 1739 Great Britain Historical Medal Admiral Vernon, Fort Chagres & Porto Bello Adams FCv-17-X. 36mm, Brass. Rarity-6 Problem Free "Good" Pocket Piece! An unusual find so low grade and yet, so choice at the same time. A very attractive, smooth, and clean piece, in-hand. Clearly a pocket piece carried until it was well-worn. Somewhat glossy and nicely toned. One of the unique designs in this series, featuring an oversized 3-quarter length portrait of Vernon. All Fort Chagres medals have a Porto Bello themed reverse. A rare variety, with 13-30 known in all grades. Admiral Vernon's self-predicted victory over the Spanish treasure port of Porto Bello (modern-day Panama) in 1739, "with six ships only;" as well as nearby Fort Chagre, in early 1740; led to the striking of hundreds of different commemorative medals all over Great Britain. These events marked the first major British victories in over 30 years and served to reaffirm Britain's military might, especially that of the navy. The quick surrender of the Castil De San Lorenzo, at the mouth of Charges River, solidified Vernon's reputation, just a few months after Porto Bello. Newspapers of the day compared Vernon to Sir Robert Blake, the most famous British Admiral of all time. The victory at Fort Chagre caused the British military to plan an even more daring assault on the "Mecca" of the Spanish Caribbean trade network, Cartagena (Columbia). In 1741, the magnanimous Admiral Vernon found himself in command of a land and naval assault on Cartagena (modern day Columbia), using both British regulars and colonial troops raised in the American colonies. We say "found himself" because Admiral Vernon and General Wentworth were supposed to be second in command to Lord Cathcart, who masterminded the expedition and wrote the official Declaration of War with Spain. The problem was that Cathcart died on the 9 week voyage to the West Indies, leaving Vernon in sole command. They should have turned around the minute Cathcart succumbed. Before the battle took place, medals commemorating the victory were already being struck in Britain. Some show the Spanish commander, Blass De Lesso, surrendering his sword. Others show Vernon touring the conquered city. Vernon did "view the town" but it was from afar. Despite news reports boasting victory and low casualties, Vernon's reputation was ultimately tarnished after the expedition failed to take Cartagena; due to squabbles between Vernon and Wentworth, and because, in truth, about half the British forces died from tropical disease. This disastrous episode was a sore subject in the American colonies, due to the abuse of colonial troops and the high fatality rate, and it was a definite, contributing factor to the American Revolution. George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence, received a King's commission as a colonial officer in the Cartagena Expedition, and sailed on Vernon's flag ship. He distinguished himself a war hero, leading sorties against Spanish gun batteries. Despite the controversies, Lawrence continued to admire his commander, and upon his return to Virginia, in 1742, he named his plantation Mount Vernon, in honor of the Admiral. Young George admired his older brother's exploits and longed for his own King's commission some day. The rest is history.
Price: 139 USD
Location: Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-09-22T01:19:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Circulated/Uncirculated: Circulated
Composition: Brass
Type: Medal
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
