The Spanish convoy of 1750
Subtitle: heaven's hammer and international diplomacy
By: James A. Lewis.
Series: New perspectives on maritime history and nautical archaeology
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Gainesville, Fla
Language: eng
Number of pages: 157
ISBN-13: 9780813033587
Subjects: La Galga (Warship); Shipwrecks -- Atlantic Coast (U.S.) -- History -- 18th century; Naval convoys -- Spain -- History -- 18th century; Treasure troves -- Assateague Island National Seashore (Md. and Va.); United States -- Foreign relations -- Spain; Spain -- Foreign relations -- United States
Description: Spanish flotas (convoys) traversed the Atlantic throughout the colonial period, shuttling men and goods between the Old and New Worlds. In August 1750, at the height of hurricane season, a small convoy of seven ships left Havana for Cadiz. A fierce storm scattered the ships from North Carolina's outer banks to Maryland's eastern shore. Spanish merchants, military officers, and sailors struggled to survive, protect their valuable cargo, and, eventually, find a way home. They faced piracy, rapacious English officials, and discord among crew and passengers (including dozens of English prisoners). Two and a half centuries later, the discovery of the wreckage of the convoy's flagship, La Galga, set off a legal battle between Spain and American treasure companies over salvage rights.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.