Porte Belle

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Porte Belle

Post by shipstamps » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:37 pm


"The Capture of Porte Belle", 1739, by G. Chambers, is the painting on the 50d. stamp. Morgan the buccaneer took this South American port in 1668, but the scene on the stamp is its capture by the British under Admiral Vernon, from the Spaniards on November 21, 1739. Porto Belle was originally discovered by Columbus on November 2, 1502. The action took place during the "War of Jenkins' Ear," which broke out in 1739. The British were allowed under the Treaty of Utrecht, to import annually a certain number of negro slaves into America and to trade to a limited extent with the Spanish Main. This led to smuggling, friction and squabbles with the Spanish Guarda Costas and merchant sailors often received rough handling. In one of these affairs a man named Jenkins was said to have had his ear cut off by the Spaniards. Public indignation was aroused in London and war with Spain was demanded. Walpole, Prime Minister, resisted the demands as long as he could but eventually declared war. Edward Vernon was sent to destroy shipping in the West Indies, was promoted to Vice-Admiral, in command of six ships, which he said were enough for the purpose, and proved correct.

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