The Naval Chronicle: Volume 26, July-December 1811

Book excerpt: The Naval Chronicle, published in 40 volumes between 1799 and 1818, is a key source for British maritime and military history. This reissue is the first complete printed reproduction of what was the most influential maritime publication of its day. The subjects covered range from accounts of battles and lists of ships to notices of promotions and marriages, courts martial and deaths, and biographies, poetry and letters. Each volume also contains engravings and charts relating to naval engagements and important harbours around the world. Volume 26, published in 1811, contains reports of British naval successes in the Far East. The capture of Tamatavé in Madagascar and the surrender of Java are discussed, with extracts from French state papers concerning the French navy. An improvement in the King's mental health is announced, and maps and descriptions of the Dardanelles Strait and the port of Istanbul are also included.