Description

[003487] Lindsay, Hugh. Report of the Examination and Proof of Cannon Powder in Flannel Cartridges, and Loose Priming Powder. London: [East India Company], 1815. First Edition. 4to. Unbound. Ephemera. Fair. [4]p, approximately 180mm x 310mm in size.

Margins trimmed, lightly browned to head, with Japanese tissue repairs to old folds and a couple of small nicks to edges.

Dated the 13th September, 1815, a report from the Honourable Committee of Shipping of the East India Company, noting the “great advantages which Mr. Walker’s Patent Copper Barrels possessed in preserving Gunpowder”.

The gunpowder was sent out on board the Thomas Grenville (the East India Company’s own ship, built in Bombay, and launched in 1808), noting the gunpowder was tested on its “last voyage”, (probably its fourth voyage – 1813/4 China. Capt William Patterson. Portsmouth 9 Apr 1814 – 7 Sep Whampoa – Second Bar 8 Jan 1815 – 19 Apr St Helena – 23 Jun Downs – document in the National Archives).

JISC shows that the BL has a copy of Walker’s patent, with a copy of this report “folded and stuck to the final leaf”