Buckingham (George Villiers, 1st Duke), Anglo-French War - The Siege of St Martin de Re
Anon., A journall of the Duke of Buckingham his voyage and taking of ye Isle of Rey.
[Docket - 1st August 1627], six page manuscript on paper, two sheets folded folio, page size approx 31cm x 19.5cm, three lighter folds. [with]
Anon., A true Jurnall or Diarie of all the materialle passages and occurences hapininge at and after our landinge at the Isle if Ree.
No date [c.1627], seven page manuscript, two sheets folded folio, page size approx 31.5cm x 20cm, disbound, tape repairs to spine and fore-edge, wear to third leaf affecting script, hole in blank area of final leaf; [with]
Transcripts, Two later manuscript transcripts (one partial) of the above and a nineteenth century transcript titled 'An Unhappie viewe of the whole behaviour of my Lo. Duke of Buckingham at the French Island. Secretly discovered by W.H. an unfortunate Comander in that unfortunate service'.
Sixteen page manuscript, head of first page inscribed Phillipps Ms 21172, London, Superfine paper (watermarked 1810).
Two manuscripts which give contrasting accounts of the unsuccessful English expedition to capture the French fortress city of Saint-Martin-de-Re on the Isle of Re in 1627. After three months of siege, Buckingham was forced to withdraw and suffered heavy losses. The first account gives the 'official view' portraying Buckingham as a brave and pious commander adored by his troops, who 'did ride in the foremost company with such a courageous spiritt wch did so encourage the soldiours that they wished for nothing so much as to have an encounter with the enemy to show their love to the generall'.
The campaign had generated a great deal of propaganda at home and in response, alternative and more authentic accounts were written by officers at Re. The second manuscript criticises the route taken by Buckingham and his abusive and arrogant approach to his officers. Various encounters with the enemy are described, giving details of the number of men lost. (5)