French Manuscript Map of the Spanish Attack of Algiers, 1775

[Anonymous] French Manuscript.
Plan du Combat d'Alger 1775 [Spanish Attack of Algiers].
Pen and ink with original hand color.
France, 1775.
16 1/2" x 25 1/2" sheet.

In this fascinating plan, of the fortification of Algiers, a moment in the history of the country of Algeria is captured. In 1775, Charles II of Spain sent an enormous expedition to Algiers under the command of General O'Reilly and Admiral Castejon. The land forces numbered some 19,200 hand-picked troops. These soldiers arrived by sea in 340 transportation ships which were protected by forty-four war ships, manned by 3,300 of the best sailors.

The troops were disembarked on July 18, 1775 on a beach in the Bay of Algiers. They were accompanied by 100 large cannons and 4,000 mules for use upon their arrival. However, the Spanish had severely underestimated the strength of the Turkish forces and as they landed were attacked by a hoard of 80,000 Turks of whom two-thirds were cavalry. Forced to retreat, the Spanish troops attempted to return to their ships under cover of a slightly built tete-de-pont.

This exquisitely drawn map exactly captures this exchange, and the overlay shows the changes made in fortification. Moreover, a detailed explanation is given to the left of the map.