[POINTIS, Jean-Bernard Desjeans de (1645-1707)]. Relation de l’expédition de Carthagène, faite par les Français en 1697. Amsterdam, Héritiers d’Antoine Schelte, 1698.

[POINTIS, Jean-Bernard Desjeans de (1645-1707)]. Relation de l’expédition de Carthagène, faite par les Français en 1697. Amsterdam, Héritiers d’Antoine Schelte, 1698.

First edition (only 3 copies recorded at auction in the last 30 years), rare as complete with both engraved plates (a plan and a map), of the first-hand account of the French raid on Cartagena of 1697, accomplished by the Baron de Pointis with the help of 650 buccaneers enrolled during stops in the Caribbean. The city was subjected to a two-week assault, and a very hefty booty was procured. Pointis then sailed directly for France, neglecting to share the booty with the buccaneers, who returned to Cartagena and plundered it once more, this time intemperately resorting to rape and murder. This report was based on Pointis’ direct witness account. Alden-Landis 698/169; Palau 230094; Sabin 63700.

12mo (155 x 92mm), woodcut device on title, 2 folding engraved charts by Pierre Lepautre (the first with two short repaired tears; some light spotting to the title-page). 18th century half vellum, spine lettered in ink (extremities lightly worn).

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