Sketchbook, 1812-1813

This collection consists of a sketchbook and a minute book, both authored by Sir James Hawkins Whitshed, an officer in the British Navy. The sketchbook (1812-1813) contains numerous depictions of naval ships (including smaller naval vessels and a fishing boat) at sea. The front paste-down of the sketchbook includes an apparent self-caricature of Whitshed himself.

The minute book (1821-1822) contains a careful list of letters received and sent out by Whitshed, plus a summary of the day’s events. At the time the minute book was written, Whitshed was commander-in-chief at Portsmouth. The book also contains various orders to the Fleet, and there is also a large sketch of a plan of attack drawn by Whitshed himself.