Newberry Library - Report recommending the establishment of a commission to prepare a hydrographic survey of the Philippine archipelago 1854 March 19 [box ]

Title Report recommending the establishment of a commission to prepare a hydrographic survey of the Philippine archipelago 1854 March 19 [box ]

Creator Saavedra y Meneses, Aureliano

Date 1854

Place Philippines, Spain--Madrid

Language Spanish

Subjects Hydrographic surveying, Hydrography, Navigation

Description Title in Butler: "Ynforme sobre Filipinas."
Some loss of text due to cropping of margins.
Acquired by Edward Ayer from Madrid bookseller Pedro Vindel in 1904.
Forms part of the Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection (Newberry Library)

Summary Copy of a report by Navy Lt. Saavedra, to the Ministry of the Navy, dated March 19, 1854 in Madrid, advocating the creation of a commission to carry out hydrographic surveying to improve navigation in the islands. Saavedra mentions the charting done previously by the corvettes "Descubierta" and "Atrevida," the map of the Strait of San Bernardino produced by a now defunct commission, and the surveys of Lt. Claudio Montero of the coasts of the Calamian Islands, although he notes that these works are imperfect, incomplete, and may not always be trusted. He is uncertain as to why the charting work was halted, as resources, the necessary light ships, and a fleet commander have always been available. Navigation in the archipelago must be made easier and safer for both economic and military reasons. With better navigational charts, the Philippines can expand trade with Australia, Japan, and China where there is already much new activity. In addition, navy steamers will be able to navigate safely at night, sail without making frequent stops which are time-consuming and costly, weather hurricanes more surely, and mount surprise attacks on enemy ships. To prepare a reliable, detailed hydrographic chart of the Archipelago as quickly as possible it is necessary to appoint a commission, directed by an able commander with the authority to appoint his own men and to reward them for such difficult work. Saavedra adds some notes on the most economical way to accomplish the mapping, and concludes that without the commission, the work will remain unfinished, especially as Lt. Montero is likely to return to Spain very soon.

Extent [5] leaves ; 33 cm

Format Manuscripts, Reports

Archival Collection Title Edward E. Ayer Collection

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number Ayer MS 1424

BibID 132915

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Canvas

Size 2546px × 3677px 26.80 MB

Filename 991329158805867_NL_VAULT_box_Ayer_MS_1424_0001.tif

Unique Identifier NL11EPFB