This very attractive, 18th century Portrait of George Townshend is printed on laid paper and measures approx. 4” by 5 1/2” (sheet size) including margins of 1/2" to 3/4" on each edge. The Image is a bust portrait Townshend in military uniform and carries the mark of the engraver - John Miller.

     George Townshend was commissioned into the Sir John Cope's Regiment in 1745. He fought at the Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite Rising in 1745 and the Battle of Lauffeld during the War of the Austrian Succession in 1747. During the French and Indian War he served as one of the three brigadier in Quebec, under General James Wolfe. When Wolfe was killed during the Battle of Quebec, and his second-in-command (Robert Monckton) was wounded, Townshend took command of the British forces during the siege of Quebec. He received Quebec City's surrender on September 18, 1759. However, he held General Wolfe in much contempt (drawing Wolfe in caricature he created Canada's first cartoon), and was harshly criticized upon his return to Great Britain for that reason (Wolfe was a popular hero throughout the country). Nonetheless, he was promoted major general on 6 March 1761 and fought at the Battle of Villinghausen during the Seven Years War.

     Click Here to read a wonderful account of the relationship between General Wolfe and his “insubordinate subordinate” George Townshend.

     After the French and Indian War Townshend served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1767–1772. In 1779, Fort Townshend, was begun by Governor Richard Edwards, naming it after Townshend, who was then Master-General of the Ordnance (1772–1782 and 1783–1784) and responsible for the construction of fortifications. The Fort includes the Government House of Newfoundland and Labrador. On 2 February 1773 he fought a duel with Charles Coote, 1st Earl of Bellomont, badly wounding the Earl with a bullet in the groin. Townshend was promoted to general in 1782,[3] and elevated to the marquessate in 1787. He was Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 1795 until 1796. He became a field marshal on 30 July 1796, and was appointed Governor of Jersey until 1806.

     A peculiar family tragedy befell him in May of that year: his son, Lord Charles, had just been elected MP for Great Yarmouth, and he took a carriage to London with his brother, Rev. Lord Frederick, the Rector of Stiffkey. During the journey, Lord Frederick inexplicably killed his brother with a pistol shot to the head, and was ultimately adjuged insane.

    This wonderful Engraved Portrait of George Townshend came to us as a part of a simply amazing archive of 17th, 18th and a few 19th century maps, views and portraits related to the French and British colonies in North America. The Archive was put together in the mid 19th century by a Canadian collector and contains many items of great rarity and beauty. All of the items in this archive are exceptionally well preserved with most exhibiting no wear or damage of any kind. There are over 160 items in this archive and we have been offering these rarities over the past few months as part of our regular, weekly eBay auctions.

     This wonderful Engraved Portrait is 100%, unconditionally guaranteed to be an original, ca1760’s printing and not a restrike, reprint or reproduction. It is in very good to excellent condition - clean and crisp in the image area with some light soiling in the margins. There is some light, uniform age toning to the sheet but no tears, edge chipping, physical damage or repairs of any kind. Overall this is a well preserved and very attractive example of this important Canada / North American related portrait.

     A very rare and beautiful, ca1760's, Engraved Portrait of the controversial British Army Officer George Townshend of French & Indian War fame, and a fantastic addition to any collection!!

     Be sure to check out this sellers other auctions for other portraits and Views from this amazing Archive which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!

Click Here to Discover More About this Item and Many Others on Our New Informational / Non-Commercial / Reference Blog - Walnutts.com.

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