Copy by Sir James Balfour of Denmilne of the log-book of Captain John Anderson for 1640 to 1643.
Scope and Contents
The manuscript is written in a Dutch printed pilot`s log-book, and the final entry and postscript are signed by Anderson (folios 79-80).
In December 1640, Anderson, an experienced seaman, sailed as navigator in a Dutch ship bound from Holland to Java. From July 1641 to May 1642, he was with the Dutch fleet blockading the Portuguese off the coast of Goa, and in December 1642 he returned to Holland. His log consists chiefly of a record of distance covered, wind direction, land sighted, etc., but some incidents are described, such as the capture of a Portuguese carrack off Goa (folio 26). The manuscript is particularly interesting for its lengthy digressions on India, the East Indies, the Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar and St. Helena, in which Anderson describes and comments on these countries, their people, towns, religions and customs.
Dates
- Creation: 1640-1643.
Extent
0.00 Linear metres (80 + many blank folios. Folio.)
Language of Materials
English
Custodial History
The manuscript was part of the papers of Sir James Balfour of Denmilne. It was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1698.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Date
- 20 07 2015
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk