The Discovery of the South Shetland Islands / The Voyage of the Brig Williams, 1819-1820 and The Journal of Midshipman C.W. Poynter

In 1819, William Smith sailed further south round Cape Horn than his predecessors in the hope of finding favorable winds. He sighted land in 62°S and confirmed his discovery on a subsequent voyage. Captain Shirreff chartered the brig Williams and sent her to survey the new discovery. Charles Poynter was one of the midshipmen who sailed with Bransfield and his account of the expedition is the only first-hand account that appears to have survived. The introduction includes remarks on the South Shetland Islands, history of the Spanish in South America, British presence in the area, speculation leading to the search for Antarctica, and early nineteenth-century navigation and hydrographic surveying. Poynters journal explains the reasons behind most of the names given to land features, and three charts and views are reproduced. It also contains a large number of geographical positions that enable a track chart of the voyage to be produced.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In 1819, William Smith embarked on a remarkable voyage from Montevideo to Valparaiso, with a general cargo. His intention was to sail further south around Cape Horn than his predecessors, in search of favorable winds. His determination paid off when he sighted land in 62°S. However, his initial report to the Senior Naval Officer in Valparaiso met with ridicule. Undeterred, Smith confirmed his discovery on a subsequent voyage, meticulously documenting his findings and exploring the coastline.

Recognizing the significance of this new discovery, Captain Shirreff, the Senior Naval Officer, chartered the brig Williams and appointed Edward Bransfield, the master of HMS Andromache, to lead the survey. Charles Poynter, one of the midshipmen on board, was fortunate to be part of this expedition. His account, recently uncovered in New Zealand, stands as the sole firsthand account of the voyage, during which the Antarctic mainland was sighted for the first time.

This volume includes an introduction that provides insights into the South Shetland Islands, followed by chapters that explore the history of the Spanish in South America and the British presence in the region. It also delves into the speculation that led to the search for Antarctica and the advancements in navigation and hydrographic surveying during the early nineteenth century.

In addition to Poynter's journal, this volume includes second-hand accounts of William Smith's earlier voyages and Bransfield's expedition, which were published in reports, journals, and books at the time. These accounts provide valuable additional details about the expedition and its surroundings.

Poynter's journal not only sheds light on the reasons behind the naming of land features but also includes three charts and numerous views that enhance our understanding of the expedition. It is a remarkable testament to the bravery and determination of the explorers who ventured into the unknown waters of the Southern Ocean.

The discovery of Antarctica by William Smith and the subsequent exploration by Bransfield and his crew marked a significant milestone in the history of maritime exploration. Their journey not only opened up new territories but also shed light on the mysteries of the Earth's climate and geography. This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in the captivating tales of early explorers.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032319452