The loss of the Luxborough Galley, by John Cleveley the Elder.

The loss of the Luxborough Galley, by John Cleveley the Elder. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: BHC2389

Description: The 'Luxborough Galley', captained by William Kellaway, carried slaves for the South Sea Company. She left England in October 1725 for Cabinda in West Africa, one leg of a triangular route. In Cabinda Captain Kellaway was attacked as a result of an affront given to the African king by one of the white men. Eight crew and 203 Africans died of smallpox on the second leg of the triangle. Having delivered the surviving Africans, 'Luxborough Galley' left Jamaica in May 1727, loaded with rum and sugar. On 25 June 1727 the ship caught fire and sank. Kelloway and his crew were then set adrift in the mid-Atlantic for two weeks before being rescued by fishermen off the coast of Newfoundland. The survivors were forced to resort to cannibalism in order to stay alive.

Creator: John Cleveley the Elder (c.1712-77)

Date: 25 June 1727

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London