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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Presentation spyglass that led to the capture of Spanish slave ship "Vengador"

1818-1838; presented 1866-1895

London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A telescoping spyglass presented to Sir Llewelyn Turner by Admiral Lord Clarence Edward Paget. The outer tube of the spyglass is made of mahogany and has brass fittings holding glass lenses. A presentation plaque is attached to the side of the outer tube by four small screws. The plaque reads “PRESENTED BY / Admiral Clarence Paget, G. C. B. / TO HIS FRIEND / SIR LLEWELYN TURNER / By means of this Night glass, / the Spanish Slaver “Vengador” with 500 slaves, / was kept in sight during an entire night (A.D. 1838) / and Captured after a chase of Seventeen hours, / which led to the Capture of her Consort.” A thinner tube made of brass slides into the wooden outer tube. A glass lens is fitted into the end. Etched on the inner brass tube of the spy glass near the lens is “Watkins & Hill / Charing Cross London / Night."

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2009.33

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