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
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."
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Sources & collection details
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗
Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13
Catalog reference: 2009.33
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