Each approx. 20x26 cm. (8x10½”), on laid paper from a sketchbook, with fleur-de-lys and crown watermarks. One signed by James Dobson, dated June 26, 1756.
Significant selection of original sketches by the young James Dobson, at least five of which are very likely of Barbados, three apparently of the Sussex countryside adjacent to Christ’s Hospital, and two which could be either of the places. The sketches which are likely Barbados include a fort on a peninsula with a half-dozen ships in the bay; a coastal view with fort-like buildings; a rather small, gaff-rigged sailboat, likely a fishing boat; a fort on the water; another fort on the water, with two large sailing ships in background. The five other sketches include ruins of castles and forts, and countryside. The one that is dated 1756 is certainly Barbados, as borne out by Dobson’s background, related in a letter from the Clerk at Christ’s Hospital, dated 1902, in answer to an inquiry about a manuscript mathematical workbook in the Royal Library that was apparently the work of young Dobson, and which accompanies the sketches. It reads in part: “…James Dobson, son of Christopher Dobson decd. Baptised 26 De. 1741 – Admitted April 1750 in Presentation of Sir John Barnard, Knt. President. Discharged 15 Jan. 1757 by Thos. Mapstone Master of the ship ‘Frickeship,’ burthen 330 tons, bound to Barbados, with whom he is to serve 7 years unless His Majesty should require his last year’s service…” So it may be presumed that Dobson began making sketches in his book in 1756 or earlier, and continued to use it when he was on duty at sea and in Barbados, beginning when he was about 17 or so. Of interest is the fact that PBA Galleries offered and sold a beautifully executed handwritten manuscript copy by student James Dobson of John Robertson's "The Elements of Navigation," written out by every Royal Mathematical student as an exercise in mathematical navigation. The copybook was from the Royal Library of King George ll with his on-laid coat-of-arms, and was evidently to book referred to in the letter. It sold for $3,750 hammer. It seems that James Dobson was not to be a common seaman aboard the Frickeship, subject to the capricious bullying and lashings common at the time, but an officer of sorts, with the responsibility of navigating the oceans separating England from the West Indies.