"A Representation, of the Sea Fight, on the 5th of Sep 1781, between Rear Admiral Graves and the Count De Grasse",

The defeat of the British fleet by the French at the Battle of the Chesapeake was one of the pivotal battles in the American Revolutionary War. It cut off reinforcement or evacuation of Cornwallis' troops at Yorktown; thus sealing their fate and leading to the eventual surrender that ended the war. This map was originally drawn by Admiral William Graves for his report on the battle. It provides details of the maneuvers of the two fleets and includes a list of the observations and orders signaled to the British fleet from their flagship. The names and commanders of the 19 British ships are included in this second state, which was published in the Political Magazine. Both states are extremely rare.

References: Jolly POL-80; Nebenzahl (AR) #45; Nebenzahl (Biblio) #182.

Condition: B+

Folded as issued with a repaired 1-1/4" binding tear at left. There are a few minor spots of foxing.