Important Map for the Texas Collector

"Carte des Cotes du Golfe du Mexique Compris entre la Pointe Sud de la Presqu'Ile de la Floride et la Pointe Nord de la Presqu'Ile d'Yucatan…", Depot de la Marine

This is one of the earliest charts to name the bays of Galveston and Bernardo (now Matagorda) in Texas. This French edition was published just one year after the map on which it was based: Carta Esferica que Comprehende las Costas del Seno Mexicano by Depósito Hidrográfico de Marina of Spain, which was the prototype for maps of the Gulf for many years. Carta Esferica was the first chart of the Texas coast based on actual soundings and exploration, and outlined the coastline and the lower course of its rivers. The exploration was conducted by Jose Antonio de Evia in 1785-86, who named Galveston Bay after his patron, Bernardo de Galvez, the interim governor of Spanish Louisiana.

The chart extends from Florida to the Yucatan peninsula, and includes parts of Cuba and the Bahamas. A note at bottom left explains that the soundings are given in French fathoms, and includes a lettered guide to the composition of the Gulf floor as indicated on the map. The map is adorned with two large sailing ships, which were added in manuscript. Engraved by E. Collin with lettering by Besancon. The seal of the Depot de la Marine is at bottom left and Prix Deux Francs appears below neatline at right.

References: cf Martin & Martin, p. 105.

Condition: B

Watermarked paper with some faint damp stains, light soiling, and short centerfold separations in the top and bottom blank margins, just entering the map border at bottom. There is a tear that enters 2" into map at bottom right that was closed on verso with archival material, but the repair has come partially undone.