"[Lot of 2] N. America [and] British Possessions in North America",

A. N. America, circa 1809 (15.5 x 10.0"). A crisp engraving of the continent with several spurious mountain ranges located from the Great Lakes region to the Great Basin. The Stoney Mountains divide a complex network of rivers and lakes in the Pacific Northwest, dispelling any notion of a Northwest Passage through this area, however, a section of northern Canada labeled as "Unknown" suggests a possible passage. States and territories are identified but not delineated, and numerous Indian tribes are noted throughout. Engraved by Samuel Harrison. Condition: Issued folding with light scattered foxing and a short edge tear confined to the left blank margin that has been closed on verso with archival materials. (B+)

B. British Possessions in North America, by Aaron Arrowsmith Sr., dated 1809 (15.7 x 9.7"). This intriguing map shows the United States from North Carolina on up and extends north through Canada to Baffin Bay. There is good topographical detail, and important cities and various Indian tribes are identified. What is most notable here is the depiction of the networks of rivers, lakes, and bays of the region. Notations throughout provide interesting details of the continent's frontiers, with many referencing the Indians' geographical knowledge. Drawn and engraved by John Russell, and published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme. Condition: A dark impression on a clean sheet. (A)

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Condition:

See description above.