Catalog Archive
Auction 168, Lot 258

One of the Earliest Maps Relating to the American Revolution

"Map of the Environs of Boston. Drawn at Boston in June 1775; and Published in London", Almon, John

Subject: Boston, Massachusetts, Revolutionary War

Period: 1775 (dated)

Publication: The Remembrancer

Color: Black & White

Size:
10 x 7.4 inches
25.4 x 18.8 cm
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This map is based on an original drawing made in June 1775, and is one of the earliest obtainable maps related to the American Revolutionary War. The original drawing was likely made just prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill, and made its way to England before being published in engraved form in John Almon's The Remembrancer in August 1775.

The map shows the British-occupied city in the early stages of the American siege, including Washington's Provincial Head Quarters at Cambridge, camp and lines of Generals Putnam, Ward and Thomas, British fortifications at Boston Neck, the American lines at Roxbury, roads to Boston and Charlestown, Castle William, ships and floating batteries around Charlestown, and relief.

This map was published in Volume I of The Remembrancer, of which 4 editions were published. The Remembrancer, published by John Almon in 17 volumes between 1775 and 1784, is considered one of the most reliable sources of information regarding the Revolution. According to Sabin, "Almon states that the plan of the work is 'to select from all the public prints the best account of every material public event'" and as a result it contained "every authentic paper relative to the American Revolution, whether published in England or America, by the British Ministry or the American Congress."

References: Howes #A182; Jolly #REM-3; Nebenzahl (Biblio. of the Amer. Rev.) #4; Sabin #955; Sellers & Van Ee #896.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with minor toning, very light offsetting, and a few small spots at bottom left.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $650

Closed on 6/6/2018

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