"Embouchures du Fleuve St. Louis ou Mississipi", Bellin, Jacques Nicolas

This uncommon chart details the Mississippi River delta as the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The map is oriented by a fleur-de-lis with north to the upper left. Fort Balise is shown on a small island at the mouth of the Southeast Pass and the channels include soundings and trees and other debris shown via icons. Jacques Nicolas Bellin had a distinguished 50-year career as one of France’s leading cartographers. He was the lead hydrographer to the French Navy upon the creation of France's hydrographic office, a member of the Académie de Marine and of the Royal Society of London. His maps of the French possessions in North America are particularly important.

References: Sellers & Van Ee #776; Tooley (MCC-96) #860.

Condition: A

Contemporary color with minor foxing in the blank margins.