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: Phillips (Atlases) #3508, v. 1 #44; Sellers & Van Ee #776; Tooley (MCC-96) #860.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a clean sheet of watermarked paper with contemporary color. There are a couple of faint spots.