American Revolution
First American Printing Of A Revolutionary War Battle Map "A View of the Present Seat of War, at and near New-York."
[1776] Revolutionary War Printed, First American printed Revolutionary War Battle Map titled: "A VIEW of the Present Seat of WAR, at and near New-York." from "An Astronomical Diary; Or Almanack...1777" by Nathaniel Low, Boston: Printed by J. Gill, Framed, Choice Extremely Fine.
(NEW YORK CITY.) Low, Nathaniel. "A View of the Present Seat of War at and Near New-York." This important Full-page Woodcut Map of New York City measures 6 3/4" x 4 1/4" in size. This Map is from "An Astronomical Diary; or, Almanack, for the Year of Christian Aera 1777". Map only, Framed under UV Plexiglas for display, some wear and chips to the wood frame edges. Tag from "The Old Print Shop" NY on the reverse. (When complete and as issued, the Almanack has (24) pages, bound stitch sewn, printed at Boston, by J. Gill, published [1776] and sold for the coming year 1777. The Almanack's cover notes that 1777 is, "... the first Year of American Independence, which began July fourth, 1776."). Ref: Drake 3264; Evans 14829; Hamilton, Early American Book Illustrators 77; Sabin 42402
The highlight of this scarce Almanack is the currently offered Battle Map, printed in [1776]. This is the First American Printed Revolutionary War Battle Map, being titled: "A VIEW of the Present Seat of WAR, at and near New-York." This Map key designates; "General Washington's Lines on New-York Island," as well as the "Fort at Powles-Hook... Bunker-Hill, near New York... The Sound... King's Bridge... Hell Gate... Fort Washington... Mount Washington... (and) Governor's Island." The finest quality example of this rare Battle Map we have seen, being sharply printed on very clean crisp period laid paper, with excellent centering and overall eye appeal. A museum quality example and the best we could locate.
This impressive Map: "A View of the Present Seat of War, at and near New-York." Includes a printed text "key" at bottom that designates; "General Washington's Lines on New-York Island," as well as the "Fort at Powles-Hook... Bunker-Hill, near New York... The Sound... King's Bridge... Hell Gate... Fort Washington... Mount Washington... (and) Governor's Island." Also, a two-page "Address to the Tories," dated October 8, 1776 and written by an unnamed author. A scarce and highly desirable Revolutionary War Battle Map.
Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II.