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Rare plan of the entrance to Mobile Bay, originally taken from surveys conducted by the English in 1764, during the period of English control of East and West Florida, following the French & Indian War.
The map shows extensive soundings, Guillori Island, Daphine Island, Pelican Island, the "Point of Mobile" and a large Sand Bar, along with Anchorages and several notes.
The map is based upon surveys conducted by Nautilus for the British in 1764. The Nautilius played an important role in the English presence on the Gulf Coast in this period following the French & Indian War. The following letter from Sir John Lindsay to Governor Johnstone dated January 2, 1765, is an example of the role played by the Nautilus, in the region.
I had the Honour of receiving Your Excellency's Letter, the 20th of last Month, but defered Answering it till my Arrival here, as it was Necessary I should first enquire into the State of the Squadron.
I Congratulate your Excellency on the Passage of the Iberville being cleared; The Indian Traders will soon reap the Advantage of that Short Communication with the Mississippi.
I entirely Agree with you, that the taking post at Point Iberville will be Attended with all the Advantages you Mention; and I shall very readily Cooperate with You, in carrying that Service into Execution. I think a Sloop of War will not only Protect the Troops, while they are Establishing a post at Point Iberville, but may likewise Strike an Awe in the Indian Nations Upon the Banks of the Mississippi, which May have the Good Effect of facilitating the Passage of our Troops Up the River to the Illinoia.
The Nautilus, being the smallest frigate in the Squadron, I have therefore given Captain Locker orders to Get her ready for that Service; but as She Draws Thirteen feet Water, I am in some Doubt, if She will be able to go Over the Bar at the Balize. I have been inform'd, that, tho' there is only Twelve feet upon the Bar, that it is Soft, and Oozy; that Ships of a much greater Draught of Water have forced their way Over; but as I can't Depend upon my Intelligence, I beg the favour you will enquire at Mobile, if a Ship, of the Nautilus Draught of Water, can pass it.
The map was apparently later copied by Osgood Carleton as an inset on his extremely rare map, A Plan of the River Mississippi.
Rarity
The map is very rare on the market. This is the second example we have offered for sale in over 30 years (1992-2024).
Robert Laurie (ca. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) formed their Fleet Street, London-based firm upon the 1794 death of their employer Robert Sayer, himself one of the dominant print and mapmakers of the last half of the 18th century.
Laurie & Whittle started managing Sayer's business as early as 1787. They took over all managerial duties when Sayer's health flagged in 1792, and they changed the imprint in 1794 upon his death. Sayer left the two a 21-year lease on the shop (at £100 a year) and on Sayer's Bolt Court premises, as well as an option to acquire stock and equipment at a preferential price of £5,000 payable over three years.
Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812, and his role was assumed by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). The younger Laurie worked with James Whittle until the latter died in 1818. After R. H. Laurie died in 1858, Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875) purchased the firm from his daughters. The firm continues today under another name, specializing in yachting charts.
Laurie & Whittle were prolific print and map publishers, and throughout their careers, they produced numerous very important and rare works. They carried on Robert Sayer's atlas business and were responsible for editions of The Complete East-India Pilot and The American Atlas.
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