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Description

Finely executed manuscript map of North America, published shortly after the return of Lewis & Clark.

The map is quite remarkable in its detail and accuracy, illustrating many of the most important and topical geographical, topographical and hydrographical information.

One noteworthy features is the illustration of the Gulf Stream, which had only recently been reported on by Benjamin Franklin.

In the Upper Midwest, N[orth] Western Territory is noted, pre-dating any mention of Michigan Territory. Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are all located.

In the South, the map shows West Florida (parts of which lasted until the Adams Onis Treaty of 1819), and Mississsippi Territory, but no sign of Alabama Territory, suggesting that the map pre-dates 1817.

While the map does not specfically mention Lewis & Clark, the map demonstrates an excellent understanding of the region traversed by Lewis & Clark, including a fine depiction of the Upper Missouri River, although the detail for the tributarties of the lower Missouri is suprisingly sparce.

In the Pacific Northwest, New Caledonia is shown, a name first coined by Simon Fraser while exploring British Columbia, in 1806, and which became the predominating government name in the region until creation of British Columbia, in 1846. A very detailed treatment of the Indians in the region is given. The maker or the map refers to Vancouver as Quadra or Vanouver Island.

Further south, California is unnamed, with only New Albion appearing, along with a moutain range named Sierra Azul parallel to the Navajo Mountains, mostly north of the Rio Colorado, Rio Gila and Pimeria. The relatively sparce treatment of New Mexico, Texas, California and Mexico, strongly suggests that the maker of the map was an American.

The orientation of the words "United States" and placement of Louisiana Territory suggests a publication date shortly after the return of Lewis & Clark.

A fine work, likely drawn by a student.