25 7/8 x 18 ¾ inches, Fine original color; excellent condition.

A beautiful example of the first separate maps of Lake Champlain and Lake George.  This is the preferred second state of the map that was the earliest to include illustrations and a sequential account of the Battle of Valcour Island, fought on Lake Champlain in October of 1776.  This was the first naval battle of the American Revolution, in which then American General Benedict Arnold distinguished himself.  This critical engagement was instrumental in upsetting the British strategy for the conquest or at least isolation of the Northeast early in the war.  The plan depicts the routes of the ships involved in the battle fought along Lake Champlain and lists in detail the kinds and names of vessels involved. 

The mapping of Lake Champlain, which had been highly distorted on maps of New England until well into the 18^th century, has here been carried out with great precision.  Many small islands and land formations are delineated, and even the topography of the shoreline has been carefully represented.  As such, the map is a premier example of English engraving of the latter part of the 18^th century, which is notable for its fine evocation of topography.  At lower right is an inset of Lake George, on which is shown Fort William Henry, as well as lime kilns and a brick yard.

Tooley, Mapping of America, p. 65, no. 25b; Nebenzahl, Atlas of the American Revolution, pp. 61-63, no. 9; Nebenzahl, Bibliography, no. 46.

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