A general Map of the/ MIDDLE BRITISH COLONIES, in AMERICA,/. Viz VIRGINIA, MARILAND, DELAWARE, PENSILVANIA,/ NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, CONNECTICUT, and RHODE ISLAND:
Date1755
Surveyor
Lewis Evans (ca. 1700-1756)
Engraver
James Turner (1722-1759)
Publisher
Robert Dodsley
(1704 - 1764)
MediumBlack and white line engraving on silk
DimensionsOH: 21 1/4" x OW: 28"
Credit LineGift of an Anonymous Donor
Object number1984-53
DescriptionThis map was first published at the start of the French and Indian War due to the Britain's desparate need for a map of the western frontier, including the Great Lakes region and the Ohio valley. This was the best map of the region at the time. It originally appeared in "Geographical, Historical, Political, and Mechanical Essay," published in Philadelphia, 1755. Few copies on silk were printed, indicating the high regard with which the map was held. The upper center cartouche reads: "A general Map of the/ MIDDLE BRITISH COLONIES, in AMERICA,/. Viz VIRGINIA, MARILAND, DELAWARE, PENSILVANIA,/ NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, CONNECTICUT, and RHODE ISLAND:/ of AQUANISHUONIGY, the country of the Confederate Indians,/ Comprehending AQUANIGHUONIGY proper, their Place of Residence,/ OHIO and TIIUXSOXRUNTIE their Deer-Hunting Countries,/ COUXSAXRAGE and SKANIA ARADE, their Beaver-Hunting Countries;/ of the LAKES EERIE, ONTARIO and CHAMPLAIN,/ And of Part of NEW FRANCE:/ Wherein is also shown the ancient and present SEATS of the Indian Nations./ By Lewis Evans 1755."
Text to the bottom left of the cartouche reads: "Engraved by Ja.s Turner in Philadelphia."
The upper left inset reads: "To the Honourable Thomas Pownall Esq.r/ Permit me, Sir, to pay You this Tribute of Gratitude,/ for the great Assistance You have given me in this Map; and to/ assure the Public, that it has past the Examination of a Gentleman,/ whom I esteem the best Judge of it in America:/ Your most obedient,/ and most humble Servant,/ LEvans."
Text in the lower left corner reads: "Want of Room obliges me to refer my Thanks to the/ many Gentlemen, who favoured me with their Notes in this/ Performance, to the ANALYSIS."
Text in the lower right corner reads: "Published according to the Act of Parliament, by Lewis Evans, June 23.1755. and/ sold by R. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall, LONDON, & by the Author in PHILADELPHIA."
