"An Accurate Map of the Islands of St. Christophers and Nevis in the West Indies", Cary, John
Subject: Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts & Nevis
Period: 1782 (dated)
Publication: European Magazine
Color: Hand Color
15 x 12.3 inches
38.1 x 31.2 cm
This interesting map shows the French Fleet offshore from Irish Town and St. George's Town, present-day Basseterre on St. Kitts. Admiral Hood's Squadron is in a defensive position protecting the towns against the French fleet. St. Kitts was contested between the French, Spanish and English numerous times during the 17th and 18th century, due to the prosperous sugar plantations on the island. This map illustrates the siege that followed the Battle of St Kitts, also known as the Battle of Frigate Bay, during the American Revolutionary War, which eventually resulted in a French victory. The islands were returned to Britain under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. The topography of both islands is nicely developed and an abundance of geographical detail is shown. Published in the March 1782 issue of the European Magazine. Maps from this publication are rarely seen on the market. Jolly lists only eleven maps, this being the first.
References: Jolly #EUR-1.
Issued folded, now flattened. Narrow or non-existent margins at bottom and right, as issued. There is a tiny binding tear barely entering the neatline at right, repaired with tissue on verso.