Rocque, John | Map of North America

Rocque, John 

A General Map of North America: In which is Espress'd, The several New Roads, Forts, Engagements &c.. made in the Army employ'd there. From the Years 1754 to 1761. London: Mary Ann Rocque, [ca. 1763]

Engraved map printed on four sheets joined as two (940 x 546 mm.; 952 x 546 mm). Partially hand-colored in outline; intermittent light spotting and toning, some marginal tears and repairs.

A fine example of, perhaps, the most accurate map of America to that date.

Published by Mary Ann Rocque, the widow of John Rocque, the map is particularly distinguished by its comprehensive annotation, including references to Indian treaties, colonial boundaries, and settlements. It incorporates noteworthy historical details, such as Sir Francis Drake's 1579 claim of land near San Francisco for Queen Elizabeth I, accompanied by an engraved annotation describing the "free surrender of possession by the natives," as well as notes on the climate and peoples, for example Bermuda: "no part of the World enjoys a purer Air or more temperate Climate & is remarkable for Health, delicate Provisions &c."

Most significantly, the map depicts in detail West and Northwest territories following recent Spanish, French and English discoveries. Printed towards the end of the French and Indian War, the map shows English colonies from the East Coast to the Mississippi River. Features such as the "West Sea," whose existence is noted with uncertainty, and the Assinipoels River, conjectured to flow into this sea, are demonstrable of the more speculative elements.

"This is an interesting map for the Mississippi Valley and the country to the west, and especially good for what is now Arizona. It shows all the villages named for the Apostles on Rio des Apostres, now called the Gila, and here in its upper reaches called the Hila." (Streeter).

Rare.

REFERENCES:

Streeter Sale 3911; Phillips p. 579