Montresor, John

A Map of the Province of New York, with Part of Pennsylvania, and New England, from an Actual Survey by Captain Montresor, Engineer, 1775. London: A. Dury, 10 June 1775



4 sheets joined as 2 (upstate: 30 x 38 in.; 762 x 965 mm. downstate: 29 3/4 x 39 in.; 756 x 991 mm). Detailed large-scale regional map, engraved by P. Andrews, covering much of the Hudson Valley and with continuation insets showing Lake Champlain, handcolored in outline; faint offsetting. Hinged and matted.

Guthorn, British Maps of the American Revolution, pp. 34–37; Pritchard & Taliaferro, Degrees of Latitude, 24; Phillips p. 502; Schwartz & Ehrenberg, Mapping of America, p. 186; Stevens & Tree 42c

4 sheets joined as 2 (upstate: 30 x 38 in.; 762 x 965 mm. downstate: 29 3/4 x 39 in.; 756 x 991 mm). Detailed large-scale regional map, engraved by P. Andrews, covering much of the Hudson Valley and with continuation insets showing Lake Champlain, handcolored in outline; faint offsetting.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of the most detailed maps of the New York region by a British military engineer, issued during the revolutionary era. Third issue of three, showing additional names in the Lake Champlain inset and the legend "Ticonderoga or Fort Carillon" in two lines.  After the conclusion of the French and Indian War, England introduced bills of taxation on the colonies in order to defray the costs of the conflict and to provide for their future defense. Tension and indignation in the colonies rose to such a fevered pitch that General Thomas Gage summoned Montresor in December 1765 to supply him with a map of New York City and its surroundings in anticipation of confrontations with the colonists. Simultaneously he began mapping the entire province.  It later provided useful information used to settle a boundary dispute between New York and New Jersey.