Virginia--Smith, John.

Burden, Mapping of North America 164, state 9; Verner, Smith's Virginia, state 9

The condition of this item is as described in the catalogue description
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"One of the most important printed maps of America ever produced and certainly one of the greatest influence" (Burden).

This remarkable map is based on the extensive knowledge of the interior gleaned by Smith while exploring the region, partly in the quest for possible mineral deposits and a route to the Pacific (based on an existing cartographic misconception); he was also foraging for basic foodstuffs to survive the winters, and making regular contact with the native tribes of the interior. Within the printed map he marks the extent of his expeditions, with crosses, and the note "to the crosses hath been discovered, what is beyond is by relation".

Smith was elected first to the Council of Virginia, and then became President of the Council. Through his management, he did much to ensure the survival of the colony, but his major contribution was surely his account of the colony, published as A Map of Virginia. With a description of the Countrey, containing this map, which served as an important promotional document in securing support, and new settlers, for the colony.

The map was much reprinted, with eleven states appearing over the period of some twenty years. Most of the states have only bibliographic alterations (dates, page numbers and such like) but this ninth state includes some new names including the insertion of "Washeborne C:" on the Cape Charles peninsula, "Blands C." and "Downes dale" in the interior, while "Bollers bush" has been altered to "Boolers bush".

Such was the importance of the map that it remained the prototype map of the Virginia Colony used by all successive mapmakers into the 1670s.