(Franco-Americana)

Receüil de diverses observations sur les côtes de L'amérique merid^ale et autres endroits. [Second half of 18th century]

Manuscript, in French, 12 leaves folio (12 1/2 x 8 2/8 in.; 316 x 206 mm), 21 pages written recto and verso, one terminal blank leaf; written out neatly (probably from an original draft) in one, two or three columns, with geographic coordinates in margins of some pages; occasional light foxing. Modern half-calf slipcase.

See: Shannon Lee Dawdy, Building Devil's Empire. French Colonial New Orleans (2008)

Occasional light foxing. Modern half calf slipcase.
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.

Anonymous and important manuscript, neatly copied probably from a scientific logbook, providing sailing directions from Gibraltar to New Orleans, in order to promote trade with French Louisiana and support French commercial development.

The manuscript gives a very precise description of the places, islands and lands on the route from the Strait of Gilbraltar to the Mississippi River, via Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Haiti and Cuba. The author describes the direction to take, the flow, dangerous sandbanks, reefs, and shelters. He records the relief of each island and land from the ship's point of view. He details the route from the Mississippi river to Havana describing the Sound of Campeche at the West and Tortuga Islands at the East. The manuscript ends with guidance for coastal navigation between Cuba, Haiti and Santo Domingo.

In the 18^th century, New Orleans was the center of French trade (in slaves, skins, grains, etc.) in the South of North America. The French government invested large sums to develop the installation, and in 1722, founded the harbor of La Balise. But the development was slow. French tradesmen tended to favor Santo Domingo. The French government ordered several studies, like the one offered here, to help, secure and promote trade to New Orleans.