Hills, John

Sketch of the Surprise of German Town, by the American Forces commanded by General Washington. October 4th 1777. London: William Faden, 12 March 1784

Double-page engraved map (23 x 28 in.; 585 x 710 mm), disposition and movement of forced colored in red, green and yellow over a brown wash, 17 lettered references. Matted, glazed and framed; map mounted on board, top and bottom edge of board is extended with masking tape to fit the frame.

Clements Library, British Maps of American Revolution, 15; Nebenzahl, Atlas of the American Revolution 28; Nebenzahl, Bibliography of Printed Plans of the American Revolution 129; Phillips, Maps, p. 299; Streeter Sale 806

map mounted on board, top and bottom edge of board is extended with masking tape to fit the frame
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A rare map of the Germantown battle plan.

After occupying Philadelphia, Howe divided his forces between that city and Germantown, with the aim of using the latter as a base of operations against American forces. Following the defeat at Brandywine, Washington decided to attack the British encampment, attempting to envelop the British position by launching a four column attack. While this was a defeat for Washington, the battle raised the status of the Continental Army as the attack was generally admired for its boldness.

"This map is a detailed topographical plan, generally conceded to be one of the best sources on the battle. On it are indicated the plan of attack and the disposition of the British and Hessian troops. The red and blue dotted lines and blocks indicate the British forces; the American columns are represented in yellow. A long list of references at the lower left gives additional data on the engagement" (Clements Library, quoted in Streeter).

OCLC lists 4 copies (Clements; Cornell; Harvard; Mass Historical Society).