FADEN, A PLAN OF NEW YORK ISLAND WITH PART OF LONG ISLAND, STATEN ISLAND & EAST NEW JERSEY, 1776

FIRST STATE OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE (see Sothebys.com), engraved battle plan, (614 x 495mm.), hand-coloured, a few minor creases

Tooley 41a

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

THE BRITISH ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST MAJOR BATTLE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR. The Battle of Long Island was fought on August 27, 1776, and gave the British control over the strategically important New York City. It took place just after the United States declared its independence on July 4, 1776, and was the largest in combat and troop deployment.  Tooley lists the following points for the first state of the original issue: "On small-sized paper ... bearing a watermark consisting of a rectangular shield crossed by three diagonal lines, surmounted by a fleur-de-lys; beneath the shield are letters "G.R." and to its left are the initials "R.G." ... State 1 has no printed text beneath the plan ... The seacoast, harbour, and rivers in single un-shaded outline. The most northerly place marked on Hudson River is "Tetards Hill". The "Heights of Long Island" are twice lettered simply "The Heights. The fourth line of the title consists of only four words: "Disposition of both armies"". There were five different issues in two different states printed.