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Carte du port et havre de Boston avec les côtes adjacentes, dans laquel on a tracée les camps et les retranchemens occupé, tant par les Anglois que par les Américains, 1776

 Item — Drawer: 122 : L : 7, Section: 1
Identifier: 2020-IL-001-044

Description

Highlighted on this fine topographic map of Boston and vicinity are the British and American troops. The American troops are colored red -- the first corps in Cambridge, the second corps opposite Charlestown neck, and the third corps near Roxbury. Among the many strategic topographic features so excellently rendered on this map is Dorchester Heights, which appears devoid of British defensive forces. This serious tactical error was ultimately recognized by General Washington, who occupied the Heights and forced the British to withdraw from the city on March 17, 1776. A note on the map reveals that it is based on an original plan of the siege drawn by order of the British government. Interestingly, the British fortifications on Boston Neck and Castle William Island are greatly exaggerated.

Dates

  • 1776

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.

Extent

1 Sheets : 1 map : hand colored ; 56 x 70 cm.

Language of Materials

French

Reference numbers

Client reference #19; WAG #289147

Provenance

Richard B. Arkway, 10 February 1997.

Related references

LC Maps of North America, 1750-1789, 923. Nebenzahl, K. Bibliography of printed battle plans, 18

Additional details

Scale [ca. 1:25,000]. Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings.

Condition

Some rippling along top register.

Created/Published

Paris : Chez le Chevalier de Beaurain, 1776

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3600
Mount Vernon VA 22121
703-799-3600