With Early Maps of the British Colonies in America
Updated With A New Section on Coffee Plantations
A handsome example in a contemporary binding of the first edition of the Dutch version of John Oldmixon's The British Empire in America (London, 1708). Oldmixon, an important British Historian, spent time in the Carolinas, before writing this important work.
This first Dutch edition contains an added essay on the coffee plant and introductory matter encouraging the planting of coffee in Surinam - Bell.
This two-volume set served as a fundamental eighteenth-century reference work on British America. In his introduction, Oldmixon addresses common arguments against the colonization of America and presents assertions regarding the benefits colonization would bring to England. The first volume is dedicated to the North American colonies and includes maps of North America, the supposed islands of Canada, New England, Virginia and Maryland, and Carolina and Bermuda.
The second volume focuses on the British colonies in the West Indies and contains maps of Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Kitts and Antigua. In his discussion on the discovery and colonization of Florida, Oldmixon writes that the coast of Florida was first discovered by Sebastian Cabot around the year 1500, though stating that "it does not appear in any authentick Historian that Sebastian Cabot got that far South." He continues with the discoveries of Ponce De Leon and other Spanish explorers, noting Spain's discouragement following several failed exploration attempts, and mentions French discoveries in the northeastern portion of the state. Oldmixon provides an account of the War of Augustine, where members of the Carolina government attacked the Spanish fort at St. Augustine. This failed attempt resulted in a substantial debt for the Province of Carolina. He also discusses various colonization efforts in the area. Florida, he notes, "was granted by King Charles I to the Earl of Arundel; which was granted 60 years ago, was assigned to Dr. Daniel Cox, and he was the Proprietary. He gave it the name Carolana; and in King William's reign sent two ships thither, with 200 People, over who Sir William Waller was to have been Governor." This first colonization attempt failed due to the French claiming the area.
The maps are drawn by Herman Moll, a highly regarded for his cartographic skill, and his maps of North America were used by the British government to support British claims in its boundary disputes with France following Queen Anne's War. Regarding Spanish Florida, Moll reasserted the Carolinian claim to the northern portion of the peninsula by marking the southern boundary of Carolina at 29 degrees in conformity with the 1665 provisions of Charles II's Royal Charter. This earlier charter placed the city of St. Augustine well within the boundaries of English Carolina. Moll's implication was that the British already had virtual control of Spanish Florida, suggesting that eventual British ownership of Florida was a real possibility.
The maps:
- Newfoundland: 9.8 x 6.9 inches
- New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania: 10 x 6.9 inches
- Virginia and Maryland: 6.7 x 10 inches
- Carolina and Bermuda (two maps on one plate): 10 x 6.9 inches
- North America (depicting California as an island!): 10 x 6.9 inches
- Barbados (showing the names of the plantation owners): 10 x 6.9 inches
- Antigua, St. Christopher, and an overview of the Caribbean (three small maps on one plate): 10 x 6.9 inches
- Jamaica: 10 x 6.9 inches
The folding plate relating to coffee is divided into three sections: a view of the coffee tree or plant, a closeup of the leaf, and a closeup view of a branch with coffee beans.
This early Dutch translation enriches the English narrative by providing detailed accounts of coffee and coffee plantations, featuring one of the earliest fold-out illustrations of the coffee plant to be printed in Europe. It delves into the history, geography, demographics, and economic aspects of North America, specifically highlighting regions such as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New England, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and Hudson Bay.
John Oldmixon (1673–1742), historian and pamphleteer, hailed from an ancient family established in Axbridge, Somerset, as early as the fourteenth century. The family later held the manor of Oldmixon near Bridgwater.
In his History of the Stuarts, Oldmixon recounts his childhood experiences living with Humphrey Blake, brother of Admiral Blake. This connection to the prominent Blake family and their subsequent emigration to Carolina underscored Oldmixon's early exposure to significant historical figures and events.
Oldmixon's literary career began in 1696 with the publication of Poems on Several Occasions, followed by a series of pastoral works and operas, including Thyrsis, Amintas, and The Grove. Despite limited theatrical success, his literary contributions established him as a versatile writer. His involvement in periodicals like The Muses Mercury (1707-1708) and his engagement with prominent figures such as Richard Steele highlighted his active participation in the literary and political discourse of his time.
Oldmixon's work as an historian took a significant turn in 1708 with the publication of The British Empire in America. This two-volume history detailed the colonies and emphasized the advantages the British Colonies in America brought to England. His critical examination of political loyalty in The History of Addresses (1709-10) further cemented his reputation as a historian with a keen eye for political dynamics.
Oldmixon’s critical historical works continued with The Secret History of Europe (1712-1715), Arcana Gallica (1714), and Memoirs of North Britain (1715). These publications exposed the intricate designs of papists and Stuarts against the Protestant religion and the British constitution. His robust critique of Clarendon's History of the Rebellion in his Critical History of England (1724-1726) sparked notable controversies, particularly with Dr. Zachary Grey, leading to a series of retaliatory publications.
Oldmixon's History of England during the Reigns of the Royal House of Stuart (1730) and subsequent volumes continued his critical examination of English history. His accusations against the editors of Clarendon's history sparked further debates and responses, reflecting his contentious position within historical scholarship.