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Description

Scarce final state of Dunn's map of the American Colonies (then the United States), which was originally one of the earliest obtainable maps to reference the name United States in English.

This map reflects the changed situation for the British government in relation to its former colonies after the war. The western boundaries of most of the states are left open, reflecting the conflicting claims as to whether they extended to the Mississippi River or the Pacific Ocean. Florida was depicted as the Spanish provinces of East and West Florida, while Louisiana, then a Spanish possession, dominates the region west of the Mississippi.

In the upper left corner is a table which lists the lands of the United States, including the thirteen original states, Vermont and all the Lands between the Lakes, the Appalaches and the Mississippi and three British dominions, Territories of the Hudson Bay Company, Province of Quebec and Canada, and Newfoundland.

Notes within the map area show many Indian tribal lands and closes any argument for a northwest passage. An interesting early map of the U.S.

Condition Description
Superb old-hand color in full.
Reference
Stevens & Tree, 53e
Laurie & Whittle Biography

Robert Laurie (ca. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) formed their Fleet Street, London-based firm upon the 1794 death of their employer Robert Sayer, himself one of the dominant print and mapmakers of the last half of the 18th century.

Laurie & Whittle started managing Sayer's business as early as 1787. They took over all managerial duties when Sayer's health flagged in 1792, and they changed the imprint in 1794 upon his death. Sayer left the two a 21-year lease on the shop (at £100 a year) and on Sayer's Bolt Court premises, as well as an option to acquire stock and equipment at a preferential price of £5,000 payable over three years.

Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812, and his role was assumed by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). The younger Laurie worked with James Whittle until the latter died in 1818. After R. H. Laurie died in 1858, Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875) purchased the firm from his daughters. The firm continues today under another name, specializing in yachting charts.

Laurie & Whittle were prolific print and map publishers, and throughout their careers, they produced numerous very important and rare works. They carried on Robert Sayer's atlas business and were responsible for editions of The Complete East-India Pilot and The American Atlas.