This copper engraved map is one of the few maps that show the short-lived Scottish settlement of New Caledonia on the north coast of Panama on the Isthmus of Darien. The isthmus was of strategic importance in the overland exchange of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Company of Scotland, led by William Paterson, established the settlement with 1,200 Scots in 1698. The colony failed within a year amid devastating illness and attacks by Spanish galleons. The failure of the Darien Scheme (as it became known) contributed greatly to the crippling of the entire Scottish economy that eventually led to the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament and the 1707 Act of Union with England. The settlement is well shown, as is topography. Long and fascinating text in box at upper right gives much information, including the discovery of gold, water, sailing instructions, etc.

References: Phillips (A) #574-53.

Condition: B

Dark, early impression on hand laid paper with wide margins and huge watermark featuring a fleur-de-lys. A little soiling else very good. Soiling in margins as well, with weak bottom left corner with small hole near edge, well away from map.