A General Chart Shewing the Track of H.M. Ships Fury and Hecla, on a Voyage for the Discovery of a North West Passage, Ad. 1821-22-23, Admiral Sir William Edward Parry, circa 1824, (23.2 x 9.8"). This detailed chart delineates Admiral Parry's voyage of 1819-20 in search of a Northwest Passage. It covers the voyage from the north of Scotland across the Atlantic and into Hudson's Bay. The map itself extends all the way across Canada and Alaska to include Bering's Strait, but showing only those areas actually known with vast areas and coastlines left virtually blank. Parry had sailed under John Ross on his voyage of 1818, where Parry became sure that Baffin Bay would lead to the Northwest Passage. Ross had been chastised by the Admiralty for turning back too soon on the 1818 voyage, so Parry was given the command of the Hecla along with Lieutenant Matthew Liddon commanding the Griper for their voyage of 1819. Parry's expedition penetrated very far into the potential passage, leading in 1820 to Parry being hailed as a hero and promoted to commander. The map is filled with interesting place names and early arctic mapping. The Mackenzie River is shown reaching the sea "according to McKinzie." Condition: Toned along upper margin and neatline. (B+)

B. Carte des Voyages du King George et de la Reine Charlotte, aux Cotes Nord Ouest de l'Amerique, en 1786 et 1787…, George Dixon, circa 1787, (22.8 x 15.2"). This is the French issue of the map "To the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners ... this Chart of the North West Coast of America, with the Tracks of the King George and Queen Charlotte in 1786 & 1787…" The chart details the route of exploration from Nookta Sound on Vancouver Island north to Cook Inlet in Alaska. Shows an erupting volcano called Montague that is probably Mt. Redoubt based on its location west of Cook Inlet. Engraved by P.F. Tardieu. Ref: Wagner (Northwest) #732. Published in Voyage Autour Du Monde...A La Cote Nord-Ouest De L'Amerique..1785, 1786, 1787, 1788..Par Le Capitaines Portlock et Dixon. Condition: On thick hand laid paper, issued folding now flattened. Some soiling and one spot. Margins are close at binding trim and at lower right, apparently as issued. (B)

References:

Condition:

See individual descriptions.