This rare first edition bird's-eye view was "drawn from nature and Lith. by John Bachmann" and is centered on Richmond and Fredericksburg with north oriented to the right. Reps says of Bachmann that "No finer artist of city views worked in America than John Bachmann. Unfortunately, there is no artist about whom less is known." The beautiful aerial view depicts the region from Portsmouth and Suffolk in the south to Baltimore in the north. Locates Richmond, Ft. Monroe, Petersburg, Fredericksburg and Harper's Ferry. Shows numerous vessels, including early steamships, navigating Chesapeake and Delaware bays. The first edition was published by Bachmann himself at 115 & 117 Nassau St., New York. A rare and most desirable issue. Sheet size measures 30 x 24-1/8".

References: Reps (Views) p. 160; Stephenson (CW) pp. 30-31.

Condition: C+

There are three vertical creases, one of which has a separation that runs the entire length of the crease, and has been archivally rejoined on verso. Minor soiling along one crease and in the blank margins.