Interesting Dutch account of explorer Hernando (or Ferdinand) de Soto's expedition in the Southeast and Florida with one map and 9 beautifully engraved vignettes of Native American Indians. De Soto landed in Florida in 1539, traveling throughout the South searching for gold and claiming land for Spain, until his death on the western banks of the Mississippi River in 1542. This interesting copper engraved map depicts the area de Soto explored and is based on Sanson's map of 1657. It covers the region from Texas to Chesapeake Bay, with many place names noted. The British colonies of Carolina and Virginia are shown east of the Appalachian Mountains, with the rest of the western part of the map named Florida. Lac Erie is shown considerably south of its actual location and the river systems are incorrect. A spurious north-south mountain range stretches through the central plains. Texas is labeled Terlichichimechi and the Florida Peninsula is named Tegesta Prov. A large title cartouche takes up the Gulf of Mexico with a scene of Hernando de Soto discussing his expedition with a group of Native Americans. The 9 vignettes included in the book depict various encounters and conflicts between the Native Americans and the Spaniards. The book contains 86 pages with a 4-page Register in the back. It appears that the map may have come from a different example of the book. Rebound in marbled paper (19th century), lacking covers.

References: Cumming (SE) #142.

Condition: B+

The map is clean and bright with a long fold separation at left that has been professionally repaired, with a minor amount of image replaced in facsimile at top. The additional engravings and text have light toning with a couple of spots of foxing. There is a minor damp stain along the top edge confined to the blank margins, affecting a couple of the engravings and 10 pages of text. The wrappers show very light wear.