A French derivative of the important Revolutionary War chart by Joshua Fisher. This plan of the bay and river was originally published in 1775 to assist pilots in bringing ships into Philadelphia, and was considered one of the most accurate and detailed of its time. The map is filled with sailing instructions, soundings and notes on hazards. A small inset at top right continues the navigation just past Philadelphia. A list of subscribers is adjacent to the title, complete with 22 pilots and 22 masters of vessels who believe the chart would help 'safe navigation' in the bay. A tide table is located just below the title. This uncommon and accurate map, published by Le Rouge, was intended for use by the French military, merchants, and politicians. This is the rare first state, prior to the addition of navigation directions at bottom right.

References: Phillips (Atlases) #1210-9; Sellers and Van Ee #1357; Shirley (BL Atlases) M.LER-1a #14.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a sturdy sheet with the watermark of a Maltese cross encircled in rosary beads. There is light toning, faint offsetting, very minor soiling, and expert and invisible repair of some tiny tears in margins, well away from the map.