A. De Reede en Haven van Vera Cruz, by Isaak Tirion, from Hedendaagsche Historie, of Tegenwoordigestaat van Amerika, circa 1769 (10.3 x 6.9"). This chart shows the important port of Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico. Veracruz was the first port established in New Spain by Hernan Cortes in 1519, and later was a scene of many battles during the ensuing years. The chart depicts the islands, rocks, shoals, and soundings in the surrounding waters to aid in navigation. Tirion's Hedendaagsche Historie was initially conceived as the Dutch edition of Thomas Salmon's Modern History. The work began in 1729, but the text was later expanded and the Hedendaagsche Historie was therefore not completed until 1803. Condition: A crisp impression issued folding on watermarked paper with light toning and a printer's crease at bottom right. (B+)

B. La Vera-Cruz Ville du Mexique, by Jacques Nicolas Bellin, from Le Petit Atlas Maritime, published 1764 (6.6 x 8.4"). This finely rendered plan view of Veracruz includes excellent detail of the city's fortifications. A key at top right identifies 15 locations of interest, including the main cathedral, the governor's mansion, the customs house, and the butchery. A fleur-de-lis orients north to the top left. The title is contained by an ornate cartouche. Condition: A crisp impression on sturdy paper. (A)

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Condition:

See description above.