A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 1
A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 2
A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 3
A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 4
A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 5
A French intelligence map of New York Harbor - photo 6

A French intelligence map of New York Harbor

Lot 48
22.04.2021 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Sold
$ 52 500
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 517694
Lot 48 | A French intelligence map of New York Harbor
Estimate value
$ 10 000 – 15 000
FRENCH NAVAL OPERATIONS IN NEWPORT, LONG ISLAND SOUND AND NEW YORK – DESTOUCHES, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet, Chevalier (1727-1793). A collection of papers from the French naval commander who served with Rochambeau's expeditionary force at Newport. In March 1781, he led a failed expedition to reinforce American forces in Virginia against British forces led by Benedict Arnold. [Includes:]

[NEW YORK HARBOR, HELL GATE, & WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND.] Manuscript map, n.p., c. January-February 1781. In French. One page in a clerical hand, 310 x 198mm (marginal creases with a small loss at right). A French Intelligence map of New York Harbor with soundings of the East River, Hell Gate and the western end of Long Island Sound. Additionally the map denotes anchorages, dangerous rocks, shore fortifications as well as several named landmarks including "Red hook Fort," "New York [City]," "gouverneur island," "frogs pte," "White Stone," "Sandy pte," "West chester," as well as "Riviere du nord," "New Jersy," and "partie du ouest Dela Longue isle." Over that section of Long Island is a lengthy commentary including a detailed description of the hazards navigating "hell gette."

[With:] William LEDYARD (1738-1781). Autograph letter signed ("Wm Ledyard") to Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, New London , 1 March 1781. One page, bifolium, 327 x 208mm (marginal creases), with integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand (loss from seal tear). Ledyard offers an eyewitness report on the disposition of "the British Fleet in Gardiners Bay," observing that "there has been more or less of the small ships moving out and in almost every day, have this moment taken a full View of the Fleet in the Bay with a good glass the weather being very clear find there is the same Number of Ships of the Line as there was when I wrote last some of which appear to have altered their Station in the Line." He also notes the appearance of something that looked like a floating battery but no shore batteries. The fleet in question, under the command of Admiral Arbuthonot, would leave their station when Admiral Destouches fleet sailed for Chesapeake Bay on the evening of 8 March. The two squadrons met off Chesapeake Bay on 16 March with the British gaining the advantage. Letters from Ledyard, who was killed in September 1781 defending Fort Griswold, are extremely rare. [Also with:] [LEDYARD, William?] Manuscript letter to [Admiral Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches,] New London, 21 February 1781. In French. Two pages in a clerical hand, bifolium, 228 x 188mm. A translation of a letter, likely written by Ledyard, offering intelligence on the disposition of the British fleet at Gardiner's Bay including a small map showing the various ships in line relative to the shoreline. The report notes the presence of eight vessels ranging in strength from 50 to 74 guns.

[Also with:] BARRAS, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de (1755-1829). Document signed ("barras") with the final line of text in his hand, Newport, 24 June 1781. In French. One page on his pre-printed stationery, 314 x 206mm (light soiling, losses at left margin not affecting text). Barras authorizes Destouches to take "Le Neptune, L’Eveillé and Le Romulus" to cover the arrival of a convoy from Boston that was escorting two frigates to Newport: "For this purpose he will cross between Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard, being sure as much as possible to preserve the facility of entering at Rhode Island if the enemy were to present themselves in superior force."

[Also with:] Manuscript copy of a letter from the General Assembly of Maryland to "his Excellency The Minister of france", Annapolis, 5 January 1781. Four pages, bifolium, 316 x 208mm. A request to "his most Christian Majesty" for help to secure the Chesapeake from British naval raids that had rendered it impossible to export the "Tobacco, flour and other produce of this State and Virginia."
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