American Revolution
First American Printing Of A Revolutionary War Battle Map
1777-Dated (Printed 1776) Revolutionary War Period, Printed Map, “A VIEW of the Present Seat of WAR, at and near NEW-YORK, An Astronomical Diary; Or Almanack.” By Nathaniel Low, Printed by J. Gill, Boston, MA, Partly disbound, Fine.
This rare Almanack was printed in late 1776 and issued for the year 1777. It has 24 pages, measures 7” x 4.25” with self wrappers, worn at edges with minimal loss. The cover notes that 1777 is, “... the first Year of American Independence, which began July fourth, 1776.”

The highlight of this scarce almanac is the First American Printing of a Revolutionary War Battle Map. Featuring a Full-page Map of the New York City area, “A View of the Present Seat of War, at and near New-York.” The key designates General Washington’s Lines and Continental Army positions on Manhattan on New-York Island, as well as the; “Fort at Powles-Hook... Bunker-Hill, near New York... The Sound... King’s Bridge... Hell Gate... Fort Washington... Mount Washington... (and) Governor’s Island.”

Among many interesting features, this 1777 Almanac has “An Address to the Tories” beginning: “I cannot call you friends... every enemy to his country and its liberties, I esteem an enemy to myself.” Dates pointed out are March 5 (Bostom Massacre); April 19 (Battle at Concord); June 17 (Battle of Charlestown (Bunker Hill)); and, December 16 (Boston Tea Party). Almanac has some moderate age toning, some chipping on the untrimmed outer edges. We sold a similar example of this important Almanac in our EAHA Auction of April 22, 2006, Lot 195, graded Fine, which sold for $5,605. A scarce and highly desirable historic Revolutionary War Almanac. Drake 3264; Evans 14829; Hamilton, Early American Book Illustrators 77; Sabin 42402.