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Fine Art Reproductions of Historical Maps & Charts

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Map/Chart > Maine & New England

A chart of the harbour of Rhode Island and Narraganset Bay

A stunning black and white chart containing precise notes and markings detailing movements and engagements of British and French Ships between 29th July and 9th August 1778.

Technical Information
Reference:	A106
Date	1778
Hydrographer/Surveyor/Artist:	J.F.W. Des Barres & Samuel Holland
Size Of Original:	w 32" x h 45"
Paper Type	German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper 310gms (original size), Omnijet Superior Matt Graphic 180gsm (half size & quarter sizes)

Description

Although this chart was originally surveyed 'in pursuance of Directions from the Lords of Trade to His Majesty's Surveyor General for the Northern District of North America..' and published ' at the request of The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Howe by J.F.W Des Barres Esq: 20th July 1776', it was used as a template for this later (1778) version which includes notes and references to the naval skirmish of Rhode Island. The original survey for this chart was probably completed by Charles Blaskowitz under instruction from Samuel Holland. The chart is also very similar, topographically, to an earlier 1770 map, likely by the same team (see Heritage Chart A105).

The British, under Admiral Howe, fought with the French, under Admiral D'Estaing, in the days leading-up to their landing on Rhode Island. With the British ensconced in New York, the American leadership and their new French ally had made the decision to deploy fresh forces in Rhode Island and to expel the British from there. Strategically, this would trap the British forces that had occupied the region since 1776 and would open up Narragansett Bay for American and French forces, and deny the harbour and port to the British.

As American and French intentions became clearer, British General Robert Pigot set-up to defend Newport by levelling orchards and houses to provide a clear line of fire. He also had carriages and wagons destroyed and moved all livestock into the town of Newport. The American Continental Army, along with local militia in the region under John Sullivan (supported by Generals Nathanael Greene and Lafayette), and their French allies, engaged the British at the Battle of Quaker Hill on the Island of Aquidneck ( Rhode Island). It was a unique occasion in the Revolutionary War, in as much as it was the only engagement fought during the war in which black Americans participated as a distinct racial group. The battle ended inconclusively and the whole effort was undermined by the loss of the French fleet, which still carried reinforcements, being forced to withdraw to Boston for repairs due to hurricane damage.

Within days of landing it was clear that the Americans would have to give up its goal of capturing the island and securing Narragansett Bay for American and French ship traffic. By the 29th of August the Americans were in retreat, leaving the British and their called-for reinforcements in control of the region until their final withdrawal in 1783. Actions were fought at numerous locations and involved sea-land bombardments. The sharpest engagement took place on August 29, with the First Rhode Island Regiment distinguishing itself by fighting off an attempted British flanking action.

A chart of the harbour of Rhode Island and Narraganset Bay

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Collection

Ref: A101

Map/Chart > Maine & New England

A chart of the harbour of Rhode Island and Narraganset Bay

Description

Collection

Nantucket Island and part of Martha's Vineyard

A chart of the Harbour of Boston with Nautical Remarks and Directions.

Plan of the Town of Newport (uncoloured)

Plan of the Town of Newport (coloured)

A Plan of the Bay and Harbour of Boston showing British and 'Rebel' positions

A plan of Rhode Island with the adjacent islands and coast of Narragansett Bay

A chart of Boston Bay showing all of the islands, approaches and sand banks

A plan of Rhode Island with the country and islands adjacent including a plan of the Town of Newport

Four views of Boston harbour

A plan of Piscataqua Harbour, with its branch of the Town of Portsmouth

Plymouth Bay

A chart of the harbour of Boston

The coast of New England from Passamaquody Bay to Rhode Island Harbour

Boston Bay

New England from Chatham Harbour to Narragansett Bay showing Buzzards Bay

View of Portsmouth in New Hampshire taken from the East Shore

Rockport Harbor

The Harbor of Hyanis

Penobscot Bay, Maine

Nova Scotia, New England, New York, New Jersey to the St Lawrence River

A Plan of the Sea Coast of Maine

Portland Sound, Hussey Sound, Broad Sound to Rogers Bay

A New and Accurate Map of North America

Novissima Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula

J.F.W. Des Barres

Samuel Holland

Charles Blaskowitz